Award-winning

Catania

4.8

2110 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 32 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
Great for outdoor dining

Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00–15:30 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:30 Fri, Sat 15:30–21:00
Phone number
(858) 551-5105
Website
http://www.cataniasd.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Ryan Johnston
Private party facilities
Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.

Location
7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Area
La Jolla
Cross Street
Girard and Wall
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Pizza FocacciaUS$7.00
olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, chili flake
Green Salad**US$14.00
meyer lemon vinaigrette, pistachio, black pepper, pecorino toscano
Apple Salad**US$16.00
radicchio, arugula, chicory, shaved fennel, gorgonzola, almonds, aged balsamic vinaigrette
Kale SaladUS$15.00
treviso, chickpeas, celery, parmesan, anchovy vinaigrette
AranciniUS$12.00
saffron risotto, parmigiano reggiano, tomato sauce
Wood Roasted Cauliflower**US$19.00
whipped ricotta salata, fresno chili salmoriglio, pomegranate, red onion, pistachio
Charred Savoy Cabbage**US$15.00
crispy garlic, shallots, mint, basil, calabrian chili, miso mustard vinaigrette
Crudo**US$20.00
local yellowfin, beet puree, blood orange, basil, poppy seed, meyer lemon
Crispy Octopus**US$22.00
chickpeas, lamb sausage, chili oil, capers, herbs
Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUS$15.00
golden raisins, currants, dates, almonds, pickled shallot, parsley

Secondi

Pan Seared Scallops*US$41.00
honeynut squash caponata, carrot puree, prosciutto, golden raisins, pepitas
Whole Roasted Branzino*US$44.00
clams, garlic butter, white wine, charred broccoli, chili flakes, breadcrumbs
Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUS$35.00
farro salad, roasted apples, charred treviso, shallot vinaigrette
Rotisserie ChickenUS$33.00
honey mustard, baby carrots, almonds, mint, garlic butter
Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUS$37.00
fennel radish gremolata celery root-potato puree, porcini jus

Pizza

Italian MeatUS$24.00
fontina, pecorino, sausage, soppressata salami, pancetta
Sicilian PistachioUS$23.00
burrata, pecorino, pork mortadella, pistachio pesto
MargheritaUS$21.00
mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce, garlic
Wild MushroomUS$25.00
burrata, fontina, garlic confit, chili flake, sherry vinegar, thyme
DiavolaUS$23.00
mozzarella, tomato, spicy calabrese salami
Pear & GorganzolaUS$24.00
pancetta, pecorino, rosemary, honey balsamic, arugula

Pasta

Gluten free pasta available

Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUS$21.00
spaghetti, evoo, chili flake, parsley, parmigiano reggiano
Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUS$24.00
basil pesto, creamy tomato sauce, parmigiano reggiano
Butternut Squash RavioliUS$27.00
hazelnuts, sage, parmesan, brown butter, aged balsamic, brussel sprouts
Duck Sugo OrecchietteUS$29.00
braised duck, tomato, porcini mushrooms, juniper, parmesan
Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUS$26.00
pork cheek, tomato, calabrian chili, pecorino sardo
Spaghetti & ClamsUS$27.00
clams, garlic, white wine, chili flakes, breadcrumbs
Shrimp Risotto**US$28.00
fennel, tomato, fresno chili, parmigiano reggiano

Cocktails

$16

Aperol Spritz
aperol, prosecco, soda, orange - served tall on the rocks
Isola
mezcal, bourbon, pineapple amaro, orange, lime juice, simple syrup - served in a coupe
Collina
vodka, cocchi americano, apple cider, lemon, apple-cinnamon simple - served on the rocks
Bacchus
vodka, cocchi rossa, lemon, simple, grapes, soda float - served in a collins glass
Verde Colada
rum, vanilla liquor, pineapple, matcha, macadamia nut orgeat, lime - served on the rocks
Succosa
bourbon, yellow chartreuse, pear & rosemary simple, st. george pear, lemon - served in a coupe
Moncalieri
malfy gin, mediterranean fever tree tonic, orange and sage - served on the rocks
Santa Maria
fresno chili infused tequila, lime, dimmi, ginger, agave - served on the rocks
Melograno
pomegranate, tequila, ancho reyes, lemon, amaro sirene, walnut bitters - served on a large rock
Vestito
mezcal, amaro D'arancia rossa, yellow chartreuse, lime, grapefruit soda - on the rocks
Corvo
rittenhouse rye, baltamoro coffee amaro, frangelico, crème de banana, bitters, nutmeg - served on a large rock

