Lala

4.6

179 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 36 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Lively

From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Nino Zizzo
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Location
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95
served with salted butter
ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95
TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95
BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95
SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95
CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95
SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95
CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95
CHERRY PEPPERS , GARLIC, LEMON AIOLI
STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95
GARLIC WHITE WINE PARSLEY

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95
BIBB & BLUE
BUTTER LETTUCE, DATES, TERRAGON, GORGONZOLADOLCE, ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95
GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95
LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95
RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95
FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95
PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95
OSSO BUCOUS$33.95
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

What 179 people are saying

Lala reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala in Little Italy promises an exceptional dining experience with standout "amazing food and vibe." Patrons rave about its cocktails and the "delicious" menu highlights like bone marrow cavatelli and lasagna pinwheels. The staff, especially servers like Gianni and Katie, provide "impeccable service." The lively atmosphere and chic ambiance make it a perfect spot for special occasions or casual outings. Despite minor service hiccups, Lala remains a top choice for many, offering a blend of "phenomenal" drinks and delightful dishes.

179 Reviews

C
Chris
San Diego1 review
3.0
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Really was hoping for some amazing food, but sadly it was nothing special. The temperature on the food was all ov3r the place with each plate. My husband had the lasagna, he said it was okay but each pinwheel was a different temperature. The Aranchini was also alright, but each piece was inconsistent with temperature again (some bites cold, some warm). We wanted to try the sicilian peppers, but they sadly were out of them. I had the bone marrow Cavalli, was good but I feel the bone marrow was over cooked. Staff was great and super attentive. Great staff, okay food.
Is this helpful?
l
lina
San Diego8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
It was very cute place and the food was good. I did not like how we were told they we would be charged a cake cutting fee but when I called prior to make the reservations I was told there was no cutting fee.
Is this helpful?
B
Brett VIP
Phoenix1 review
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Had a reservation, table wasn’t available so a table was set up right next to bar and entry and offered to us. We elected to stay sat at bar. Disappointed but the bartender, his service and food were excellent!
Is this helpful?
C
Ciana
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and vibe! Jesus C. took amazing care of us. Bone marrow cavatelli and lasagna pinwheels were our favorites
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
Toronto3 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 17, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
It was ok but not great. Server more interested in talking to the hostess and at no point did I feel like a customer. Never introduced himself and never offered parmesan for our meals. Food was ok but not memorable. With all the choices in Little Italy Lala could do better.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cancun1 review
4.0
Dined on March 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Great food and cocktails, would recommend the calamari and gnocchi!! Service could improve, our waitress was obviously flirting with men at the bar while neglecting to check in on our table until we asked for the bill. The bussers were much more attentive than she was to the tables!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on March 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was awesome, cute place! I would say a little pricey but overall it was great!
Is this helpful?
D
Dylan
Sacramento1 review
5.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and the drinks were great! Service was very quick and polite. Definitely worth a try if you are in the area!
Is this helpful?
S
Steve VIP
San Diego37 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. We didn’t eat much but we had the calamari and the Spicy Caesar salad. The drinks were spectacular as was the service. Our waiter was awesome. I asked him to recommend my drinks and he sure delivered. We really liked this place and we will certainly be back soon!
Is this helpful?
M
Minou VIP
San Diego143 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
So glad we visited Lala. The "share" menu is great - we had grilled oysters, burrata and tomatoes, bib and blue salad and the most delicious carpaccio with fresh from the oven small baguette breads. Followed by the seafood risotto and a couple of the delicious dessert. The only thing I would add is that we wished they had decaf coffee or espresso and a variety of hot teas. All is all delicious and we will be back again ...
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.6 stars by 179 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 36 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Nino Zizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95

STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95

PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95

OSSO BUCOUS$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information