Just before sunset, we drove up the California coast on scenic Highway 101 from San Diego to Encinitas to meet friends for dinner. Along the way my friend pointed out many great shopping and eating spots as well as amazing views of the Pacific. There are numerous spots along the way to stop and stroll the beach and view the spectacular sunset, which we were able to view from the car as we traveled north up the coast.

Once we reached Encinitas, we found parking on the street after driving around the block a couple of times and discovered our friends finishing a cheese plate and glass of wine at a local wine bar. We decided that we craved Italian food and walked three blocks to a place my friends Erin and Mike had tried before called Trattoria i Trulli.

At around 8 p.m. on a Friday night, our party of six had about a half hour wait, which didn’t seem bad at all. Reservations aren’t accepted on the weekends, so come early if you don’t want to wait. Upon entering you are greeted by...

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Just before sunset, we drove up the California coast on scenic Highway 101 from San Diego to Encinitas to meet friends for dinner. Along the way my friend pointed out many great shopping and eating spots as well as amazing views of the Pacific. There are numerous spots along the way to stop and stroll the beach and view the spectacular sunset, which we were able to view from the car as we traveled north up the coast.

Once we reached Encinitas, we found parking on the street after driving around the block a couple of times and discovered our friends finishing a cheese plate and glass of wine at a local wine bar. We decided that we craved Italian food and walked three blocks to a place my friends Erin and Mike had tried before called Trattoria i Trulli.

At around 8 p.m. on a Friday night, our party of six had about a half hour wait, which didn’t seem bad at all. Reservations aren’t accepted on the weekends, so come early if you don’t want to wait. Upon entering you are greeted by a wall of wine and a generally cheerful hostess. I found the Italian country décor done tastefully, with white and blue-checkered table cloths, sunny yellow walls, tile floors and Italian artwork on the walls.

Once we were seated, our waiter brought us warm fresh bread along with a spicy and extremely garlicky marinara sauce for dipping. We decided to keep the Italian theme for the evening and ordered a reasonably priced Chianti (less than $30) that was bold, rich and spicy and would complement our meals nicely.

All six of us chose from the extensive list of homemade pasta dishes. I enjoyed a hearty Orecchiete alla Barese – ear-shaped pasta with spicy Italian sausage, sautéed broccoli rabe, fresh tomatoes and salty pecorino cheese. My friends enjoyed a variety of pastas from traditional spaghetti and meatballs, which was easily a pound of pasta; classic lasagna with meat sauce and Penne Arrabbiate, which featured chicken in a spicy tomato sauce.

Too stuffed from dinner, we passed on dessert, but Trattoria i Trulli does boast homemade desserts including the Italian classics tiramisu and cannoli. Although the waiter was not always as attentive as we would have liked, all of our meals cost between $12 and $18, making this a great spot for an affordable and authentic Italian meal.

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