Caps Pizza & Bar

1428 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, United States
+1 619-237-8081
$$$ italian restaurant
(589 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Caps Pizza & Bar, your new go-to Italian eatery nestled in the heart of San Diego at 1428 First Ave. This vibrant restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey through classic Italian flavors with a modern twist.

At Caps Pizza & Bar, the atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, perfect for families, friends, or a casual date night. As you enter, the rich aromas of freshly baked pizzas and delectable pastas waft through the air, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff, led by standout servers like Felix, are eager to guide you through their extensive menu, ensuring a personalized experience that’s equally enjoyable and satisfying.

When it comes to diving into their menu, you're in for a treat! Start your meal with an irresistible Sampler Platter (US$15.95) piled high with all your favorite appetizers, or indulge in the Fried Mozzarella Sticks (US$10.99) that ooze gooey cheese with every bite. For those who crave a slice of heaven, don’t miss their highly recommended The Works Pizza (14-inch) which offers a delightful blend of toppings for a truly fulfilling experience - just ask satisfied patrons like Austin Plitt and Brad Harris!

For main courses, the Shrimp Farfalle (US$20.99) makes a delightful meal with its succulent shrimp and creamy sauce, while the Chicken Parmigiana with Spaghetti (US$19.99) is an absolute must-try—it’s tender, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Vegetarians can revel in the cheesy goodness of the Eggplant Parmigiana (US$18.99) or the festively vibrant Vegetarian Pizza (US$22.99). No meal is complete without pairing your favorite dish with one of their carefully curated drinks from the full bar.

With raving reviews highlighting everything from the generous portion sizes to the quality of the ingredients, it’s clear why Caps Pizza & Bar has quickly become a local favorite. Reviewers like Brook Byrnes appreciate the range of pastas and the creative sauce options, while Shannon Han praises the unpretentious yet delicious offerings like the Cap’s Calzone and Spaghetti EVOO with shrimp.

Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back evening or celebrating with a group, Caps Pizza & Bar caters to all. Ask for the special jalapeño breadsticks—you won’t regret it! Visiting this hidden gem will leave you craving more, as Nathan Summers noted, “Best Calzone I have had!” So, come hungry and ready to savor the rich flavors and warm ambiance that makes Caps Pizza & Bar an unforgettable dining destination in San Diego.

Don't forget to call ahead for reservations at +1 619-237-8081 as this spot can get busy! Your perfect Italian feast awaits!

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Parking
589 Reviews
Austin Plitt

07 Sep 2025

Amazing food, awesome staff! We had Felix as our server, and he was on the ball! Well versed in the menu, he helped us choose a pizza that satisfied the whole table as well as drinks. Energetic, outgoing, and positive. I highly recommend getting “The Works” and enjoy the atmosphere this place has to offer!

Leonard Duncan

21 Aug 2025

Ordered shrimp Alfredo and margarita pizza and are amazingly delicious though other food served cold. Still a nice place to hang out especially for large groups.

Brook Byrnes

17 Aug 2025

The food is always good. Chicken Parmesan sandwich and Greek salads are awesome. All of the cream pastas are amazing! Lobster cream sauce and Alfredo are super good. I love the way they offer different sauces to all the pastas. Great staff, great drinks. One of my absolute favorites in SD

Brad Harris

30 Jul 2025

Great little Italian restaurant a few blocks from the gaslight district and balboa park. We had ‘The Works’ pizza and a few different west coast beers. The food was great and the staff very friendly!

Derek Ryan Blancas

27 Jul 2025

Great food and drinks. Full bar, beer and wine. Hours are kind of wild but open late-ish during the week only. New photos of what it actually looks like now as well as current menu. The pizza was delish, the stupid breadsticks (jalapeño) Were so good! Will def return on my next trip and try the pastas on the menu. Thank you Tyler for all your recommendations, being super hospitable and running all the tables by yourself.

Shannon Han

13 Jun 2025

This place is great for unfussy Italian food with friendly unpretentious service. We had the Cap’s Calzone and Spaghetti EVOO with shrimp (AKA aglio e olio). The portions are generous, and the food is tasty. The spaghetti was perfectly Al dente. The garlic bread was good, if a little unusual because the bread had a ton of sesame seeds. The waitress was friendly and attentive. We had to wait a long time (almost 35 minutes) to be served our food from the time we ordered, but it was Friday night and it seemed there was a steady stream of carry out orders.

Nathan Summers

01 Jun 2025

Best Calzone I have had! Love the flag and pledge of Allegiance on the side of the building as well. That was the main reason I stopped, to support as establishment that supports our country. Glad I did. I will be back.

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