Is there parking at Garage Buona Forchetta in Coronado?

Parking details aren't specified in their information, but since it's located on C Ave in Coronado, we recommend calling ahead or checking street parking options in the area. Given its popularity, arriving during off-peak hours (before 6pm on weeknights) may make parking easier.

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

They take reservations and accept walk-ins. For groups or weekend visits, reservations are smart since the spot fills up—but if you're solo or a couple on a weeknight, you'll likely get a table without advance booking. Call ahead during busy times to be safe.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with their pizza—reviewers rave about the dough quality. The pastas (red sauce and rosé options both get praise) are generous, and if you're into meat, the ribeye with their house seasoning is a standout. Pair it with their Sangiovese by the glass ($10) or explore their wine list.

Is this place good for families with kids?

Absolutely. It's tagged as kid-friendly, has large portions that work for sharing, and staff are known for being warm and helpful with families. The casual vibe makes it easy to relax with children.

Yes. They're pet-friendly with shaded outdoor seating, so your pup can join you on the patio—just note tables are on the smaller side, so you'll want to manage space accordingly.

Do they have vegetarian options?

They do, and reviewers specifically called out vegetarian dishes as 'phenomenal.' The menu is extensive, so there's plenty to choose from beyond meat-based pastas and pizzas.

What's the vibe—is it casual or dressy?

It's upscale-casual. The large, interesting interior works for anniversaries and date nights, but it's also a locals' go-to for casual weeknight dinners and group hangs. No formal dress code needed; come as you are.

Any heads-up before I go?

Tables run small, so if you're ordering multiple dishes for a group, some may get boxed up until space clears. Portions are generous, which is great for sharing or leftovers—just plan accordingly.

Garage Buona Forchetta — San Diego

“Garage Buona Forchetta is what happens when serious Neapolitan pizza technique lands in a navy town that runs on large appetites and early dinner shifts.”

While MooTime leans into island indulgence with oversized ice cream sandwiches, Garage Buona Forchetta keeps things surprisingly grounded — actual Italian technique, not theme-park Italian. The dough is the tell: naturally leavened, properly fermented, blistered in a real pizza oven. It's not trying to be authentic in the precious way some places do. It's just doing the work.

The space itself feels like someone converted an actual garage, which works better than it should in a neighborhood where most restaurants lean into either Del-adjacent polish or beach-shack casual. Big interior, serious bar, patio that fits dogs and strollers without feeling like a petting zoo. This is where you end up when your extended family visits and someone inevitably says "let's just do Italian."

Pasta comes in legitimately large portions — the kind that make sense when you're feeding teenagers who just spent the day in the water or officers who skipped lunch. Red sauce pastas are the safe bet, but the rosé sauce gets mentioned enough in reviews to trust it. The ribeye shows up as a sleeper hit, which tracks — sometimes the best move at an Italian spot isn't the Italian move.

The house Sangiovese at $10 a glass is the sort of detail that makes you remember this isn't just Orange Avenue tourist pricing. Weekend waits can stretch, especially if you want the patio, but they take reservations, which in Coronado's dinner landscape is worth noting. Parking is the usual C Avenue calculus — arrive early or circle.

What makes it work for the ferry landing crowd and the bridge-commuters alike is that it doesn't try to be special-occasion fancy or aggressively casual. It's just well-executed Italian food in a neighborhood that gets enough of both tourists and regulars to know the difference.