Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
Planning dinner, a date night or a private party at our Roman trattoria in Chula Vista? Find quick answers below, or tap a topic to jump straight to it. Can’t find what you need? Call (619) 207-0191 or send us a message.
General Questions & Visiting Us
Everything you need to know before your first visit to our Roman trattoria in downtown Chula Vista.
Where is Acqua e Farina located?
We are at 330 F St, Unit B, Chula Vista, CA 91910, in downtown Chula Vista just off Third Avenue. We welcome guests from across the South Bay, including Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Bonita and National City. See our contact page for directions or our service areas.
Is there parking near the restaurant?
Yes. There is free street parking along F Street and Third Avenue, plus nearby free and paid public lots and a parking garage within a short walk. On busy Friday and Saturday nights we recommend arriving a few minutes early.
What kind of restaurant is Acqua e Farina?
Acqua e Farina is an authentic Roman-style Italian trattoria led by Chef Alberto Morreale. We make our pasta by hand every day in a kitchen you can watch through our pasta-making window, and we serve Roman-style pizza, classic secondi and craft cocktails. Learn more about us or read Chef Alberto’s story from Rome to Chula Vista.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code. Most guests dress smart casual, and you are welcome to dress up for a date night or celebration.
Is Acqua e Farina family- and kid-friendly?
Yes. Families are always welcome. We have high chairs and changing tables, and our servers are happy to suggest simple pasta and pizza options for younger guests.
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We have a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, restroom and parking.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as cash. Please note that a 3% surcharge is added to all credit card transactions.
Do you serve brunch or lunch?
Acqua e Farina is a dinner restaurant, open nightly from 4 PM. If you are looking for brunch at the same address, our neighbor Farmer’s Table serves brunch until 2:30 PM.
Reservations & Hours
Plan your visit: our hours, holiday schedule and the easiest ways to book a table.
What are your hours?
We are open for dinner every day. Sunday through Thursday we are open from 4 PM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM. Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Are you open on holidays?
Yes. We keep our regular hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and we often offer special holiday menus. Check our holiday parties page for seasonal menus, and call ahead for holiday-specific hours.
How do I make a reservation?
You can book online any time on our reservations page or call us at (619) 207-0191. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings and for Date Night Thursday.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes, walk-ins are always welcome and we seat them as tables become available. To guarantee a table, especially on weekends, we recommend booking ahead.
Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes. For parties of 8 or more, please call us at (619) 207-0191 so we can prepare your table. For bigger celebrations, see our private events options.
Do you offer takeout?
Yes, most of our menu is available for takeout. Call (619) 207-0191 to place an order for pickup.
Menu, Pasta & Dietary Needs
Our menu is built around handmade pasta, Roman-style pizza and seasonal Italian ingredients.
Is your pasta really made in-house?
Yes. Our pasta is made by hand in-house every day, and you can watch the process through our pasta-making window. Read more about our handcrafted pasta or browse the full menu.
What dishes should I try on my first visit?
Guests love the tableside cheese wheel pasta, the cacio e pepe, our spaghetti carbonara made with guanciale, beef-cheek pappardelle and the Roman-style pizzas. For two, the 32 oz Bistecca Fiorentina is served on a hot lava stone.
Do you have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. We offer several vegetarian dishes, including pastas, salads and pizzas, as well as vegan options. Ask your server and the kitchen will guide you.
Do you have gluten-free options?
Please let your server know about any gluten sensitivity. Our kitchen will suggest suitable dishes and adapt where possible. Because we make fresh pasta and pizza dough in-house, we cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Yes, we do our best. Tell your server about any allergies when you order so the kitchen can take care of your meal.
Do you serve cocktails and wine?
Yes. We have a full bar with signature cocktails like the Tiramisu Martini and Limoncello Martini, sangrias, beer and an Italian-focused wine list. New to Italian wine? Start with our wine pairing guide for pasta.
Tableside Cheese Wheel Pasta
Our most-photographed dish, finished at your table in a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano wheel.
What is cheese wheel pasta?
Our Chef’s Pasta Special is tossed tableside inside a 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, so the hot pasta melts the cheese into a rich, creamy sauce right in front of you. See how it is made.
Do I need to reserve the cheese wheel pasta in advance?
No advance order is needed. Just ask your server when you sit down. On busy nights we recommend making a reservation.
Is the cheese wheel pasta good for celebrations?
Absolutely. It is a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries and date nights. Planning a special occasion? See birthday dinners at Acqua e Farina.
Happy Hour, Pasta Wednesday & Date Night Thursday
Our weekly specials bring the same handmade Roman cooking at a great value.
When is happy hour?
Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM, at the bar and on the patio only. See the happy hour menu.
What is on the happy hour menu?
Enjoy $5 house red and white wine, sangria and selected beers, plus $5 off any antipasti and $5 off any pizza. Read why guests call it the best happy hour in Chula Vista.
What is Pasta Wednesday?
Every Wednesday, choose any of our handmade pastas and pair it with your favorite sauce for $15.95, then add a protein if you like. View the $15.95 Pasta Wednesday menu or read more about Pasta Wednesday.
What is Date Night Thursday?
Date Night Thursday is a $65 per couple menu with one appetizer to share, two entrees and a dessert to share. Add a bottle of house red or white wine for $20. See the Date Night Thursday menu and our guide to date night in Chula Vista.
Do I need a reservation for the weekly specials?
Happy hour is walk-in friendly at the bar and patio. For Date Night Thursday and busy Wednesdays, we recommend booking a table.
Private Events & Holiday Parties
From birthdays to corporate dinners, our team will build a menu and space around your celebration.
Do you host private events?
Yes. We host private events in our banquet room, dining room and spacious outdoor patio. Visit our private events page to get started.
What types of events can I host at Acqua e Farina?
We host birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, anniversaries, graduations and corporate dinners.
Is there a banquet menu for events?
Yes. We offer a dedicated banquet menu, and Chef Alberto’s team can personalize it for your group. See the banquet menu on our private events page.
How many guests can you accommodate?
We can host everything from intimate dinners to large parties. Contact our events team with your date and guest count and we will recommend the best space for your group.
Do you host holiday parties?
Yes. We host company and family holiday parties throughout the season and we are open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. December dates book quickly, so reach out early. See our holiday parties page.
How do I book a private event?
Fill out the form on our private events page, email events@alba-restaurantgroup.com or call (619) 207-0191. Our events team will follow up to plan the details.
Still Have a Question?
Our team is happy to help. Call us at (619) 207-0191, email events@alba-restaurantgroup.com, or book your table online.
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