50 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego

“My wife and I eat at Ciccia’s regularly but this is our first review after 4 years. Sorry Francesca and Mario! (In my defense I practically never ever write a review.) We keep coming back for the food, ambiance and hospitality. **We’ve gone 3 times in the last week! The crab gnocchi is my wife’s favorite. I get something different almost every time. Every visit I ask Mario about the specials as I like to sample the beef and/or fish (Branzino!) they prepare in addition to pasta. Try the Tomahawk steak if it’s a special that day (call ahead) and you will be amazed. Too many times we fill up on appetizers like mushroom flan, breaded zucchini, calamari, antipasto, and the choices go on! But that’s what to-go containers are for. So much good food to eat at Ciccias we tend to order too many things. It is simply fun to dine there. Once you’re inside the restaurant area (patio area or indoor area) the ambiance is quaint and cozy. Ciccia’s is not big and it’s always filled, but we never feel like it’s too crowded. The energy is always fun and upbeat. Which makes people stay awhile, so let me recommend getting reservations. We’ve had to wait 10-15 minutes but nothing’s perfect! If you want a breezy quick dinner before going off to an event you may want to go to Ciccia’s on another night. Hospitality is what you would expect of a small Italian restaurant run by the owners. Terrific!! If it’s your first time, read their story on the website before you go. They are bona fide top chefs who followed their dreams to open their own place. What a gem it is tucked inside Barrio Logan. One thing regulars may notice is that staff doesn’t appear to turn over much as I’ve seen the same faces working there for years. I think that reflects well on the restaurant. I don’t take pictures of food very often but last night I did. We stopped by at around 9 just to get dessert and a cocktail. My wife had the ricotta cake with apricot and habanero sauce (wow!) and I had cassata siciliana which is traditional cake from Sicily. Pretty to look at and yes, it’s delicious. They do a good job with making an Old Fashioned, which always pairs well with dessert 😜 Buon appetito!“

“If you are looking for a true Italian experience in San Diego, look no further than Vinarius! We worked with Giuseppe (owner) to host our wedding celebration here back in March, 2023. From the beginning, he was amazing to work with. Incredibly positive and accommodating from the start, we couldn’t have asked for more. The wedding ceremony was planned to be outside and of course, it rained that day. Guiseppe and his staff went above and beyond to accommodate us, allowed us to have the small ceremony inside the restaurant on short notice and made an incredible meal to follow. Our guests were blown away and we couldn’t have been happier. We recommend Vinarius to everyone we know and that is thanks to Giuseppe and his awesome staff. Grazie mille!“

“I am delighted with my experience at this Italian restaurant! From the moment I walked in, I was transported to Italy with a warm ambiance and friendly staff. The food was extraordinary; each dish burst with authentic flavors that joyfully made my taste buds sing. The attention to detail in every plate was evident, showcasing the chef's expertise and dedication to traditional Italian cuisine. The pasta was cooked to perfection, sauces were rich and flavorful, and the ingredients were fresh and high-quality. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable and made the entire dining experience even more delightful. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an unforgettable Italian dining experience in San Diego. In my opinion, this establishment undoubtedly deserves the title of the best Italian restaurant in town.“

“Always fresh and delicious Authentic Italian food . I highly recommend Monzu ❤️“

“Great food and great service! Food was fresh and expertly prepared! Probably the best service I have ever experienced and the place was busy at the time we were there!!“

“Spending my evening at a new restaurant in South Park called Il Posto. So far everything I’ve tried is spectacular.“

“Excelente Servicio, Excelente Comida, La mejor Chef De Nolita Hall, Michel Peregrino, Muy Recomendable Todo.“

“Fabulous food served in a no-frills, casual atmosphere. The service was excellent and Chef Luciano Cibelli comes out of the kitchen and checks with every table to see how diners are doing. Great place to celebrate a special occasion. We enjoyed the seafood fettucini, chicken parmesian, and the catch of the day, which was sea bass on a bed of roasted vegetables, with beet purée and a delicious beurre blanc. Delish!“

