Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Imperial Beach

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant

1. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 2 times today

Farmer's Table in Chula Vista stands out as a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary Italian cuisine. This family-run establishment harmoniously blends farm-to-fork principles with the sophistication of Italian cooking, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Reviews consistently praise their offerings, like the "Black Ink Squid Spaghetti Pasta," described as a "singular and remarkable dining experience" and the "Spaghetti Carbonara," noted for being "creamy, flavorful, and just like what you'd find in Italy." Patrons are enchanted by the ambiance and the dedication to locally-sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but savored. Whether it's a magical brunch or a cozy dinner, Farmer's Table delivers an authentic slice of Italy right in the heart of Chula Vista.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

2. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(620)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 7 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.

3. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(149)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 7 times today

Ciccia Osteria, nestled in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, is a treasure trove for Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine enthusiasts. With its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awards from 2021 to 2024, the restaurant has established itself as a haven for authentic Italian flavors tailored to plant-based preferences. Diners rave about the "mushroom flan appetizer," describing it as a "MUST" for every visit. The attention to quality and authenticity shines through, with reviews highlighting how Ciccia Osteria is "very accommodating" to dietary restrictions, offering "gluten dairy free ravioli with lobster" that is "elevated to a 5-star restaurant level." The blend of a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that caters thoughtfully to Vegetarian and Vegan tastes makes Ciccia Osteria a standout destination for those seeking a delightful culinary experience in San Diego.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

4. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

4.0

Excellent(215)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 17 times today

At Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, the essence of Market Cuisine is elevated through its innovative cheese wheel bar, a first of its kind. This exclusive dining experience allows guests to indulge in dishes that are not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle to behold, as pastas are masterfully prepared in giant, aromatic cheese wheels. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting the "cheese wheel pastas were fantastic" and the overall experience making them feel as if they were "reminded of my time in Italy." The glowing reviews, such as "the food was incredible," and the restaurant's bustling atmosphere make Vincenzo's a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and delightful take on Market Cuisine.

5. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(943)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 16 times today

Nonna, nestled in the vibrant Little Italy district of San Diego, is a haven for authentic Pizzeria cuisine that delights its patrons. Known for its rustic, country-style ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, Nonna offers a slice of Sicily with its exceptional pizzas. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and freshness, with one guest exclaiming it’s “a complete gem in San Diego's Little Italy!” The pizzas are a standout, praised for their deliciousness and high-quality ingredients. As one review highlights, “Good ambience, excellent pizza, highly recommended,” encapsulating the culinary experience that awaits at Nonna. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors right in the heart of San Diego.

6. Palermo Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(75)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Tijuana

Booked 8 times today

Menu tradicional, sabor casero, italiano. En una de las casas más irónicas del Fraccionamiento Chapultepec en Tijuana.Variedad de entradas, ensaladas, sopas, pastas caseras, pizzas, cortes de carne y platillos típicos italianos.Ven a disfrutar las tardes en nuestro patio o en cualquiera de las diversas salas de nuestra remodelada casa.

7. Monzu Fresh Pasta

4.9

Exceptional(619)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 5 times today

Monzu Fresh Pasta, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego's East Village, is your culinary passport to contemporary Italian cuisine at its finest. Praised for its "first-class" pasta and "impeccable" service, Monzu stands out with its commitment to scratch-made, authentic Italian dishes, transporting diners straight to Italy with every bite. Reviewers rave about specialties like the lamb ragu with bucatini and the Scarpariello Piccante, claiming they would "order them again." The tiramisu is consistently highlighted as "the best I have ever had," emphasizing the restaurant's dedication to both quality and authenticity. With its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, Monzu Fresh Pasta is highly recommended as a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of contemporary Italian in San Diego.

8. Petrini's

4.5

Awesome(424)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 1 time today

Petrini's in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a culinary gem, celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine with a unique twist. This eatery stands out for its dedication to quality and authenticity, drawing diners back time and again. Guests rave about the "delicious and homemade tasting" dishes, highlighting the smoked salmon alfredo and the innovative diablo shrimp as must-tries. The restaurant's atmosphere is consistently praised, with one visitor noting it as a "quiet, quaint, and beautiful eatery with old world recipes." Petrini's commitment to excellence is evident in every dish, making it a top destination for those seeking authentic American flavors in San Diego.

9. Casa Zibarita

4.8

Exceptional(72)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Tijuana

Booked 3 times today

Casa Zibarita TijuanaOmakase de Pasta Pasta Fresca

10. The Desmond

4.5

Awesome(149)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.

‘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

A
Ashleyvip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a great time! The food was delicious, everyone both loved the cheese wheel experience but also the pasta dish best. Everything else we had was very tasty and the staff was very accommodating. Will definitely be back!
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
D
Dorivip
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lots of fun watching the planes go overhead. Ben was the BEST waiter ever! You MUST request his section when dining here!
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Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
M
Monica
Las Vegas •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
chris
Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
We are at the bar and Tommy the bartender was amazing. Best in class service. We were celebrating a birthday and he made us feel so welcome and taken care of. The food and drink were equally as amazing.
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Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas - Fort Worth •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Apr 2024
Service was amazing! My 4 year old enjoyed the food.
More info
Farmer's Table - Chula VistaPrice: Moderate• American• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.2

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

2. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

3. Ciccia Osteria

4. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

5. Nonna

6. Palermo Cucina

7. Monzu Fresh Pasta

8. Petrini's

9. Casa Zibarita

10. The Desmond

See what locals rave about

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