“Cesarina is our favorite place for a special meal. The patio ambiance is so relaxed and comfortable. The service is impeccable without being stuffy and the food is just amazing. Don't miss the tiramisu. Thanks Daniele for a great evening“
“This restaurant was so amazing. The ambiance was great, it feels like your in italy and the service was superb. The waiters and the owner were very kind and funny. The food was delicious and each serving is quite large. We ordered the fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, fettuccine with clams and pizza Margherita and everything was top notch. For dessert we had the limoncello cake and the pistachio and ricotta cake which were delicious. They gave out table shots of limoncello which concluded the night on a great note. Overall we loved this place and would totally recommend it and definitely and come back!“
“We had a reservation, we ordered an appetizer, pizza and salad, all came out at the same time quite quickly, and while they were very attentive to our table we felt like we were being kicked out around the 1 hour mark so it was not as relaxing or paced out as we typically prefer. Great bread, pesto and marinara! Good burrata and pizza for 2, would recommend!“
“Fantastic place to eat. Great service, cozy ambiance. Will definitely come again.Parking wasn't the greatest though so budget arrival time for your reservation accordingly.Parking: At least it's free parking after 1800. Still hard to find a parking spot though.“
“Visited this spot first night in San Diego, my girlfriend and I were seated right away on a Monday night. The ambience gives a modern vibe with chill and slow r&b/classy music. Our server checked in with us multiple times while another server made sure our cups were never empty or close to empty. Customer service A+. When I read the other reviews I expected the food to live up to the hype of the reviews people left, and the food did not disappoint one bit. Authentic Italian food is the perfect way to describe the food. The diavola pizza was spicy, cheese and tomato sauce was cooked perfect, crust and border was light and crisp, salame was tasteful, 10/10. For the calamari and shrimp, they were fried lightly and rated fresh. I would say the marinara different from most places, I don't really know how to describe it but I would prefer other marinaras at other Italian restaurants. For the penne cremosa, I enjoyed the penne pasta itself as it was not too flimsy or soft, instead the penne noodles were a little more rough. The white cream sauce was not over cooked, not too creamy, just right. However, there is a lot of mushroom in the dish so if you are not big on mushroom it will be a bit overwhelming lol. Not pictured which my girlfriend ordered was the tagliatelle with arrabbiata sauce. I'm not a big red sauce guy, but tasting her pasta I would order that myself. It had a little kick of spice in it and the flavor and seasoning in the sauce was just so appetizing. I would 100% come back to this restaurant and I 100% recommend this restaurant to any new comers and visitors like myself. They definitely deserve 5 stars for not only their authentic food but exceptional customer service.“
“The menu isnt extensive but has classic pasta and starter dishes. We started with the classica bruscetta and buschetta prosciutto & fichi, and the classica bruschetta was my favorite. The freshness of the tomatoes and flavor of the pesto was impeccable. We tried the cheese wheel pasta that comes with special pasta of the day (gnocchi with mushrooms and truffle) tossed in a cheese wheel and served in a pan. It was on the heavier, creamier and cheesier side and i would recommend it for those who are looking for a ooey gooey dish of pasta. Our server recommended the stuffed lobster and shrimp tortelli pasta. The sauce is creamy (but not as creamy as the cheese wheel pasta) and is made with tomatoes. The dish is topped with a big ball of burrata. We tried the espresso martini and cosmopolitan. The espresso martini had more of a strong coffee than bold liquor flavor, but the cosmopolitan was a little sweet and boozy. Overall, it was a solid meal and be prepared for a food coma afterwards. The interior is beautiful with wine bottles, paintings and pictures hanging on the wall. Street parking is the way to go. Our server was friendly, and the portions are generous for its price point.“
“Ciccia Osteria is a gem of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Barrio Logan. The chefs, Mario and Francesca, use recipes from Northern Italy and pair them with exquisite wines. They even bake their own panettone, a traditional Christmas cake. The restaurant has a cozy and charming atmosphere, with food made with love. However, parking can be tricky, so I recommend taking an Uber. They accept walk-ins, but make sure to dress warmly in winter, as they only have patio dining.The menu has a variety of dishes to suit every taste, but my personal favorite is the mushroom flan. It is creamy, savory, and simply delicious. I also enjoyed the milanese veal, which was tender and crispy. The smoky old-fashioned cocktail and the roccotta olive oil spread for the fresh bread were also amazing. And of course, I could not resist their lasagne, which was rich and satisfying.Ciccia Osteria is my new go-to place for Italian food in San Diego. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their dishes. If you are looking for a genuine and delightful Italian experience, you should definitely check it out.Ciccia Osteria has earned a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide. This means that it offers good quality and good value cooking, which is rare to find these days.Parking: Take an UberWheelchair accessibility: Ease first floor.“
“Nice fancy place! Surprisingly very fast service, only took a few minutes to get our food. The entire interior has a faint smell of truffles because truffle is an ingredient in some of the dishes, which makes the experience unique. Truffle can be added to ur dishes too. I also completely recommend the polenta“
“Came here for the first time to celebrate a friend birthday. We had the bottomless bubbles, which was a great deal, and really enjoyed the three juices. we also acute espresso martini and our friends drink. They actually wrote happy birthday. I had chili and I thought it was delicious. The weight staff was very friendly and the ambience was very clean and prestige. I will definitely be back..“
“Tavola Nostra Pizzeria e Cucina is a wonderful Italian restaurant with a focus on wood fired pizza. The menu features two different pizza styles with a combination of classic and modern toppings. You can even sit at the bar and watch the chefs bake each pizza in their wood fire oven.Aside from pizza you’ll find authentic pasta dishes, meatballs, fresh large-portioned salads, and some of the best calamari around (non-greasy nor over fried). And the wine selection includes wines from both Italy and California.“
“Went on a Saturday without a reservation was able to get seating pretty quick. The restaurant is in a peaceful location and the atmosphere is lively. They have a really vast menu so we took our server's recommendations, they were on point. Everything dish came together in adequate time and was hot. Everything tasted really good, the flavor was subtle and there wasn't any feeling of greasiness overpowering. I would recommended the neapolitan style pizzas.“
“Walked into a very clean and friendly environment. After we were sat geovani took very good care of us with recommendations and specials. The food was brought out quickly and tasted amazing. Our party tried multiple dishes such as the gnocchi, Pappardelle Al Sugo D'Agnello, chicken parmigiana and the halibut special. The chicken was moist, noodles cooked perfectly and the fish was amazing! Overall great experience and food!“
“Excellent food, service, atmosphere and wine. The Compton family Pinot Noir is very good. Their gluten free pasta was perfect and can be substituted with most pastas. But what impressed me the most was if it felt like I was being served by family. Like people who made the food and really cared about it. It was a great vibe, definitely will be back.“
“The Italian restaurant and the adjacent food store had an abundance of Italian food ingredients, and it was fun just looking around inside.There are many types of cheese and ham.There are several types of wineWhen you want to make Italian food at home, you can come here to buy ingredients and have fun shopping, and you can make authentic Italian food at home.I think it's also a good idea to come and buy cheese and ham to put on bread.“
“been staying in San Diego for work and this place has been my favorite place to eat since I got here, I usually get a spinach and feta calzone or any of the specialty pastas and the meal is always on point. I'm always leaving the place happy and “
“Took my husband here for his bday. There was a total of 4 people in my party & everyone loved their food. I deducted a star for atmosphere because we happened to get a table right by the bar entrance & people were whizzing behind us with plates & it seemed like at any moment someone was gonna get smacked in the back of the head with a plate. But other than that it was a great night.“
