2051 Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Carlsbad

I brought my wife for an anniversary dinner here. I later apologized to her for the whole experience. I have now booked another one in a winery nearby as a surprise to make up for it.

It started on the wrong foot. We were the first ones in the restaurant after 5pm and the whole outdoor area was empty. We were promptly denied tables next to the plants as they were ONLY meant for party of 3 and above. pretty random I thought, considering the whole place is empty! However, when we left the restaurant I made sure to check that space out only to see two couples seated in the two tables. I shook my head in segregation, I mean, resignation.

The menu was explained to us with ‘sighs’ and ‘how do I put it’ suggestions. I tired asking the types of pizzas they have and we were schooled into what a pizza is. Some of the Qs were met with swift No’s/yes’s in response – I was left guessing whether I had offended the waitress!

Cheese board was basic – Wines were good. Although I am not sure why we were made aware of more ‘expensive’ bottles that were not on the menu when we enquired about their collection. A heated exchange: The heater next us had turned off and it was a chilly evening – We asked for it to be switched on which they did. It ran out of gas just as quickly though. Not having to start the whole conversation again, I asked one of the waiters to replace our burner with the one next to our table (as there was nobody other than us outside). This absurd request was obviously refused. They cited how inconvenient it would be for them to move it all the way to the other table. I think it was only convenient that they tried changing the butane cylinder there and then. So we enjoyed our meal overseeing 3 others trying to change the cylinder right next to us. After 10 mins into our shared experience, they had to leave the party and eventually moved the burner & replaced it with the one next to us. Sighs. AS a matter of fact, later when I had paid the bill and was returning from the restroom, they had moved the heater to another patron’s table while my wife was still sitting there waiting for me! Of all the micro-burns we received that evening, this one scarred the most.

Well, we did not bother ordering more wine or food & packed what we had already ordered & cancelled the deserts.

When the manager did come to ask us how the food was, out of politeness, I did not create a scene. I was embarrassed to be there and with our experience. So many people had not bothered to make it pleasant for us by then; I did not think the manger would either. We left and went to a small family bakery in downtown vista for dessert and then home, opened another bottle and continued our evening ( pic attached). It was not enough to forget this evening – hence the review. I would not come this place back again & not recommended it for a couples evening.

Food was decent though. You will definitely get above average meals here. So do try it out – your experience might be different from ours. Or better try the “The Landings Restaurant” nearby. They have good chicken sandwich.

Experience is a very subjective thing, something I do not want to be...

Came here for my daughter's graduation celebration dinner with my family on Saturday . First time going . Thought we would try something new.

The place was interesting - it's at an industrial park so you have that open warehouse feel. We sat in the outside patio as they had a fundraiser event inside the building . It was a little confusing to find.

My dish was delicious - I had the tagliatelle porcini e tortufo. Very creamy and fresh

Husband got the coscia di pollo Al forno- unfortunately his chicken was dry so he was not impressed

Appetizers were pretty good - the meats and cheese were tasty with the exception of a little bit of dry ham

Now here's where I knock off 3 stars

the service was less than desired While our server (who Is Italian - I know because my daughter's godfather is from Torino so I know accents ) was not overtly rude , he was extremely passive aggressive especially towards my nephew who is probably the last person to be passive aggressive to (he is a well known concierge in NYC SOHO area and collaborates with Michelin rated and world class restaurants on a daily basis . He's in San Diego a lot and this could have been good for a recommendation for people he knows that travel to CA ) .

My nephew wasn't demanding or anything like that but asked three simple questions about purchasing wine separately from our bill and was immediately shut down about splitting bills (though the waiter later asked ) - "no we don't do that"... then when asked for a soda refill " we don't do refills " (without suggesting for a new drink which my husband never got his drink after asking for a new one ) And then he asked for a cocktail and then got shut down because they don't have a bar "No we don't do that here "

Needs to be properly trained in customer service skills

Imagine the movie scene in "pretty woman " where Julia Roberts walk into the dress shop and they immediately try to shut her down? .... Unfortunately, this will be our first and last . I'm always leary about almost 5 star reviews as I am of 1-2 star reviews but despite the food overall being good...

Not just for review purposes but to share the lovely dining experience, per se. The atmospheric ambiance outdoor dinner setting we had was brilliant. Such a decent very recommendable place to dine at. Exceptional scrumptious Italian home cook dishes with a delectable choices for kids, also. Could have taken more photos but out of respect and ethical compliance of course, I just have to take pics of a few dishes next to me with my family members. Fantastic night not only occasions but for norm days. The selections of bubbly spirits & fine vino( wine ) were excellent! Everyone enjoyed celebrating at Cucina Italiana! The price was decent and worthy. It's about the experience of tasting real homemade dishes cooked with perfection. Bravissimo! Definitely, a very decent place to have multi functions activities from fund raising events, birthdays, graduation parties, notable functions, et al. It's a delightful enjoyable celebrating my niece grad day, in fact, there was a charity event wherein celebrity Christina Applegate's photo was highlighted tho. There were displays of giveaways, cool creations, & other interesting showcase. The coolest part was, the *360° video photo platform for capturing memorable souvenirs.👍

Tbh, I'm impressed with the architectural design of this Italian restoranti.🫶🙌 Last but not the least was the remarkable home made dishes served, reminding of Italia🇮🇹🍝🧀 Molto Bene🫶🙌 Cucina Italiana; L’insalata di verdure fresche era davvero buona e rinfrescante.🙌🙏 La pizza è molto buona.🍕👍. Il piatto di antipasti è molto appetitoso😘 Eccellente🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Fare un complimento a Chef Di Cucina Ottimo!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Suffice to say; it's an excellent unforgettable dining last night @ 2051 CUCINA ITALIANA!...