Best Italian Restaurants in College Area

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

1. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(241)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 18 times today

Discover the delightful flavors of Italy right in the heart of La Mesa at Aromi Italian Cuisine. Known for its authenticity and affordability, Aromi offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere where every dish promises a slice of Italy. Patrons rave about the "Cheese Wheel Pasta," describing it as "delicious and really fancy," and the service as "premium." Aromi's dedication to genuine Italian dining is evident, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service" and "truly original" food that "brought me back to Italy, my home country." Whether it's the handcrafted pastas or the engaging tableside preparations, Aromi stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Italian experience in La Mesa.

2. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2386)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 17 times today

Antica Trattoria in La Mesa is not just renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine but also stands out as an exceptional cocktail bar. Patrons rave about the ambience that complements their drink experience, with one guest stating, "Always a wonderful experience... cocktails, appetizers, and entrees." The bar is celebrated for its skilled bartenders who craft each cocktail with precision, ensuring a delightful sip every time. Whether it's a beautifully made Lemon Drop or the refreshing Red Sangria, the quality of their cocktails consistently impresses guests. Moreover, the friendly and attentive service adds to the charm, making Antica Trattoria a must-visit for both exquisite meals and outstanding cocktails in La Mesa.

3. Pizza by Aromi

4.8

Exceptional(7)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 1 time today

Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

4. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3086)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 21 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(182)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 35 times today

Trattoria Da Sofia, nestled in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This delightful establishment has quickly become a favorite, praised for dishes that exude the heart and soul of Italy. Guests rave about the "creamy Spaghetti Carbonara" and the "divine Risotto ai Funghi," which are just a few examples of the menu's authentic offerings. The ambiance, described as "cozy and authentic," enhances each dining experience, making it feel like a "mini vacation to Italy." Regulars adore the "table side tiramisu," highlighting it as a must-try. With glowing reviews stating it's the "best Italian food in San Diego," Trattoria Da Sofia is undoubtedly a gem worth visiting for anyone seeking genuine Italian fare combined with warm hospitality.

6. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1318)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 32 times today

Siamo Napoli in North Park, San Diego, stands out as a haven for authentic Napolitano style pizza, celebrated for its exceptional quality and the authenticity of its cuisine. Patrons rave about the "absolutely amazing pizzas" and the atmosphere that captures the essence of Italy. With ingredients sourced to reflect the richness of Napoli, the restaurant crafts dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Reviewers consistently praise not only the food but also the "excellent service" and the warm, inviting ambiance. A standout comment notes, "The pizza was killer, some of the best dough I’ve had outside of Napoli," highlighting the genuine Italian experience Siamo Napoli offers. Whether it's the Burrata pizza or a classic Margherita, each bite promises a slice of Naples right in San Diego.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

7. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(302)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 16 times today

Limoncello La Mesa offers an authentic slice of contemporary Italian cuisine right in the heart of La Mesa. Celebrated for its "delicious and very authentic" dishes, this charming restaurant has quickly become a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Patrons rave about the "outstanding mushroom & cream Marsala wine sauce" and the "homemade pasta" that remind them of upscale Italian eateries reminiscent of childhood. The ambiance at Limoncello, described as a "light, airy, modern, gardenlike" environment, complements its culinary offerings, making every meal a delightful experience. Notably, the service is consistently praised, with staff like Roberto and Francesca providing "excellent service" that enhances the dining experience. Whether it's the handcrafted Limoncello Martini that comes with a lemon popsicle or the meticulously prepared lobster ravioli, Limoncello La Mesa stands out as a gem in North Park, offering a true taste of Italy with every dish.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

8. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(617)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 15 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

9. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1065)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 26 times today

Nestled in the heart of Lemon Grove, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina offers a slice of Italy with its authentically inspired Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its "amazing food" and "exceptional service," this local gem creates a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of Little Italy. Diners rave about the fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and the signature Cheese Wheel Pasta, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. The glowing reviews often mention the "outstanding" Chicken Parmigiana and the tender calamari, offering a "great experience" that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Whether it's Wine Wednesday or a family celebration, Giardino promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience right in Lemon Grove.

A photo of Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley restaurant

10. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

4.5

Awesome(31)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 1 time today

We invite you all to join us at our Italian family restaurant! Whether it's a romantic date for two, a family gathering, or a work event--we want you to enjoy our vintage atmosphere of hanging wine baskets and famous murals that harken back to the restaurants inception in 1950! Come and enjoy our traditional recipes that consist of fresh mixed pizza dough, homemade marinara sauce, homemade meatballs and sausages, and much more!One thing is for certain--you will taste the quality and enjoy our friendly wait staff! Book your reservation today and experience 73 years in the making of incredible pizza and traditional Italian recipes!

‘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

D
DonaldVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Aromi consistently has excellent entrees with a good selection of wines. The daily special today was Mahi Mahi with a lemon caper sauce that was delicious. We always enjoy dinner and the friendly staff and servers.
More info
Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
T
TaylorVIP
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Alexander’s is always my favorite place to bring family and friends when they’re visiting or for special occasions. The food and ambience are amazing! The pink penne pasta is always my go-to, but I don’t think you could go wrong with getting anything else.
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.8
S
ShannonVIP
San Diego •148 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Started with wine and crispy burrata - great choice, can't wait to try a different one next time (yes there will be several nexts). He got the Cacio e Pepe, I got the Bucatini a la Pesto. Mine was labeled a favorite and the flavor was off the charts. So good. He finished his entire order, so his was enjoyed as well. We then moved onto the tableside Tiramisu. FANtastic. This place is a gem. We can't wait to make it more of a rotation! Buon Natale!
More info
Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
A
Arvind
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego. I have been dining there for years and it has always kept its high standards. It is a family run business and the owners offer a personal touch by speaking with their patrons and offering suggestions, making one feel special. Lovely place and good selection of food for several dietary needs.
More info
Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
T
TyroneVIP
Houston •91 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Everything was great! The Sea Bass special is always out of this world and service is always fantastic... thanks to waitstaff like Levi & Heather
More info
Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8

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64 restaurants available nearby

1. Aromi Italian Cuisine

2. Antica Trattoria

3. Pizza by Aromi

4. Alexander's on 30th

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

6. Siamo Napoli

7. Limoncello La Mesa

8. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

9. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

10. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

See what locals rave about

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