“Must try spot before you die. Kidding but seriously, the ravioli any type is my fav however genuinely never had anything but delicious meal wise here. Superb staff and always homey vibes. Wine selection is exquisite as well. Tiramisu is must too.Parking: It's Hillcrest plan on going at odd times on weekend for parking or circling a bit. I just Uber overall. Parking has been cut down in neighborhood significantly.“
“Me and my girlfriend had an amazing experience at Concepto Pizza. The sub I ordered was delicious – the flavors were just perfect. It’s not just food; it’s a taste experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a great meal. A must-try for sure!“
“Celebrated my birthday on Saturday and truly enjoyed everything about the experience. I ordered a special pasta from Italy with prawns which I hadn't seen on the menu before and was wonderful. The dish was messy because I got into those prawn shells to get every last bite and waiter provided fresh hot towels to clean me up. Love the eggplant appetizer and bread which I get every time. The restaurant gave me an exquisite dessert as a birthday surprise. A lovely meal and my companions enjoyed their meals as well.“
“We stopped in for lunch and we loved this place. The owner seated us and served us, so the service (and conversation) was outstanding. As nice and attentive as she was, the pizza was the star of the show. Some of the best crust and sauce we have had in San Diego and the cheese and toppings were high quality too. Top all that off with a fun, but still family vibe and a nice beer and wine selection, and you have yourself a winner. Find your way to Pacific Beach to enjoy this little gem - they’re doing things the right way here.“
“Came here the other night for dinner, and the overall experience and food was good.(+) Ambience - cute restaurant.(+) Service - very friendly, attentive.( ) Focaccia - I thought it was okay, but I think the outside could have been a bit more crispy.(+) Porcini and sausage - My favorite pasta of the night, really good flavor. The only issue I had is I think they need to cook the pasta a bit more overall. All of the pastas tasted gummy and still quite doughy.( ) Roman carbonara - It was really interesting eating carbonara with rigatoni pasta. Not necessarily complaining, just an interesting observation. Flavor was good, it was very eggy, but again, the pasta was so doughy and I think needed more time.(+) Short rib ravioli - This was delicious. No notes! Great flavor, short rib was tender, pasta was actually cooked enough.( ) Tiramsu - Tiramisu was just okay, it came in a roll not in a slice, and it was fine. Nothing too standout.Would definitely come here again and try out some other stuff.“
“We were lucky to find a parking spot around 6pm and went right in for a take out! There was a line but it moved quickly especially if you are just ordering to go, you can go straight in to order. The menu is very simple which we really liked! We got the red sauce in spaghetti with meat and the pizza with everything on them. We also got the cannoli for dessert (my favorite!) the pasta was incredible! Super tasty and the sauce was spot on. The pizza’s dough was a bit thick for my liking but the flavor is really great! When we left with our order, the line just got more intense so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you’re planning to go for dinner :)“
“Terry and his wife are amazing. This place is delish. We had the prosciutto and arugula pizza and the burrata appetizer. Both were delicious. At the end of the mealnthey give you these warmed chocolate chip cookies with sea salt! Good prices and a good drink list.“
“I have eaten at hundreds of restaurants in San Diego and not even once have I met someone as professional as Drew.He was attentive and took his time with our party. More than that, he was absolutely hilarious yet in the most professional way. I am really so impressed with the restaurant that they are able to find this type of talent.Drew is an amazing guy and we will definitely be visiting again when he is working there. Sincerely, the best waiter I have ever had. I wish I had more words to describe him.Thanks North Italia“
“Let’s be honest. There’s a LOT of places in San Diego to get Italian food. But Alexander’s is the best.I don’t make the rules. But I’ll explain why.Alexander’s consistently has very tasty dishes (and, admittedly, we’ve eaten here way too many times and have tried a lot of them).The service is always great. Whoever is the hiring manager here, clearly has a magic touch. Every member of staff here is personable, approachable, efficient, and great at what they do.And the vibe here, is really just perfect. We enjoy the back patio most. It’s elegant but not so over the top—and honestly, in a city where every place is trying to be a flashy, in your face “aesthetic,” Alexanders just delivers a beautiful tasteful atmosphere that can honestly handle anything.Need a place to take a date? It’s a great spot for that. Taking a client to dinner? Also great for that. Maybe you’re just wanting to enjoy a nice meal with friends and you want to eat someplace nice but not feel obligated to bust out the formal shoes. Alexanders. Perfect.We’ve been here so many times, the food and service is always consistently great. The selection of movies they have playing in black and white is also a favorite added touch. We absolutely adore this place.And everyone we’ve ever brought here has too.“
