You’re in for a treat if you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, as San Diego is home to a plethora of fantastic Italian restaurants. However, only a few can boast the most authentically delicious and high-quality meals. So, prepare for your taste buds to be treated to a delicacy of fresh pasta, pizza, seafood, excellent wine selections, and beyond. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy your dining experience while on the hunt for the best Italian restaurant in San Diego, and here’s a list of local favorites to help you out!
1. Bencotto
Bencotto is an Italian restaurant in San Diego that offers an impeccable dining experience. They have fantastic service and delectable, freshly-made pasta that will satisfy those comprehensible cravings. The restaurant itself is welcoming, with a modern aesthetic that’s refreshing to the eye. A standout dish is their Lamb Tagliatelle, which is creamy, rich, and an absolute must-try.
📍 750 W Fir St #103, San Diego, CA
2. Cesarina
Named by many “one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego”, the food at Cesarina won’t disappoint. People love the honey-glazed crispy octopus appetizer, so make sure not to miss it, to kickoff an amazing meal experience. It doesn’t seem like you can go wrong with any of their pasta dishes, but their Paccheri Vodka and Scampi seem to impress even more than the rest. Get the table-side Tiramisu to complete this Italian feast. Keep in mind that prices are a bit steeper than the norm.
📍 4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
3. Baci Restaurant
Serving up an authentic Italian culinary experience in San Diego’s Bay Park, this long-time staple is perfect if you’re looking for delicious delicacies from Italy. Their Osso Buco is their signature dish and must be tried by first-time patrons. In addition, their homemade Semolina Pasta and Gnocchi are popular among the loyal locals.
📍 1955 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA
4. Vincenzo Cucina and Lounge
This newer spot on the scene has stolen hearts (and TikTok views) with their famous cheese wheels. The way their menu works is quite interesting, because if you opt for their cheesy pasta, you don’t actually choose the pasta dish – you choose the cheese wheel. For example, if you go for the 24-month parmigiano, you’ll get Fettuccine Alfredo with classic parmigiano creamy sauce; the 18-month percorino romano cheese wheel will be used to cook your classic Carbonara. The restaurant has a modern interior design and a great vibe, although service can be a little bit slow – so come hungry, but not starving.
📍 550 W Date St Ste A, San Diego, CA 92101
5. Cucina Caprese Pizzeria & Trattoria
If you’re looking for a pizza that takes you straight to Italy, this is one of the spots that can make it happen. The owner is from Italy, and trained at the Culinary School of Capri, so you can trust that first-hand knowledge. This spot it located in a strip mall, but don’t let that fool you – this truly is one of the best, most authentic pizzas in town, and a gem when it comes to Italian restaurants in San Diego. It even features in Yelp’s top 100 pizzas in US & Canada.
6. Arrivederci Ristorante
Arrivederci Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in San Diego that you can’t afford to overlook! They serve a fantastic array of authentic Italian cuisine that will transport you to the heart of Florence or Rome, without leaving America’s Finest City. Whether your ordering the Pesto Fusilli or Linguine Mediterraneo, make sure to ask for wine recommendations to elevate your meal.
📍 3845 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA
7. Jack & Giulio’s Italian Restaurant
Nestled in San Diego’s Old Town, Jack & Giulio’s Italian Restaurant serves up moreish dishes that are inspired by Northern Italy. Customers love their delectable Seafood Pasta and the lively ambiance filled with smooth jazz music. The flavorful menu includes brilliant Bruschetta to start and a go-to classic, Spaghetti Bolognese for your main. You can’t leave without trying out a decadent dessert.
📍 2391 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA
8. Davanti Enoteco
Davanti Enoteca is one of the most well-known Italian restaurants in San Diego with an exceptional service that stands out among the crowd. Providing diners with stellar recommendations on must-try dishes, this restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and an outstanding menu that’s extensive and packed to the brim with iconic, Italian flavor.
📍 1655 India St, San Diego, CA
9. Il Posto
This cute, neighborhood restaurants, is a great choice if you’re around South Park. One of the more famous choices on their menu is the starters trio, “Trio alla Italiana”, featuring arancini, crocche (croquettes) and zucchini flowers. People seem to love their linguine choices too, as well as their Napoli style pizza. In case you can’t find the perfect mix, you can also create your own pasta dish – vegan options available! Prices are typical, but catch their happy hour between 11:45 AM – 3 PM for a great deal.
📍 2145 Fern St., San Diego, California 92104
10. Piacere Mio
Looking for an excellent Italian dining experience in San Diego? Look no further than Piacere Mio, where you can indulge in mouth-watering Italian delicacies, all prepared to perfection! The restaurant’s intimate and charming ambiance sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or a friendly night-out.
📍 1947 Fern St, San Diego, CA
11. Monello
Perfectly located in San Diego’s Little Italy, Monello is an essential Italian restaurant here in America’s Finest City. The signature dish is the Cheese Wheel Pasta, freshly prepared in a giant wheel of parmesan, elevating your culinary adventure into an immersive experience. The ambience of the restaurant is charming, and the staff is friendly and helpful when choosing those wine pairings.
📍 750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA
12. Buon Appetito Restaurant
This is another fantastic option if you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego’s Little Italy. Popular among locals, the food here is a real crowd-pleaser. Trust the waitstaff to offer helpful recommendations and guide you through the order prepping process. Their Lasagna has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on a lot of the restaurant’s fans and for excellent reason!
📍 1609 India St, San Diego, CA
13. The Red Door
The Red Door in San Diego is an exceptional restaurant with a lovely and intimate atmosphere. Expect an incredible menu of delectable Italian dishes, such as Veal Meatballs, and the fan-favorite Seafood Pasta. In addition to their impressive cuisine, The Red Door offers a wide selection of wine and cocktails that are sure to please all.
📍 741 W Washington St, San Diego, CA
14. RoVino Restaurant + Bar
RoVino Restaurant + Bar in San Diego’s Little Italy boasts an exquisite dining experience that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. With beautifully presented dishes, prepare for a Mediterranean feas, with complex flavors that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Make sure to try one of their cocktails. You won’t regret it!
📍 2034 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
15. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
Indulge in the authentic taste of Italy at this go-to pizza hotspot, also in San Diego’s Little Italy. As soon as you enter, you’re met with the delightful aroma of freshly made pizzas and Italian cuisine. The rustic décor, featuring ancient chianti bottles, adds to the cozy and intimate ambiance. As well as their must-try pizza, they offer a hearty selection of other standout dishes.
📍 1747 India St, San Diego, CA
16. Mona Lisa Italian Foods
The first version of Mona Lisa Italian Foods was established in 1953 in Downtown San Diego and has since been a staple. With a deli and a restaurant portion, Mona Lisa has a incredible variety of take-home goods and freshly prepared plates of pizza, antipasti, freshly made pasta, and delicious stacked sandwiches that will take you away to the cobblestone streets of Roma right here in San Diego.
📍 2061 India St, San Diego
17. Ulivo
Ulivo, which means ‘olive tree’ in Italian, is an excellent option for Italian food in San Diego. They’re popular and a smaller, intimate venue so make sure to book a table in advance to get a plate of their renowned pasta dishes. Saffron Linguine and Shrimp, Orecchiette Gorgonzola, and more classic Capallini Pomodoro can dazzle your tastebuds, and don’t forget to wash it down with imported Italian wine.
📍1776 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego
18. Buono Forchetta
Neopolitan-style pizzas are the star of the show at Buono Forchetta with options like Puttanesca, Margherita, and Marinara. Their other pizzas are mostly named with classic Italian-style names, like Giulia, Angela, and Nicola, with different types of sauces and toppings to match.
📍 3001 Beech St, San Diego
19. Biga
Biga does farm-to-table Italian food better than a lot of other places out there, and we’re lucky enough to find them right in Downtown San Diego. We’d recommend starting with a signature Biga Caprese Salad with 18 month age shaved prosciutto and smoked buffalo mozzarella then ordering a Carbonara pasta, a lobster and smoked clam risotto, or their campanelle and shrimp, depending on your taste. They’ve also got an entire page of Neopolitan-stlye pies on their menu, so come hungry if you want the most bang for your buck.
📍 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego
20. Marisi
Marisi in La Jolla is a must-visit for you’re seeking a fusion of Italian charm and Californian flair. This stylish spot boasts a sleek, coastal vibe that’s perfect for a chic night out. Don’t miss the Rigatoni, rich with robust flavors, or the Duck Ragu Pappardelle, a hearty and indulgent treat. Complement your meal with selections from their impressive wine list, featuring an array of Italian and local wines, or indulge in one of their expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect finishing touch. Marisi’s dedication to quality and flavor makes it a standout in La Jolla’s vibrant dining scene.
21. Ciccia Osteria
This restaurants is so good, it was actually recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. And it’s not just because it has great food – it’s also in a unique space – a converted home. Chef Mario Cassineri was born and raised in Milan, and has dedicated his life to modern Italian cuisine. Ciccia is inspired by traditional osterias in Italy, where simple and seasonal food is served in a relaxed setting. One of their specialties is the crab gnocchi, and the squid ink pasta is also a favorite. Of course, you can expect to find handmade, fresh pasta here.
Don’t miss out on the best Italian restaurants in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family dinner, or a night out with your friends, these spots will certainly deliver. From sensational pizzas to the best pasta in the city, be sure to visit these Italian restaurants and experience a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving San Diego. Buon Appetito!
Article written in collaboration with Andra Young.