Top Best Italian Restaurants in Cowles Mountain

"Buona Forchetta is all about pizza—Neapolitan-style, specifically—with blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil (Italian-born owner Matteo Cattaneo hails from a line of olive oil producers, and ships in his family's liquid gold by the barrel). Pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and the much-beloved spicy salami to shine. Grab a seat on their oft-packed patio, illuminated by string lights and filled with leafy trees, and soak in the warm California night while you wait."

"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."

"Next up is South Park's Buona Forchetta, at 3001 Beech St. (between 30th and Fern streets). With 4.5 stars out of 2,315 reviews on Yelp, the Italian spot, which offers pizza and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"Enjoy a rustic Italian fine dining experience under their tree-lit outdoor patio or a quiet table inside their light and airy dining room which features an exhibition kitchen. Their executive chef has developed a menu inspired by recipes from all over Italy with an emphasis on local California farms and producers. One of our favorites that will keep us returning time and time again is the Saffron Risotto Balls, deliciously cheese stuffed and oh so flavorful."

"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."

"Last but not least, in La Jolla, check out Piatti, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 1,586 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Italian spot at 2182 Avenida de la Playa. (between El Paseo Grande and Calle De La Plata)."

"For starters the calamari was undercooked and way overpriced for the portion. Our entrees were much better portion and flavor. I’m only giving three star..."

"This farm-to-table restaurant located in the village serves breakfast 7 days a week from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. It features open-air windows, a small outdoor patio, and the servers are friendly and attentive. The menu is ever-changing to reflect what the executive chef can get from local farms and purveyors, and everything is made from scratch."

"With a varied menu hitting all different types of cuisines from around the globe, Whisknladle specializes in approachable, quality cooking with a menu that offers someone for everyone. Guests particularly love the fried chicken sandwich."

"As is perhaps appropriate given the origins of both the term and the practice of “al fresco,” we’ll begin with this local favorite of Continental cuisine. North Italia offers fresh, handmade pastas, pizzas, and other classic Italian favorites, all chef-prepared every day. The convenient location inside Fashion Valley Mall offers not just leisurely dining and takeout at a responsibly distanced outdoor setting, but also an upscale shopping adventure right nearby"

"The founder of Mimmo's Italian Village was born in Sicily and the restaurant has been family owned and operated for three generations. The menu has an excellent array of salads, specialty pastas, seafood dishes, pizzas, and meat entrees. There are also a number of small plates that are perfect for sharing."

"Highly-regarded Mimmo's Italian Village started as Italian Village in 1969 which was a deli, bakery and flower shop and then a local grocery store. People come now for meatball subs at lunch time though note there is no table service until dinner. Portions are reasonably-priced for the enormous size."

"Extremely kind and funny servers, always felt taken care of and like we had friendly banter. Food was incredible as always."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

"Catch a morning surf lessons from Surfari Surf School at north Mission Beach, and enjoy some prime people-watching on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you catch your breath. You’ll have worked up quite an appetite, so sate it the way a local surfer would—with fish tacos from Oscars Mexican Seafood."

"It's notoriously hard to get to, involving either a treacherous climb down unstable cliffs on a trail known for accidents or a two-mile hike south from Torrey Pines State Beach (which is inaccessible at high tide). While Black Beach may be difficult to reach, the remoteness is one of the reasons that people love it. That and because it's one of the only nude beaches in San Diego County (but clothing is only optional in the north section of the beach)."

"Why go: To surf or enjoy some quiet (note that some people still go nude here). Black’s Beach is a secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines, and is officially part of Torrey Pines State Beach. Black’s Beach is perhaps most notorious for its status as San Diego’s only nude beach, though that’s no longer allowed in the more southern portion managed by the City of San Diego."