“We found Cucina Caprese after wanting to find a restaurant in San Diego that wasn’t another Mexican food tourist trap. I am SO glad that we did.It is clear that the owner is intimately involved with the food that is served here. Ingredients are fresh, menu is easy to understand, and although there was not a kids specific menu, we were able to find some great options that both of our kids enjoyed.The Gnocchi al Pesto was probably the best gnocchi I’ve had in my entire life, and the prosciutto burrata was flavorful and absolutely delicious.We were able to walk right in and be seated immediately. Staff were all extremely friendly and attentive. Be prepared to wait a little bit for your food to arrive…I mention this not because it negatively impacted our experience, but because authentic, FRESH Italian food is made to order, takes time, and may not be expected by those of us used to an Americanized take on authentic Italian. I can’t wait for another trip to San Diego so that I can come back.Don’t hesitate…give this place a try!!Kid-friendliness: No kids menu, but plenty of great options that our 7 & 10 year olds enjoyed!“
“We stop in every time we’re in San Diego. Love, love their pasta & meatballs!They have a collection of Chicago memorabilia and an assortment of IL license plates on the wall. They were kind enough to add this plate that belonged to our son. Very special for us. ♥️“
“We had the privilege of being served by Jordan and he was fabulous. Jordan recommended the Chicken Valdestano and it was perfect. My wife had the Mediterranean salad with a Super Tuscan wine. We finished with the lava cake and it was superb. This is a great Italian restaurant in IB that you don't want to miss!!“
“I recommend!! Definitely a hidden gem! ?The food and service were great! Our server Sam was very attentive and kind.We got the Gnocchi Urbino which is gnocchi with white sauce, sausage, mushroom in a thick bread bowl. It was delicious and flavorful !! Rosemary was a nice touch. Perfect for sharing ?We also got the wings for happy hour and they were soooo yummy!Love the concept and unique combinations :)“
“10/10 place. Sophie at the front was so kind and helpful. We had a 10 minute wait and spent the time asking her what we should order She recommended the salsiccia or bolognese, and the bruschetta. My boyfriend and I ended up getting a bottle of the Chianti Castiglione, bruschetta, salsiccia, and the short rib tortilini. Best bruschetta I have ever had. The burrata was such a nice addition! You have to get this!!! The salsiccia was extremely creamy and I got it with pappardelle pasta. If you get this, make sure you're hungry because it won't reheat the same. The short rib was so rich and buttery. Our waiter was tony who was great :) Definitely come for date night, the lights were so cute outside! We'll be back!“
“Many have enjoyed the pasta, pizza and salad at Buona Forchetta. My review is on their brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. It’s not well known that they are offering one of the best brunches in Coronado. We had the Eggs Benedict and it was delicious with one of the best hollandaise sauces I’ve ever had. The homemade English muffin and all of the ingredients were top notch. The restaurant was empty on a Friday morning so I think it’s time that the word got out that just a short walk from Orange Avenue, there is an outstanding brunch with a varied innovative menu! We very much enjoyed it!“
“Nothing beats Sisters….Quality ingredients, skillfully made by downright wonderful people.They now make the best take-home frozen pizza I’ve ever had. Delicious and not packed with preservatives. A new staple in my freezer for the days when it starts raining in San Diego, which is every day now. lol.The killer cob salad it amazing but really the whole menu is stellar. Wouldn’t be surprised if they get a Michelin mention someday.You guys rock!“
“The food here is pretty good, especially for the price. I will definitely be returning for work lunches. The place is a little run down, but I do like the vintage look, and I am guessing this helps with how cheap their food is. I recommend giving it a try.“