“Their gluten-free pizza is hands-down the best pizza I've ever had, gluten-free or gluten-full! Their gluten-free pasta is phenomenal as well. Incredibly fast service for a Friday night as well.“

“cordialità,buon cibo e ambiente raffinato“

“2nd visit and again food and service were great. only complaint was they cleared my dessert when I wasn't finished without asking. took that as hint to leave.“

“Excellent food and the service was splendid.“

“Great food. Fantastic spot inside UTC“

“Great service great food will be back soon.“

“Recomiendo todo Es un súper lugar cómodo ,bendecido Su personal y su comida Es lo máximo Sus bebidas no hay comparación ,su personal de la barra es súper Cada vez que tengo la bendición de estar en ese lugar me hacen sentir muy especial Todo absolutamente todo lo recomiendo Gracias CATANIA“

“Food and service were top notch! My only small gripe is the flies for outdoor seating. There’s little cute fans restaurants can now have at tables to keep them at bay. It just takes away from the atmosphere when you’re swatting non stop.“

“This was one of the best restaurant experiences we ever had! The view, the atmosphere, the food, and drinks (must try "Italian Ice") - all great. The best, however, is the staff! Our Maitre De as well as our waiter David C made us feel like VIPs. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back.

Parking: Garibaldi will validate your ticket when you spend at least $50 - so parking becomes FREE!“

“Everyone enjoyed the pasta & pizza“

“Ordered pizza thin crust. Taste was great but failed the stiff crust test. This on you pizza makers. 12 inch pie takes slightly less than one ladle of sauce. Put a little less cheese in the middle. Then the crust stays flat when you pick it up. Otherwise , you pick up the piece and all the toppings fall on the plate.“

“Every time I have dined here, the atmosphere is warm and inviting but most important, the food is always amazing. The flavors and quality in every dish has not disappointed.“

“Vero italiano a San Diego!!! Posto easy ma molto accogliente e curato; Personale super accogliente ed amichevole; Cibo super buono e davvero italiano Consigliata la focaccia di loro produzione e spettacolare spaghetto alla pescatora!! Top A presto“

“Ordered the Torpedo sandwich and it hit the spot!!“

“The good: Steaks cooked perfectly (though a tad salty), surprisingly delicious pasta dishes (spicy rigatoni and Orecchiette with tomato were standouts!), and a truly excellent carrot cake.

The not-so-good: Service was efficient but lacked warmth. Our server removed our wine bottle prematurely, so be sure to speak up if you're not finished. No complimentary desserts for birthdays.

Overall: Good food with some exceptional dishes, but the service could be more attentive and personable for the price point.“

“Went here last night after a concert at The Music Box. We were served by the owner. Such a genuinely nice guy. We had the best experience. Beautiful space and such hospitality. We’ll definitely be back.“

“Great food! spacious dining place.“

“Cheese Wheel is the best!“

“Such a cute spot for date night or girls night. Cocktails are amazing. Loved the stuffed shells! The place is on the smaller side so I would recommend making reservations. I went around 7ish on a Friday and was able to sit at the bar but it gets really busy so I’ll make reservations next time.“

“After dining at Buona Forchetta, I can't imagine enjoying pizza and pasta anywhere else in San Diego. From the moment you step in, the warm and friendly staff make you feel like you're family. They're sociable, upbeat, and ready to make your meal a memorable one. Our dinner began with two different wines. I'm a wine enthusiast, and I didn't snap any photos or recall their names, but rest assured, their wine recommendations are spot-on. The Regina Margherita pizza was a revelation. With its incredibly flavorful thin crust and the heavenly sauce, it was a pizza-lover's dream come true. The Spaghetti in Due Pomodori was, hands down, the best pasta dish I've tasted in California. With a simple yet tantalizing blend of organic tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it was sheer perfection. The nightly special, Pollo Milanese, was another hit. The chicken was tender, brimming with flavor, and cooked to perfection. And then came the desserts. We indulged in every option on the menu, and each one was a delight. We didn't leave a crumb behind. I highly encourage you to channel your inner foodie and savor each one, just like we did!“

