Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Park

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(312)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 65 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.

2. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(764)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 54 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.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4307)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 84 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.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

4. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(629)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 5 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(617)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 11 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.

6. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1139)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 46 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.

7. Lala

4.5

Awesome(131)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 25 times today

Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

8. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3086)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 24 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 Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3301)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 49 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

10. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(177)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 32 times today

Ciccia Osteria, nestled in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, is a treasure trove for Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine enthusiasts. With its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awards from 2021 to 2024, the restaurant has established itself as a haven for authentic Italian flavors tailored to plant-based preferences. Diners rave about the "mushroom flan appetizer," describing it as a "MUST" for every visit. The attention to quality and authenticity shines through, with reviews highlighting how Ciccia Osteria is "very accommodating" to dietary restrictions, offering "gluten dairy free ravioli with lobster" that is "elevated to a 5-star restaurant level." The blend of a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that caters thoughtfully to Vegetarian and Vegan tastes makes Ciccia Osteria a standout destination for those seeking a delightful culinary experience in San Diego.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LindaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great time! Decorated so beautifully for the holidays. Mulled wine was wonderful.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
J
Jose
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great food! Service was awesome and didn’t feel rushed.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
W
Wes
Los Angeles •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The first thing you noticed about Salvatore‘s is the decor and the ambience. It really sets the mood. The service was great. The drinks were perfect. As a starter, we had the margarita pizza and it was delicious. We both have the specials of the day. The fish was a striped mass And beef was a bone in ribeye which was cooked perfectly only it was already cut off the bone into pieces, which I prefer not. However it was delicious so I give them 4.5 , everything was perfect except the portion size of the fish . Should be a full filet
More info
Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.4
D
DonVIP
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food. Highly recommend the cheese wheel pasta. It’s very rich, so share it with someone. Everything we had was fantastic. We will be back in the next couple of weeks.
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
G
GinaVIP
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This is my 3rd visit now and the gentleman who greeted us and served us were all outstanding. The food is authentic and delicious, and the portions are ample for big appetites! We usually take half home and heat up the next day, just as good!
More info
RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

South Park

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Park

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

2. Nolita Hall

3. Barbusa

4. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

6. RustiCucina

7. Lala

8. Alexander's on 30th

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

10. Ciccia Osteria

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable