The casual neighborhood pizzeria marks the first public peek inside the highly anticipated project, which has been under construction since summer and teased by both partners for months. Located in the former Osteria Tavi space, Johnny Rad’z Pizza blends McGill’s deep North County roots with Rad’s irreverent hospitality style.
The space - remodeled by McTwistin’ Tile Company, a nod to McGill’s famed “McTwist” trick - channels vintage skate nostalgia with a laid-back local vibe. Early diners report a focused menu centered on naturally leavened sourdough pizzas, simple salads, and local craft brews served in a casual counter-service format.
The opening comes amid a broader wave of extreme-athlete-driven restaurants reshaping the coastal dining scene. Pro surfer Benji Weatherley launched Breakers Café earlier this year, reviving the spirit of Captain Keno’s, while fellow Bones Brigade legend Tony Hawk continues to test fans’ patience with Chick & Hawk - his long-delayed fried chicken project with chef Andrew Bachelier. Despite a recent friends-and-family night and promises of an imminent debut, Chick & Hawk remains closed, leaving Johnny Rad’z as the only new skate-backed concept actually serving food in Encinitas right now.
With McGill’s legacy, Rad’s following, and Encinitas’ enduring appetite for locally owned hangouts, Johnny Rad’z Pizza already feels like a natural extension of North County’s skate-surf DNA. A grand opening celebration is expected in the coming weeks.
Johnny Rad’z Pizza is hosting limited hours during its soft-launch mode at 828 North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, with a full opening planned for October 9. For updates, follow @johnnyradzpizza on Instagram.
The opening comes amid a broader wave of extreme-athlete-driven restaurants reshaping the coastal dining scene. Pro surfer Benji Weatherley launched Breakers Café earlier this year, reviving the spirit of Captain Keno’s, while fellow Bones Brigade legend Tony Hawk continues to test fans’ patience with Chick & Hawk - his long-delayed fried chicken project with chef Andrew Bachelier. Despite a recent friends-and-family night and promises of an imminent debut, Chick & Hawk remains closed, leaving Johnny Rad’z as the only new skate-backed concept actually serving food in Encinitas right now.
With McGill’s legacy, Rad’s following, and Encinitas’ enduring appetite for locally owned hangouts, Johnny Rad’z Pizza already feels like a natural extension of North County’s skate-surf DNA. A grand opening celebration is expected in the coming weeks.
Johnny Rad’z Pizza is hosting limited hours during its soft-launch mode at 828 North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, with a full opening planned for October 9. For updates, follow @johnnyradzpizza on Instagram.
Originally published on October 6, 2025.
