The North Italia and Cucina Enoteca are the same outposts as the Irvine branches. If you decide to go in either of these directions I would give the slight edge to North Italia. They do a good job with the pizza (my son likes the Pig) and the pastas are good. It’s not going to be Osteria Mozza level type stuff but I think it would be fine for a 25 person rehearsal dinner. In the same plaza is Harland Brewery in case you need some suds.
Market in Del Mar might be another option but more expensive/fancier than most of the options you listed. Not sure about the ability to entertain 25.
“Fine” is fine, lol. If we can get great food that would be a bonus, but at the moment we’re looking for someplace fun, casual with decent food and can accommodate that many people. I’ll check out your recs! Thanks @js76wisco!
I might give the nod to Cucina Enoteca rather than North Italia, but that’s just me.
Pamplemousse Grille, just down the street from Cucina Enoteca, might not be in your price range but it’s usually pretty reliable, as is the Pacific Grille.
I’d go either a little south to La Jolla or a little north to Encinitas where the options may be better. Carlsbad would probably be a stretch, especially with weekday drive-time traffic, but it also has some good option.
Thanks for all the suggestions! We chose Tamarindo in Del Mar. I tried to get Cucina Enoteca to give us our own space but they wouldn’t budge. So you can’t miss what you haven’t seen. Tamarindo totally hooked us up with our own space, no minimum, no fee, no added gratuity. This worked out much better for our needs - casual fun, table hopping and bonding with family & friends (new & old) before the big fancy day. Everyone loved the food.
Wow!!! What a beautiful couple. Muchas felicidades/Congratulations.
I’m so glad everything worked out. I liked Tamarindo in it’s original incarnation in North Park. I’m glad to see that their new Del Mar location is continuing the good vibes.
@DiningDiva Tamarindo made everything really easy.
Dad & I stopped off at Yanni’s B&G for a quiet afterparty nightcap before heading to the hotel. I’m not sure about the food but they have an impressive bar program and a swanky looking wine room. He loved his Old-fashioned.
Super Cocina in City Heights. Go at lunch given the neighborhood, but the folks who work there are friendly. The stews are my favorite, along with the carnitas.
It also depends where you are staying - it might be more convenient to pick Callie (and there are also more options for a nice late night snack and cocktail, e.g. Lion Share or Starlite)
As the only SD based contributor I think still on FTC, I’m sorry I can’t help out. Haven’t been to either but sincerely hope you have a nice experience wherever you end up.
I’ll check out your recs! Thanks 
