Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Ocean Beach

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(338)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 56 times today

Roman Wolves in Little Italy, San Diego, is a shining gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts. This vibrant establishment is celebrated for its exquisite cocktails, with the Hugo Spritz receiving rave reviews as "incredible" and leaving patrons eager for more. The talented bartenders at Roman Wolves ensure that each drink is a masterpiece, complementing the rich Italian culinary experience. Diners frequently commend the bar's atmosphere, describing it as lively and welcoming, perfect for both intimate gatherings and spirited celebrations. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail experience in the heart of San Diego, Roman Wolves is the place to be!

2. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(781)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 54 times today

Nolita Hall, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Pizza Bar experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Known for its Fiori woodfire oven, this beloved spot crafts pizzas that are nothing short of spectacular. Patrons rave about the "pepperoni pizza with honey" as being "awesome," highlighting the unique and delightful flavor combinations that set Nolita Hall apart. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of fun and elegance, with many calling it a "great place to watch a sports game" while indulging in top-quality pizzas. It's a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking authentic taste and vibrant ambiance.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4327)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Barbusa, located in the vibrant Little Italy of San Diego, stands out as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its "freshest seafood," Barbusa consistently delights guests with its authentic and modern Sicilian flair. Diners rave about the "amazing dishes" and the exceptional service that complements the vibrant atmosphere. The seafood offerings at Barbusa are not just meals; they are culinary experiences, crafted with precision and served with passion. Guests frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "amazing waiter service," making every visit memorable. For those seeking quality seafood with a touch of Sicilian charm, Barbusa is a must-visit.

4. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(139)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 25 times today

Lala, nestled in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, offers an enchanting experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine that captivates with its modern flair and timeless flavors. This chic eatery perfectly marries tradition with innovation, presenting dishes like the inventive loaded potato gnocchi and the exquisite squid ink pasta with lobster. Guests rave about the "incredible ambiance" and "stellar service," with standout cocktails like the "Lala Martini" elevating the dining experience. The cozy, romantic setting, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, ensures that every visit is both memorable and meaningful. Join Lala for a true celebration of Italian culinary excellence.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

5. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3316)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 54 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, is a standout spot for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a dedication to "75 kinds of different pasta recipes, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day," Bencotto truly honors the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "incredible cheese wheel pasta" and commend the restaurant for its "exceptional food and service." The intimate, sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to authenticity, ensures that each dish is a delightful journey to Italy. Whether enjoying a cozy meal upstairs or at the lively bar downstairs, Bencotto offers a quintessential Mediterranean dining experience.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

6. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

4.2

Awesome(242)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 21 times today

Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that will leave your taste buds singing. Renowned as the city's first cheese wheel bar, this modern chic restaurant draws diners in with "the irresistible sight and smell of authentic Italian flavors." Guests rave about the "mind-blowing" carbonara and the "exceptional" cheese wheel dishes that are both a visual and flavorful delight. The ambiance is lively yet intimate, providing a perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste just like Italy." From outstanding service to exquisite cuisine, Vincenzo's is a must-visit for any Italian food enthusiast.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

7. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2666)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 90 times today

North Italia - Fashion Valley in Mission Valley, San Diego, offers a “fantastic” Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Known for its “authentically prepared” dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, North Italia excels in providing a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “delicious” handmade pastas and pizzas, with standout flavors like the ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, lauded for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty notes. The warm atmosphere and “excellent service” complete the experience, making it a “staple” for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian flavors.

8. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(958)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego's Little Italy, Nonna is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine. With its warm, rustic ambiance and welcoming staff, Nonna offers an authentic taste of Sicily with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "best tasting Lasagne" and the exquisite "pasta pescatore," highlighting the freshness and flavor that define the menu. The delightful patio and vibrant atmosphere make dining here an experience to remember. Nonna's dedication to quality and authenticity has "customers returning time and again," ensuring it remains a beloved gem in the bustling Little Italy neighborhood.

9. The Red Door

4.7

Exceptional(2983)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills

Booked 23 times today

At The Red Door in Mission Hills, San Diego, the dedication to authentic Farm-to-table cuisine is palpable. Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through every meticulously crafted dish. "The food was out of this world," rave patrons, praising the harmonious blend of contemporary Italian and modern European flavors. Each menu item is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the seasonal San Diego harvest, ensuring both quality and freshness. The chef's personal touch, from baking fresh breads to creating gluten-free pasta, elevates the dining experience, making it a "must-try" destination for anyone seeking genuine Farm-to-table excellence.

10. La Pastaia

4.2

Awesome(313)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bay Park

Booked 8 times today

La Pastaia in Bay Park, San Diego is a hidden gem for authentic American cuisine, delivering a dining experience that diners rave about. From the moment you step inside, you're embraced by an inviting and warm atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful meal. "What a gem! Such a beautiful spot with amazing food and wonderful service," one guest exclaims. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in every dish, from perfectly cooked ribeye steaks to creative American-inspired appetizers. With an attentive staff that goes above and beyond—"Sergio's service was beyond anything"—La Pastaia is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience.

‘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

J
Jennifer
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went to cel rate 2 birthdays. We had so much fun and our server Benjamin was the best. We had a table near the bar and it got pretty oloid. The food was super good. This is a great place for groups But if you want to talk you need to be on the other side.
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Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
C
collinVIP
San Diego •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
They play the music too loud on weekend nights. We got tired of shouting at one another so we just stopped talking.
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BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
M
MaddieVIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food and service! We ordered the ragu and artichoke ravioli and were impressed by both. The portion sizes are smaller than a typical Italian restaurant but still left full (without having to carry a box of leftovers).
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
E
Elliot
Utah •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First visit to this place and was very satisfied with my experience. Got a table for one, outside next to walkway. Was a Friday evening around 5:30 and during my ~1.5 hours there the ambiance was very pleasant - not loud. Could have been different indoors so not too sure there. I had the fried squid for appetizers and then the crab tortellini which both, were very delicious. Ended with the tiramisu - amazing. My server, Dave was very professional as well as the other assistants who brought food, water, and cleared my table. Wonderful place to eat and will be eating there again during my next stay.
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Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Christopher
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Absolutely Beautiful for Christmas Eve dinner!! Decorations were gorgeous, ambiance was intimate, festive, warm, cheerful. Food was delicious loved grilled oysters, bruschetta, fried short rib balls, steak was yummmy!! Drinks were great, and service was on point! Beautiful experience thank You La La!! Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year💗✨
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Ocean Beach

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

2. Nolita Hall

3. Barbusa

4. Lala

5. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

6. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

7. North Italia - Fashion Valley

8. Nonna

9. The Red Door

10. La Pastaia

See what locals rave about

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