Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Diego

25 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolita Hall

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 68 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.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2660)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 75 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.

3. La Pastaia

4.2

Awesome(313)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bay Park

Booked 7 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.

4. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1159)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 45 times today

RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Californian cuisine with a delightful touch of Sicilian flair. This charming eatery captivates food enthusiasts with its commitment to "locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes," ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant. The fusion of American and Sicilian tastes offers an unparalleled farm-to-neighborhood experience, making it a community favorite. Diners rave about the "amazing food and dining experience," with standout dishes like the "cheese wheel pasta" and "pesto pasta creamy and delicious." With a warm ambiance and a pet-friendly outdoor space, RustiCucina is a must-visit for those seeking quality Californian cuisine.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(623)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 28 times today

Nestled in the heart of North Park, San Diego, Cori Pastificio Trattoria is a seafood haven that promises an extraordinary culinary experience. Acclaimed chef Accursio Lota, known for his authentic Sicilian flair, creates masterpieces that captivate the palate with the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "spectacular seafood pasta" and "craveable scallops with risotto," praising the restaurant's ability to flawlessly combine traditional Italian techniques with a California twist. The cozy, intimate atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking both quality and authenticity in every bite.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

6. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3097)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 52 times today

Alexander's on 30th in North Park, San Diego, is renowned for its exquisite Italian-inspired Seafood cuisine. The restaurant seamlessly blends gourmet flair with homestyle comfort, creating a truly unique dining experience. Diners rave about the Chilean Sea Bass, with one review calling it "delicious" and recommending it highly. Another standout dish is the seafood stuffed mushrooms, described as "to die for." The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, promising a memorable meal with every visit. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or a curious first-timer, Alexander's is a must-visit for an unforgettable culinary journey.

7. The Red Door

4.7

Exceptional(2983)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills

Booked 9 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.

8. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(331)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 70 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!

9. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4322)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 84 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.

10. Lucrezia

4.5

Awesome(583)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 62 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, Lucrezia offers an exquisite journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is celebrated for its "exceptional" service and "delicious" dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing" pastas, with standout mentions for the Cacio e Pepe and Lobster Fra Diavolo. The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making it perfect for any special occasion. Lucrezia promises an unforgettable culinary voyage, with every dish telling a story of Italian summers, curated with passion and authenticity.

‘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

M
Marie
San Diego •3 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Ladies might
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La PastaiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bay Park
•
4.2
S
StaciVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first time dining here and it won’t be our last! The food was absolutely delicious and so fresh. Perhaps the best pasta I’ve ever had. The appetizers and salad we had were amazing. And the dessert! The lemon dessert is my new favorite. Exceptional service as well.
More info
Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
F
FeliciaVIP
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service and delicious food! Christmas decor is super cute too!
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
L
LakeyshaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best restaurants in San Diego. Our first 3 restaurants served warm, bland, mediocre food. Being a foodie from Chicago, I am particular about what I consume. Wonderful wait staff, piping hot meals, strong cocktails and generous portions defined our meal.
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North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
•
4.7
J
Jeff
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My wife and I went there for our anniversary. We chose this one because of its high ranking (near 5 stars across multiple platforms.) BELIEVE THE HYPE! Beautifully decorated space - open floor but it still works (a genius installed sound proofing on the ceiling so voices wouldn’t bounce and echo) Really friendly welcoming service. And the food! - Calamari that is lightly breaded so when you bite into it - you get mostly calamari! Meatballs seasoned so well. Tomato sauce just the right consistency. I had a parpadelle with short rib and truffle oil. This usually makes me nervous as truffle is a really strong flavor and can overpower. They absolutely NAILED it. Same with my wife who got the cheese wheel. Rich, full of flavor. Fresh pasta. So GOOD! OH! And I almost forgot - I got the Copper Fig as a mock tail because I don’t drink. Absolute heaven. I love places that can serve good, thoughtful non alcoholic drinks. A little on the pricey side ($35 per entree, so it’s easy to go $60-70 per person) - but so effin’ worth it!
More info
RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Diego

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolita Hall

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

3. La Pastaia

4. RustiCucina

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

6. Alexander's on 30th

7. The Red Door

8. Roman Wolves

9. Barbusa

10. Lucrezia

See what locals rave about

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