Frequently Asked Questions

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen combines authentic Italian family recipes with a fresh, healthy approach to modern Italian dining. As a fast-casual restaurant in Mission Valley, we serve handcrafted Sicilian-style pizzas, fresh pastas, crisp salads, paninis, and house-made sauces using high-quality ingredients prepared fresh every day.

We're committed to food you can feel good about eating. That means no seed oils, no added MSG, no high-fructose corn syrup, and a focus on fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and wholesome ingredients whenever possible. Whether you're dining in, picking up takeout, ordering delivery, or catering a special event, our goal is simple: serve delicious Italian food that's made with care, served quickly, and leaves you feeling satisfied—not weighed down.

At Pesto, we believe great Italian food should be fresh, flavorful, convenient, and something you can confidently share with your family.

Yes. We believe Italian food should be both delicious and something you can feel good about eating. We prepare our food using high-quality ingredients with no seed oils, no added MSG, and no high-fructose corn syrup. Our menu also features fresh vegetables, quality proteins, gluten-free options, vegetarian dishes, and vegan choices, making it easy to enjoy Italian food that fits a variety of lifestyles.

Pesto specializes in traditional Italian favorites with a focus on Sicilian-inspired pizza, fresh pasta, paninis, salads, and classic Italian comfort food. We also emphasize fresh, wholesome ingredients and lighter options for guests looking for healthier Italian dining without sacrificing flavor.

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is conveniently located in Mission Valley, San Diego, making it an ideal dining destination for residents, visitors, shoppers, and professionals. We are just minutes from Snapdragon Stadium, Hotel Circle, Fashion Valley, and downtown San Diego.

Yes. Pesto welcomes families of all sizes and offers a comfortable atmosphere, kid-friendly menu options, spacious seating, and shareable pizzas that make dining together easy.

Yes. Guests can order online for pickup or delivery through our website. Our menu is available for individual meals, family dinners, and catering orders.

Our pizzas are handcrafted using fresh dough, premium cheeses, high-quality meats, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces. We focus on balancing authentic Italian flavors with fresh ingredients to create pizzas that are both traditional and uniquely Pesto. 

We also use high-quality ingredients without seed oils or added MSG, allowing the natural flavors of our fresh ingredients to shine.

Customer favorites include our classic Margherita, Carne for meat lovers, New York Classico, Farmstand for veggie fans, and Prosciutto with Burrata. We also offer calzones, seasonal chef-inspired creations, and gluten-free crust.

Yes. We offer gluten-free pizza crust and several gluten-free menu options, including salads and select pasta dishes. While we take great care during preparation, our kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so cross-contact is possible.

Our signature pasta dishes include Pestofredo, hearty Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti with Giant Meatball, and other Italian classics. Every dish is prepared fresh using traditional recipes and quality ingredients.

Yes. Many of our signature sauces—including marinara, our famous pesto, and bolognese—are prepared using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients to deliver authentic Italian flavor.

Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 2 PM–5 PM, featuring discounted appetizers, beer, and wine. Visit our Happy Hour page for current offerings and availability.

We offer menu options for guests looking for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lighter Italian meals. Our team is also happy to recommend dishes based on your dietary preferences whenever possible.

No. At Pesto, we are committed to using high-quality ingredients and do not cook with industrial seed oils. We believe simple, wholesome ingredients create better flavor and food you can feel good about enjoying.

No. We do not add MSG or high-fructose corn syrup to our recipes. Our focus is on fresh ingredients, traditional Italian recipes, and quality you can taste in every meal.

Yes. We offer a variety of vegetarian pizzas, salads, pasta dishes, appetizers, and paninis. Many menu items can also be customized to meet your preferences.

Yes. We offer select vegan-friendly menu items and can accommodate many requests with advance notice. Try our Impossible Vegan Pasta made with gluten-free lentil pasta and an Impossible Meatball.

Yes. Please notify our team when ordering if anyone in your party has food allergies. We'll do our best to recommend suitable menu options and prepare your order accordingly.

You can order catering from Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen directly through our online ordering system on the catering page.

For online catering orders, please place your order at least 24 hours in advance. If you need same-day service or have an after-hours request, call (619) 679-9030 and we'll do our best to accommodate your event.

Our minimum food order for delivery is $200 before tax. Orders below this amount may still be available for pickup, and delivery may be possible for an additional fee depending on location.

No. We provide complimentary delivery within our standard catering service area, which includes locations within approximately 15 miles of Mission Valley. Deliveries outside this area may require additional arrangements.

When ordering online, use the Special Requests field for menu modifications and the Delivery Instructions field during checkout. After placing your order, you can also call (619) 679-9030 with your confirmation number to update your order.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Online catering orders require payment at the time the order is placed.

Yes. You'll receive an automated email confirmation and receipt after placing your catering order, followed by a final receipt once your order has been completed.

Absolutely. We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free catering options with advance notice. We also prepare catering for guests seeking healthier Italian options made with fresh ingredients and can help recommend menu combinations that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

If your event includes food allergies or special dietary requests, please call (619) 679-9030 so our Catering Specialists can recommend the best menu options.

Yes. During online checkout, simply select Tableware to include plates, utensils, napkins, and serving items with your catering order.

We cater corporate meetings, office lunches, conferences, rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, birthdays, holiday parties, school events, nonprofit events, and family celebrations throughout the San Diego area.