The rumors had circulated that fabled “great pizza” existed somewhere along the lagoons by Torrey Pines State Beach. So went a Sunday drive, just after noon, at the tail end of Thanksgiving break to the sole pizzeria that met those descriptors.
Sandwiched between Roberto’s Taco Shop and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is Buonasera New York Pizzeria, located at 2212 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA — what soon became clear to be both a neighborhood haunt and a destination for locals to drive the Highway 101 coast.
Pizza by the slice appeared to be the menu mainstay — and lent to short waits at each table. With views of the lagoon and beach grass waving in the breeze, an outdoor bar with the game on, and plenty of shade and sun seating, the outdoor deck became choice. Meanwhile, the steady in and out of foot traffic spoke to the restaurant’s popularity, while never overrunning the seating beyond capacity to a wait, even at primetime weekend eating.
As boasted, Buonasera New York Pizzeria lived put to expectation, with thin-crusted pizza the back counter chefs weren’t afraid to let singe, like, well, how they do in New York. Tasty to the last lingering crumb, without feeling overfilling. Bottom Line: Go for slice or two — and maybe a beer. Add this place to your weekend afternoon casual bite rotation.
Calinfluence Rated: 5 out of 5
Buonasera New York Pizzeria
2212 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA
