Top Best Italian Restaurants in Coronado Cays

"This favorite among neighborhood locals (and not-so-locals) churns out top-notch thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pies. The 35 different pizzas on offer -- mostly with proper, Italian names -- range from margherita (the gold standard upon which any pizzeria can be measured), to pies topped with shrimp, salmon, speck, and even fried eggplant. The small dining area can get crowded, but pizzas cook in minutes, so it’s rare to have to wait very long once you’re seated."

"The dough for these specialty pizzas is first fried then finished in the oven for a fluffy yet crisp texture that’s hard to beat. Besides their usual variety of pizzas, Buona Forchetta boasts pizza, appetizer, pasta, risotto, and main dish specials that actually change daily."

"I was recently in Italy intent on eating my way through Rome, Florence, and Venice. Along the way I found incredible food unlike anything I have ever tasted in San Diego. That is, until I discovered Bouna Forchetta."

"Piatti is nestled in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood with an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant features an exhibition kitchen, full service bar and two tree-covered patios – perfect for a private event or al fresco dining."

"This farm-to-table restaurant features happy hour specials daily from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Come from work, the beach or one of many San Diego adventures and unwind with specially priced happy hour menu that includes appetizers, salads, wines, beers, and cocktails. The restaurant features open-air windows and a small outdoor patio."

"– Inventive & artisanal nibbles & cocktails in a cozy lounge or covered, outdoor bistro setting. Same owner as PrepKitchen in Little Italy."

"1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Inventive & artisanal nibbles & cocktails in a cozy lounge or covered, outdoor bistro setting."

"Owned by the same team as Bencotto, Monello has a similar aesthetic, but feels a few degrees more casual. The extensive menu features several pizzas, seafood, delicious fried things, and a lot more. If you’re craving a bowl of pasta, you’ll be well served at either location, but Monello gets bonus points for its pizza oven, being one of only a few Italian restaurants with a dedicated brunch menu, and for offering a free small plate with a drink purchase during aperitivo (4 to 7pm, daily)."

"Monello serves cuisine inspired by the contemporary street food of Milan, including appetizers, handcrafted pastas, pizzas, and meat and seafood entrees. House specialties include veal ravioli and butternut squash gnocchi, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays bring the opportunity to try a specialty pasta or risotto dish cooked in a 40-pound half wheel of cheese. Happy hour is held every day of the week between 4 p.m."

"Monello, located next to another favorite, Bencotto, is a modern Italian restaurant. One of the best spots in the Little Italy neighborhood, it specializes in reasonably priced pizzas, pastas, and entrées and serves unbeatable cocktails. Customers enjoy this quiet and quaint space, and rave about Monello’s tasty brunch and complimentary snacks during happy hour."

"Owned and operated by Sicilian chef Vincenzo Lo Verso, Osteria Panevino is located in the historic Gaslamp District. The breakfast menu offers egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, and a unique breakfast pizza, while soups, salads, sandwiches, and a selection of entrees are available for lunch. Dinner brings even more options, including appetizers, risotto, pizza, and pasta with gluten-free alternatives."

"Osteria Panevino is the oldest Italian restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp district and offers authentic Tuscan food themes – including fresh bread, pasta, and desserts. Relish the delectable ossobuco, stuffed Portobello caprese sandwich, or the spinach and cheese ravioli. They also serve an award-winning collection of domestic and Italian wines."

"Baci Restaurant is beloved by locals and definitely one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. It offers diners a hint of old-world Italian charm, with cozy booths, white tab..."

"Baci Restaurant is beloved by locals and definitely one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. It offers diners a hint of old-world Italian charm, with cozy booths, white tab"

"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."

"Satisfy your sweet tooth at North Park’s Nomad Donuts, which landed a spot in City Beat’s “Best Donuts in San Diego” roundup. Although not exclusively vegan, they do offer a number of non-dairy options, including ube taro, blueberry lavender, and Thai tea flavors. The venue itself is also delightful: a cherry-red, vintage double-decker bus set within a peaceful courtyard."

"A photo posted by Nomad Donuts (@nomaddonuts) on Jan 7, 2017 at 11:26am PST. Nomad Donuts boasts “gourmet donuts inspired by the world yet created with local ingredients.” They even offer vegan donuts. Of course they have the classics like chocolate and maple but they also provide donuts for the more sophisticated pallet."

"This travel-inspired eatery got so popular that it moved to a larger space on University Avenue in August 2017. Once in the new location, executive pastry chef Kristianna Zabala was able to expand her menu (which changes daily) to include..."

"A post shared by Figaro Dessert Cafe (@figarodessertcafe) on Sep 28, 2017 at 6:27pm PDT. While previous spots on this list featured fun and chill vibes, Figaro Dessert Café brings class and elegance in serving great coffee and desserts. They offer a large menu filled with intriguing flavors and an exciting display of gelato, cakes, macarons, and tarts."