Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Mazara – San Diego
Mazara - San Diego
Photo from Mazara
Mazara at a glance
San Diego Burlingame
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#351 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
434
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Warm Atmosphere
- Lunch Deals
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- High Prices
- Poor Restroom
The restaurant Mazara Trattoria is an inviting Italian Restaurant located in San Diego’s charming Burlingame neighborhood. You’ll discover a culinary gem known for its exceptional desserts, making it a sweet spot for any occasion.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a casual meal, this trattoria offers a delightful experience. Its cozy atmosphere and diverse menu promise a memorable visit for you and your companions.
Overview: Introducting Mazara
Mazara offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests consistently praising the attentive staff and overall hospitality. The inviting atmosphere also contributes positively to visits, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly with certain food items, and occasional concerns regarding value. Despite these points, the friendly service often stands out, creating a welcoming environment.
Good
7.4
out of 10
434
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
93
negative
16
neutral
325
positive
Mazara holds a respectable 7.4 overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 74.9%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 325 positive remarks against 93 negative ones, out of 434 total customer observations. Diving deeper, Service shines with an 8.8 score, frequently praised for its attentiveness and friendly staff.
The Ambience also contributes positively, scoring 8.1, creating an enjoyable setting. While Value is considered average at 6.2, the Food score of 6.8 suggests some room for improvement, despite many positive comments about specific dishes like pizza and pasta.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Good lunch deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- High pizza price
- Unpleasant bathroom conditions
Mazara presents itself as a welcoming spot, particularly strong in its attentive service and pleasant atmosphere. While many find the food enjoyable, especially certain pasta and pizza dishes, there are occasional reports of inconsistency that might temper expectations for some.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s a place worth considering if you prioritize a friendly dining experience and a comfortable setting. However, approach the menu with an open mind, as some dishes may offer a better experience than others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mazara
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a good score of 6.8 but a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.8%. Many diners rave about the delicious pizza and pasta, often highlighting the authentic ingredients and generous portions. Positive comments frequently mention great food, top quality, and amazing selection, making it a go-to for many.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistency, with 69 negative remarks out of 250 total. Complaints often point to a quality reduction, bland flavors, or dishes like garlic bread and tomato sauce falling short. There are mentions of soggy pizza and food lacking taste, indicating some room for improvement.
Food
250
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
69
negative
14
neutral
167
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious pizza and pasta
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or raw dishes
- Disappointing sauces
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently wonderful. I have visited numerous times and always enjoyed the excellent food and service. It truly is a really wonderful restaurant.
- pizzapizza doesn't have just one flavor, you can taste everything and the combination works so well not greasy or to crusty!
- pastaI decided to give it a second chance and ordered the lasagna, which was fantastic. I've learned that I should just order the pasta and stay away from the sandwiches.
- portionsThe portions and quality of the food we received were exceptional.
- saladWe split a salad as well! It was fantastic!
- FoodFood is made with passion
- breadI had the Italian sub and it was very tasty! The only reason I have 4 stars for the food is because the meat was great, the bread was soft and the flavors were there, but it either needs more meat to fill the bread, or it needs a smaller roll to balance the meat/bread ratio. But it was tasty!
- delicious foodI am in heaven right now. Nothing better than fresh beer and delicious food. I am jealous of this neighborhood because I would be in this restaurant every other day.
- dessertdessert was the best I’ve had in a long time
- everythingDelicious 😋 everything!
Frequently criticized
- pizzaComing in here knowing California pizza is bad, this place wins the award for the worst pizza ever. I have to ask, like what the F are they thinking?
- foodThe food was mediocre at best, something I could've made at home.
- garlic breadThe garlic bread was no more than a slice of white bread and butter and garlic smeared on it.
- pastapasta and other foiled plates are watery and taste like they were frozen
- cheesethe cheese wasn’t even melted !!!!
- saladthe salad we ate was clearly wilted.
- saucesauce they used has an oddly sweet taste
- spaghettiThe spaghetti any Caucasian could’ve made this
- Chicken Parmesan pastaNow, the quality of their food seems to have gone into the dumpster. Today, I ordered a Chicken Parmesan pasta, and the chicken is now an obviously mechanically separated pre-breaded chicken cutlet, rather than a chicken breast or thigh that they bread and fry themselves. Additionally, the sauce they used has an oddly sweet taste to it and made me feel sick from just a single bite.
