Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Haven – San Diego
The Haven - San Diego
Photo from The Haven
The Haven at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#173 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
409
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful pizza
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Menu confusion
The restaurant The Haven Pizzeria is a popular Pizzeria located in the vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot known for its great dessert selection, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a delicious meal.
It’s a trendy destination where you can relax and enjoy a memorable dining experience, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner.
Overview: Introducting The Haven
The Haven offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and attentive staff. Many guests appreciate the cozy ambiance and the friendly staff who go the extra mile, making it a comfortable choice for a casual meal.
While the culinary offerings, particularly the pizza, receive high marks for their flavorful ingredients, some diners have noted inconsistencies in quality. There are occasional concerns about the value for money and specific dishes not quite hitting the mark, suggesting a mixed experience for certain menu items.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
409
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
43
negative
15
neutral
351
positive
The Haven generally performs well, earning a solid 8.2 overall score, reflecting a good dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 85.8%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial 409 customer observations, with 351 positive remarks outweighing 43 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these ratings. Diving deeper, Service leads with an impressive (8.6), often highlighted for its friendly and accommodating nature.
Ambience (8.3) also contributes significantly, offering a comfortable setting. The Food (8.2) is a major draw, frequently praised for its quality and variety.
However, Value (6.4) presents a more average picture, with some guests feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with the quality received.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful pizza
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, dog-friendly ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived poor value
- Vegan menu clarity issues
- Slow individual pizza
The Haven presents itself as a generally reliable choice, especially if you appreciate a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff. With a 8.4 recommendation score, it’s certainly worth considering for its well-regarded pizza and pasta offerings.
However, be mindful of the value proposition, as some find it a bit steep. If you’re seeking a casual spot with good service and a solid, flavorful pizza, The Haven could be a good fit.
Just manage expectations regarding the pricing and potential wait times for individual orders. It’s a place that delivers on its strengths, but has a few areas where it could improve.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Haven
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.3%! With 242 positive remarks out of 287, diners rave about the delicious pizza crust, fresh ingredients, and standout Traditional Lasagna Pasta. Plus, their extensive vegan options are a big hit!
However, not every dish hits the mark. There were 33 negative comments, with some finding certain pizzas uninspired or bland, and issues with the crust not being cooked properly. A few also noted that the vegan pizza/cheese could use improvement, and some dishes arrived barely warm.
Food
287
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
33
negative
12
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent pizza crust
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Diverse vegan options
What people don't like
- Bland pizza flavor
- Inconsistent pizza crust
- Uninspired vegan cheese
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was always delicious, which is a major plus. I really love going there.
- pizzaThis restaurant is a great example of the growing variety of tasty options in the area. I was impressed by their healthy, beautiful, flavorful pizza, which is a refreshing change from the oily, sausy pizzas found at many other Italian restaurants. They also offer a selection of really beautiful vegetable salads.
- pizzasMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had LEGIT pizzas with dough that was on point, and the perfect sauce/cheese/toppings ratio. The salad was fabulous with an excellent dressing.
- crustI especially LOVE the new taste of the crust!
- ingredientsThis is the spot for quality eating! I can’t remember a pizza that has ingredients bursting with flavor like this. Truly explosive flavors!
- antipasto saladWe also ordered the antipasto salad. I was definitely a fan of both.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun little spot with great pizza and a good beer selection. The staff was also very fun and accommodating.
- pastasome of the best pizza and pasta I have had
- toppingsFor my pizza, I chose a small one with pepperoni, jalapeño, and mushroom. The pizza had an amazing crust and the toppings were fresh. It was truly an excellent pizza.
- vegan optionsThey also offer great appetizers and pastas. The drink list is fun, and I was pleased to find lots of vegan options. The staff were great, and the environment was lovely.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaafter eating the first slice I had to go straight to the bathroom to vomit
- brussel sproutsbrussel sprouts were really rich and burnt :(
- crustFrom a distance, I absolutely love this place – it looks so cute and has a large vegan menu, which is awesome! However, the pizza I had was one of the most uninspired I've ever eaten, from the crust to the toppings. There wasn't one redeeming quality.
- foodthe food relative to the prices is underwhelming.
- pizza crustThe pizza crust seemed more like the frozen pizza
- Alfredo saucethe Alfredo sauce was very lemony
- Neapolitan pizzathis place does NOT do Neapolitan pizza
- Vegan antipasto saladVegan antipasto salad also very flat and lacking in creativity
- arugulait was just kind of too much and was not seasoned
- butter noodlesthe butter noodles tasted like nothing
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious food, especially their pasta and many pizza options, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while most dishes are praised, a few specific items, particularly some vegan pizza variations, might not always live up to expectations.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.6 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 90.4%, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Many of the 66 positive remarks highlight the friendly staff, excellent service, and how quickly they were seated immediately.
