Is there parking at Romanella in Clairemont?

Yes, there's parking available at the location on Clairemont Drive. It's a neighborhood spot, so parking shouldn't be a major headache, but arrive a bit early during peak dinner hours if you want a guaranteed spot close to the entrance.

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

Romanella takes reservations, which is smart to do especially for dinner or if you're coming with a group. That said, the staff is used to walk-ins too—just know that weeknight dinners move faster than weekends, and happy hour can get busy.

What should I order on my first visit?

Go straight for the pizza and anything the server Diego or Moira recommend—reviewers rave about the homemade taste and fresh ingredients. The happy hour menu is also loaded with goodies worth exploring, so that's a smart entry point if you want to graze and sip without committing to a full meal.

Is this place good for kids?

Absolutely—it's tagged as kid-friendly and works as a casual family spot. The outdoor seating is a bonus if you've got restless little ones, and there's enough variety on the menu that picky eaters should find something.

Can I sit outside with my dog?

Romanella has outdoor seating, which is great for the Clairemont weather, but check with the restaurant directly about their dog policy on the patio—most places are flexible about well-behaved pets outside, but it's worth confirming before you arrive.

What vegetarian options are there?

The menu includes vegetarian options, so there's more than just salad if that's your thing. Ask your server for specifics—they're consistently praised for being knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food, so they'll steer you right.

When's the best time to go to avoid a long wait?

Happy hour is a draw for good reason, so if you want that vibe and pricing without the dinner rush, hit that window. Casual weeknight dinners outside of 6–8 p.m. are typically quieter, and you'll get better service when the place isn't slammed.

Romanella Cucina Romana — Pizza in Clairemont, San Diego

“Romanella Cucina Romana is Bay Park's third Italian tenant in five years, this time focusing on Roman technique rather than grab-and-go pizza or farm-to-table Tuscan.”

Where American Pizza Manufacturing caters to vacation rentals and Girard Gourmet rotates seasonal soups, Romanella commits to the capital's repertoire: carbonara made tableside with guanciale and pecorino, cacio e pepe that arrives steaming in its pan, suppli that actually qualify as street food rather than appetizer fillers. The menu doesn't chase coastal-Italian trends — it documents Rome's neighborhood trattorias, the ones that do five dishes perfectly rather than twenty competently.

The space retains the bones from La Pastaia — same patio, same sightlines toward the parking lot — but the decor leans harder into trattoria signaling: checkered tablecloths, vintage posters, Campari umbrellas outside. It reads deliberate rather than accidental, particularly during happy hour when the patio fills with regulars working through Aperol spritzes and fried artichokes. The indoor tables stay quieter, better for conversations that don't compete with Clairemont Drive traffic.

Diego, frequently mentioned in reviews, approaches service with the kind of enthusiasm that either charms or exhausts depending on your tolerance for tableside explanations. If you prefer minimal interruption, request a corner table and order decisively. If you want guidance through the menu, he'll walk you through regional differences and preparation methods without condescension.

The carbonara technique is worth noting — they temper the eggs properly, which means creamy sauce rather than scrambled texture. The amatriciana uses guanciale, not pancetta. These distinctions matter more to some diners than others, but they indicate a kitchen that respects the source material rather than improvising around it.

Parking remains the same challenge it's always been at this location. The lot fills early on weekends. Arrive before 6:30 or resign yourself to street parking along Clairemont. Reservations help during prime dinner hours, though happy hour operates first-come.

Romanella Cucina Romana

FAQ

Google Reviews

BonVivant Reviews

Similar Spots

Buona Forchetta

Tribute Pizza

Convoy Tofu House

Contact & Hours