- FettuccineFettuccine had no cheese flavor it was only cream
If youre looking for authentic Italian flavors and generous portions, this spot could be a hit, especially for its pizza and pasta. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some dishes might not live up to expectations in terms of taste or quality. Its worth a try, but perhaps stick to their well-loved specialties.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 91.9%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 99 comments, a whopping 91 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, attentive service, and accommodating nature of the team, including the owners personal touch.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A few of the 8 negative remarks mentioned issues like receiving the wrong entree or a lack of acknowledgement upon seating. There was also a rare comment about a rude owner, ' but these seem to be isolated incidents amidst overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Service
99
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Accommodating owner
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Slow acknowledgement
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff was very kind and provided great service. The food was delicious, and the dessert was the best I’ve had in a long time!
- staffMy first visit to this venue was a great experience. The customer service was phenomenal, and the staff was very friendly. I ordered a slice of pizza to go, and it was fresh, tasty, and massive – one slice could easily fill you up.
- ownerI recently traveled to San Diego to visit my brother, and a must-stop is to eat here! The owner is so kind and accommodating; if a dish isn't on the menu, he will make it for you. I don't know too many places that do that for you.
- customer serviceGreat customer service, they truly treated us like family
- peopleIt's a shame to rate this place so low, as the people were very nice. However, my first experience was disappointing; I received a completely different sandwich than what I ordered.
- serverOur server provided the best service
- ServiceAlso, don't miss out on the stuffed mushrooms. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- attentiveThe food was awesome, and the atmosphere was great for a fantastic price. Additionally, the service was REALLY good – attentive and friendly without being pushy. I’d definitely go here again and invite others for future visits :) please check this place out and support local!
- deliveryIt's my go-to Italian restaurant in San Diego. I typically order delivery through Grubhub, and every order has been delivered quickly, hot, and tastes absolutely awesome. The speed of delivery and the quality of the food upon arrival are consistently excellent.
- hospitalityThanks for the good food and hospitality
Frequently criticized
- acknowledgementMy partner and I visited for dinner tonight, and it was awful. First, it took a while for them to acknowledge us once we were seated—which by itself wasn’t a big deal since they seemed busy, but it only went downhill from there. The garlic bread was more like a slice of Wonder bread with a little butter and garlic.
- customer serviceCustomer service lacks a bit
- operating hoursThought it was open until 10pm?
- ownerThe owner is rude and unfriendly
- restaurant closurerestaurant was closed
- serverour server charged full price
- to-goWhen I ordered to go I almost burned myself
- wrong entreeDelivered the completely wrong ontrey
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely cared for, this restaurant's service is a major draw. While minor issues can pop up, the consistent friendliness and attentiveness make it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 88.7%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many describe it as a hidden gem with a vintage vibe and warm ambient feel, perfect for a chill environment or a quiet place to enjoy.
Based on 47 positive remarks out of 53 total, it sounds like a truly welcoming place. However, a few of the 4 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere a bit empty at times, and there were specific concerns about the bathroom being unpleasant.
The decor also struck a couple of people as a bit weird or mixed, suggesting it might not be everyones cup of tea.
Ambience
53
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, vintage vibe
- Hidden gem atmosphere
- Quiet, homey feel
What people don't like
- Unpleasant bathroom
- Empty atmosphere
- Weird decor
Often praised
- atmospherevery sweet, homey atmosphere ❤️
- AtmosphereAlso, don't miss out on the stuffed mushrooms. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- locationa place with a great location like this
- placeit's the place to be
- restaurantI have visited numerous times and always enjoyed the excellent food and service. It truly is a really wonderful restaurant.
- Cool placeCool place
- ambiencethe quaint ambience is perfect
- casual diningperfect for a casual dining experience
- chill environmentmy kids loved the chill environment
- cool spotIt used to be a cool spot
Frequently criticized
- bathroomWhile the food was okay, I wouldn't return unless it was for a work event, which was the reason for my initial visit. The bathroom was horrible; it was stinky and sticky, to the point where I almost threw up. I didn't feel comfortable washing my hands there and resorted to using hand sanitizer instead.
- atmospherewe noticed it was really empty.
- decorThe decor is weird - kind of a mix of wannabe bistro
If you're looking for a cozy, nostalgic spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that while the overall atmosphere is highly praised, the bathroom might not be its strongest suit.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite upsides, with a 6.2 score putting it squarely in the average range. Many folks appreciate the prices are reasonable, lunch deals, and the overall bang for the buck, especially for those looking for a meal thats "worth it. " Out of 32 customer remarks, 20 lean positive, highlighting some real wins.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 62.5%. Some diners felt things were overpriced or that they were charged full price for items, leading to comments about expensive and absurd prices. There were 12 negative remarks, suggesting that value can be inconsistent depending on what you order.
