🍝 Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana
Italian restaurant in Downtown Pismo
✓ Verified Information • Last Updated January 2026 • 4.5★ Across Platforms
📌 At a Glance
🍽️ Restaurant Overview
Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana in Downtown Pismo draws locals who don’t need a menu. Walk in and the lighting sits between cozy and functional, tables fill with repeat faces, the kitchen sends out familiar smells. Chatter runs steady, punctuated by the occasional cheer when the game tilts.
Southern Italian family cooking comes alive through wood-fired pizzas, hand-rolled pastas, and farm-fresh seasonal dishes that have defined local Italian dining since 1988. Portions don’t apologize. The kitchen doesn’t chase trends.
Weeknights at 5:30, families claim booths—kids armed with crayons, parents ordering beers before the food arrives. Friday and Saturday after 6pm, the energy shifts: bar stools fill with regulars watching the game, waitlists stretch to 20 minutes, conversation volume climbs with every pitcher.
The place works for families who don’t want to whisper, weeknight regulars, anyone chasing comfort over fuss. On Price Street in downtown Pismo Beach, a short walk from the pier and local shops. No reservations—first-come seating, Friday waits run 15-25 minutes after 6pm.
Perfect for: families, date nights
🪑 Dining Options & Pricing
| Meal Type | Avg. Price/Person | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch (Dine-In) | $14-$21 | 45-60 min | Fastest service, lighter crowds, lower price point |
| Dinner (Dine-In) | $23-$28 | 60-90 min | 20–30 min waits Fri/Sat after 6pm; arrive by 5:30pm to skip lines |
| Takeout/To-Go | $16-$23 | 15-20 min | 15–20 min prep time, call ahead to skip wait |
| Private Events/Catering | Quote-based | Contact | Call for quote and availability |
Reservations Recommended: Especially for dinner and weekends. Call (805) 773-2870.
🌮 Must-Try Menu Highlights
{{#if restaurant.portion_warning}}Portions satisfy even big appetites
🕐 Hours, Location & Access
📍 Address
891 Price St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Found in Downtown Pismo, 6 min walk
🅿️ Parking
Street parking in Downtown Pismo.
Operating Hours
| Hours | Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun extended hours |
Accessibility & Amenities
♿ ADA Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Kids menu available. High chairs provided.
🍽️ Dietary Options
Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.
🍷 Full Bar
Wine and beer available.
💡 Tips for the Best Experience
⏰ Timing Strategy
Fridays fill by 6:15pm — add your name, then grab a pint at the bar while you wait. Waitlists run 15-25 minutes. Weekday dinners seat immediately most nights.
🅿️ Parking
Street parking on Dolliver and nearby blocks. Bring quarters for meters (2-hour limit). Public lot at Pomeroy/Hinds is a 3-minute walk.
🍕 Sharing Strategy
Pizzas feed 2-3 easily. Start with one, add another if the table’s still hungry. Apps are built for splitting—calamari, wings, nachos all come family-style.
👨👩👧 Family Seating
Request booth seating for families—more space for kids, easier to corral crayons and sippy cups. High chairs available, just ask the host.
👶 With Kids
Kids menu keeps it simple: chicken tenders, grilled cheese, burgers. Crayons at the table. Casual noise level means nobody side-eyes a toddler meltdown.
🌊 Combo Move
Walk to the pier (5 min) before dinner for sunset, then head back for food. Or reverse it: eat first, stroll after to walk it off.
Getting There
The address is 891 Price St. Street parking is available throughout Downtown Pismo. Walk to Pismo Beach Pier (5 minutes) for sunset views, or explore the nearby shops along Pomeroy Avenue.
{{/if}}What Diners Are Saying
Visitors love the authentic Italian cuisine and warm, family-run atmosphere. The homemade pasta, generous portions, and friendly service consistently earn praise from guests.
Top Review Mentions
💡 Local’s Tip
The homemade pasta specials (written on boards) are where Giuseppe shines—they’re fresher and more creative than the printed menu. Book the 5:30pm seating on weekends to avoid waits, and request corner booths for a quieter, more intimate experience.