Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego 🥇
"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."
"Best for: good foodLocation: 3001 Beech St., San Diego, CA 92102Menu. No visit to the city is complete without a stop at this San Diego staple. Buona Forchetta lives by a simple motto: “Keeping it fresco, semplice e delizioso!"
"One of San Diego’s most beloved Neapolitan-style pizzas can be found at Buona Forchetta, which now has multiple locations throughout San Diego County in addition to its original location in South Park."
"Piatti is a charming Italian eatery in the heart of La Jolla Shores by the beach. In addition to lunch and dinner, you can join them for a full Italian-style breakfast. Everything on the mouthwatering menu is amazing, but the dipping sauce for the fresh bread is what you’ll be dreaming about for the next few nights."
"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)."
"It is the perfect place to experience excellent, fresh food, attentive service with the friendly charm of our servers Carlos and Martha. The water view, with..."
"– Inventive & artisanal nibbles & cocktails in a cozy lounge or covered, outdoor bistro setting. Same owner as PrepKitchen in Little Italy."
"Cesarina is somewhat new on the San Diego brunch scene (it’s been open a little over a year) and completely lives up to the 5 stars and 500+ reviews they have on Yelp. Located in the Point Loma, this is favorite for those in the area and San Diegans alike. The best way to describe it is as “memories from the Amalfi Coast.” Between the decor, the elevated menu, and the fabulous service, it totally feels like you’re on vacation."
"Once a fresh pasta pop-up and now a full-service brick-and-mortar restaurant in the upper Voltaire section of Point Loma, Cesarina focuses on fresh pasta dishes but also boasts a menu of other antipasta and main courses."
"Voltaire Street in San Diego is the home to Cesarina, one of the city's top Italian places. A warm and welcoming spot, Cesarina is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinn..."
"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."
"Cuisine: ItalianDish Recommendation: Tagliatelle BologneseOrder Through: Call for pickup Wednesday through Sunday 5-9 p.m. (619.255.5032); free local delivery for orders over $50"
"Come to Urge on a Friday night for a variety of brews and any of the rotating selection unique of burgers, ranging from rabbit and wild boar to BBQ and Green Goddess. Boasting breezy outdoor seating with overhead string lights, an indoor dining section and a large bar area, there’s a place and a scene for any group."
"If you’re in the Pacific Beach area, El Prez is an awesome option for Mexican food and rooftop views. Snack on bites like the bacon-wrapped shrimp, flautas or their famous El Prez guac made with red onions, cilantro, serrano peppers, cheese and pomegranate pearls. They serve traditional cocktails with a Mexican-twist, like the Tijuana mule that features espolon blanco tequila, muddled jalapenos and fresh lime juice."
"The most casual San Diego rooftop bar spot on this list, El Prez tends to be a college hang out spot on the weekends, but on weekdays when they have their best specials, it’s less frat-party feeling. We come here for cheap, unique tacos but primarily for the FROSÉ. I cannot sing it’s praises enough!"
"One of the most popular spots in Pacific Beach, El Prez has a tremendous rooftop area featuring cozy lounges and spectacular views of the ocean. While it can get crowded at times, it’s the perfect place to unwind for a perfect Saturday evening. Plus, they’re margaritas are amazing."