Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Reservations are your best bet, especially on weekends—the spot fills up quick and has real energy when it's busy. Walk-ins are possible during slower times, but if you're coming with a group or on a Friday/Saturday night, call ahead to secure a table and avoid a wait.

Is there parking on the street, or should I plan ahead?

Cass Street in Pacific Beach has street parking, but spots fill up fast during dinner hours, especially weekends. Come a bit early or circle the block; metered spots are typically available if you hit it right, but it's worth factoring in an extra 5–10 minutes to find a spot.

What should I order first when I sit down?

Start with the burrata or carpaccio as appetizers—both are standouts and regularly praised. For mains, their pastas and seabass special are worth the order; the squid ink pasta with seabass is cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. Skip the tiramisu unless you're craving it—it's solid but not the highlight.

Is this a good spot for kids?

Absolutely—the vibe is casual and welcoming for families, and the staff is attentive without being stuffy. It's a neighborhood go-to, so diners bring kids regularly and it feels comfortable for that crowd.

Yes, the outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, so your pup can join you on the patio. Just scope out the outdoor section when you arrive and let your server know you're sitting outside with a pet.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

The menu includes vegetarian options, and the pastas are flexible—you can modify to fit dietary needs. Just mention what you're avoiding when you order, and the kitchen is known for being accommodating and attentive.

What's the dress code?

Flip-flops-to-dinner is the vibe here—it's casual and laid-back. Come as you are; this is a neighborhood spot, not a fancy occasion place, so you won't feel out of place in relaxed wear.

When's the best time to visit without a long wait?

Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than Friday and Saturday nights. If you're coming on a weekend, aim for an early seating (5:30–6pm) or later (after 8pm) to skip the rush; Sunday dinner is manageable if you reserve ahead.

Enoteca Adriano — Italian in Pacific Beach, San Diego

“While PB's seafood joints and post-surf taco shops dominate Cass Street, Enoteca Adriano operates as the neighborhood's quiet Italian anchor — burrata, handmade pasta, and a patio where flip-flops somehow feel appropriate next to a $40 branzino.”

What sets this place apart from the birria specialists and fish-market hybrids nearby is its commitment to doing actual Italian technique without making a big deal about it. The **burrata on special** shows up exactly as it should — creamy, room-temp, pooling in olive oil — while the **carpaccio** gets called out in reviews as the kind of thing people's Italian mothers approve of, which is about as high a bar as you can set. The **squid ink pasta** that comes with the seabass special isn't here for Instagram; it's here because that's what you do when you're cooking fish the northern Italian way.

The patio works because it feels like someone's backyard dinner party that happens to have a full bar. You can show up in sandals straight from the boardwalk, or you can treat it like a proper date-night spot — both work. The **Primitivo red** gets mentioned by people who don't normally drink dry wine, which tells you the staff knows how to steer you right. The **tiramisu** is fine but skippable; stick to the pastas, which are where the kitchen clearly spends its focus.

Parking on Cass is the usual PB nightmare, so plan accordingly. Reservations are smart, especially for groups — they handle eight-tops without turning it into a logistical mess. Service runs attentive without hovering, and the vibe stays casual enough that you won't feel underdressed if you forgot to change out of your shore break gear. It's the rare Italian spot in a surf town that doesn't feel like it's trying to compensate for being surrounded by fish tacos.