Bianchi

Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | VenezieUS$13.00
lemon, lime, crisp green apple, and floral honey suckle
Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUS$16.00
melon, yellow flowers, and lemon zest with a clean and refreshing finish
Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUS$15.00
crisp, refreshing, lemon, pear, and minerals
Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUS$15.00
orange blossom hints of citrus, exotic fruit, mineral finish
Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$20.00
rich aromas toasted oak, tree-ripe pear, and apple with touches of brown sugar

Spumanti / Rosato

Prosecco | Bisol | NVUS$12.00
dry, crisp, toasted hazelnuts
Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUS$14.00
floral, berries, currants
Rose | Benanty | SicilyUS$15.00
pomegranate, rose petals and citrus
Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUS$14.00
dry, red fruits, violet

Rossi

Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUS$13.00
red fruit dried herbs, light earth, spice
Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUS$14.00
purple flower, berry, supple tannins, fresh acidity
Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUS$16.00
dark berry, cherry, espresso, candied flowers
Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUS$15.00
violets, cherry, minerals
Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUS$20.00
ripe raspberries and cranberries, notes of violet and vine-ripened tomatoes
Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUS$25.00
layers of vanilla, coco powder, juicy cherry, baking spices and signature tobacco

Birre | 10oz

Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%US$9.00
balanced palate with mildly bitter with lemon and floral notes
Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%US$9.00
pleasant hop flavors, clean, refreshing
Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%US$9.00
dark, yet silky oatmeal stout balanced by a firm hop handshake
Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUS$9.00
balanced citrus rind bitterness and tropical aromas

Bottiglia

Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%US$9.00
light with hints of citrus and fruit
Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%US$9.00
malty, hops, citrus
Blonde Ale "Birria Nazionale" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 6.5%US$14.00
chamomile, citrus fruits, and gentle bitterness of Italian hops
IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%US$14.00
citrusy notes of tangerine are complement ed by notes of melon and mango
Witbier "Isacc" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5%US$14.00
citrus, flower, spice
Saison "Wayan" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.8%US$14.00
hazy, spice, fresh pepper
Non-Alcoholic German Lager | Erdinger | GermanyUS$7.00
lemon, grass, malts
Hard Seltzer | High Noon | California 4.5%US$7.00
peach

Analcolica

PressatoUS$8.00
fresh grapefruit, thyme, ginger - served on ice in a wine glass
Italian SodasUS$8.00
Birreria Baladin | Piedmont. Mela Zen- Apple and Ginger; Agrumata – Citrus and Bergamot

What 2,110 people are saying

Catania reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Catania, nestled in La Jolla, boasts "amazing food" and "superb service," making it a local favorite. Guests rave about the "stunning ocean views" and dishes like the fresh pasta and crudo. The ambiance is "charming," perfect for special occasions. With "attentive staff" and a "beautiful setting," Catania promises a memorable dining experience.