Value
32
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch deals
- Good bang for buck
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Some items expensive
- Inconsistent value
Often praised
- pricewonderful pizza for a very affordable price!
- pricesThe staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, making us feel very comfortable. It's a charming, low-key mom and pop shop with moderate prices. We enjoyed the pizza and pasta, which were pretty good!
- Prices are lowPrices are low for these times
- authenticity and true valuerestores my faith in authenticity and true value
- bang for the buckthe bang for the buck was definitely there.
- breaking the bankThe walls are hand painted and it incites a feeling of home and being welcome. All in all we enjoyed our meal and will stop by when we want a nice meal without breaking the bank.
- dealsThe deals are affordable
- good pricesGreat food at good prices
- lunch dealsMy experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on their pizza, which I found to be the best I have had in San Diego. The staff was very friendly, and they offered good lunch deals.
- lunch specialGreat bang for your buck with their lunch special
Frequently criticized
- priceThe guy at the front counter was very kind and provided good service; he was a very genuine man. However, $7 for a slice of pizza is insane, and the quality does not warrant that price whatsoever. Luigi's, which is less than a mile or two away, offers better slices at a more reasonable price.
- billwhen the bill came they still charged for the dish
- $40I'm not sure why everyone has such great things to say about Mazara Trattoria. We just plopped down $40 on a large pepperoni pizza that was soggy, thin, and had very little sauce and cheese. The Antipasto Salad at least made up for our disappointment in the pizza.
- beerThe beer we normally buy at BevMo for $14 was $25
- full priceour server charged full price
- happy hour portionsaying we didn’t get the happy hour portion
- one-topping pizza and a drink30 dollars for a large one-topping pizza and a drink
- pricesAbsurd prices for such mediocrity
If you're looking for a good deal, especially around lunchtime or for specific specials, this place might hit the mark. However, be mindful that some items are considered quite expensive, so you might want to check the menu carefully to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Mazara?
You’re looking at roughly $21 per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most diners spend between $11–$30, showing a pretty consistent mid-range experience rather than a big mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Diego, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mazara
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Consistently Great Food and Service
I love Sammy and stop in here very often, even to just get a drink as I stroll South Park. I’ve never been disappointed with the food and I appreciate how sweet the staff is.
- food9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Quiet Slice of Pizza and Beer
My experience at this restaurant was a quiet place to enjoy a slice of fresh pizza, or a beer, or two. 😁
- pizza9
- beer8
- place9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Overpriced and Mediocre Pizza
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the prices to be absurd for the quality of food served. A large one-topping pizza and a drink cost 30 dollars.
The pizza itself was just average, and the pasta tasted like it had been microwaved. It makes you wonder why the place is always empty. I would advise against wasting your money here.
- pizza3
- pasta2
- prices2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Worst Pizza Ever, Nice Owner
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the pizza. All I can say is wow, the pizza was hands down the worst pizza I’ve ever had. There was barely any cheese on it, and the sauce had a strange taste.
While the owner was very nice, the pizza leaves a lot to be desired. The service received a 5/5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4/5, but the food quality was a stark 1/5.
- owner8
- service10
- atmosphere8
- pizza1
- cheese2
- sauce2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food, Great Value, Quiet Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The food quality was exceptional, and the pricing was good, offering great value for money. The people working there were amazing, contributing to a pleasant overall experience.
The only aspect that could be improved is the atmosphere, as it can be quiet due to fewer people. However, this also means short wait times and very attentive staff. Overall, a highly recommended place for its food and service.
- food quality10
- pricing9
- people10
What Mazara offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you find at Mazara Trattoria?
At Mazara Trattoria, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from a leisurely lunch to a delightful dinner or a sweet dessert. The atmosphere is designed to be romantic, cozy, and casual, making it suitable for different occasions. Table service is available, and catering options are also offered for your special events.
Does Mazara Trattoria accommodate special needs and offer convenient services?
Yes, Mazara Trattoria is fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, they provide delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. The menu includes vegetarian options and a kids’ menu with high chairs available, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is Mazara's overall customer rating?
Mazara holds a good overall score of **7.4** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **74.9%**. Its **Service** (8.8) and **Ambience** (8.1) are highly rated, while **Food** (6.8) and **Value** (6.2) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Mazara?
Customers frequently praise the staff for their kindness and attentiveness, highlighting the excellent service and welcoming hospitality. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere also receives positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns at Mazara?
Some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with certain pizza and pasta dishes. Additionally, a few opinions mention concerns regarding the price of some items and the condition of the bathroom.