Mentioned by Thrillist
The Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
"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."
"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."
"There are many eateries in Coronado but this one is found right at the Coronado Ferry Center. This modern Italian restaurant overlooks the harbor and provides stunning views of Downtown San Diego from across the bay."
"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..."
"This hip eatery has won national acclaim for its combination of casual comfort and a menu of ever-changing local fare. In nice weather, request...Read More"
"Ocean Beach’s Ulivo has an extensive menu of pasta dishes but is best known for their version of linguine alla vongole."
"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."
"Might I suggest saving some money and time by purchasing a frozen pizza. The crust will give you a similar cardboard experience."
"The first solo restaurant from popular chef Accursio Lota has been well-received by locals as well as the international culinary community. The year-old North Park eatery, where the chef celebrates his Sicilian heritage, was recently awarded “new opening of the year” by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine."
"This decadent, artisanal homemade ice cream shop was founded by a mother-daughter duo and a visit here is a doubly sweet treat because your ice cream is served with a chocolate chip cookie!. All of JoJo's Creamery ice creams, cookies, waffle cones and sauces are made from scratch. Ice cream flavors include elevated versions of classics and interesting, flavorful delights such as Cayenne Sea Salt Caramel."
"Ice cream and cookies are the specialties at this mother-daughter owned Encinitas spot. Made from organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, JoJo’s creates out-of-this-world flavors such as bananas foster, cayenne sea salt, and peanut butter honeycomb. For those with allergies, JoJo’s offers several dairy-free flavors and gluten-free cookies and waffle cones."
"Lick into a scoop of artisanal ice cream at this family-run shop in Encinitas’ Lumberyard Shopping Center where everything — from the caramel to the cookie dough — is made from scratch. All the 14+ flavors use organic, local ingredients. The shop also offers non-dairy options using coconut and cashew milk, plus gluten-free waffle cones."
"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."
"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."
"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."
"The Gaslamp District is giddy about the patio reopening at their neighborhood Italian staple, Operacaffe!. Slated to welcome back guests starting on Wednesday, February 3rd, the restaurant will keep their menu full of crave-worthy creations like their Gnocchi Gorgonzola e Mirtilli with sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries, and Penne Speperina with spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint. Patio dining hours will be Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 9:30PM, and Friday through Saturday from 4PM to 9:30PM."
"Located in the Gaslamp District, Operacaffe serves award-winning food in a romantic Italian-style setting. Owner Patrizia Branchi grew up in Florence and later opened a restaurant there, and today Operacaffe serves many of the same Tuscan dishes that her previous restaurant's Italian customers knew and loved. The menu offers appetizers, soups, gourmet pasta dishes including some special seafood options, meat and fish entrees, pizzas, and a wide variety of healthy salads."
"With its laid-back vibe, surf decor, and a steady line out the door most days, this iconic North County café is the place to come for bomb breakfast burritos and scrambles. For those in a lunch mood, there are plenty of burgers, sandwiches, and salads to choose from."