Buona Forchetta plates authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on handmade pasta and wood-fired specialties. If you want to plan your meal and budget ahead, this guide covers the Buona Forchetta Menu with Prices in a simple, easy-to-scan format.
The restaurant has grown from a small neighborhood spot in San Diego into a local favorite with several locations. The menu stays true to traditional Italian cooking, and most dishes sit in a mid-range price bracket.
Buona Forchetta Menu With Prices
Prices can shift slightly by location and season, so treat the numbers below as a close guide. Tax and tip are not included.
Antipasti And Starters
These small plates work well for sharing before your main course.
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro – $12
- Burrata with Prosciutto – $16
- Fried Calamari – $15
- Caprese Salad – $13
- Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – $14
Handmade Pasta Dishes
Pasta is the heart of the menu. Everything is made fresh in-house each day.
- Spaghetti Carbonara – $19
- Tagliatelle Bolognese – $21
- Gnocchi with Pesto – $20
- Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci – $21
- Linguine alle Vongole – $24
- Lasagna della Casa – $22
Wood-Fired Pizza
The pizza oven runs hot, giving each pie a crisp crust and light char.
- Margherita – $16
- Diavola – $19
- Quattro Formaggi – $20
- Prosciutto e Funghi – $21
- Vegetariana – $18
Secondi And Main Courses
If you want something beyond pasta or pizza, these plates are a solid pick.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $26
- Eggplant Parmigiana – $23
- Grilled Salmon – $29
- Veal Milanese – $32
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (for two) – $75
Dolci And Desserts
- Tiramisu – $10
- Panna Cotta – $9
- Gelato (two scoops) – $7
- Cannoli – $8
Drinks And Beverages
Drink prices vary by location, but here is a general range.
- Espresso – $3.50
- Cappuccino – $4.50
- House Wine (glass) – $11
- Bottled Italian Beer – $8
- San Pellegrino (500ml) – $5
How Much Should You Budget Per Person
Most diners spend between $30 and $55 per person before tip. Here is a quick way to plan.
- Pick one starter to share between two people.
- Add one pasta or pizza as your main.
- Choose one dessert if you still have room.
- Add a drink, such as wine or espresso.
A couple ordering a starter, two mains, and two drinks can expect a bill near $70 to $90 before tax and tip.
Tips For Ordering At Buona Forchetta
- Go early on weekends. The wait can stretch past an hour after 7pm.
- Ask about the daily specials. They often use seasonal ingredients.
- Share the pizza. The pies are large enough for two people.
- Check your specific location’s menu online. Some items differ by store.
Why The Prices Make Sense
Fresh pasta takes time and skill to make. The wood-fired oven also adds cost to run. For the quality you get, the prices land in a fair middle ground for Italian dining.
Portions are generous too. Many guests take home leftovers, which stretches the value of each dish.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
The Buona Forchetta menu keeps things simple and traditional. You will find pasta, pizza, and classic Italian mains at prices that fit a range of budgets. Use this guide to plan your visit, and confirm current prices with your local branch before you go.