Mentioned by VacationIdea
21 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego, CA
"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."
"With outposts in Liberty Station, Encinitas, and Petco Park, the flagship location of this friendly, family-owned Italian eatery remains the most beloved. Regulars rave about the pizzas that emerge from its signature gold-tiled ovens as well as the pastas, both are also available gluten-free."
"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)."
"This restaurant is not local to San Diego but is California based. They boast some of the best views of the bay and downtown San Diego as well as the Coronado Bridge. Using traditional cooking techniques, they serve up authentic Italian cuisine and have an extensive wine list."
"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 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."
"An award-winning nightspot, this place opened in 1974 and has a very casual vibe, features up-and-coming as well as established legends!. They host many different shows, events and live music too. You have to purchase your tickets online or at the ticket booth on the site."
"There’s live music being performed or curated at Belly Up almost every night. Belly Up is not ostentatious and has a more casual and on-the-go vibe to it, despite being an award-winning nightspot. Recent concerts include the Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers."
"Where: 1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Over the years, Gossip Grill has blossomed into a full patio bar and restaurant with a dance floor. The restaurant serves American comfort food, and the lively place is decked out with feminine inspired art, fabulous chandeliers, and a foliage facade outdoor patio bar with fire pits. As the sun sets, Gossip transforms into a dance nightclub for the ladies, but don't worry, the dance floor is open to men and everything in between."
"Globe-trotting chef Junya Watanabe fuses food and art with a westernized take on Japanese classics at his Kearny Mesa and more recently opened Little Italy sushi restaurants. Here you’ll find Instagrammers charmed by intricately constructed vegan sushi while hungry patrons slurp up silky, handmade ramen noodles floating in a creamy dashi. Celebrate seasonality with a chef’s selection bento box available for take-out exclusively at The Yasai’s Little Italy location."
"Peace Pies serves a range of raw, vegan, and gluten- and soy-free foods, including pies, pizzas, wraps, salads, and desserts. Committed to a zero-waste policy, they also compost their food scraps and use environmentally-friendly packaging. Peace Pies has locations in Ocean Beach and Encinitas."
"One of the few, if not only, purely raw vegan spots in San Diego. Owner and creator JP brings a menu that will have you drooling back for more. Every item is homemade with love, sourced from a local farm and crafted with delicious care."
"Where: 7110 Avenida Encinas Ste 101, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011. If you’re going to Pelly’s, don’t miss one of their chargrilled seafood sandwiches. With a choice of seafood filling served on sourdough with shredded romaine lettuce, tomato, green onions, and Pelly’s special sauce (not to mention a hefty side of Mexican cabbage slaw), it’s the kind of gut-busting, lip-smacking treat all sandwiches wish they could be."
"They’ve also got a deli where you can get your chowder on, as well as a fresh fish sandwich, if you’re in the mood. We hear the Loco Moco is pretty good here, too."
"North County's most beloved fresh fish, sandwich and salad shop. Unbelievably friendly staff with top quality food every single time you come here."