After really enjoying the Oxtail Meatballs at Romanella, the Missus was wondering how they would compare to Her previous favorite at Tribute. It had been a while since we’d visited, though we had even tried at the 4pm opening times, there always seemed to be a line. The place has a dog friendly patio, so we thought we’d just roll the dice and arrived at 420 on a Sunday. And guess what, we got a small table on the patio!
So JJ had a place to hang while we ate.
We were really here so the Missus could have those meatballs and our lunch had been pretty substantial, so we went with a lighter meal.
Starting with the House Pickles ($9).
We really enjoyed the varied texture and each tasted different. The cauliflower pickled with beet juice was the Missus’s favorite as it also had a hint of sweetness to go with the acidic-sour. I liked the little mushrooms….there were only two tiny ones, but there’s a savory-earthiness and a wonderful meaty texture to go with the sourness.
Of course we had to get the Focaccia ($8) with ‘Nduja ($5).
Loved the texture of the bread, the mild yeastiness, the crisp crust. The ‘Nduja seems to have changed over the years. It’s less red these days, much denser and less spreadable. Lacking in the salumi like savory tones, though much more spicy. I think we’ll just go with the Foccacia the next time as it’s just fine with the butter and the olive oil-balsamic. The leftovers toasted up quite nicely as well.
And then of course, the Meatballs (3-$21). Yes, we’re in time where 3 meatballs go for over twenty bucks!
This came with more of the wonderful focaccia. The Missus thought the meatballs were ok; not as beefy or tender as the version at Romanella! Whoa…. We also preferred the days when there were actual pieces of roasted peppers and onions in the sauce. The root vegetable marinara also lacked the acidity that it used to have.
Service was fine and our food didn’t take very long, especially for how busy the place was. Of course we didn’t order any pizza though. The outdoor area is small, so things are kind of cramped. I think we’ll just go with some Focaccia and a pizza the next time we return.
Tribute Pizza
3077 North Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
pricey but at least it is tasty:)
Yes, it was good Kat!
Nice! Last time we couldn’t even get a table and there was a two hour waiting list
Yes, they were quite busy Franklin!
We used to love Tribute but haven’t been since maybe 2018! We’ve tried twice. Once we were told three hour wait for take out pizza and once we were told they couldn’t seat us before they closed for the night. That was at maybe 7:45 pm. Glad they are popular and doing well though. We went to Romescu for the first time this weekend. Bet you haven’t been there in forever!
I’ve heard that about Tribute RD! Man, Romescu……it’s been over 10 years!
Our favorite pizza spot! The Silverton chop is a must!
Yes, they are good James! I actually make a similar radicchio chopped salad at home. Love that focaccia!