Reviewers often praise the team for being accommodating, especially with kids, and providing pleasant, personal service. However, a few of the 5 negative comments point to areas for improvement. Some guests experienced bad service or felt their server lacked attentiveness, particularly concerning menu options for customer diversity or dietary needs.
There were also mentions of slow waits for individual items, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in service speed.
Service
73
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Accommodates all needs
What people don't like
- Server lacks attentiveness
- Service can be slow
- Isolated bad service
Often praised
- serviceAdding garlic bread was a great touch. Overall, The Haven Pizzeria offers great service and comforting meals. Despite the pizza not meeting expectations this time, the lasagna and soup made up for it.
- staffIt will haunt you. Great beer selection and a terrific staff too. Update: Still as good as ever but like most restaurants it has a very stretched staff during this pandemic.
- ServiceI searched for vegan pizza with local ingredients and The Haven nailed it. Service is awesome and friendly. We will be back again and again!
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was amazing, with incredibly friendly staff. The food was absolutely delicious, especially their pizza and pasta, which were incredible.
- waitIt was a 30 minute wait on a Friday night not bad at all
- serverThere wasn't one redeeming quality. I didn't have the heart to give it one star because the server was nice, and you get the feeling they're trying. They really need to hire a true pizza chef.
- AnaAna did a wonderful job in making a sweet Shirley temple drink
- accommodate kidsThe pizzas are just delicious; any of them! Service is great and they accommodate kids really well.
- careeveryone takes such great care of you
- cooksI love, love this place! The servers and the cooks are super friendly always!
Frequently criticized
- customer diversityIt would be greatly appreciated if the server asked which of the two options is desired, since they have two different menus. I know it is not a vegan restaurant, but for people who are unaccustomed to certain products or for those who suffer from dairy intolerance, a more specific server attentive to the diversity of customers would be very helpful. It could have been a good experience, but this time I had to throw everything away : (Key aspects: - Food Quality: The pizza caused severe illness.
- individual pizzaI really love going there. However, it was a bit pricey, and it takes a while to receive an individual pizza. While the taste of the food is great, the cost and the waiting time for your order are significant drawbacks.
- ownerServed by the owner who was short staffed
- serverI called back and realized they use the same name for non-vegan pizzas and those that contain animal derivatives. It would be greatly appreciated if the server asked which of the two options is desired, since they have two different menus. I know it is not a vegan restaurant, but for people who are unaccustomed to certain products or for those who suffer from dairy intolerance, a more specific server attentive to the diversity of customers would be very helpful.
- serviceservice was really bad considering we were sitting right at the bar
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, with staff frequently praised for being friendly and efficient. While a few isolated experiences mention slow or inattentive service, these seem to be exceptions. You can generally expect a warm welcome and excellent care, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
Get ready to be charmed because the ambience here is a real winner! With a fantastic score of 8.3 and an impressive 97.3% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks absolutely adore the vibe. Out of 37 total remarks, a whopping 36 rave about the lovely atmosphere, cozy ambiance, and beautiful patio.
Many also highlight the simple decor, outdoor seating, and even the dog-friendly options, making it a truly welcoming environment. However, its not entirely without its quirks. While overwhelmingly positive, there was one mention about a potential snag: finding a parking space can be somewhat difficult.
Its a minor point given the overall glowing reviews, but something to keep in mind if youre planning your visit.
Ambience
37
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely atmosphere
- Cozy ambiance
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Parking can be tricky
Often praised
- atmosphereI'm still scratching my head because most reviews are positive. From a distance, I absolutely love this place – it looks so cute and has a large vegan menu, which is awesome! However, the pizza I had was one of the most uninspired I've ever eaten, from the crust to the toppings.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceAbsolutely loved the ambience
- patioShaded patio and indoor seating with comfortable booths, great for people watching.
- Kensington historylove the Kensington history of this place!
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cozy ambiancecozy ambiance and friendly staff immediately set a welcoming tone
- decorDecor is simple and beautiful
- dog friendly patioWe sat on the dog friendly patio which has heaters.
- dog-friendlyit is dog-friendly was a plus
Frequently criticized
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place with a delightful atmosphere, charming decor, and great outdoor seating, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely love the cozy vibe and dog-friendly patio, just be prepared that parking might require a little extra effort.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres definitely some good news! Many guests found things to appreciate, especially regarding happy hour and discount options. With 7 positive opinions out of 12 total, folks often mentioned value for money and reasonable prices, noting that Happy Hour pricing was great and offered a decent price for the quality and quantity.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. The overall score for value is an average 6.4, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 58.3%. With 4 negative opinions, some felt the prices were too expensive for the quality or a bit pricey, even stating that the food was not worth the price for a very underwhelming experience.
