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Best Italian Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.9
Exceptional(1058)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 18 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
2. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(287)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 15 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
3. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(232)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 13 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.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
4. Antica Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(2379)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Pizza by Aromi restaurant
5. Pizza by Aromi
new
4.9
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 3 times 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 Seneca restaurant
6. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4111)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 100 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
7. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(297)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 46 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
8. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4276)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 76 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 Madison restaurant
9. Madison
4.5
Awesome(2997)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • University Heights
Booked 63 times today
Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
10. Buona Forchetta
4.6
Exceptional(842)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 59 times today
Buona Forchetta in South Park, San Diego, is a treasure trove for anyone craving authentic Italian pizza. Established in 2011, this pizzeria has perfected the art of pizza making, using a specially built oven that delivers the quintessential crispy yet chewy crust that true enthusiasts rave about. Customers consistently praise the "amazing pizza" and highlight the "flavorful and cooked to perfection" crust. One review even exclaimed, "Best Italian food in South Park, San Diego highly recommend," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The glowing testimonials and the bustling, warm atmosphere make Buona Forchetta the go-to spot for a slice of Italy right in the heart of San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kristen
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food & service were amazing! Best pizza we’ve had in San Diego! The pizza we have been searching for since we moved here 6 years ago!
    More info
    Pizza by AromiPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • Tyronevip
    Houston •89 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Another great evening of food, drinks and service. Thanks to Heather for the great Manhattans and Levi for his always excellent service and friendship. See you in December!
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Julia
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We came in last night and had a wonderful experience. Our server was Alessandra and she was just amazing. First off the place is so cute & trendy, I love what they did with the space. We started our meal with the fritto misto (mixed calamari & veggies), fungo ripieno (mushroom w artichoke, red sauce & polenta) which was my personal favorite (the polenta was to die for) and the crispy burrata. We ate everything and left no crumbs ! Then we went on to our main courses. We ordered the fettuccine tartufo (mushroom & truffle - our tables favorite), spicy vodka pasta, ragu Della Nonna (red sauce with meat), and the parmigiana Milanese (eggplant Parmesan). Everything was delicious. The pasta was cooked perfect & al dente, we ate what we could & took the rest home! Then came dessert. It was my father’s birthday and they offered us a dessert of our choice, Alessandra recommended the fresh made table side tiramisu -good choice. Flavors were so well balanced. We also ordered the cannoli and was one of my favorite cannolis ever! Needless to say we will be coming back again! Thank you for the great dinner.
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • Allison
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Honestly the food was probably some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. I loved it. Price matched the food for sure. Ambiance was nice as well.
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.9
  • Craig
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Nice server and good service. Food was excellent. I will definitely come back
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.6

Discover best Italian restaurants in Lemon Grove

Discover a taste of Italy right in the heart of East County, San Diego. Our compilation of Italian restaurants in Lemon Grove offers a delightful exploration of authentic Italian cuisine, tailored to satisfy your cravings with dishes ranging from classic pastas to gourmet pizzas. Each restaurant presents a unique ambiance, ensuring a memorable dining experience whether you're looking for a cozy dinner spot or a lively venue to enjoy with friends and family. Diners can expect top-notch service and a commitment to quality, with many establishments sourcing fresh, local ingredients to craft their traditional and innovative Italian dishes. The dining scene in Lemon Grove is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the area's passion for culinary excellence and authentic food experiences. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these Italian eateries stand out as culinary destinations, promising an enjoyable meal that will make you feel like you've stepped into a little piece of Italy.

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