besta-wan pizza

Heather Slotnick

Brussels are back, but only for a limited time ⏲️ this week 😪 - please make it permanent! Love this place. Come join the fun!

Drifton A. Way

Great service and the personal pan pizza that’s 7 dollars is the best value in north county. Their ranch is great, get some, and dip it up and dip it in and indulge and enjoy 👌dogs all around the outside area just add to the good vibes, take a walk to the beach too, helluva location

Fun Chad

A locals favorite, hidden behind the tourist scene. The new owners (as of a year or so) have put lots of effort into the menu and making the place more comfortable. Staff is great, the food is very good, and the faces are familiar... it's really like home.

Henry Voros

“Eclectic,” “quaint,” “independent”, “eccentric”, or perhaps just a little weird. No matter how you choose to describe it, being different can be a really good thing. Don’t worry about reassuring “The Besta-Wan Pizza House” that it’s ok to be different. They clearly got the memo! Our server probably described the menu best when he said “it is a hodge podge of Mexican and Italian” offerings. The music matched their vibe perfectly. During our visit the playlist literally transitioned from the Rolling Stones, directly to Country, then to the Beach Boys, followed by Dire Straights, and then on to Johnny Cash. We went with “The Beardown Pizza” and were not disappointed. The flavors were complimentary and delicious, but what really caught our attention was the crust. It was actually…crunchy. Yep, you heard us. You could hear the crunch with each bite (it was not burned and the flavors didn’t suffer any ill effects.) Be aware that the jalapeño’s are not for beginners (so pace yourself and adding a little ranch dressing is allowed to extinguish the 🔥 as needed). We found a medium to be enough for two people. Our only suggestion to the owners is to consider changing the name to the Besta-Wan Pizza “Experience.” I mean, why not? 🤷‍♂️ You’re bound to enjoy far more than just a pizza when you visit! And that’s…Henry’s Take. #cardiffpizza

Suze Collins

Today we tried this place for the first time, but it won’t be the last time. It was amazing! We ordered the Bestawan pizza and it was awesome! Fresh, delicious ingredients. Great crust, cheese and quality toppings. This pizza is no joke. We are already talking about when we’ll come back. It was that good! Great service too.

Nikki Francis

Doesn’t get much better than Besta Wan! The portions are huge and every single thing on the menu is above standard delicious. Bring you appetite and settle in for breakfast and double bacon. Afternoon favorites are the Italian chopped salad and/ or build your own pizza, of which the crust and sauce are absolute heaven. Feeling frisky? Make a morning with one of their famous “manmosas”. Be careful with those. Recommend limiting to ONE as each has a half bottle of champagne in them! #beach #goodeats #nikkifrancis #solanabeach #pizza #beachbites

We had an evening work meeting here eith a large group of 8 people and the service was excellent, wings were amazing, and pizza was delicious.

It was decorated for Christmas and had good food, especially the salads and the outdoor picnic bench area was perfect for children.

My husband and I enjoyed a late lunch here today and were completely floored by the flavor! We had the Daytona wings (omg, the blue cheese was 🤌🏽🤌🏽), the kale & shaved Brussels sprout salad with lemon vinaigrette (wow!), and the Calabrian Crush pizza with their classic thin crust …. Possibly the most perfect pizza on the planet. I’m not even exaggerating. Our server Megan was an absolute delight, super helpful, humorous, and attentive. I think the other girl we interacted with was Sarah? - so down to earth & easy to laugh with. The entire experience could not have been any better. Really grateful for this local landmark, protect it at all costs! 🫶🏼

Bestawan Pizza House is hands down my favorite spot in the neighborhood! I’ve been going there for years, and it’s only gotten better with the new owners and their delicious new menu items. The staff is incredibly friendly, making every visit feel warm and welcoming, and the service is always timely—whether I’m grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for dinner with friends. The food? Absolutely amazing. Every bite reminds me why this place has been a neighborhood gem for so long. It’s the kind of spot that feels like home—inviting, comforting, and just the perfect place to treat yourself. Whether I’m taking friends out or stopping by for a solo meal, it never disappoints. Bestawan Pizza House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a staple in the community. Whenever I’m craving something delicious or just want to enjoy that neighborhood vibe, this is the place I go. I can’t recommend it enough—it truly sets everything into motion for a perfect meal and a great experience.

Carol Kashefi

We had an evening work meeting here eith a large group of 8 people and the service was excellent, wings were amazing, and pizza was delicious.

Janna Quincey

My husband and I enjoyed a late lunch here today and were completely floored by the flavor! We had the Daytona wings (omg, the blue cheese was 🤌🏽🤌🏽), the kale & shaved Brussels sprout salad with lemon vinaigrette (wow!), and the Calabrian Crush pizza with their classic thin crust …. Possibly the most perfect pizza on the planet. I’m not even exaggerating. Our server Megan was an absolute delight, super helpful, humorous, and attentive. I think the other girl we interacted with was Sarah? - so down to earth & easy to laugh with. The entire experience could not have been any better. Really grateful for this local landmark, protect it at all costs! 🫶🏼

beanford1

It was decorated for Christmas and had good food, especially the salads and the outdoor picnic bench area was perfect for children.

Rachel

Bestawan Pizza House is hands down my favorite spot in the neighborhood! I’ve been going there for years, and it’s only gotten better with the new owners and their delicious new menu items. The staff is incredibly friendly, making every visit feel warm and welcoming, and the service is always timely—whether I’m grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for dinner with friends. The food? Absolutely amazing. Every bite reminds me why this place has been a neighborhood gem for so long. It’s the kind of spot that feels like home—inviting, comforting, and just the perfect place to treat yourself. Whether I’m taking friends out or stopping by for a solo meal, it never disappoints. Bestawan Pizza House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a staple in the community. Whenever I’m craving something delicious or just want to enjoy that neighborhood vibe, this is the place I go. I can’t recommend it enough—it truly sets everything into motion for a perfect meal and a great experience.

Atmosphere-4 stars- I’m guessing this is popular with the locals. A staple in the community since 1965. It has changed ownership hands over the years but claims to keep the same food. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Music and the smell of pizza fills the air! Service- our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Checked on us several times. Food- 4 stars- we shared a large chopped salad filled with cheese, onions, chickpeas, salami and greens. We also had a large pepperoni and pepercinos. Thin crust and it was very good!! I would definitely recommend and hope to visit again.

Updated... " someone at Besta Wan called me promptly after posting and I explained what happened. They refunded me for half of my order which I thought was fair. The size of the detroit isn't listed on the online order. It is 10 x 8 in. " Original Don't order the Detroit pizza. They ask you to order online. I thought I was ordering a large pizza split and it was tiny. Ridiculously tiny and ridiculously expensive. I was shocked and appalled. They should be more transparent on their website. I'm very upset. They should have given me my money back

Bff found this gem while we were cycling down the road we went for the Detroit style pizza very good tasty would um been a easy 5 but we were served the vampire slayer by accident a little too much garlic but otherwise awesome 👌 well be back!!

Stacey Thompson

Updated... " someone at Besta Wan called me promptly after posting and I explained what happened. They refunded me for half of my order which I thought was fair. The size of the detroit isn't listed on the online order. It is 10 x 8 in. " Original Don't order the Detroit pizza. They ask you to order online. I thought I was ordering a large pizza split and it was tiny. Ridiculously tiny and ridiculously expensive. I was shocked and appalled. They should be more transparent on their website. I'm very upset. They should have given me my money back

Honest Reviews

Atmosphere-4 stars- I’m guessing this is popular with the locals. A staple in the community since 1965. It has changed ownership hands over the years but claims to keep the same food. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Music and the smell of pizza fills the air! Service- our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Checked on us several times. Food- 4 stars- we shared a large chopped salad filled with cheese, onions, chickpeas, salami and greens. We also had a large pepperoni and pepercinos. Thin crust and it was very good!! I would definitely recommend and hope to visit again.

Eric valdez

Bff found this gem while we were cycling down the road we went for the Detroit style pizza very good tasty would um been a easy 5 but we were served the vampire slayer by accident a little too much garlic but otherwise awesome 👌 well be back!!

It has been about 10 years since I last visited Besta Wan. I was disappointed by the reduced menu, but it's been a while. The atmosphere has changed a lot since I was a regular in the 2000s and it has lost some of its charm. The food we ordered was tasty. I ordered a BLT and added chicken, which was a delicious addition. My husband ordered a burger and wasn't disappointed. The fries were bomb too. Overall, I will visit again one day but I am sad that it no longer lives up to its nostalgia for me.

Ordered the Bacon Me Crazy tavern style pizza & it was very tasty. Our server seemed indifferent, but the outside seating was nice.

TerryLisa Moore

Ordered the Bacon Me Crazy tavern style pizza & it was very tasty. Our server seemed indifferent, but the outside seating was nice.

Christina Fragoso

It has been about 10 years since I last visited Besta Wan. I was disappointed by the reduced menu, but it's been a while. The atmosphere has changed a lot since I was a regular in the 2000s and it has lost some of its charm. The food we ordered was tasty. I ordered a BLT and added chicken, which was a delicious addition. My husband ordered a burger and wasn't disappointed. The fries were bomb too. Overall, I will visit again one day but I am sad that it no longer lives up to its nostalgia for me.

Edit: I appreciated the owner reaching out to me about my review. When a restaurant is a staple in the community, especially a place like this and you change it to something different, it doesn't mean its not good, but it does mean that its changed. It breaks my heart to write this, but I truly hope it helps the restaurant. I don’t know what’s changed at Besta Wan, but the food just isn’t what it used to be. We’ve been loyal customers for over 20 years, and the last few visits have felt… different. The remodel looks fantastic, but unfortunately the upgrades don’t make up for the shift in food quality. Their pizza used to be the best around, and now it just doesn’t have that same magic. I genuinely hope things improve because this place has meant a lot to our family for a long time.

Dawn Thompson

Edit: I appreciated the owner reaching out to me about my review. When a restaurant is a staple in the community, especially a place like this and you change it to something different, it doesn't mean its not good, but it does mean that its changed. It breaks my heart to write this, but I truly hope it helps the restaurant. I don’t know what’s changed at Besta Wan, but the food just isn’t what it used to be. We’ve been loyal customers for over 20 years, and the last few visits have felt… different. The remodel looks fantastic, but unfortunately the upgrades don’t make up for the shift in food quality. Their pizza used to be the best around, and now it just doesn’t have that same magic. I genuinely hope things improve because this place has meant a lot to our family for a long time.

Just picked up a to go order. Large Bear pizza and penne papa bolognese. The food is fine but $19 for this amount of pasta dish is insulting. Absolutely will try other Italian restaurant options here in Encinitas.

Asked for crispy , got burned ! Very disappointed I’m 90 years old and very unhappy Iris Gomez

Catherine L

Just picked up a to go order. Large Bear pizza and penne papa bolognese. The food is fine but $19 for this amount of pasta dish is insulting. Absolutely will try other Italian restaurant options here in Encinitas.

MARK GOMEZ

Asked for crispy , got burned ! Very disappointed I’m 90 years old and very unhappy Iris Gomez