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oChef » Sauced – San Diego
Sauced - San Diego
Photo from Sauced
Sauced at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- š Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21ā$30
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#130 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
704
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Tasty Food
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Parking Issues
- Long Waits
The pizzeria Sauced in San Diego’s vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood offers you a truly authentic experience. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious pizza, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
With options ranging from happy hour drinks to vegan-friendly dishes, this spot caters to diverse tastes, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Sauced
Sauced offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests often feel right at home, thanks to a genuine family vibe and a cozy setting. Many appreciate the attentive staff and the overall pleasant dining experience, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some visitors have noted challenges with the restaurant’s location, particularly concerning parking availability. While the food generally receives high marks, there are occasional remarks about certain items not quite meeting expectations, suggesting some inconsistency.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
704
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
94
negative
13
neutral
597
positive
Sauced achieves a solid overall score of 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 84.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of 704 customer remarks, with 597 positive observations outweighing 94 negative ones. Customers particularly commend the Service (8.8), often highlighting the friendly and attentive staff.
The Food (8.3) also stands out, with many praising its quality. The Ambience (8) contributes positively to the experience, though the Value (5) is perceived as more average, suggesting that pricing might be a point of consideration for some.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Pizza & Calzones
- Welcoming Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Parking Difficulties
- Slow Service/Wait
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely friendly service and a comfortable setting, Sauced is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.5 recommendation score suggests that many find it a delightful place for a meal, especially if you prioritize a warm atmosphere and good food over strict budget concerns.
However, be mindful of potential parking challenges and the fact that some find the pricing a bit steep. If you’re looking for an exceptional deal or a quick, hassle-free parking experience, you might want to plan accordingly or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sauced
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear that diners are largely happy. Many rave about the delicious pizza, amazing breadsticks, and fantastic vegan options, often highlighting the quality ingredients and generous portions.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 346 positive remarks out of 409 total. However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 53 negative comments. Some found certain items bland or burnt, like spaghetti and garlic bread, while others noted issues with the crust being too thin or lacking crispiness.
A few also mentioned the vegan meat being a bit dry or the overall quality as merely mediocre.
Food
409
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
53
negative
10
neutral
346
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza and pasta
- Amazing breadsticks
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Bland or burnt food
- Crust issues
- Dry vegan meat
Often praised
- foodWe stumbled upon this Mom & Pop shop as a basketball team from out of town, and it was a fantastic find after Belmont Park. The service was amazing, and the food was even better! I couldn't even tell the difference between the Vegan pizza and the regular pizza, which is great for our vegan eaters.
- pizzaMy dining experience was truly exceptional. From the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff and owner to the delicious pizza, everything was perfect. We were visiting from Atlanta and this was our last night in San Diego, and we are so glad we stopped in.
- meatballsThe owner is very genuine and should be extremely proud of the establishment she has created. I highly recommend the calzone, meatballs, and cheesy breadsticks. Plus, kids eat free on Sundays!
- breadsticksI found it to be a great little place with wonderful food. Everything we ordered was excellent, including a pizza with a beautifully light crust, a fresh Caesar salad, delicious breadsticks, and a flavorful chicken Alfredo. The owner is an absolute gem and truly deserves the community's support.
- FoodFood:5
- crustMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The pizza had that perfect crisp to the crust, just how it should be. The customer service was top-notch, with incredibly friendly staff who created a warm, hometown vibe that made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in.
- bread sticksits definitely the best bread sticks and pizza crust in PB.
- saladI got a salad and had a piece of pizza š IT was delicious and fresh veggies.
- Caesar saladI found it to be a great little place with wonderful food. Everything we ordered was excellent, including a pizza with a beautifully light crust, a fresh Caesar salad, delicious breadsticks, and a flavorful chicken Alfredo. The owner is an absolute gem and truly deserves the community's support.
- calzoneMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! I had the best calzone I've ever had. The owner was so nice, contributing to the great food and great service.
Frequently criticized
- crustThe pizza and the meatball sub were burnt. Especially the pizza, the bottom of the crust was black. I mentioned this to our server (owner) and was told that one side of the pizza is less burnt and that sometimes itās better crunchy.
- pizzaIf it was homemade, the bitter taste and dark green color suggest that fresh basil or garlic were not used. I wish them well, but this was not the quality pizza joint I had hoped for. My experience was subpar and did not justify the $50 price tag for one pizza and cheesy bread.
- foodfood which was mediocre at best
- spaghettiThe spaghetti was hard
- spaghetti and meatballsspaghetti and meatballs...this place was way overpriced for mediocre food
- BreakdsticksBreakdsticks are burned and had zero dusting of anything on them
- Italian dressingthe Italian dressing tasted like store bought Kraft
- breadsticksMy breadsticks were plain bread with no seasoning
- bubbleswhere are the bubbles they show on the AD
- cheese breadcheese bread...this place was way overpriced for mediocre food
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious pizza, pasta, and standout breadsticks, especially with great vegan choices, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark in terms of flavor or texture.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 90.6%, its clear guests feel well-cared for. Based on 173 positive remarks, many rave about how the owner is involved and cares about the customers, praising the friendly staff and amazing service that makes everyone feel welcoming.
However, out of 191 total remarks, a small number (16) did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned slow service and long wait times, with some concerns about the owners response to criticism or not apologizing for delays.
Service
191
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
173
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Owner shows care
- Staff is welcoming
- Service is amazing
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Wait times are long
- Owner can be rude
Often praised
- ownerThe customer service was top-notch, with incredibly friendly staff who created a warm, hometown vibe that made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. Christina, the owner, is a sweetheart, and the main chef Chad truly understands pizza. It's definitely one of the top pizza stops in San Diego.
- serviceI had the best calzone I've ever had. The owner was so nice, contributing to the great food and great service. Overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience.
- staffThe staff was so helpful while we figured out the menu and were super friendly all the way through.
- customer serviceI had the pleasure of speaking with Christina, the owner, who was WONDERFUL. The taste and quality of the pizza were exceptional, complemented by excellent customer service. I highly recommend this place and hope to visit again on future trips.
- ServiceService:5
- ChristinaThe vibe is amazing, truly feels like home. Christina is a sweetheart, and the entire staff are ready to please. My absolute favorite is the Vegan Cheesy Breadsticks ā they account for about 90% of my weekly carb intake š .
- chefThe chef came out to see if we liked our food š
- TonyI called in for 3 slices of pizza to pick up, and it still took 30 minutes. While Tony was very nice, the wait was long for 3 slices that were unreasonably priced at $8 per slice and tasted very mediocre. This was my first and last visit, which is a shame because they are so close to my location.
- deliveryThere were 8 of us, and every single person had the same reaction. They delivered it to us while camping at Campland, and we all literally could not stop thinking about this pizza afterwards. I will be ordering every time Iām down there from now on.
- fast serviceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The atmosphere was beautiful, and the customer service was top-tier, characterized by fast service. The food was of high quality, with everything tasting fresh and authentic.
Frequently criticized
- ownerthe owner gets offensive and attacks people for bad reviews
- serverEspecially the pizza, the bottom of the crust was black. I mentioned this to our server (owner) and was told that one side of the pizza is less burnt and that sometimes itās better crunchy. Thereās definitely a difference between burnt pizza and crunchy pizza; we got burnt.
- serviceExtremely slow service
- apologizingI was picking up an order for someone else, and the customer was very unsatisfied about the hour wait for a pizza pie. The owner should be ashamed for being rude and not apologizing for the long wait. I live nearby and have tried the food, which was mediocre at best, but I would have continued to support the business.
- apologyno offer of apology
- comp mealno offer of comp meal
- owner's servicethe owner is not a good waitress
- pickup orderthey hadnāt put the order in!
- response to criticismleaving such an erratic response to any criticism is not a sign of professionalism
- waitFinding parking was also a major issue, as there was 0 parking and it was impossible to find a spot due to its location on the busiest intersection in Pacific Beach. I was picking up an order for someone else, and the customer was very unsatisfied about the hour wait for a pizza pie. The owner should be ashamed for being rude and not apologizing for the long wait.
Overall, you can expect a truly welcoming and attentive experience here, especially with the owners personal touch. While a few isolated incidents mention slow service, the overwhelming sentiment suggests youll be in great hands.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and leaving 84.1% of customers satisfied. With 69 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the family friendly and cozy feeling, highlighting the awesome vibe and cleanliness. Many appreciate the live music and hometown feel, making it a welcoming spot.
