Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Trattoria I Trulli

    4.1 (746 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Trattoria I Trulli Photos

    Business Info

    TRATTORIA I TRULLI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Trattoria I Trulli

    Recommended Reviews - Trattoria I Trulli

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Salmone Tirreno, buttered noodles, pasta with peas in a white sauce
    Samantha V.

    Was in the area for the flea market and needed a spot with a variety of food for different palates and landed on Trattoria I Trulli and we were blown away! A variety of seafood and meat dishes in delicious sauces and we were even able to order a nice size side dish of pasta for our littlest guest, but she def enjoyed some bites of salmon and pasta off the larger plates. Beautiful outdoor patio seating for lunch or a large dining room to choose from. The service was so wonderful and accommodating to children, I definitely can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu, maybe even some wine.

    Tiramisu
    Michael F.

    Cool rainy weather calls for Italian food! Lasagna and Tiramisu with a glass of red wine. The lasagna was great with a hearty red sauce. Really hit the spot. To finish off any Italian meal it ends with tiramisu for this patron. Very fine meal.

    Farfalle alla Vodka con Salmone
    Kristyn M.

    Not realizing they opened at 2pm we came right when they opened. Nice June day we decided to still sit inside. We had our pick of seat and choose the back wall out of the way with a stroller. The waiter was a doll. He was kind, attentive and offered his feedback on the menu questions. The restaurant was smaller with high ceilings. The acoustics would make for a loud full house. The vibe was old Italian stucco and paintings. Up beat Italian music pumped through the speakers. A basket of bread and red sauce is brougt out to share. The specials of the week looked good but when I asked the waiter what he had last he said Farfalle alla Vodka con Salmone. Farfalle pasta in a Vodka tomato cream with diced salmon. When they share their favorites you go with it. My date got the Ravioli all Aragosta. House made lobster tail meat ravioli in saffron sauce with chopped tomatoes. My mouth is watering thinking about these. I actually started with the lobster Ravioli. My eyes rolled up into my head in the first bite. I started the happy food dance on my next bite. Slowly savoring the bite as the sauce. We switched meals halfway. The salmone was fantastic. Another eyes closed moment as the salmon melted in my mouth. We were well kept. The water was never empty and we enjoyed the entire time. I now know why this is my sister in laws favorite Italian restaurant.

    Complimentary bread and tasty-&-different (spicy) marinara
    Elle C.

    Wow, what a find! We briefly had the place to ourselves until others arrived. I don't recall the last time I've really tried to analyze and savor the complex flavors of each item I put into my mouth -- everything was absolutely DELICIOUS! Starting with the complimentary bread with its unlike-any-marinara-I've-tasted, having a surprising subtle spiciness; to my Tricolori Insalate ($13), -- attractive presentation, textures, and perfectly dressed in their amazing house dressing -- and hubby's Zuppa Fagioli (off the Specials Menu, $12) -- with comforting savory flavors; to my (and I rarely yearn to order) Cioppino alla Pugliese ($30) -- chock full of plump, bite-sized chunks of fish, mussels, clams, and firm-&-chewy calamari rings in a uniquely savory tomato broth -- and hubby's Gnocchi al Marsala (Specials Menu, $25) -- satisfyingly silky and savory. Hubby was not ecstatic about dining right off S. Coast Highway 101; however, dining was very peaceful shortly after opening, offering ample and enjoyable people-&-dog-watching opportunities. Clearly, we've found our FAVORITE Italian food destination, willing to drive 58 miles to return! Molto delizioso!

    Amazing rigatoni bolognese.  The meat was so tender and tasty sauce!
    Mary K.

    Very good Italian food with decent wine by the glass. Cute ambiance outside but inside had weird music and some screaming kids so glad we were outside. Plus there's that fun people watching element outside that feels like Italy. So I'd recommend outside. Menu was pretty red sauce. Waiter said it had a Sorrento influence. I guess sort of. Was there last year and it's more of an American interpretation but still very good. A little garlic heavy and esp with the complimentary bread and marinara. Bread was classic Italian and bland which is how it is there. The sauce would have been great but it was loaded with raw garlic. Couldn't eat it. Calamari fritti app has big calamari rings which were chewy and dry. There are way better places for it in Encinitas. But.... the main courses were great! One of the better bolognese pastas I've ever had. A very delectable linguine and clams with a ton of tender clams and a gorgeous white wine sauce but.... pasta was about a minute past al dente and that should not happen at an Italian restaurant. No room for dessert. Overall staff was great, mostly the bussing staff. Our waiter was aloof and never checked up on us or asked us how the meal was or thanked us when we paid the bill. Noticed in general, the service was lagging for everyone. Will likely return but now know to sit outside, ignore the marinara and be prepared for the less than attentive service. Yet, anticipate some delicious main courses.

    Fettuccine Primavera, Lasagne Classica
    Sarah Q.

