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Trattoria Positano in Cardiff

Name: Trattoria Positano in Cardiff
Address: 2171 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, California, 92007, US
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

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4.6 (227)

Italian Restaurants Restaurants with Outdoor Seatings

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Trattoria Positano, the premier Italian restaurant in Cardiff, CA, invites you to experience the authentic taste of Italy in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Located at 2171 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007, our Italian restaurant is dedicated to serving traditional dishes with a modern twist. From pasta to pizza, seafood to meat, our menu features a wide range of options to satisfy your cravings. At Trattoria Positano, we take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to ensure that every bite is a delight to your senses. Our chefs are passionate about creating dishes that are both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a night out with friends, our Italian restaurant is the perfect destination. We offer a full bar, outdoor seating, and a private dining room for special occasions. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of Trattoria Positano, where every meal is a celebration of the senses.

Trattoria Positano Review Summary

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4.6

(227 Reviews)

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Allisen Fernandez -Google user

7 months ago

We came here for my birthday, and we ordered crab cakes as an appetizer, and we each ordered a salad with our pasta dish. The food was good but the service was very slow so I was a bit disappointed. I did enjoy the Creme...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 4

Lawrence Bailey -Google user

2 years ago

Nice restaurant to have a real Italian dinner in Cardiff By The Sea. The food is authentic and tasted amazing! My family enjoyed their dishes. We enjoyed a nice red wine before the food came out. For dessert we had the positano lime tarta. I...Read More

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5

Rodney Ressling -Google user

5 years ago

My anniversary dinner was great. We had 5 items. All of the specials were great. The wine selection was second to none. We has a Super Tuscan...it went great with everything. We has Lobster Ravioli, Seafood Rosato,...Read More

Aya shoshan -Google user

7 years ago

Excellent Italian food, like in Italy. We are vegeterian and we had great options in the menu. The gnocci and the penne del campo were delicious. Tomato soup and gorgonzola salad were also great, fresh and full of flavor.

Martin Lemus Shipp -Google user

2 years ago

This is the fanciest place to have an nice and truly Italian dinner in Cardiff By The Sea, the taste every dollar spend in this place is worth it, Seafood my favorite, pasta with gambini, zuppa di clam with the company of a...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Naa-Anorkor Okai -Google user

a year ago

What a wonderful little quaint place. The atmosphere was very beautiful. I loved every part of my experience. They had paintings placed all around the dining area. I could tell it was an artist who was a local. The pictures were vibrant and engaging. Our...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Highly recommendLarge vegetarian selectionThe restaurant is on one level so it is wheelchair accessible.

Emilia Ksenia -Google user

7 years ago

One word - Quality! Amazing authentic Italian dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, served in a warm and cozy ambiance. Every single dish we tried was delicious, including the home made sauces, olive oil, and the freshly baked bread. And, definitely don't skip the dessert!

Gary McRorie -Google user

4 years ago

Honestly this is the best Italian place I've been to in San Diego. It can be very romantic so it's good for a date night. I recommend the bolognese.

Jim Peterson -Google user

2 months ago

Nice wine selection. Amazing Pear salad, and Fig and prosciutto salads for starter. Chilean sea bass (branzino); pasta special with crab. This is our go to spot!

$50–100Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk3-4 peopleNo wait

Keith S -Google user

7 months ago

Not sure why it took so long to discover this gem. Family run restaurant for over 35 years. Very fresh ingredients for well prepared salads. Incredible specials, fresh fish over potato and spinach was delicious. Deserts are all made in house-pear...Read More

Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5Free street parking

Annie Ritter -Google user

4 months ago

The Rigatoni with crab and asparagus was amazing, as was the mozzarella de capri. I tried the poached pear for dessert and it was incredible!

$20–30Atmosphere: 5Varies by time / dayNo waitIndoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace

Udo Wahn -Google user

Edited 5 months ago

First time here and got like we were back in Italy. Very authentic Italian. A wonderful birthday celebration outside with a wonderful Santa Ana breeze. The food was very tasty. Salads, pasta and calamari. Tiramisu and lemon tart for dessert. Sangiovese wine by the glass...Read More

$30–50Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk3-4 peopleNo waitFree street parking

Sua Mihi Florals -Google user

5 months ago

We love it here. We love the family. Such a beautiful place with amazing food and wonderful people.

Atmosphere: 5

Lauren Hall -Google user

a year ago

We love going to this spot! Such a great atmosphere, friendly staff and incredible authentic Italian food. The food is great quality for the price and we always love trying out a new bottle of wine each time. Always such a wonderful experience - highly...Read More

Dine inDinner$100+Atmosphere: 5Gnocchi with Chicken

Eric -Google user

2 months ago

Very extensive menu Italian food best dessert menu I've seen

Sean Caddell -Google user

8 months ago

We love Trattoria Positano is a must have. We have been going for 20 years, and it only gets better and better. Feel like I'm on vacation in Italy. We are fixtures there at least once or twice a week.

Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5BruchettaFree street parking

Yvonne Galanoudes -Google user

2 years ago

We have been to this marvelous little Italian restaurant several times. Each time, it did not disappoint us. Great food, wonderful service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I had the shrimp salad tonight. Very tasty shrimp, seasoned surprisingly well. I liked the lemon vinaigrette dressing....Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Douglas Cramer -Google user

11 months ago

Old style Italian restaurant been around for a long long time and for good reason The food is tremendous, delicious The service top notch. Prices reasonable One of our regular go-tos if you haven't been you should

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5

John Knudsen -Google user

2 years ago

Delicious meticulously prepared food with fabulous service. Family business that knows how to take great care of customers. My date had scallops and linguini. Scallops were huge and perfectly cooked. I had sea bass that was also perfectly prepared, and so delicious. We...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Scallops and Shrimp Francese, Grilled Shrimp and Scallops, Pavlova Meringue

David Baldwin -Google user

a year ago

Enjoyable evening, all excellent. We had the salmon daily special which was beautifully presented and excellent tasting. Obviously popular, as it drew a good crowd on a Tuesday evening - many locals who knew one another.

Dine inAtmosphere: 5

Steven Kaplan -Google user

6 years ago

My wonderful wife took me here for a birthday dinner. We were first attracted by the ocean view. Looking at the menu confirmed this was the place. Everything was delicious with a number of unique flavors. I ordered the lobster ravioli. She …

BRITT RUBENSTEIN -Google user

6 years ago

We LOVED this place. My fish was EXCELLENT and my husband loved his pasta dish. The bruschetta was super yummy and fresh. The staff was very friendly and patient when we were having a hard time deciding what to order. Taking friends this …

Thomas Parron -Google user

2 years ago

Service was impeccable, the food was outstanding and atmosphere was what I expect in an authentic Italian restaurant. There were four of us and this is our collective experience from the appetizers to the dessert. We also had a good bottle of wine reasonably priced.

Tori Morrison -Google user

2 years ago

If you’re looking for delicious Italian food in an intimate setting by the beach, this is THE spot. I love that it’s family run and feels like you’re in Italy here. Try the homemade ravioli, the salad with goat cheese, and the spare rib...Read More

Brian Devine -Google user

8 years ago

Eat there last night for the 1st time with my wife. Both the appetizers and entrees were delicious.I had the lasagna and my wife had pasta Bolognese as our entrees and both were outstanding. Portions were large, plate were heated so entrees …

Sandra Kopitzke -Google user

4 years ago

Beautiful outdoor area. Wine selections were wonderful, service was excellent. Food was fresh and authentic. We watched the sunset and listened to the romantic Italian and classic crooner music that they played. We can't wait to go back!

Tom Cuccurullo -Google user

4 years ago

This definitely is my go to spot for classic Italian dishes, they never disappoint. Sisters are fantastic... service excellent. Just tried there risotto with scallops and truffle "delizioso". If your looking for real Italian food you must check this spot out.

Jen Ables -Google user

10 years ago

Being gluten free and vegan, I had essentially given up on eating Italian food at a restaurant. But this place changes everything! I met Jorge and Laura and they made me the most delicious meal tonight! Gluten free pasta with veggies and a garlic and...Read More

Nathanial Reeves -Google user

7 years ago

This restaurant was a surprising find. The food was prepared perfectly and served in a very appealing way. My wife enjoyed the ravioli while I enjoyed the angel hair pasta. We both shared the bruchetta. Which was served crunchy and covered …

Steven Adler -Google user

Edited 6 months ago

We have been to a LOT of Italian restaurants in San Diego. Every time we go I swear I wish I had gone to Positano instead. This place is just consistently excellent. Great place. I should go more often.

Features

Service options

Outdoor seating

Takeout

Dine-in

Delivery

Highlights

Fast service

Great dessert

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Coffee

Comfort food

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Romantic

Crowd

Groups

Tourists

Planning

Dinner reservations recommended

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Children

High chairs

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Trattoria Positano Review Summary