However, not everything is perfect. Out of 82 comments, 13 point to some areas for improvement. The most common concern revolves around parking, with some finding it difficult to secure a spot.
A few also noted the music might not be to everyones taste, and some older seats and tables' were mentioned as needing an update.
Ambience
82
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Family-friendly vibe
- Enjoy live music
What people don't like
- Parking can be tough
- Dated seats, tables
- Music not for all
Often praised
- atmosphereMy dining experience was truly exceptional. From the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff and owner to the delicious pizza, everything was perfect. We were visiting from Atlanta and this was our last night in San Diego, and we are so glad we stopped in.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- family vibefun, but still family vibe
- live musichear some live music on a Saturday night
- restaurantcoziest restaurant
- Kid-friendlinessClassic pizza place atmosphere and many kid friendly foods makes this place perfectly fine for kids and adults alike
- Mom & Pop shopMom & Pop shop we randomly found
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ParkingParking:Park at Shopping Center But It Was Great Worth The Find!
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Easy Access To Sit Just Had To Park At Shopping Center Across The Street And Walk But Well Worth It!
Frequently criticized
- parkingMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to very slow service and a rude owner. Finding parking was also a major issue, as there was 0 parking and it was impossible to find a spot due to its location on the busiest intersection in Pacific Beach. I was picking up an order for someone else, and the customer was very unsatisfied about the hour wait for a pizza pie.
- musicthis music is over thirty years old
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- ambianceDas Ambiente war mittelmƤĆig.
- parking optionshad to get in the shopping center across the street
- seatsDie Sitze waren lƶchrig
- spotImpossible to find a spot
- tablesdie Tische ziemlich in die Jahre gekommen.
If youre seeking a warm, family-friendly spot with a great vibe and live music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that finding a parking spot might take a little extra effort, and the decor might lean more homey' than modern.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Many guests found the restaurant offered great value with reasonable prices, often highlighting a good price for their meals and even some fantastic deals. Based on 9 positive remarks, it seems a fair number of diners felt the cost was justified, contributing to an average score of 5. On the flip side, 12 negative comments suggest that the pricing was often considered outrageous and the food too expensive for some, with concerns about the overall price-performance ratio.
This leads to a mixed customer satisfaction of 40.9%, indicating that value isn't consistently met for everyone.
Value
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers great value
- Prices are reasonable
- Good deals found
What people don't like
- Food often overpriced
- Value perception poor
- Bills can be high
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$20ā30
- dealGreat padres games deal!
- good priceHuge pizza for a good price
- great pricesThe quality of the food was so good that I had to go back again just a couple of nights later to bring friends so they could enjoy it as much as we did. They also have cold beer and good wines at great prices. To top it off, the owner and staff were incredibly friendly.
- great valueWe met the owner and the chef, who were very friendly and eager to please. I definitely recommend this place if youāre in town and want to have some great food with a great value in a casual atmosphere. And donāt miss the cheesy bread sticks!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the yummiest pizza in town, and it was reasonably priced. The service was so hospitable.
- price per personPrice per person:$10ā20
- pricesPrices seemed fair not cheap but not pricey.
- reasonable pricesThe experience was fantastic, marked by amazing customer service and delicious food. They offer plenty of vegetarian options, including pizzas and sandwiches, all at reasonable prices. We would definitely come back next time we are in the area.
Frequently criticized
- priceI called in for 3 slices of pizza to pick up, and it still took 30 minutes. While Tony was very nice, the wait was long for 3 slices that were unreasonably priced at $8 per slice and tasted very mediocre. This was my first and last visit, which is a shame because they are so close to my location.
- billour bill was over $80
- foodI may be a child, but Iāve never had such high expectations for low quality. Iām not baiting; my server was great, but this food is so expensive. My breadsticks were plain bread with no seasoning, nothing with little to no marinara.
- large pizza30 Dollar fĆ¼r eine groĆe Pizza ist zu teuer.
- price tagI wish them well, but this was not the quality pizza joint I had hoped for. My experience was subpar and did not justify the $50 price tag for one pizza and cheesy bread. Expecting only four and five-star reviews is delusional, and such an erratic response to criticism reflects unprofessionalism and the amateur quality of food from your kitchen.
- price-performance ratioleider stimmte das Preis-Leistung-VerhƤltnis nicht ganz.
