Lala

4.7

166 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

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2 people

11 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 29 times today

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Lively

From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 17:00–21:45 Wed, Thu 17:00–22:30 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Nino Zizzo
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Location
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214
Area
Little Italy
Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95
served with salted butter
ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95
TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95
BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95
SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95
CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95
SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95
CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95
CHERRY PEPPERS , GARLIC, LEMON AIOLI
STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95
GARLIC WHITE WINE PARSLEY

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95
BIBB & BLUE
BUTTER LETTUCE, DATES, TERRAGON, GORGONZOLADOLCE, ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95
GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95
LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95
RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95
FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95
PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95
OSSO BUCOUS$33.95
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

What 166 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

LaLa offers a chic and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic date. Guests rave about the "great ambiance," "amazing service," and "delicious food." Standout dishes include the Sicilian pasta with sausage and the espresso martini. Despite some noise complaints, the experience is generally delightful.

166 Reviews

D
Danielle
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drinks. Slow service but still amazing
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K
Katie VIP
Orange County77 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We absolutely loved everything we ordered, had the best service and the atmosphere was great! We'll be back the next time we're in San Diego. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii2 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing! We had the spicy Caesar, burrata, gnocchi (10/10), pesto pasta and truffle Alfredo (10000/10). Food was amazing! Also the pepper martini is delicious.
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O
Olivia
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Gianni was our server and made it such a beautiful and special experience. Amazing overall, I will be returning many more times.
Is this helpful?
G
Ginny VIP
San Diego24 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great atmosphere, great drinks, great service, great food!
Is this helpful?
M
Marco
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
ANDIE AND TEAM WAS FLAWLESS SERVICE. The art of delivering a Pinwheel Lasagna piping hot to table, and then delivering utensils 3 minutes later is BRILLIANT. WE loved letting it cool down a bit and this all is simply and example of PRO SERVICE. So many details.....Andie noticed a low glass of acqua minerale and asked if I'd like another. (Next time i am ordering a Liter bottle) She was aware of the appetizers so well, she suggested 4 which all harmonized perfectly. The calamari made us realize BARBUSA was the actual KITCHEN for LALA, and now I realize this boutique is for the ALL STARS to ply their magic. Is "Lala" the name for Joey's mom? The lasagna, caesar's salad, osso buco, meatballs & pasta, gnocchi all just right! Was that space a former dark room for a photographer? The wooden paneling made it seem like a Euro Train car. Was this restored from 80 years ago or all brand new? The matre D (can't recall name allison?) made the billing all go smoothly. Fun to leave $100 tip for team.
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G
Gracia
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I Made a reservation last minute, and was able to get accommodated. The food was fantastic, the service was good and the atmosphere was excellent! It was a cute little spot! I will definitely check it out again.
1 person found this helpful
N
Nicole
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I adore this place. We tried multiple things and everything was delicious and perfect. The cavatappi with bone marrow was 🤌. Our sever was on point. Their music and vibe were exactly what we wanted for a girls night out. Thank you Lala and I will be back.
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B
Bella
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience!! Drinks were perfect, food came fast! Amazing service!
Is this helpful?
K
Kaliyani VIP
San Diego15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely amazing experience. We ordered everything practically because it was all too good to pass up! Great night for our galentine’s date.
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FAQs

Lala is rated 4.7 stars by 166 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

11 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 29 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Area
Little Italy
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 17:00–21:45 Wed, Thu 17:00–22:30 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Nino Zizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a booking

Additional information

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95

STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95

PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95

OSSO BUCOUS$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information