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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Ocean Beach

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Seneca restaurant
1. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4120)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 104 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
2. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(298)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 44 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
3. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 79 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 Nolita Hall restaurant
4. Nolita Hall
4.4
Awesome(727)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 73 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.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
5. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 57 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.
A photo of Lala restaurant
6. Lala
4.5
Awesome(121)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 29 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 Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
7. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge
4.0
Excellent(215)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
At Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, the essence of Market Cuisine is elevated through its innovative cheese wheel bar, a first of its kind. This exclusive dining experience allows guests to indulge in dishes that are not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle to behold, as pastas are masterfully prepared in giant, aromatic cheese wheels. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting the "cheese wheel pastas were fantastic" and the overall experience making them feel as if they were "reminded of my time in Italy." The glowing reviews, such as "the food was incredible," and the restaurant's bustling atmosphere make Vincenzo's a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and delightful take on Market Cuisine.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
8. North Italia - Fashion Valley
4.7
Exceptional(2617)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 51 times today
North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
9. The Red Door
4.8
Exceptional(2971)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills
Booked 13 times today
Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
10. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(943)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 16 times today
Nonna, nestled in the vibrant Little Italy district of San Diego, is a haven for authentic Pizzeria cuisine that delights its patrons. Known for its rustic, country-style ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, Nonna offers a slice of Sicily with its exceptional pizzas. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and freshness, with one guest exclaiming it’s “a complete gem in San Diego's Little Italy!” The pizzas are a standout, praised for their deliciousness and high-quality ingredients. As one review highlights, “Good ambience, excellent pizza, highly recommended,” encapsulating the culinary experience that awaits at Nonna. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors right in the heart of 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.

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