The Good: Upon being seated, children are given complimentary balls of “play” dough (pizza dough) to keep them busy.  The menu features pizza and other Italian specialties such as pasta, sandwiches and salad.  My daughter always orders the Children’s Menu Ravioli.  Priced reasonably at $4.15, it includes a homemade Italian roll and small drink.  Sanfilippo’s pizza is thick crusted and piled with cheese.  It is close to perfection (this coming from a pizza snob).  A medium 12 1/2 inch pizza (6 slices) is more than enough food for my family of four.  At $10.75 for a medium cheese pizza, feeding the family is affordable too.

In addition to their dinner menu, Sanfilippo’s features generous daily lunch specials (1/2 Lasagna with Roll for $5.95 every Tuesday).  Meals are dine-in or take-out.  For take out orders, don’t forget to ask about their pizza to-go specials available Monday through Thursday nights after 5pm.

The Bad: 1) The wait.  Call ahead or dine early to avoid waiting.  Service is friendly but not always fast.  2) Parking.  Sanfilippo’s has a small private parking lot located behind their restaurant.  Parking along La Mesa Boulevard is a challenge due to limited meter parking.