Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Italian Restaurants in Banker's Hill

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
1. CUCINA urbana
4.7
Exceptional(7084)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 50 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
2. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4128)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 103 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.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
3. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 68 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.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(300)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 51 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.
A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
5. Nolita Hall
4.4
Awesome(728)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 146 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 Lala restaurant
6. Lala
4.5
Awesome(121)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 21 times today
Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
7. Cesarina
4.9
Exceptional(5456)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 162 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
8. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
9. Civico 1845
4.4
Awesome(2394)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 25 times today
At Civico 1845 in the vibrant heart of Little Italy, San Diego, the vegan Italian cuisine is nothing short of revolutionary. Esteemed as the first in the USA to offer a full Italian vegan menu since 2015, Civico 1845 champions authenticity and sustainability. Patrons rave about the extensive selection, with one guest exclaiming, "As someone who prefers to eat vegan, having multiple options that all taste amazing is a miracle!" The restaurant's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures each dish celebrates Southern Italy's rich culinary heritage. This dedication to quality and innovation makes Civico 1845 a must-visit for both vegan food enthusiasts and Italian cuisine aficionados alike.
A photo of Allegro restaurant
10. Allegro
4.2
Awesome(1270)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 39 times today
Allegro, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine. With its Amalfi coast-inspired dining, Allegro combines traditional and modern Italian dishes in a setting perfect for any celebration. Patrons rave about their experiences, highlighting dishes like the gnocchi, praised as "top tier" and "a must while in San Diego." The charm of Allegro extends to its service; with reviews noting servers like Diego who provide "unmatched" attentiveness, ensuring a "memorable evening." Whether it's the bustling happy hour or a serene dinner under lemon trees, Allegro promises a slice of Italy with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for Italian food enthusiasts.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jvip
    Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    OMG what Ana amazing experience! My family of four and I went to Roman Wolves to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner while we were in town from out of state. The food was absolutely amazing. My daughter and I had the salmon while my wife and son had the filet. My son loved his steak and said it was the best he’s ever had; he’s had many steaks from the top steakhouses in Denver. The cheese wheel pasta was also amazing. We will be back.
    More info
    Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Jocelyn
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My friends and I love Seneca, we keep going back to this place every time we hang out. The pizzas and pastas are so yummy!! We’ve tried a few things from the menu and there hasn’t been one we didn’t like. They have a good variety of pizzas, pastas and appetizers. They have good mocktails too, the cucumber is my favorite! And I don’t drink alcohol so I haven’t had any cocktails but from what I’ve heard those are good too! The staff has always been super friendly and welcoming and the view is breathtaking! I highly recommend giving this place a try! 🙂
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.7
  • Yelenavip
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Cesarina absolutely blew me away this time! it was such an upgrade from my last visit! From the moment we walked in, everything felt elevated, from the ambiance to the exceptional service. Travis, our server, went above and beyond to make the evening special. His friendly demeanor, expert recommendations, and genuine attentiveness added so much to the experience. The pasta was out of this world, fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. And don’t even get me started on the tiramisu! Every bite was pure bliss and a testament to the care and passion this restaurant puts into its craft. This visit truly changed the game for me. Cesarina isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience, and with service like Travis provided, it’s one I’ll definitely be back for! Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine with a modern, welcoming touch.
    More info
    CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    •
    4.9
  • JoAnnevip
    San Diego •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Nov 2024
    Our favorite local restaurant! Our waiter warmly welcomed us knowing us from previous visits. As usual he was spot on in suggesting wines, knowing the contents of each dish, and anticipating our needs. And the other support staff did an excellent job -- smoothly orchestrating the evening. The salad we shared and ate every morsel -- lettuce, escarole, radicchio, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, chickpeas, and green beans with an oregano vinaigrette that was so, so, so delicious. My husband enjoyed his pepperoni pizza. The branzino was divine! We finished with a limoncello and vegan pistachio ice cream.
    More info
    CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    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

Discover best Italian restaurants in Banker's Hill

Discover the best of Italian cuisine right in the heart of Banker’s Hill, San Diego, where a variety of Italian restaurants cater to every palate. From traditional dishes like pasta and pizza to unique Italian-inspired creations, these eateries embody the essence of Italian dining with a touch of Californian flair. Each restaurant in this vibrant neighborhood offers a distinct experience, featuring authentic flavors, innovative recipes, and impeccable service. Banker’s Hill is not just known for its panoramic views but also as a burgeoning hub for Italian culinary delights. The dining scene here is characterized by a blend of traditional Italian techniques and local ingredients, creating a delightful gastronomic journey for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a fan of rustic Italian fare or looking for a sophisticated dining experience, Banker’s Hill provides an array of options to satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine. So, immerse yourself in the rich, culinary culture of Italy with just a visit to San Diego's Banker's Hill.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo