Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Catalano’s – San Diego
Catalano's - San Diego
Photo from Catalano’s
Catalano's at a glance
San Diego Golden Hill
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#381 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#30 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
279
Reviews
75.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious pizza
- Affordable value
- Prompt service
Frequently criticized
- Delivery issues
- Parking difficulty
- Specific dishes
The restaurant, a welcoming pizzeria in San Diego’s vibrant Golden Hill neighborhood, offers a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. At Catalano’s, you can enjoy delicious pizza whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is known for its convenient service options, including no-contact delivery and curbside pickup, making it easy to savor their offerings. You’ll find it’s a great choice for families too.
Overview: Introducting Catalano's
Catalano’s offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its clean establishment and the charm of a mom and pop shop. While many appreciate the overall atmosphere, some find the surrounding area less appealing, and parking can be a challenge.
The food, particularly the pizza, receives considerable acclaim for its quality and preparation, with many enjoying the unique crust. However, there are occasional reports of issues with certain items or inconsistent delivery experiences, suggesting some variability.
Good
7.3
out of 10
279
Reviews
75.3%
Satisfaction
61
negative
8
neutral
210
positive
Catalano’s achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 75.3%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures, drawn from 279 customer comments, with 210 expressing positive sentiments against 61 negative, paint a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Diving deeper, the Food (7.6) stands out as a strong point, frequently earning praise.
Ambience (7) and Value (7) also contribute positively to the experience, both scoring well. While Service (6.8) is generally competent, it falls slightly below the others, indicating an area where some customers have noted room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious pizza quality
- Good value, affordable
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent delivery
- Difficult parking
- Specific food issues
Catalano’s presents a compelling option, particularly if you’re seeking well-regarded pizza and appreciate a good deal. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it generally earns a nod for its core offerings and friendly approach, making it a solid choice for casual dining.
However, be mindful of potential parking challenges and occasional inconsistencies with delivery or certain non-pizza items. If you prioritize excellent pizza and value, it’s worth a visit, but manage expectations for other aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Catalano's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.1%. Based on 177 customer opinions, with 140 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious pizza, amazing calzones, and tasty spaghetti. The exceptional crust and fresh ingredients are frequently highlighted, making for a satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 31 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns include soggy bread, cold pizza, and issues with dishes like the Philly Cheese Steak. There were also unfortunate reports of sickness, suggesting some inconsistencies in food quality that might give you pause.
Food
177
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
31
negative
6
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Exceptional crust
- Amazing calzones
What people don't like
- Soggy bread
- Cold food
- Sickness reported
Often praised
- pizzaThis is my favorite pizza place. I experienced fresh, hot, delicious pizza that arrived quickly, so it was on my table without a long wait. The business hours are consistent, and the costs of food items are good.
- foodfood was good not what I expected but great taste
- crusthow ever they're preparing their crust I hope it never changes
- Mexican pizzathese guys do make a good Mexican pizza
- doughMy experience involved ordering the chicken salad and the meat lovers pizza. I'm not a pizza chef, but the way they prepare their crust is exceptional; the dough is so soft, it's like biting into a cloud. This place is truly the cats pajamas.
- CalzoneTheir Calzone with pepperoni, cheese, and jalapeño was delish !
- breadTheir bread is so light ans delicious.
- cheeseThe pizza was incredibly large, comparable to the size of a car's wheel. The toppings were generous, featuring a delicious combination of marinara sauce, cheese, and pineapple. One bite was simply not enough; we finished the entire pizza and were left wanting more.
- good foodMy experience at this mom and pop shop was excellent. I found it to be a great place to support, offering good food and great customer service. I ordered the Calzone, and it was truly amazing.
- marinara sauceThe pizza was incredibly large, comparable to the size of a car's wheel. The toppings were generous, featuring a delicious combination of marinara sauce, cheese, and pineapple. One bite was simply not enough; we finished the entire pizza and were left wanting more.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaIt used to be one of my favorite pizza places, and I miss the old Catalina's Pizza. The fries were cold, the Philly cheese steak was dry, and the pizza was wet.
- cheesethe cheese had hardened up and falls off the pizza
- foodfood was also bad
- Foodthe last pizza I got there made us all sick!!
- Hawaiian pizzaexcept when someone ordered a Hawaiian pizza
- Mexican pizzaMy experience at the restaurant was centered around the food. I ordered the Mexican pizza, but unfortunately, I couldn’t taste the chorizo, and it didn’t taste that good. I do not recommend the Mexican pizza.
