Rosati's Pizza — Restaurant in Encinitas

I heard about Rosati's having good "deep dish" pizza, so I made a special trip from Poway to go there and try a slice. I told the lady when I arrived that I was there because I heard about their deep dish and that is why I drove so far to try it. I asked about what types they had and then ordered a slice of the pepperoni. I double-checked and asked "That's deep dish, right?" She didn't say "no", but replied "It's the double-crust", which I naturally assumed to be their version or name for "deep dish", since I made a point to tell her of my interest in "deep dish" pizza and she did not say "No". Ok, for $7 for a slice I figure that's a bit steep, but it'll be worth it. Big surprise when I got it. ...not deep dish at all....if anything...pretty darn thin for a pizza. I don't see how they call that "double-crust"! What would a "single crust" be? Wafer-thin I suppose. Certainly not worth $7 for a re-heated slice of pizza....heck, Costco pizza is fresh and only $1.99 for a slice that is much better. Did she not understand or listen to me at all? I thought I was pretty clear about being excited about a "deep dish" pizza. I told her so and they just shrugged. No offer of taking it back or a refund....no apology. I can get a thin slice of pizza like that anywhere...certainly not going to seek this out. I can't recommend this due to the reasons I mention. There are a few good deep dish Chicago pizza places in town that I continue to frequent with my friends once a month. This place however is on my...

We were visiting from Utah and, after searching the area for Chicago Deep-dish Pizza, the restaurant/food review app I typically use (the one whose name starts with a Y) directed us here. I haven't had this type of pizza very many times, but wow, I can't imagine it being any better than this.

I am not normally a fan of tomato chunks, but the way they did them as a default on the deep-dish was great, especially since they were also lightly seasoned. Surprisingly, my wife (who normally adores tomatoes) said later that she would ask for less tomatoes because it made it rather wet and I agreed with her. I realize that with Chicago-style food, wet is often the goal. We got sausage & mushroom on our pizza, but after tasting the meatball that came with my daughter's spaghetti dinner, we would totally get meatballs on the pizza in the future.

On the subject of wet food items, I noticed they also have Italian beef sandwiches, so we will definitely need to return sometime to try those. As part of the free check-in promo in the "Y-name" food app I used to find this place, we got an order of dough nuggets as an appetizer and they were unique and delicious. It is a smart promo to give away of one of your yummiest items to get people in the door.

Although I am not fond of the sports bar setup, this one was done fairly well and the TVs weren't too loud. Overall, it was a fun &...

This place is nearly like walking into one of our old Chicago haunts. The CUBS are always on the TV, or other Chicago team, and the memorabilia is like home. And by home, I mean: I lived in Chicago for 5 years, during my radio days (WCLR/TMX and WFYR), where I hosted Morning Shows. Anyhow the PIZZA is the Number One Reason you go here. It's exactly like being back in Chicago. The meatballs would be reason Number Two. And the wings, while not "exactly Chicago" would be Number Three. Try the parmesan garlic; they're fat, juicy and super tasty. My pie of choice? The Godfather. But you may want to order it with HALF the Hot Giardiniera. First time I ordered it; well, let's just say it was "uncomfortable."

Trust me when I say, this place is the REAL DEAL, if you're not in Chicago. Plenty of free parking to boot. My only complaint? The live music. Yes, I know, live music is cool. I would ordinarily like it; however, my wife and I enjoy TALKING over dinner, and it's hard to do with the acoustics in this place when paired with the talent's sound systems. Outdoors? During the summer? Would love that. But if you want to talk and catch some Cubs Baseball on TV, then it's hard to fully enjoy it.

Oh, I almost forgot, the wait staff is SUPERB; always kind, always...