Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

Arron and Leo are exceptional hosts who provided an unforgettable experience at Nolita Hall. We arrived before 4 pm and were delighted by the extensive happy hour menu. We opted for the cheese board, which featured pepperoni pizza, and it was an exceptional pairing. To complement our meal, we enjoyed a “Where is my passport?” cocktail and a blonde beer. The overall experience was exceptional, and the hosts left a lasting impression. We highly recommend visiting Nolita Hall and will certainly return with friends and family. -Mel

Very good food. The Walter was very nice and suggested very good food. She was a little slow bringing the main corse. Overall the place is nice and the food is really good. Price is fair. Definitively recommended

The food and service was outstanding! Great location and ambience. I had the Sicilian Ribeye and it was delicious. It came with fries and the portions were huge. It’s a loud and happening place but fun. The prices of the food was surprising too, very affordable, especially for the portions you get. I highly recommend this place. We’ll definitely be back.

It's easily the best Italian food I've had in San Diego so far. If you're in Little Italy I recommend you give this place a try. I think you will enjoy it.

Inviting entrance, delightful decor highlighting lemons, Italian handmade pasta & glass floral chandeliers. Warm welcome from wait staff. Delicious wine selection & varied menu. I highly recommend the House Merlot. It is slightly fruity & quite smooth. The bread is fresh, includes Italian loaf & focaccia slices and is served with a tasty compound butter. Two of us selected Occobuco and were very happy with our choice. The pork was tender & well seasoned. The accompanying risotto was creamy and the spinach sautéed to perfection. The five cheese fettuccini pasta was theatrically prepared in an aged cheese wheel combining fresh cream & cheese both torch heated to an incredibly delicious, creamy al dente dish. The Pollo Franchise was moist, tender & served with earthy seasoned sautéed mushrooms, whipped potatoes & crunchy broccolini. All dishes arrived piping hot and each member of my party thoroughly enjoyed their meals.. Roberto was attentive, gracious & kind. The birthday tiramisu was delivered in a copper dish with a lighted candle. The mascarpone was creamy & minimally sweet with a light dusting of chocolate powder both of which set this dessert apart from all others I have tried. The heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday led by Roberto was melodic & joyful. The noise level made table discussion a bit difficult. Acoustic adjustments would only enhance this wonderful & delectable dining experience. We will be back. Limoncello is a must visit in La Mesa!