- PastramiMy experience was terrible. I bought a "Pastrami" sandwich from the food truck on Saturday and it was the worst Pastrami I ever tasted. It made me so sick and today Monday I am still feeling the effects from food poisoning.
- Philly Cheese SteakOrdered a Philly Cheese Steak, they give us meat with lettuce
- Philly cheese steakIt used to be one of my favorite pizza places, and I miss the old Catalina's Pizza. The fries were cold, the Philly cheese steak was dry, and the pizza was wet.
- Strawberry SodaI ordered Strawberry Soda and they brought me Sprite
If youre craving classic Italian-American comfort food, especially pizza and calzones, this place is often a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies, as some experiences have been less than stellar regarding freshness and temperature. Its worth a try for their popular items, but proceed with a bit of caution.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.8. Many customers rave about the friendly staff and great customer service, often highlighting the impressive service speed and efficient delivery. Out of 64 customer comments, 44 were positive, with many appreciating how the team takes pride in their work and even fixes mistakes promptly.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a 68.8%, suggests there's still room for improvement. Some patrons have experienced frustrating wait times and delivery issues, with a few mentioning poor service or difficulties with ordering online. While 20 comments were negative, these experiences point to areas where consistency could be better.
Service
64
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Excellent customer service
- Mistakes are fixed
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
- Confusing online ordering
Often praised
- servicethey were quick ..service was great
- staffthe staff was pleasant and accommodating
- deliveryI ordered 8 pizzas for a company event, and everyone loved them, complimenting the great taste. The service was super quick, and the delivery was flawless.
- customer serviceThe customer service was friendly
- teamThey took it upon themselves to prepare fresh pizzas and hand-deliver them to our crew. I cannot thank this team enough for saving us and taking care of our union crew.
- Good serviceGood service
- Servicethey were there at that time, on the dot!!
- always on timethey're always on time
- carry the boxesoffered to carry the boxes to my car
- correct pizzaThey accidentally sent me away with 1 incorrect pizza. I called and had to go back (not a big deal), but they had swiftly remade the correct pizza for me to pick up & I was told to hang onto the incorrect one (a copycat of the 1st pizza).
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I encountered bad service and the food was also bad. I would advise against spending your money here.
- deliverydelivery they take forever
- addressThe address was wrong (from the app)
- callbackHe said was gonna have someone call me back and they never did
- callscalled multiple times over with no answer
- delivery driverUber driver ruin the pizzas
- delivery timetake more then an hour to deliver it
- driverwhen I asked the driver he responded that "there was no strawberry in the building"
- knowledgesaid he didn't know what hamburger was
- no utensilsNo utensils to eat it with
Overall, you'll likely find the service here to be quite good, especially if you value friendly staff and quick delivery. Just be aware that a few customers have reported longer wait times or minor hiccups, so it might not be perfect every single time.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! Many customers, based on 10 positive sentiments, rave about the atmosphere and how clean the place is. It truly feels like a mom and pop shop thats a cherished part of the "community, " making for a pleasant experience.
The ambience scores a solid 7, which is considered good. However, its not all sunshine, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.5%. A few folks, 4 opinions to be exact, point out some practical snags.
Finding parking can be quite a challenge, and some feel the surrounding area isn't the best. This creates a bit of a contrast with the otherwise good atmosphere.
Ambience
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean establishment
- Support local business
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Questionable area
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe place was super clean
- AtmosphereSuch a pleasant Friday lunch at work experience
- clean00 to be a lil steep, the pizza itself was really good. The service was fast and the establishment was clean. This visit was in June 2021.
- communityglad they are still in the community
- mom and pop shopGreat mom and pop shop to support
- peoplebeautiful people
- small business placeNice small business place
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is usually hard to find
- areathe area is not the best
- bathroomI’m in the bathroom throwing up
- parkingparking is difficult to find
If youre looking for a cozy, clean, community-focused spot with a good vibe and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking woes and a less-than-ideal surrounding area, which might dampen the experience for some.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Youll be happy to hear that when it comes to value, this spot really delivers! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at 72.7%, many folks appreciate the bang for their buck. Out of 22 comments, 16 rave about the affordable and competitive prices, often mentioning great specials and even free delivery.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 6 critical remarks point to some confusion around delivery minimums and general pricing issues, with one person even questioning why they were paying for food I didnt get. ' So, while generally good, keep an eye on those details.
Value
22
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great deals
- Free delivery options
What people don't like
- Confusing delivery minimums
- Unclear pricing
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are extremely reasonable
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found a great personal pizza deal for an awesome price. The customer service was friendly, and I was able to get a sub sandwich, pizza, and drink without breaking the bank.
