Top Best Italian Restaurants in Mission Bay

"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."

"A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio...Read More"

"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."

"This cozy Tuscanesque cafe is as popular a hangout for surfers as it is with the more senior members of La Jolla society. Terra-cotta tiled floors, bottles of chianti, and a Roman fountain all contribute to the setting for an authentic Italian menu. Highlights include gourmet wood oven-fired pizzas, Saffron Pappardelle and House-Made Ricotta-Spinach Basil Ravioli."

"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."

"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)."

"Aperitivo is the main event at Little Italy’s Monello, the slightly more casual sister restaurant to Bencotto, which is just next door. Spring for the housemade vermouth cocktails with accompanying small plates and don’t skip the pasta in a wheel of cheese special."

"A post shared by The Old Spaghetti Factory (@oldspaghettifactory) on Jul 20, 2018 at 7:56am PDT. This unique Italian restaurant features antique lighting, exquisitely stained glass displays, big, colorful booths and a trolley car to dine in. Their three-course meals are not just for adults, kids 12 and under get to enjoy it too."

"East Village’s Monzu Fresh Pasta opened in 2018 and features—as the name states—a whole lot of fresh pasta. The Italian-born couple that owns the restaurant trained under some of Italy’s master pasta makers. The restaurant’s all-day menu follows traditional pasta making techniques and flavors inspired by regions including Sicily, Campania and Puglia."

"Open since May, this tiny restaurant/retail shop serves exceptionally pure tasting pasta, the simpler the better (cacio e pepe nirvana!) and with high-quality ingredients. That combination isn’t brain surgery."

"Monzu Fresh Pasta features contemporary and Italian flavors from recipes involving made-from-scratch methods. Their dishes are based form their European dishes. The hand-crafted meals reflect their passion."

"Hoppy days are ahead at Pacific Beach AleHouse, which will officially open for patio dining on Saturday, January 30th, ready to serve up toothsome bites and frothy brews on their scenic patios. Be sure to order their Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel paired with one of the location’s fresh house brews."

"This brewery/restaurant offers up brunch, lunch and dinner at its restaurant, which also gives its patrons a stellar glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. PB Alehouse serves a variety of different burgers, sandwiches, flat breads, salads and tacos. There’s really something for everyone."

"Chang's serves a variety of Asian-inspired dishes and Chinese food favorites, including hand-rolled sushi, traditional Chinese dim sum, Ramen, family-style noodles and fried rice. Originally known for its P.F..."

"The 2,400-bench-seat pavilion, dedicated in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels, holds the 4,518-pipe Spreckels Organ,…"