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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in La Jolla

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Marisi restaurant
1. Marisi
4.6
Exceptional(1061)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 41 times today
Marisi, nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of La Jolla, is a gem that brings the heart of Italy to the Californian coast. Celebrated for its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, Marisi offers an exceptional array of handmade pastas, which are crafted daily to ensure the freshest experience. The restaurant’s ambiance, reminiscent of a charming villa by the Amalfi coast, complements its culinary offerings, creating a dining environment that feels like "coming home." Critics and patrons alike rave about the diverse menu and the high-quality ingredients, with a recent review highlighting, “The rigatoni dish is probably the best pasta dish I’ve ever had.” Recognized as the best new restaurant by San Diego Magazine, Marisi is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic, memorable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Catania restaurant
2. Catania
4.8
Exceptional(2067)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 26 times today
At Catania in La Jolla, San Diego, diners are consistently wowed by the authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine, crafted with passion and a commitment to tradition. A standout for its use of wood-burning ovens and a meticulously curated all-Italian wine and craft beer list, Catania captures the essence of Italy's coastal flavors. Guests rave about dishes like the "best pizza they had ever had" and the "delicious pasta and wine." The restaurant's setting, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, complements its culinary delights, creating a perfect dining experience. Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional service and atmosphere, making Catania a beloved spot among locals and a must-visit for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in a breathtaking locale.
A photo of Candor by Giuseppe restaurant
3. Candor by Giuseppe
4.8
Exceptional(791)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 1 time today
Candor by Giuseppe in La Jolla is a standout destination for those seeking a truly international dining experience. This neighborhood gem consistently impresses with its "familiar tastes with global twists," making every dish an adventure. Praised for its high-quality ingredients and exceptional service, guests rave about the diverse offerings, from the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Poached Chicken Salad to the globally inspired Lamb Pappardelle and Fisherman's Stew. Reviewers consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the attentive staff, noting that "Guillermo made our dining experience!" and the ambiance is "always fantastic." Candor by Giuseppe isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that celebrates global flavors with every dish.
A photo of Ambrogio by Acquerello restaurant
4. Ambrogio by Acquerello
4.6
Exceptional(85)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 2 times today
Experience Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi’s Iconic 8 Course Tasting Menus in our charming La Jolla restaurant, recently included in the Michelin Guide.Signature Tasting Menu - $159/person. Vegetarian Tasting Menu - $139/person. A La Carte Menu: From Tuesday through Thursday, you get to enjoy the Great Classics of Italian Cuisine through the lenses of Chefs Silvio Salmoiraghi and Enea Sintoni on this special A La Carte Menu. It includes two (2) courses of choice + dessert for $99/person. Not sharable and not combinable with Tasting Menus.We seek to operate within the frame of a New Italian Cuisine. Italy, France, Korea, Japan and California: the five places that define our cuisine and allow us to create a unique set of masterpieces.Reservations require a $20/person deposit, fully refundable up to 24h in advance.We gently require a 48h notice for allergies and dietary restrictions. A full Vegan Menu is available only upon request.
A photo of Lucrezia restaurant
5. Lucrezia
4.5
Awesome(573)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 38 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of La Jolla, San Diego, Lucrezia offers a refreshing contemporary twist on Italian cuisine that is both innovative and deeply rooted in authenticity. Guests are transported to the Amalfi Coast with dishes that evoke the mystique of Italian summers, using fine ingredients to craft meals that are "spectacular" and reminiscent of the beautiful Italian countryside. Reviewers rave about the "amazing service" and the uniquely delicious offerings like the mussels in white wine sauce and Calabrese pizza with hot honey sauce. As one diner put it, "The whole experience was fantastic," making Lucrezia a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian fare.
A photo of Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant
6. Bernini's Bistro & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(590)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 14 times today
Bernini's Bistro & Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, is a treasure trove of Contemporary American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike for over 24 years. Known for its "incredible" Lasagna and wood-fired pizzas, Bernini's offers a menu that is both diverse and bursting with flavor. Reviewers rave about the “delicious” and “well-prepared” meals, highlighting dishes like the blackened salmon and cioppino as must-tries. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised, creating the perfect backdrop for dining experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious. With "excellent service" and a "warm" atmosphere, Bernini's stands out as a top choice for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare in a charming neighborhood setting.
A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant
7. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo
4.5
Awesome(1548)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Del Mar
Booked 66 times today
At North Italia in Del Mar, every dish promises a slice of Italian heaven, meticulously handcrafted from scratch. Celebrated for its authenticity, the restaurant offers a menu that boasts seasonally inspired dishes with a modern twist, from divine handmade pastas and pizzas to innovative cocktails perfectly paired for an elevated dining experience. Patrons rave about the quality, with one declaring the funghi pizza "the best pizza I’ve ever had." Another highlighted the restaurant's consistent excellence, noting, "Every time I eat at this restaurant I become more impressed." North Italia stands out not just for its exceptional food but also for the vibrant atmosphere and outstanding service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
8. North Italia - Fashion Valley
4.7
Exceptional(2642)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 67 times today
North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.
A photo of La Pastaia restaurant
9. La Pastaia
4.3
Awesome(300)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Bay Park
Booked 5 times today
La Pastaia, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Bay Park, San Diego, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that promises an authentic and delightful dining experience. The restaurant is celebrated for its "homemade pasta tossed in flavorful sauces" and "wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients," crafted with a modern twist. Guests often rave about the quality of the dishes, such as the "delicious Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe" and the "pasta with zucchini cream," highlighting their authentic and innovative flavors. The atmosphere is described as "a beautiful spot with amazing food and wonderful service," making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine Italian culinary journey. The consistently "excellent service and food," along with glowing reviews like "the best homemade pasta we have ever tried," underscore why La Pastaia stands out as a top destination for Contemporary Italian fare in San Diego.
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
10. The Red Door
4.7
Exceptional(2976)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills
Booked 16 times today
Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Richelle
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went for my birthday with my parents and in-laws! It was our first time but we heard good things. I’m so happy we tried it out! Phenomenal food and service! I am pregnant so I couldn’t drink, but the non alcoholic options are actually really good! Thank you!
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • DianaVIP
    Baja California •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The restaurant is gorgeous and the Food is good, we ordered family style because the portions are big. We had the caesar salad, the mussels and three pastas spicy rigatoni, one that had black truffle and one with sausage that was the one I liked best.
    More info
    LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • JohnVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food is always great and the staff are super friendly. Just a great all around atmosphere on a cold winters night
    More info
    CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • CathieCVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    The food was delicious! I had the salmon, my husband had the short ribs. My sister had the burger and her husband had the chicken Milanese. We started with the sausage flatbread. Everything was really nicely prepared . The service was excellent and all the wine choices were great. We will definitely return!
    More info
    Candor by GiuseppePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • Ed
    San Diego •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 8, 2024
    If you are expecting a typical restaurant meal you will not get it here. If you a looking for a true dining experience I highly recommend Ambrogio by Acquerello. 8 courses of extraordinary food, wine pairings and top notch service. The surprise “breakfast” as the third or fourth course is fun. Playing the “guess the ingredients” game is challenging. Bon appetite.
    More info
    Ambrogio by AcquerelloPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in La Jolla

Experience the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine right in the heart of La Jolla, San Diego. This vibrant dining scene boasts an array of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique and sophisticated gastronomic experience. From artisanal Neapolitan pizzas baked in traditional stone ovens to innovative dishes that incorporate local and international influences, each restaurant in La Jolla promises a memorable dining adventure. Guests can enjoy meticulously crafted menus featuring everything from hand-made pasta to exquisite seafood dishes, all complemented by an impressive selection of Italian wines and craft beverages. The ambiance of these establishments ranges from the intimate and cozy to the elegantly modern, making them perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. With a strong emphasis on quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, the contemporary Italian restaurants in La Jolla are destinations not just for food, but for an exceptional culinary journey that reflects the richness of Italian dining culture.

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