- affordablereally good and affordable
- budgetIf you're looking for a good deal to maximize your amount of food, this place gets the job done. Nothing to brag about, but it's good when you need to feed a large group on a budget. It's better than typical chains.
- comboAt $7 a combo wich includes drink. Its perfect!
- competitive pricesthey have competitive prices
- costs of food itemsI experienced fresh, hot, delicious pizza that arrived quickly, so it was on my table without a long wait. The business hours are consistent, and the costs of food items are good. Best of all, you won't need a second job to feed the kids!
- food itemsThe business hours are consistent, and the costs of food items are good. Best of all, you won't need a second job to feed the kids!
- free deliveryfree delivery, you can't go wrong
- personal pizza dealgreat personal pizza deal for an awesome price
Frequently criticized
- priceme costo casi $11 dlls
- delivery minimumMy experience was frustrating due to conflicting information about the delivery minimum. The website stated a $15 minimum for free delivery, so I ordered a large pizza with two toppings and a slice of cheesecake.
- free deliveryneeded to be 19.95 for free delivery
- paying for foodwh6 am I paying for food I dint get?
- pricinghard for their pricing without calling
If you're looking to feed a group or just snag a good deal, this place is definitely worth checking out for its affordability. Just double-check any delivery minimums to avoid surprises, and you should be golden.
How are the prices at Catalano's?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 23, the actual spending is quite varied. Many guests enjoy more budget-friendly options, but a few higher tabs pull the average up, suggesting a mix of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria in San Diego. There’s a good range of options, so you can likely find something that fits your budget and taste.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Catalano's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Pizza, Service, and Value!
My experience at this pizza place was fantastic! I was told it was good, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The pizza was really good and affordable.
Additionally, the service was GREAT.
- pizza9
- affordable9
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Unacceptable Service and Missing Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I ordered food but did not receive all my items. When I called to inquire, the staff member was unhelpful and argumentative, claiming I never ordered the missing item.
Despite being promised a callback, no one ever contacted me. I paid $40 for two pizzas, and a $10 chicken Caesar salad was missing, leaving me with only a salad. It's unacceptable to pay for food that wasn't delivered, especially when I was required to pay upfront.
This experience has left me down on a salad.
- missing items1
- staff member1
- callback1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Surprisingly Great Food and Service
While I'm not usually a fan of thicker crust pizza, my experience at this restaurant was surprisingly positive. The place was super clean, and the staff was friendly. The pizza dough was quite good – super soft and airy – and the pizza itself was great.
I also tried a breakfast burrito, which was filled pretty well. Overall, the food was good, exceeding my expectations with its great taste.
- pizza8
- staff9
- place9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Loved the Pizza, Pasta, and Fast Service!
I absolutely loved my experience here! I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys pizza, pasta, and all that yummy stuff. The service was also great, with the food coming out so fast.
Plus, the prices were very reasonable. I would definitely come again.
- pizza9
- pasta9
- yummy stuff9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Catalano's Pizzeria: Consistently Excellent Pizza!
My experience at Catalano's Pizzeria was outstanding! Johnnie and his team are the best. Every time we're in the area, we make sure to grab pizza for the whole company.
The quality is always spot on! The pizza is served hot, fresh, and is absolutely delicious. You can tell they take pride in what they do.
I can't recommend them enough!
- quality10
- pizza10
- hot10
What Catalano's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Catalano's Pizzeria in Golden Hill?
Catalano’s Pizzeria offers a variety of convenient service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup. If you prefer to dine in, that option is also available for a casual and enjoyable experience.
Does Catalano's Pizzeria offer accessible options and parking?
Yes, Catalano’s Pizzeria is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Additionally, you’ll find free street parking available, making your visit to this Golden Hill pizzeria convenient and stress-free.
How does Catalano's rate overall?
Catalano’s holds a **Restaurant Score** of 7.3, with **Customer Satisfaction** at 75.3%. Its **Food** (7.6) is a highlight, supported by good **Ambience** (7) and **Value** (7), while **Service** (6.8) is generally competent.
What do customers enjoy most about Catalano's food?
Customers frequently praise the **pizza**, noting its delicious quality, fresh ingredients, and exceptional **crust** and **dough**. Many find it to be a favorite for its taste and preparation.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Catalano's?
Some patrons have noted difficulties with **parking** and occasional inconsistencies with **delivery** times. There are also mixed opinions on specific non-pizza food items.