Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in College Area

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2377)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • La Mesa

Booked 28 times today

Antica Trattoria in La Mesa is not just renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine but also stands out as an exceptional cocktail bar. Patrons rave about the ambience that complements their drink experience, with one guest stating, "Always a wonderful experience... cocktails, appetizers, and entrees." The bar is celebrated for its skilled bartenders who craft each cocktail with precision, ensuring a delightful sip every time. Whether it's a beautifully made Lemon Drop or the refreshing Red Sangria, the quality of their cocktails consistently impresses guests. Moreover, the friendly and attentive service adds to the charm, making Antica Trattoria a must-visit for both exquisite meals and outstanding cocktails in La Mesa.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

2. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(609)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 36 times today

At Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, San Diego, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Under the helm of the acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes that beautifully incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Critics and patrons alike rave about the seafood offerings; one standout review highlighted the "signature seafood carbonara" as being "absolutely delicious," and another celebrated the "scallops with risotto" for being "perfectly prepared and delicious." These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, making Cori Pastificio Trattoria a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood dining experience.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

3. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3065)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 65 times today

Alexander's on 30th, nestled in the vibrant North Park neighborhood of San Diego, is a culinary treasure that excels in delivering exceptional seafood dishes alongside its Italian specialties. Patrons rave about the "incredible lobster ravioli" and the "best linguini and clams" they've ever had, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With its romantic ambiance and top-notch service, Alexander's has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers. As noted by a satisfied guest, the "shrimp pasta really enjoyed" and the freshness of the seafood is consistently praised, making every meal here a delightful experience. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Alexander's on 30th offers a seafood feast that's sure to impress.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

4. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(286)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 22 times today

Limoncello La Mesa offers an authentic slice of contemporary Italian cuisine right in the heart of La Mesa. Celebrated for its "delicious and very authentic" dishes, this charming restaurant has quickly become a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Patrons rave about the "outstanding mushroom & cream Marsala wine sauce" and the "homemade pasta" that remind them of upscale Italian eateries reminiscent of childhood. The ambiance at Limoncello, described as a "light, airy, modern, gardenlike" environment, complements its culinary offerings, making every meal a delightful experience. Notably, the service is consistently praised, with staff like Roberto and Francesca providing "excellent service" that enhances the dining experience. Whether it's the handcrafted Limoncello Martini that comes with a lemon popsicle or the meticulously prepared lobster ravioli, Limoncello La Mesa stands out as a gem in North Park, offering a true taste of Italy with every dish.

5. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4108)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 98 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

6. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(294)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 58 times today

At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.

7. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 61 times today

Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

8. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(723)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

9. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(619)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 13 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.

10. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1115)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 48 times today

At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brenda
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing, as usual. This was my 2nd speciality dinner at Cori Pastificio. Acursio and staff always excel at service, food, creativity. From the cocktail to the plates and the wine pairings--excellent, and we learned about the creativity of local chefs using local seafood and local people to present beautiful and delicious food.
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Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
B
Brianvip
San Diego •58 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was a solid place...I wouldn't say anything was outstanding about it other than the great service we received from Lucky who served us at the bar. The menu has a nice variety and everything was well-executed.
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Craig
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Nice server and good service. Food was excellent. I will definitely come back
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6
E
Eric
San Diego •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We LOVE this place and used to visit a lot more when we lived closer. It’s a bit of a drive more now but WHAT A MEAL we had. Thank you!
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Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8
B
Brigitte
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 12 Nov 2024
Food is insanely delicious, service is excellent, and the ambience is lovely. Went to dinner with a few friends and we were able to share a bunch of dishes. Everything was amazing. It’s about a 30 minute drive for us but well worth it. We had the bruschetta (so yummy and full of garlic), the seafood stuffed mushrooms (to die for), and the Caesar salad, which was the best Caesar I’ve ever had. We ordered a bunch of pasta dishes and the fish special (amazing) which were also super tasty. I HIGHLY recommend it! Oh and the cookie dessert is incredible too.
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.7

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in College Area

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

2. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

3. Alexander's on 30th

4. Limoncello La Mesa

5. Seneca

6. Roman Wolves

7. Barbusa

8. Nolita Hall

9. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

10. RustiCucina

See what locals rave about

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