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Offers discounts
- Good value overall
What people don't like
- Expensive for quality
- Not worth price
Often praised
- Happy Hour pricingGreat Happy Hour pricing
- decent pricedecent price for the quality and quantity
- discountMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly positive, especially given the large selection of vegetarian dishes. The service was very personal; we even received a discount for riding our bikes. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- happy houra nice happy hour
- priceespecially for the price
- pricesTheir prices were reasonable
- value for moneyReally good value for money
Frequently criticized
- priceI'm very sorry to say we had a very underwhelming takeout meal here. The crust and flavor were not worth the price. Maybe we hit them on a low evening, but I want to be honest.
- pricestoo expensive for the quality.
If youre looking for a deal, especially during happy hour, you might find some good value for money here. However, be mindful that some find the regular prices' a bit steep for the quality, so consider your expectations before you go.
How are the prices at The Haven?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 54 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.
Most guests spend right in that $21–$30 sweet spot, though a few do opt for pricier options, showing a bit of range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria in San Diego. Its a solid mid-range choice if youre looking for good pizza without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Haven
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
A Delightful Pizzeria Experience
My first time at Haven Pizzeria was a pleasant experience. I really enjoyed the Fig Spritz. I also tried one of their specials, the Mamma Mia Pizza, which I believe featured pepperoni, ricotta cheese, basil, and hot honey.
For dessert, I had the chocolate panna cotta. It was served with whipped cream and nuts, though I had requested no whipped cream. Unfortunately, the abundance of nuts made it difficult to see the panna cotta itself in the picture.
Despite this, the chocolate panna cotta was good. The total bill for two drinks, two pizzas, and two desserts came to just over $100. 00, before tip.
The restaurant offers a convenient parking lot, and there's also ample street parking available in the surrounding area. It's conveniently located just off the 15 freeway.
- Fig Spritz8
- Mamma Mia Pizza7
- chocolate panna cotta7
- nuts4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
New Secret Favorite Place!
This is one of my new secret favorite places. The pizzas are just delicious; any of them! Service is great and they accommodate kids really well.
- pizzas9
- delicious10
- Service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Dinner Experience!
My wife and I had a fantastic dinner here last Friday. The food was delicious, and the staff were all very friendly and personable. We gave it a 10/10 and would highly recommend having dinner here.
- food10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Kid-Friendly Gem with Amazing GF Options!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We were searching for a place that was both kid-friendly and offered gluten-free options, which can often be a challenge. This restaurant exceeded our expectations!
They had a great selection of kids' menu items, and a significant portion of the main menu could be made gluten-free. The food itself was incredibly tasty. They also provided a wonderful vegan menu.
While the shrimp appetizer was a bit small for its price, the walnut pesto sauce it came with was delicious. We particularly enjoyed the mushroom pizza, GF pizza, and the pizzas from the kids' meal. I would give it a 12/10 and would definitely come back.
<3
- kid-friendly options10
- gluten-free options10
- taste10
- shrimp appetizer4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Underwhelming takeout, nice staff
I'm very sorry to say we had a very underwhelming takeout meal here. The crust and flavor were not worth the price. Maybe we hit them on a low evening, but I want to be honest.
The staff seemed nice though.
- staff7
- takeout meal2
- crust and flavor3
- price3
What The Haven offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- 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
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available at The Haven Pizzeria?
Yes, you’ll usually find plenty of parking options at The Haven Pizzeria, including free street parking and a free parking lot, making your visit convenient and stress-free.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Haven Pizzeria?
You can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at The Haven Pizzeria. The restaurant offers happy hour drinks and food, quick bites, small plates, and vegetarian options, alongside a great wine list and beer selection.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Haven?
The Haven enjoys a good overall rating of **8.2** with **85.8%** customer satisfaction. This positive sentiment is largely driven by strong scores in **Service** (8.6), **Ambience** (8.3), and **Food** (8.2), though **Value** (6.4) is seen as more average.
Does The Haven offer good value for money?
While many find the prices reasonable, some customers feel the value is average, especially for certain items. There are positive mentions of happy hour pricing, but also opinions that the overall cost might be too high for the quality received.
Is The Haven suitable for diners with specific dietary needs, like vegans?
The Haven offers a large vegan menu and many vegan options, which is a plus. However, some customers have experienced issues with staff clarity regarding vegan vs. non-vegan options, suggesting a need for more attentive service in this area.