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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Diego

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
1. Nolita Hall
4.4
Awesome(728)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 78 times today
Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
2. North Italia - Fashion Valley
4.7
Exceptional(2617)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 51 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 RustiCucina restaurant
3. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1121)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest
Booked 35 times today
At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.
A photo of La Pastaia restaurant
4. La Pastaia
4.3
Awesome(292)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Bay Park
Booked 3 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 Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(609)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Park
Booked 12 times today
At Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, San Diego, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Under the helm of the acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes that beautifully incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Critics and patrons alike rave about the seafood offerings; one standout review highlighted the "signature seafood carbonara" as being "absolutely delicious," and another celebrated the "scallops with risotto" for being "perfectly prepared and delicious." These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, making Cori Pastificio Trattoria a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood dining experience.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
6. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3068)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • North Park
Booked 49 times today
Alexander's on 30th, nestled in the vibrant North Park neighborhood of San Diego, is a culinary treasure that excels in delivering exceptional seafood dishes alongside its Italian specialties. Patrons rave about the "incredible lobster ravioli" and the "best linguini and clams" they've ever had, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With its romantic ambiance and top-notch service, Alexander's has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers. As noted by a satisfied guest, the "shrimp pasta really enjoyed" and the freshness of the seafood is consistently praised, making every meal here a delightful experience. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Alexander's on 30th offers a seafood feast that's sure to impress.
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
7. The Red Door
4.8
Exceptional(2971)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills
Booked 15 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.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
8. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4120)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 98 times today
Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
9. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(298)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 42 times today
At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
10. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 81 times today
Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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