The Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
Updated April 27, 2023
Looking for the best Italian in San Diego? When you think of the word Italy, many things come to mind. You may think of Rome, gondolas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Vatican, art, fine leather goods, shoes, or vacation.
But, when you think of Italian, your mind may wander to a tastier place, one of pizza, pasta, marinara sauce, calamari, aged cheese, or gelato. Italian cuisine has been a staple part of the American diet, and it has been modified throughout the years to accommodate American tastes and expectations for our dining experiences.
With that, some of the authentic luster for what Italian food is has been lost, but lucky for you, San Diego has an array of delicious and authentic Italian restaurants that will have you thinking you are teleported to Italy. Here is a list of our top Italian restaurants organized alphabetically.
Buon Appetito
Looking to try one of Little Italy San Diego’s best restaurants? Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, this staple restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere that can satisfy the first date couple, and a family of tourists at the end of a long day of sightseeing. The pastas are made from scratch, and the bread dipping sauce made with fresh ingredients like tomato, garlic, and herbs that comes with the bread service will make you happy you arrived. Try ordering their homemade lasagna or cioppino, an Italian fisherman’s stew. We would suggest that you order right off the front-page menu, which features the daily specials for both lunch and dinner.
Buona Forchetta
As you walk up to this San Diego Italian restaurant in the quaint neighborhood of South Park, you are swept away to a place where everyone seems to know each other, as if the neighborhood came out to play the way they always do each night. The large patio is covered with hanging string lights that adorn large trees, and the smell of pizza will make any person’s stomach rumble. Start off with one of their many appetizers, or ‘antipasti’, like the caprese made with organic heirloom tomatoes, fior di latte, and basil. Pizza and pasta are the specialties here. Just take our word for it. Choose from their list of house-made pasta shapes and top it off with one of their incredible sauces, and order any one of the SPECIALTY pizzas.
Bencotto
Located only a mile from historic Balboa Park, this restaurant is housed in one of the coolest looking buildings in Little Italy San Diego. With its ultra contemporary design, you’ll feel as though you’re in one of the best restaurants in Rome. We can’t get enough of their salami meats served with their fried gnocchi, and of course, their pasta. Bencotto serves traditional Italian dishes, but pasta is the main attraction here. Fresh pasta is all made daily, and you can choose your dream combo of pasta and sauce for your dish. When in doubt, just go with one of their specials. You won’t be disappointed.
Barbusa
This place is probably the best Italian restaurant in San Diego to start your Italian gastronomic adventure. At Barbusa, we veer away from the traditional Italian and bring in a fresh way of creating dishes inspired by Italian flavors. Their atmosphere will make any social media influencer envious. A warm Edison glow to light your culinary journey you find yourself embarking. Enjoy your time here with friends enjoying the vibrant flavors in the colorful space.
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SALVATORE’S CUCINA & LOUNGE
This restaurant has been an Italian food staple in Downtown San Diego since the 1980’s. The new-world Italian vibe is alive in the elegance of this place. As you walk in, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into your newly-found, rich, Italian heritage as you’re greeted with warm smiles and superb hospitality. The authentic Italian cuisine offered here is nothing less than amazing, but when you taste their Osso Bucco, you’ll think the front entrance of Salvatore was the portal to heaven itself. They offer a great wine list and special performances on the weekends. This is the ideal romantic Italian dinner date to impress your companion across the table. Unwind from your earthly day with a Pinot Grigio and an authentic Italian pasta dish at this San Diego favorite Little Italy restaurant.
Solare
In Liberty Station, you’ll find one of Southern California’s best restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisine. Of course, the food is incredible, but there is something to be said about the spirit of Solare. This San Diego Italian restaurant is not ultra fancy, so enjoy great hospitality and your meal on a whim, or for a special occasion. They also have a flavorful happy hour menu that you can enjoy time and time again.
Seneca
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Nestled twenty floors up presenting superior views of the San Diego bay is a laid-back Italian trattoria. While you’re immersed in a high-end nautical themed atmosphere you’ll be served the finest selection of handmade pasta dishes. Not only is their view elevated but their Italian dishes as well. On the menu guests can find “Bucatini Cacio E Pepe” to be paired with specialty craft cocktail, one of them being “Rome with a View”.
CESARINA
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Located in Point Loma is a pasta paradise. Large windows display into the kitchen where the pasta master showcases his craft making the freshest homemade pasta before your very eyes. Choose the shape of your pasta before selecting your sauce and toppings to create a fully customizable experience. Plenty of vegan friend options available as well.
While this list features 6 of the Italian restaurants in San Diego, it’s quite small compared to many Little Italy restaurants in San Diego, Southern California. We hope you go out and explore more local establishments, and if you need help, one of our tours can get you into several establishments in one night. Whether you’re feeling white wine or red, or simply craving a delectable Italian pasta dish, be sure to check out our Vino, Vino wine tour in Little Italy.
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This blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.
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