“Solare ruined arancini for me, and I say that in the best way possible. We went there (for the first time) for restaurant week. The polenta appetizer was amazing, and the pork osso buco was phenomenal, but seriously those little fried rice balls were the best I've ever had. I really cannot recommend this restaurant enough.“
“The atmosphere of Buon Appetito is typical of the area (Little Italy). There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but it doesn’t set itself apart from the rest of the restaurants in the area. The same thing cannot be said about their food. They are relatively reasonably priced (compared to the other restaurants in the area) and their food was fantastic. I ordered the cannelloni, which was fantastic and the portions were decent. Their specials menu also contains some things that look great, but will not review as I’ve not had them. Unfortunately, most of the menus for the restaurants in this area all blur at some point…there’s very little to differentiate between them. That said this one has a few items that help it stand out from the herd.“
“Dining at this Italian gem was a delight, highlighted by Frederico's impeccable service. The cheese wheel experience, where rigatoni met creamy perfection, was unforgettable. Each recommendation from Frederico enhanced our meal, making our date night not just about the food but the memory created. It's a place where culinary art and warmth meet.“
“Food is AMAZING!! Best gnocchi, it is pillowy and soft! Melts in your mouth. I had mine paired with the sausage cream and carmelized onion sauce! My husband had the special lamb with polenta and that was just as superb! The service was great, warm, friendly and informative. The prices are extremely reasonable for the cuisine. 1-Appetizer, 2-alcoholic drinks, 2 entrees and sparkling water for only $85!! You won't be dissapointrd!“
Italian • $
“Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen continues to impress with their terrific pizzas, pastas, salads, and paninis. I've returned several times since 2021 and have had several different items, including a most recent Pistachio Burrata Pizza with imported prosciutto and a garnish of chopped pistachios and arugula.The pizza's crust is fantastic and offers great texture and flavor. The milky mozzarella cheese with the prosciutto is bliss. I liked that they were not heavy-handed on the balsamic but drizzled just enough to bring the pizza together nicely.On a previous date, I had the gnocchi Verona with pesto, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. If you like gnocchi and pesto, this one is a winner. New on their menu for spring is the vegetable calzone filled with fresh crisp vegetables and harvest pear salad. They are both wonderful.A while back, I had the Prime Steak Panini with a delicious and juicy prime flat iron steak. The panini comes with "Prime steak, pesto, banana peppers, provolone cheese, pickled cucumber and arugula" (Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen, 2024). This panini is a must if you like steak and paninis. It's a winner!One thing I love about Pesto Craft Kitchen is that every time I return, they seem to be elevated their food to new heights.“
“Second visit - glad we went back! Just as great as the first visit. Had a wonderful time last night during restaurant week. Excellent option!s! We chose the restaurant week menu - one veal, and upgraded one meal to try the seafood special - sea bass. Delicious. Rice ball appetizers and meatballs. The almond tort for dessert was amazing. Service was excellent even though restaurant was full. Food timing perfect and servers were friendly and fun.“
“Traveling from out of state and found this lovely small owned restaurant. Wonderful customer service, good is all cooked fresh and it’s such a welcoming environment! Definitely recommendParking: Lots of parking spots!Kid-friendliness: Has a highchair, very interactive with them“
“Waiter Saini was AWESOME. great outdoor and indoor sitting. He even went over the bill with us (a first for me). Coming back Tuesday when my buddy’s son/granddaughter visit. Do look at menu, in range for this level of place.Ask for Saini, he works everyday except TuesdayFood was greatItalian beer, haven’t had since I was in Italy with USAF.“
“Lucca's Pizzeria and Market is a culinary gem! I recently savored their Margarita pizza, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, meatball calzone, Lucca's special pizza, and desserts – each dish was a masterpiece. From the tangy Margarita pizza to the comforting lasagna, every bite was a delight. The service was impeccable, and the staff went above and beyond. Lucca's is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine. Highly recommended!“
