Best Italian Restaurants in Harbor Island

77 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4198)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 63 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.

2. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5511)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 102 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4307)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 66 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.

4. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(767)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 31 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.

5. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(313)

Price: Moderate

• 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.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

6. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3301)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 40 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.

7. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7103)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 43 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

8. Allegro

4.3

Awesome(1279)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 52 times today

Allegro, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine. With its Amalfi coast-inspired dining, Allegro combines traditional and modern Italian dishes in a setting perfect for any celebration. Patrons rave about their experiences, highlighting dishes like the gnocchi, praised as "top tier" and "a must while in San Diego." The charm of Allegro extends to its service; with reviews noting servers like Diego who provide "unmatched" attentiveness, ensuring a "memorable evening." Whether it's the bustling happy hour or a serene dinner under lemon trees, Allegro promises a slice of Italy with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for Italian food enthusiasts.

9. Lala

4.5

Awesome(131)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 21 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 Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

10. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 21 times today

At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.

‘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

J
Jarrett
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I loved my experience at Cesarina! The service was excellent and the staff was very accommodating for my large size party. And I can't say enough about the quality of food we ate. Went for a birthday outing and this was the perfect gift. I highly recommend this restaurant to whomever loves great food and great service!
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CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
•
4.9
L
LaurenVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I always love coming here! We were celebrating our honeymoon and they gave us 2 complimentary glasses of champagne to celebrate. Great time!
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SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
S
Stephanie
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
I took my boyfriend for his birthday 🎂. My daughter had recommended this place. Everything was really lovely. They seated us right away, food was delicious, service was amazing. My only complaint was where our table was. I made the reservation with the note it was a bday celebration. I was hoping to be seated in the restaurant. Unfortunately our little two top was in the bar area. We were stuck between a 6 top and a 5 top. Not as quiet and romantic as I had hoped for. Still a 4.5 star experience. I will be back.
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
T
Teresa
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went during happy hour. Loved the food and drinks Beautiful Christmas set up. Service was excellent. Definitely going back
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Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
J
Jose
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food! Service was awesome and didn’t feel rushed.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

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Best Italian Restaurants in Harbor Island

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77 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

2. Cesarina

3. Barbusa

4. Nolita Hall

5. Roman Wolves

6. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

7. CUCINA urbana

8. Allegro

9. Lala

10. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

See what locals rave about

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