“Nick took care of us from the moment we walked in! The menu was innovative and ingredients tasted very fresh. Really enjoyed our lunch; hoping to fit in one more visit before heading home to GA. And excited to know there is a location in Atlanta!“

“Best Italian I’ve ever spent money on…been coming here from Atlanta for 3 years and it’s always my first stop…ask for Rudy, he took good care of me…fantastic food, even better people!“

“First time here, visiting from Portland, OR. I knew they had "Gluten-free" listed on their menu, as newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease, it's some comfort that I might be able to eat something. I let the host know when our group arrived. After being seated, our server came up and confirmed with me that I had Celiac Disease and let me know which items were Celiac safe and how they were prepared. The Gluten-free gnocchi were fantastic, as was the Burrata appetizer. Thank you so much. Our Triplet Birthday group absolutely enjoyed ourselves.“

“I requested a specific booth & they had reserved it for us. The sangria was refreshing & tasty, the meatballs & arancini started our meal off on a perfect note. We shared a margarita pizza & casarecce cacio e pepe, both were delicious! For dessert we shared tiramisu that was a large yummy delight! The service was on spot & friendly. All of the staff was lovely & welcoming! Definitely a must try restaurant! We've eaten here at least 6 times in the last 18 months.“

“Cannot wait to go back and enjoy the the food, excellent service and ambience of this restaurant. We often each brunch here and their chef events are amazing! I savor every bite 🤤“

“Nick took care of us from the moment we walked in! The menu was innovative and ingredients tasted very fresh. Really enjoyed our lunch; hoping to fit in one more visit before heading home to GA. And excited to know there is a location in Atlanta!“

“We go here at least once per week and don’t get tired of it because the food is good and they have a large menu. It’s great especially on nights they have live music.“

“Very fast service, friendly people. Delicious food especially the ramen.“

“Beat experience in a long time. Highly recommended.“

“Big menu, great service, food presentation awesome and very testy,“

“Super recomendable, la comida deliciosa y muy buen servicio 👌“

“Love everything about this place! Andrea, the owner is fantastic. Love his story and his journey. The food, service and atmosphere are equally amazing!!! Great neighborhood resturant. Wish him all the best!“

“Amazing date night restaurant. Highly recommend the bar lounge for a date. The Gnocchi was out of this world! Everything was just perfect.“

“good pizza, sandwiches 🥪 at won't hurt ur pockets. nom noms“

“This was our 1st anniversary in November, 1991. This is the first booth inside the door, our favorite. In the several years before meeting Patti, I had taken more than a few dates to Baci’s. Why go there? The food, the service, the personal interaction with staff. Talking to the owner once, I discovered he was neighbors with my roommates brother. We left San Diego in 1992 but winter there since retiring and visit Baci’s every year. So happy they’re still going strong.“

“The Chefs Cheese Wheel pasta was absolutely amazing!!“

“Cucina Caprese is one of our favorites. Everything on the menu is fabulous. Guiseppe knows how to make delicious food. Best pizza ever!“

“Fresh and flavorful! Very good service, I’ll try again!“

“We tried a new restaurant in North Park. Cacio e Pepe is off the hook. The linguine with sugo had italian sausage, meatballs, and pork rib. The linguini was al dente. It was all very authentic and nice sized portions. My Nonna would approve. It's my new "go to" place for Italian food in North Park.“

“C est la troisièmement fois que nous venons dans ce restaurant italien et nous sommes toujours aussi satisfaits des produits authentiquement italiens et de l accueil, aussi bien pour un repas le soir que pour une formule du midi. Nous y retournerons dans doute à notre prochaine visite à Paris“

“Top notch pizza and Italian food! A must try“

“Great food. Chicken Marsala, Tortellini Verde, Caprese Salad, Bruchetta.. so good. Has friendly, personal service.“