Ottavio's Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Lakeside

Part 1 of 2 Food is always great, but couldn’t say the same for our experience last night! Went there on 09/13/2024 Food and people are great for most of the time. We ordered chicken Alfredo and roasted garlic chicken pizza. Both are always on point when we get them.

Unfortunately the experience for us this last time around wasn’t the best. Our server Dan started off normal, but as the time progressed the encounters started getting interesting.

We were a party of 6(4 is my little family & 2 was my cousin and his other half). It was their first time there and just wanted them to try the delicious food.

Before ordering, I asked Dan if we could split our bill and before I could explain that it’ll be my fam and the other 2 on their own, he went ahead and told me it’s gonna be hard to do that because he has a big party over 20 people coming in later.

So I moved on and proceeded to order. My wife and I agreed to order one regular size chicken Alfredo(it’s big enough to feed my whole family of 4) and a large roasted garlic chicken pizza. We decided to order because it was 6pm and my kids needed to eat. Told Dan that it was my cousin and his other half’s first time here, so didn’t know what to order. So we agreed for more time to look over the menu and that they could order when they’re ready. So they order the mozzarella cheese sticks to get started.

After ordering, we talked about what they normally would get at an Italian restaurant. And of course they wanted the chicken Alfredo. So I suggested that they can just try some of ours and they can order something else or more afterwards. In my mind, what difference would it make since it’s just going to be one bill.

Not sure if the bread w/ oil and vinegar is no longer complimentary because I asked Dan if we could have some for our table(kind of how we always had, but didn’t have to ask). Was told that he could give the bread as complimentary this time, but will be an extra $3 a basket afterwards. I took it as it’s not, but I got you this one time vibe. I could be wrong, but it is what it is.

Pictures are to complete my review. Hope you all have a better experience than us. And I’m brown, but I’m sure that had nothing to do with the experience! They are nice people and great food there! Other than this one, it’s...

They advertise as the best Italian restaurant in Lakeside; I'd say they have a strong argument for best in San Diego. The sauces are phenomenal and the pastas are cooked to perfection. You could make a whole meal from the appetizers. Honestly, I don't think you could pick anything off the menu that didn't taste great. Portions are huge. The calzone are bigger than most people's head. We had enough leftovers for several meals.

Service was stellar. It was attentive without being intrusive. Visited with a special needs adult and they were treated with respect and patience (which is sadly not the case at some restaurants).

There is ample parking, but it fills up quickly. They are currently open only 4 hours or so on the days they operate. If anything, it keeps the quality high. On the downside, it concentrates patrons into that tiny window of availability.

There were a lot of families eating here, a number of them with young children. Not a single one misbehaved--they were too busy enjoying their food. There is a covered patio for dining if you don't want to be seated inside.

There is a bar and the television was tuned to sports. Loudness to be expected but not obnoxious. Cocktails were good and moderately priced.

The atmosphere is casual. Good for family friendly dining. Also good for sharing appetizers with friends. Patio dining a little quieter and more intimate for a casual date night. Tables and chairs are wood, walls tastefully decorated with posters and photographs of family and famous people like Sophia Loren. This restaurant is clean and the bussers and staff are good about clearing empty plates or boxing your food so the table remains comfortable and uncrowded.

Price is a good value here. The quality of the food is high and most of the food is made in-house (not frozen, boxed or jarred as is the case in chain restaurants). You can taste the difference. The portions are generous. You can join their free club for coupons and rewards. Online ordering for pickup and limited delivery area available. If you are having a party, they have a catering menu, but you need to plan ahead and give them...

Oh my stars! 5 of them to be precise! I had the pleasure of being served by one of the best in the industry...trust me I have had my fair share of hustling food and drinks and this server is of the top notch variety. She has either been doing this for some good long time or she was trained by a person of exemplary skill! Sweet Melissa I appreciate your accommodating our schedule and getting us seated in your section. You made one of the best food experiences turn into one of the best dining experiences I have ever enjoyed and I have enjoyed a good many...Let me just say that Ottavio's is a hidden little gem in the middle of very rustic Lakeside. It has a relaxed atmosphere with the service of a high end restaurant. I have tried several of their dishes and cannot wait to go back for another new taste! I have not had Italian this amazing since I dined at Little Venice in Upstate New York...13 years ago. It's tough to find authentic cuisine such as this place has to offer...might I recommend the Lasagna and Minestrone soup? I tasted the Manicotti last night too and oh...my...sweet heavens! It is delight served up with a touch of class and an air of "Good to see you again neighbor!" I love love love it and am so pleased to have been sat with Melissa. We had a bit of a time crunch with our schedule and didn't realize that reservations is the way to go but not to worry...we were well taken care of after being asked to "Please don't leave...let me see what we can do for you!" (The hostess was great too) and I sure am glad we stayed. She asked her servers and we were seated in no time! Thank you to all the staff...as I observed most of you and my compliments to the chef over & over & over again ten million times! The busser was super quick to assist with anything!

I highly recommend making reservations...and please note that they open at 4pm! Thank you again Melissa. You are a...