“We came here once on a recommendation, and then we’ve been back two more times in just a few weeks we’ve brought other people there, who also had a great experience, and went back the very next day. I definitely recommend it to anyone and they have a phenomenal happy hour. Make sure to ask for the garlic knots. They are complementary but you have to know to ask!!“
“Love coming here on an evening after work. A great place to have a killer cocktail or glass of wine. The place is so classy and when it is packed on a weekend brunch it is lively and fun! I’m always helped by Roberto the manager who is here to make sure the evening is smooth and comfortable. I came for dinner once with my partner during restaurant week and the food was gorgeous. I recommend!“
“Tried this restaurant out for the first time to celebrate a friends birthday. The staff did a nice job at accommodating our large group of 12. The food and drinks were all brought out pretty quickly and regularly. The food was good but not as outstanding as I was expecting. I was also a bit shocked at the prices for their dishes. I think they charge a little too much for the quality they are serving. The portions are rather large and they also provide complimentary garlic bread (hamburger buns) before your meal. The front half of the restaurant where you first walk in felt much more cozy than the back half which is newer I'm assuming. The back area was also a bit chilly compared to the front. Random note: the women's restroom had the heater on what seemed to be full-blast and it was probably 85 degrees in there. Way too hot and uncomfortable. Hopefully it was just broken that night and has been corrected.“
“Great food, great people, great restaurant. Here is the best Italian food and vibe you can get in San Diego County. I recommend this place to anyone who will listen. This might be the only true New York/New Jersey-esque Italian restaurant in Southern California. It's the kind of place you want your Italian restaurant to be. It's the kind of place you'll feel glad to bring a first date, or your grandma, or a friend from out of town.Pietro's even catered my rehearsal dinner and it was a real hit. Can't recommend this place higher!“
“I recently visited Little Italy Pizzeria with some friends, and I must say, it was an absolute delight! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm atmosphere and the aroma of freshly baked pizza.The menu offered a wide variety of options of pizzas and pastas. We decided to go for a combination of both, and we were not disappointed. The pizza crust was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of toppings and cheese. You could tell that they used fresh, high-quality produce, which really elevated the flavors of the pizza. Plus, the portion sizes were generous!!!The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The overall ambiance of the pizzeria was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a delicious meal.Overall, I highly recommend Little Italy to anyone looking for a great pizza experience. I can't wait to go back and try more of their mouthwatering food!Trust me, you won't be disappointed.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free pizza available“
“April 16, 2024/ TuesdayI went to Bambinos on Federal blvd. The owner of the place arrived 15 minutes before it opens. He was a nice young man. He took my order . He was very friendly, service with a smile. My co-workers recommended this place. They said the food was excellent and owners were nice. The prices were great. They had alot combo specials. I got my order which was ready pretty quick. I took my order to work. The Philly Steak combo which comes with a huge sandwich ,French fries,salad and a can soda was really good. The price was great about $13,00 tax included. It was like home cooking. I would recommend Bambinos to everyone!!!! ?❤️❤️❤️❤️.Sandra“
“My wife and I have been here 6 times. It’s our favorite place in SD. Great atmosphere. Great service. Terrific food.I’ve had the ribeye 4 times, it’s always consistently perfect. I would happily pay $30 more than what they charge for the ribeye.The spicy rigatoni is phenomenal. The branzino is outstanding.We usually get out for around $220ish with drinks, apps and entrees and each time I feel like it’s still greet value. It’s just that good!“
“Pizza is gooey greasy and so delicious!! Been coming here for years and it's always yummy. Same cook in there usually as well. Their Prices went up very recently and the ONLY thing that has kept me away lately is the fact that I saw a mortuary next door- I thought about water source and haven't been back since“