- pricingpricing here is OUTRAGEOUS
- ranch dressingpaying $2 a piece for a tiny side of ranch dressing
- tipReflecting on other reviews, it seems we should have opted for pizza. We spent $40 plus tip and left unsatisfied.
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag. While some find the prices fair and the deals great, others feel its quite expensive for what you get. If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, you might want to check the menu carefully first.
How are the prices at Sauced?
On average, youāll spend around $27 per person ā from 103 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21ā$30 category. For a Pizzeria, thatās mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners find themselves in the $21ā$30 range, with a good number also opting for the slightly lower $11ā$20 options. This suggests a nice mix, but definitely a cluster around that mid-range sweet spot.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria, especially considering the variety of options available. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sauced
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Service!
We stumbled upon this Mom & Pop shop as a basketball team from out of town, and it was a fantastic find after Belmont Park. The service was amazing, and the food was even better! I couldn't even tell the difference between the Vegan pizza and the regular pizza, which is great for our vegan eaters.
We couldn't be more pleased. Thank you from the Ontario High School girls basketball team.
- Mom & Pop shop9
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem with Great Service and Food
We were fortunate enough to stumble upon this hole in the wall restaurant during a short visit to Mission Beach. The experience was fantastic, marked by amazing customer service and delicious food. They offer plenty of vegetarian options, including pizzas and sandwiches, all at reasonable prices.
We would definitely come back next time we are in the area.
- hole in the wall restaurant8
- customer service10
- delicious food9
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Spaghetti and a Stringy Surprise
My experience at this restaurant began positively with a warm welcome from the owner. However, the main course, spaghetti and meatballs, was a significant disappointment. The spaghetti was undercooked, the sauce lacked flavor, and the meatballs were just okay.
My husband found it so unappetizing that he couldn't finish even a third of his dish. My own experience took a turn for the worse when I discovered a stringy object, resembling elastic, inside my meatball ā thankfully, it wasn't a hair. This discovery was enough for me to stop eating.
We were glad we ordered the antipasto salad, as it was the only thing that saved us from leaving completely hungry. I informed the owner about the "string" in the meatball, and she mentioned the chef suspected it might be plastic from a wrapper. I'm relieved I didn't consume it, as paying for plastic is not my idea of dinner.
Despite the issue, we were charged the full amount, with no offer of a complimentary meal or apology, only a statement that they "try to be careful. " We ended up packing the remaining food for our dogs and had to go home to eat. Reflecting on other reviews, it seems we should have opted for pizza.
We spent $40 plus tip and left unsatisfied.
- owner8
- meatball5
- antipasto salad7
- spaghetti and meatballs2
- spaghetti2
- sauce2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Pizza Place - Delicious Food & Great Service!
Our experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We absolutely loved the breadsticks with meat sauce, and every single pizza we tried was a 10/10. The customer service was also a major highlight, earning extra points for being so great : -)
- breadsticks with meat sauce10
- pizza10
- customer service10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
10
Our Favorite Pizza Place in PB!
My family loves Sauced. The pizza is delicious, making it our favorite pizza place in PB. Whenever I mention it's pizza night, my kids immediately ask for Sauced!
- pizza10
What Sauced offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ 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
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Sauced Pizzeria?
At Sauced Pizzeria, you can enjoy a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer a diverse menu including delicious pizzas, small plates, and desserts. You’ll also find excellent vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something tasty for everyone.
What service options and amenities does Sauced Pizzeria provide for its guests?
Sauced Pizzeria offers convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. You’ll appreciate amenities like free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar with happy hour drinks and food, and a gender-neutral restroom. The establishment is also wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
How does Sauced generally rate with customers?
Sauced holds a strong overall score of **8.3** and a good customer satisfaction of **84.8%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Service** (8.8), **Food** (8.3), and **Ambience** (8), though **Value** (5) is noted as a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Sauced's food?
Many customers praise Sauced for its delicious **pizza**, noting the perfect crisp **crust** and flavorful options. The **calzone** and **breadsticks** also receive frequent positive mentions.
Are there any common concerns when dining at Sauced?
Some customers have found the pricing to be on the higher side, with concerns about **value**. Additionally, finding **parking** can sometimes be a challenge, and there are occasional mentions of **slow service** or long wait times.