2,110 Reviews

AB
ABCola
Las Vegas2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our third time at Catania, and each trip a delight.
Is this helpful?
D
Derrick
San Diego19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The dining experience was first class from start to finish! We were celebrating a 25th birthday and the menus were tailored to our event, the staff was super attentive while respecting our conversation and timing. The food was delicious with each dish holding surprising depth of flavor. Atop all of that it was a beautiful sunset that complemented the environment. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you very much to the Catania team!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jerry VIP
San Diego16 reviews
4.0
Dined on 5 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great drinks and food, really enjoyed the Octopus, and Crudo both were 10-10!!
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis VIP
Vancouver24 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I forgot how great Catania is. The food was superb and presentation was fantastic. Add the great service we had makes it easy to recommend Catania. I'm looking forward to going back again soon.
Is this helpful?
H
Hoyo
San Francisco24 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our experience overall was disappointing because we have been there multiple times previously. It would’ve been a much better experience if our waiter was not as surly or disinterested as he was. There were many other servers who weren’t attending to us, but was extremely accommodating and pleasant. I wish we had somebody else aside from our server. My Crudo with tuna, blood oranges and beets was excellent. My wife’s fish dish was like a Huatchinango Veracruzana. Kind of a surprise, but it was good overall because the fish was delicate and moist with a nice crisp on it and it was covered by the tomato E cioppino like sauce. The Orchieta pasta with duck Sugo was super disappointing. it was kinda like a mac & cheese type of thing but with like little dots of supposedly duck, but it could’ve been anything. Really disappointing. The wine on the hand was really nice a terrific assortment of Italian wines by the glass as well as a few California wines thrown in.
Is this helpful?
K
Kay
San Diego23 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had such a fun birthday experience and Valerie - our wait person enhanced the experience! Food was delicious as always.
Is this helpful?
F
Fauzia
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very great staff and had an amazing experience. Can’t wait to visit again
Is this helpful?
K
Kerri
San Francisco3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s always a great night at Catania: food, service and atmosphere all terrific
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie VIP
San Diego6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food! Great staff! Great atmosphere! Very reasonable for La Jolla!
Is this helpful?
H
Howard
San Francisco8 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Ask for server Val who is lovely and good at describing the dishes. We did not really like the Nutella dessert but liked the chocolate one though not the best ever.
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Catania using the Order Online button.

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 2110 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross Street
Girard and Wall
Area
La Jolla
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00–15:30 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:30 Fri, Sat 15:30–21:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ryan Johnston
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cataniasd.com/
Phone number
(858) 551-5105
Private party facilities
Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.

Catania

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Duck Sugo Orecchiette

Crispy Octopus

Pizza Focaccia

Antipasti

Pizza FocacciaUS$7.00

Green Salad**US$14.00

Apple Salad**US$16.00

Kale SaladUS$15.00

AranciniUS$12.00

Wood Roasted Cauliflower**US$19.00

Charred Savoy Cabbage**US$15.00

Crudo**US$20.00

Crispy Octopus**US$22.00

Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUS$15.00

Secondi

Pan Seared Scallops*US$41.00

Whole Roasted Branzino*US$44.00

Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUS$35.00

Rotisserie ChickenUS$33.00

Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUS$37.00

Pizza

Italian MeatUS$24.00

Sicilian PistachioUS$23.00

MargheritaUS$21.00

Wild MushroomUS$25.00

DiavolaUS$23.00

Pear & GorganzolaUS$24.00

Pasta

Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUS$21.00

Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUS$24.00

Butternut Squash RavioliUS$27.00

Duck Sugo OrecchietteUS$29.00

Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUS$26.00

Spaghetti & ClamsUS$27.00

Shrimp Risotto**US$28.00

Cocktails

Aperol Spritz

Isola

Collina

Bacchus

Verde Colada

Succosa

Moncalieri

Santa Maria

Melograno

Vestito

Corvo

Bianchi

Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | VenezieUS$13.00

Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUS$16.00

Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUS$15.00

Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUS$15.00

Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$20.00

Spumanti / Rosato

Prosecco | Bisol | NVUS$12.00

Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUS$14.00

Rose | Benanty | SicilyUS$15.00

Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUS$14.00

Rossi

Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUS$13.00

Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUS$14.00

Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUS$16.00

Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUS$15.00

Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUS$20.00

Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUS$25.00

Birre | 10oz

Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%US$9.00

Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%US$9.00

Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%US$9.00

Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUS$9.00

Bottiglia

Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%US$9.00

Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%US$9.00

Blonde Ale "Birria Nazionale" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 6.5%US$14.00

IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%US$14.00