    To start the service was good they were all so sweet and the staff is great! Ambiance is also cute this place is definitely more lowkey and on the quieter side which was pleasant. However the food was very mediocre but this is simply based on my taste. I ordered the primavera with seasonal vegetables and it lacked flavor no salt whatsoever and the vegetable to noodle ratio was definitely 50/50 i'm more of a noodle girl but I also don't know if this is just how the italians do it. We also ordered the lasagne which was much better flavor wise but insanely acidic. In addition the sauce to slice of lasagne ratio was off because the slice itself was quite literally in a soup of sauce drowned would be the best description in my opinion. Overall mediocre food but the service was alright.

    (Before the parm/pepper)
    Christina X.

    Staff is friendly, outside seating is available and nicer than inside. It's a small restaurant. I believe it's specially is pasta. Both pasta orders were great. Beef lasagna is slightly salty to me. I really like the meat sauce (the second item on the top of the back of the menu). Pasta texture is great. A bit bouncy/chewy. The Sarah red wine I got is decent but I wouldn't get it again. Just not up to my standard but tasted good. Very tasty bread served with tomato sauce. I don't think the bread is sourdough (I can't say that for sure just the taste feels more like regular bread w commercial yeast). Bread itself is soft but with the tomato sauce tastes awesome. Overall a cute place to stop by and try out. I have other restaurants in the area that I like a bit better so not sure when I will visit again. Still think it's a good restaurant

    Capelini
    Neil M.

    Our very favorite restaurant on the coast. We are here Saturday night and sat outside. The service was exceptional as always - very personal and someone always asking if you need anything. The dinner was fabulous. We split a salad then I had the capelini and it was delicious. I love this place.

    Ravioli Mezze Lune all' Aragosta
    Jus S.

    I was looking for a quick bite to eat and it ended up being a deliciously tasteful and flavor filled out of body experience. I believe this is the first 5 review I've written. I have absolutely no complaints. I walked into this establishment hangry and walked out happy and full. The. Staff were patient with me as it took me over 20 mins to decide what I wanted. When i needed them they were attentive and helpful providing details that assisted me in my wine selection ( both delicious and crispy white wines). The ambiance was perfection considering I had walked up and down the stripe looking for a suitable place to eat. I had originally decided on a sushi bar however after standing at the entrance for more than 5 minutes and not being acknowledged I decided to take my business elsewhere. I happened to had stopped at a corner to look in Yelp to find near by restaurants and I looked up to my left and saw their sign. I immediately looked up the restaurant. I walked across the street to get a feel for the vibe and I'd was nice. Bottles of wine adorned the walls, the host kindly greeted at the door and told me that I could sit anywhere. The restaurant had just opened and I was in heaven because I knew I could enjoy my meal in peace and have to fight over a table or deal with loud obnoxious conversations. I ordered to meals, one was the filet mignon, topped with sautéed mushrooms with fresh vegetables and the other was the lobster tail stuffed ravioli. Everything was immaculate. from the aroma, to the flavors, and impeccable plating . I absolutely loved and needed this experience. It was truly a pleasure and set the tone for the rest of my day. I would love to thank the staff, special thanks and appreciation to the chef and kitchen team. I highly recommend slowing down and enjoying a meal at this amazing and traditional Italian restaurant.

    Bread
    Lily J.

    We really like the restaurant and it is one of our favorites. They serve hearty and comforting country style bread. I got the lobster ravioli, Lobster Ravioli Mezze Lune all' Aragosta. The saffron sauce is creamy and buttery and delicious. My boyfriend got the seafood paella dish full of calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams, fish and good flavors. He had no complaints. This restaurant is right on the S Coast Highway, and is open to the street. You will see people walking along the sidewalk, and cars driving by. It is not quiet, just the opposite. It is bustling with people! Enjoy!

    Strawberry Napoleon - must try!! Also got the cheesecake which was fine but not mind blowing

    I would come back here over and over again just for the strawberry napoleon dessert.... omg. It's just delicious!! Also ordered the capellini alla checca which was tasty! But.... The dessert is absolutely the star of the show here I would like to make that clear... you must try it... (strawberry napoleon)

    Salmone

    Ambience was not too formal and servers were very nice and attending. Food took a little while to arrive but tasted good.

    See all

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ania K.
    2875
    997
    11119

    3 months ago

    Helpful 64
    Thanks 23
    Love this 63
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elle C.
    91
    1006
    2295

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lily J.
    11
    173
    468

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann P.
    100
    36
    54

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Amazing Italian restaurant. Best one in Encinitas and I've been to all them. Must try for a great experience and amazing staff!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L O.
    0
    33
    63

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jody S.
    1
    1584
    6

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyle K.
    0
    15
    39

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick B.
    8
    68
    25

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K C.
    1
    41
    23

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Food is authentic and well prepared and never disappoints. Service is very good. Nice ambience, and location is great.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 19

    Trattoria I Trulli Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Trattoria I Trulli

    Do you take reservations?

    Yes

    Gluten free pasta option?

    Yes for a few of about three dollars.

    Are dogs allowed on the patio?

    Yes

    View All 7 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 31,539 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Buona Forchetta - Cheese pizza for kids

    Buona Forchetta

    4.3(933 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Our team lunch for January was held in Encinitas at Buona Forchetta. It's the last one for me as I…read moream laid off at the end of the week and retiring. There was lots of parking on the other side of the street and we were greeted by a friendly waitress. I tried the gelato. Vanilla gelato was creamy with a rich, sweet vanilla flavor. I loved the smooth texture and bold vanilla notes. Lemon sorbet was icy with tons of sour lemon flavor. Best in small quantities. I'm glad I got one scoop of each. Service was friendly and efficient. I will miss our monthly adventures to places I have not visited before.

    i have to say, i was so disappointed in my experience. i used to live in san diego (& work at buona…read moreforchetta, different location) and this was my favorite restaurant, especially for their gluten free offerings. the food used to be so fresh & i don't think you could order anything bad on the menu. i dined in on a monday night & ordered my favorite pasta - the buona forchetta sauce wit chicken - the chicken looked questionable, the sauce was flavorless (the server even brought over additional marinara without me asking because he even thought the color was off...) and i was so sad! all of the gluten free dessert options have also been removed from the menu. i was so disappointed but i did go back to see if the gluten free pizza was still amazing. the crust is still fantastic but the pizza looked like it was created in a rush and the proportions were off, minimal sauce/cheese, a lot of crust.

    Photos
    Buona Forchetta - Goodbye team!

    Goodbye team!

    Buona Forchetta - Pretty good gluten free crust on Sofia pizza

    Pretty good gluten free crust on Sofia pizza

    Buona Forchetta - Indoor seating

    See all

    Indoor seating

    Cicciotti's - Fettuccine Alfredo with mussels

    Cicciotti's

    4.1(1.2k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Fine Italian dining in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Love the location, a great place to enjoy…read moredinner and the sunset. The service is always great and the food is delicious. My go to place for fine Italian food. I rarely get pizzas but their wood pizza oven does make crispy tasty pizza crust! Their wine selection is good and not too overpriced (for a restaurant). About the only downside is the parking as their lot is very small and the parking across the street on the dirt is limited as well. It does serve to limit the wait time and they take reservations. I like that when you pay the bring you the credit card machine so no one walks away with your card.

    Tonight we waited 42 minutes for our food. About 35 minutes in, we asked the busser about it, and…read morethe waiter finally came over just to tell us it was a busy night. From the beginning, service was disappointing. We had to wave the waiter down just to place our order, and he quickly walked away without even asking if we were finished ordering. We actually wanted drinks too, but since he left so quickly, we never got the chance to order them. Meanwhile, every nearby table received their food except us -- until we asked again. Honestly, it felt like our order was forgotten. On top of that, the waiter never once checked on our table throughout the night. The only positives was the live singer and the hostess, who were both great. We are not sure if the discrimination left a bad taste in our mouth and made the food taste bland.

    Photos
    Cicciotti's - Extended seating area and handicap ramp

    Extended seating area and handicap ramp

    Cicciotti's - Pappardelle Sausage Funghi Tartufati

    Pappardelle Sausage Funghi Tartufati

    Cicciotti's - View from patio

    See all

    View from patio

    Valentina

    Valentina

    4.3(660 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Boutique

    Reservations not needed but highly recommended. After we arrived, we understood why: the place was…read morepopulated during dinner time especially on weekends. However, we were immediately seated at a very cozy table for two outside with a nice heater - albeit still a bit chilly considering the day started out quite warm. Our attentive and stellar servers were Candace and Ben. Since it was our first time at Valentina, our attentive and stellar servers recommended appetizers, main entree and dessert. Each course that came did not disappoint as our palate reached nirvana with each and every bite we took. I ordered the pork schnitzel as my main course while my partner succumbed to his eyes that were drawn to the ingredients of the seabass. We both shared squash soup and a separate plate of grilled square shaped potatoes that were a perfect pairing we devoured with satisfaction. Dessert came as a surprise, as we were served not one but two desserts - the latter was an added thoughtfulness, acknowledging my partner's birthday. The taste was divine! The bill totaled at just a little over $100, which we expected for this fine dining experience. Oh yes, we plan to return - even way before the next birthday. In the meantime, happy eats everyone and hope to see around town.

    Upscale tapas place - be prepared to leave a lot of money for small plates, but very worthy plates…read more Seafood paella as well as clams were top choices for everyone in our group. Service was also very attentive. Lastly, they have my most favorite soap in the bathroom and I made a point to wash my hands multiple times during dinner service just to experience the scent. Small thing but leaves lasting impression

    Photos
    Valentina
    Valentina
    Valentina

    See all

    Trattoria I Trulli - italian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...