Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in University Heights

26 restaurants available nearby

1. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1164)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 47 times today

RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Californian cuisine with a delightful touch of Sicilian flair. This charming eatery captivates food enthusiasts with its commitment to "locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes," ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant. The fusion of American and Sicilian tastes offers an unparalleled farm-to-neighborhood experience, making it a community favorite. Diners rave about the "amazing food and dining experience," with standout dishes like the "cheese wheel pasta" and "pesto pasta creamy and delicious." With a warm ambiance and a pet-friendly outdoor space, RustiCucina is a must-visit for those seeking quality Californian cuisine.

2. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(337)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 65 times today

Roman Wolves in Little Italy, San Diego, is a shining gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts. This vibrant establishment is celebrated for its exquisite cocktails, with the Hugo Spritz receiving rave reviews as "incredible" and leaving patrons eager for more. The talented bartenders at Roman Wolves ensure that each drink is a masterpiece, complementing the rich Italian culinary experience. Diners frequently commend the bar's atmosphere, describing it as lively and welcoming, perfect for both intimate gatherings and spirited celebrations. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail experience in the heart of San Diego, Roman Wolves is the place to be!

3. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(779)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 56 times today

Nolita Hall, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Pizza Bar experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Known for its Fiori woodfire oven, this beloved spot crafts pizzas that are nothing short of spectacular. Patrons rave about the "pepperoni pizza with honey" as being "awesome," highlighting the unique and delightful flavor combinations that set Nolita Hall apart. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of fun and elegance, with many calling it a "great place to watch a sports game" while indulging in top-quality pizzas. It's a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking authentic taste and vibrant ambiance.

4. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4327)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 71 times today

Barbusa, located in the vibrant Little Italy of San Diego, stands out as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its "freshest seafood," Barbusa consistently delights guests with its authentic and modern Sicilian flair. Diners rave about the "amazing dishes" and the exceptional service that complements the vibrant atmosphere. The seafood offerings at Barbusa are not just meals; they are culinary experiences, crafted with precision and served with passion. Guests frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "amazing waiter service," making every visit memorable. For those seeking quality seafood with a touch of Sicilian charm, Barbusa is a must-visit.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

5. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2666)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 80 times today

North Italia - Fashion Valley in Mission Valley, San Diego, offers a “fantastic” Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Known for its “authentically prepared” dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, North Italia excels in providing a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “delicious” handmade pastas and pizzas, with standout flavors like the ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, lauded for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty notes. The warm atmosphere and “excellent service” complete the experience, making it a “staple” for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian flavors.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

6. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(627)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 31 times today

Nestled in the heart of North Park, San Diego, Cori Pastificio Trattoria is a seafood haven that promises an extraordinary culinary experience. Acclaimed chef Accursio Lota, known for his authentic Sicilian flair, creates masterpieces that captivate the palate with the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "spectacular seafood pasta" and "craveable scallops with risotto," praising the restaurant's ability to flawlessly combine traditional Italian techniques with a California twist. The cozy, intimate atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking both quality and authenticity in every bite.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

7. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3103)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 47 times today

Alexander's on 30th in North Park, San Diego, is renowned for its exquisite Italian-inspired Seafood cuisine. The restaurant seamlessly blends gourmet flair with homestyle comfort, creating a truly unique dining experience. Diners rave about the Chilean Sea Bass, with one review calling it "delicious" and recommending it highly. Another standout dish is the seafood stuffed mushrooms, described as "to die for." The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, promising a memorable meal with every visit. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or a curious first-timer, Alexander's is a must-visit for an unforgettable culinary journey.

8. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(139)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 26 times today

Lala, nestled in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, offers an enchanting experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine that captivates with its modern flair and timeless flavors. This chic eatery perfectly marries tradition with innovation, presenting dishes like the inventive loaded potato gnocchi and the exquisite squid ink pasta with lobster. Guests rave about the "incredible ambiance" and "stellar service," with standout cocktails like the "Lala Martini" elevating the dining experience. The cozy, romantic setting, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, ensures that every visit is both memorable and meaningful. Join Lala for a true celebration of Italian culinary excellence.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3315)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 50 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, is a standout spot for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a dedication to "75 kinds of different pasta recipes, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day," Bencotto truly honors the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "incredible cheese wheel pasta" and commend the restaurant for its "exceptional food and service." The intimate, sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to authenticity, ensures that each dish is a delightful journey to Italy. Whether enjoying a cozy meal upstairs or at the lively bar downstairs, Bencotto offers a quintessential Mediterranean dining experience.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

10. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(633)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 24 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge is a standout gem in Downtown San Diego, offering an authentic Californian twist on Mediterranean and Italian classics. Just steps from the marina, this culinary haven is celebrated for its "fantastic Italian food" and "delicious cocktails," creating a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that invites guests to relax and indulge. Diners rave about the vibrant atmosphere, with one delighted guest noting, "Everything about this place was amazing!" The combination of exquisite dishes like the "spicy rigatoni with just the right amount of heat" and impeccable service make Salvatore's a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.

‘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

C
collinVIP
San Diego •3 reviews
4.0
Dined today
They play the music too loud on weekend nights. We got tired of shouting at one another so we just stopped talking.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
L
Larry
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined today
The ambience is Italian, but the food--mashed potatoes?--hardly seems Roman.
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
R
RUTH
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The servers were excellent. The pasta meals were lacking. The Cacio e Pepe was too dry and not anything like it was supposed to be. It needed more liquid to make it creamy. The other pasta was just ok. It was supposed to have eggplant, but it was almost non existent. It had only a few very small pieces. The Cheese Wheel meal was excellent! I would have that again.
More info
RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.6
L
Lois
Las Vegas •47 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We went to Nolita Hall for dinner, after having their brunch, which was really good. We had the focaccia with burrata appetizer then ordered the hot honey pizza, nidi pasta & pork belly bites; all were delicious.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
J
Julie
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a very nice booth and spent time talking and catching up. We did not feel rushed, the server continued to check in on us. Ordered wine and the simple salad, it was delicious! The dressing was so tasty! Also ordered the Lasagna, it was rich and creamy. Such wonderful food!! I would highly recommend and dine here often.
More info
North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

University Heights

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in University Heights

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

1. RustiCucina

2. Roman Wolves

3. Nolita Hall

4. Barbusa

5. North Italia - Fashion Valley

6. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

7. Alexander's on 30th

8. Lala

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

10. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable