This guide covers 47 italian restaurant options in San Diego. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, so those are the areas to start with.

All Italian restaurant in San Diego

Osteria Panevino

4.3 1,322 reviews

Osteria Panevino is a renowned Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, California. It is the oldest restaurant in the area, offering authentic Sicilian Italian cuisine that has earned it numerous awards, including the gold award for best Italian cuisine in San Diego. The restaurant is owned and operated by Executive Chef and owner Vincenzo Lo Verso, a Sicilian native with over 25 years of culinary expertise. Osteria Panevino features a warm and inviting ambiance, with a rustic Tuscan feel and a cozy atmosphere that makes it a welcoming place to dine. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and meats, all made with fresh ingredients. The menu is crafted with time-honored techniques, and the restaurant has a full-service bar and private dining spaces for groups of all sizes. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, with servers from Italy who have extensive experience in the industry. Osteria Panevino has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service and cuisine. The restaurant has been recognized as one of San Diego's best Italian restaurants, and its wine list has been praised for its extensive selection of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The restaurant also offers private dining options for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions, making it a popular choice for groups and events. Whether you're seeking an intimate date night or a memorable celebration, Osteria Panevino is a great choice for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Opening hours
  • Monday4–10 PM
  • Tuesday4–10 PM
  • Wednesday4–10 PM
  • Thursday4–10 PM
  • Friday4–11 PM
  • Saturday4–11 PM
  • Sunday4–10 PM

The Old Spaghetti Factory

4.3 4,689 reviews

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Opening hours
  • Monday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Friday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
  • Saturday12–9:30 PM
  • Sunday12–9 PM

Operacaffe

4.6 859 reviews

Operacaffe is a boutique Italian restaurant located in San Diego's Gaslamp district. The restaurant offers a skillful mix of traditional and contemporary trends in Italian cuisine that highlight local, seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pasta, seafood, and meat options, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Operacaffe is a great place for a romantic date or a special occasion, with its elegant décor and attentive service. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, with a warm and inviting ambiance that makes guests feel like they are dining in Italy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is attentive and prompt. The restaurant also offers a full bar with a selection of Italian wines and craft cocktails. The restaurant has received excellent reviews from guests and critics alike, with many praising the delicious food, excellent service, and cozy atmosphere. Guests have raved about the homemade pasta, seafood, and meat options, and the restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions. Overall, Operacaffe is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in San Diego.

Opening hours
  • Monday4–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday4–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday4–9:30 PM
  • Thursday4–9:30 PM
  • Friday4–10 PM
  • Saturday4–10 PM
  • Sunday4–9:30 PM

North Italia

4.4 1,744 reviews

North Italia is a prominent entity in the restaurant and hospitality sector, specializing in handcrafted Italian cuisine. The company was established in 2002 and operates 46 locations across North America, with a workforce of 500-1,000 employees dedicated to maintaining high standards of service and hospitality. North Italia's menu features a scratch-made menu with fresh pasta, artisanal pizza, and seasonal ingredients, and the company prioritizes culinary transparency and guest engagement through its open-kitchen concept. North Italia's business model focuses on scaling its signature handmade dining experience while ensuring consistent quality and operational excellence across all regional outlets. The company maintains a strong market position against competitors such as Russo's New York Pizzeria, Pietro's Italian Restaurant, and Delvecchio's Pizza. By focusing on a bright, inviting atmosphere and a menu centered on authentic Italian flavors, North Italia effectively differentiates itself in both B2B and B2C hospitality markets. The company continues to leverage its established brand identity to capture significant market share, delivering high-quality, scratch-made meals that resonate with a diverse customer base. North Italia's dedication to its customers is also reflected in its charitable giving efforts, with each General Manager having a monthly charitable giving budget to support local non-profit organizations. The company's menu features a wide range of options, including handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal entrees, all made with high-quality ingredients and presented in a warm and inviting environment. North Italia's commitment to quality, hospitality, and community engagement has earned it a loyal customer base and a reputation as a leading player in the Italian restaurant market.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9:30 PM

Monello

4.4 1,870 reviews

Monello is an Italian restaurant serving traditional Milanese street food in San Diego. It offers a menu of lunch and dinner options, including pasta made fresh in-house, as well as a selection of aperitivos and cocktails. The restaurant is known for its happy hour, which features a round of appertifs with every drink ordered at the bar. Monello's menu includes a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and risottos, all made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a daily selection of handmade pasta, produced in-house, and a wide range of Italian wines. It is a unique Italian restaurant in San Diego, offering an authentic Milanese dining experience, including a cheese wheel pasta option available every night. Monello is a popular destination for food lovers, with a cozy atmosphere and a warm welcome. The restaurant is ideal for large parties, with options for group dining and catering available, and a beautiful private dining room for special occasions. It is also a great spot for foodies, with a changing menu that features seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian dishes.

Opening hours
  • Monday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
  • Thursday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
  • Friday11:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Saturday11:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Sunday11:30 AM–9:30 PM

Mona Lisa Italian Foods

4.5 5,200 reviews

Mona Lisa Italian Foods is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant and deli located in Little Italy, San Diego, California. Established in 1956, the business has been serving traditional Italian American dishes and deli sandwiches for over 60 years. The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items, including fresh pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and desserts. The restaurant's menu features a range of options to suit different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Mona Lisa Italian Foods also offers a deli menu, which features made-to-order sandwiches, imported and domestic meats and cheeses, house-made sausage, and fresh pastas. The deli is open daily, and the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with daily lunch specials available from 11 am to 3 pm. Mona Lisa Italian Foods has received positive reviews from customers, with many praising the restaurant's high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and welcoming atmosphere. The business has been voted San Diego's favorite deli in the 2019 San Diego Union Tribune Readers Poll, and has received a 4.2 rating on TripAdvisor, based on 442 reviews.

Opening hours
  • Monday9 AM–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday9 AM–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday9 AM–9:30 PM
  • Thursday9 AM–9:30 PM
  • Friday9 AM–10:30 PM
  • Saturday9 AM–10:30 PM
  • Sunday9 AM–9:30 PM

Mimmo’s

4.4 1,847 reviews

Mimmo's is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in San Diego, California. It was established in 1997 and has been serving traditional Italian and American cuisine to the community ever since. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including freshly made pastas, Italian subs, pizza, appetizers, and desserts. They also provide catering services and private events for up to 75 people. Mimmo's is a popular destination for those looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a casual and informal setting. The restaurant's menu features a range of options, including pasta dishes, seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices. Reviewers have praised the restaurant for its delicious food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. Many have also mentioned the restaurant's ability to accommodate large groups and parties. According to online reviews, Mimmo's is a must-visit for anyone looking for high-quality Italian food in San Diego. Mimmo's has received positive reviews from customers who have praised the restaurant's food, service, and atmosphere. Reviewers have described the restaurant's dishes as delicious and authentic, with many recommending specific menu items such as the spicy shrimp linguini, chicken marsala, and campanelle sausage pasta. The restaurant has also been praised for its friendly and attentive staff, as well as its ability to accommodate large groups and parties. Overall, Mimmo's is a highly-recommended destination for those looking for a delicious and authentic Italian dining experience in San Diego.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

Mazara Trattoria

4.3 375 reviews

Mazara Trattoria is a family-run Italian restaurant in San Diego, California. It offers a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of appetizers, soups, and salads. The restaurant's menu features a mix of classic Italian favorites and creative twists on traditional dishes, with options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Mazara Trattoria's menu includes a variety of pasta dishes, such as lasagna, ravioli, and fettuccine alfredo, as well as a range of pizzas, including classic cheese, meat-lovers, and specialty options like the "Genova Special" and the "Greek Special". The restaurant also offers a selection of sandwiches and calzones, including options like the "Caprese Sandwich" and the "Meatball Sandwich". Additionally, Mazara Trattoria serves a range of Italian-inspired appetizers, such as bruschetta, marinated mushrooms, and eggplant parmesan. Mazara Trattoria caters to a wide range of customers, including families, couples, and individuals looking for a authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its extensive menu options, makes it a popular choice for those seeking traditional Italian cuisine in San Diego. The restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods helps to ensure that every dish is made with care and attention to detail, providing customers with a truly satisfying dining experience.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–10 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–10 PM

Lucca Italian Sandwich Shop

4.7 102 reviews

Lucca Italian Sandwich Shop is a San Diego-based business that specializes in authentic Italian sandwiches. The shop offers a variety of Italian sandwiches made with fresh focaccia bread and premium ingredients imported from Italy. Their menu includes a range of options, from classic Italian sandwiches to salads and breakfast bagels. The shop has received rave reviews from customers, who praise the quality of their ingredients, the size of their portions, and the friendly service. Reviewers have described the Focaccia bread as the "star of the show" and the attention to detail in assembling the sandwiches as exceptional. Many customers have noted that the shop's sandwiches are among the best they've had in San Diego. Lucca Italian Sandwich Shop is a popular destination for those looking for a taste of Italy in San Diego. With a focus on using high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques, the shop offers a unique and authentic dining experience. Customers can enjoy their meals in the shop's outdoor seating area or take advantage of online ordering and pickup options for a quick and convenient meal.

  • 600 B St, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Downtown San Diego
  • eatlucca.com
  • Today: 8 AM–2 PM
Opening hours
  • Monday8 AM–2 PM
  • Tuesday8 AM–2 PM
  • Wednesday8 AM–2 PM
  • Thursday8 AM–2 PM
  • Friday8 AM–2 PM
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed

Little Italy Pizzeria & Pasta

4.4 1,538 reviews

Little Italy Pizzeria & Pasta is a family-owned kitchen serving authentic Italian pizza and pasta made from quality ingredients. The restaurant is committed to providing consistently delicious food at fair prices in a fast and professional manner. They offer late-night hours and warm, family-style service, making them an excellent option for those seeking a satisfying meal. The pizzeria and pasta house caters to various events, including birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, wedding festivities, and more. Their catering services are bespoke to each event's tastes and needs, ensuring a unique and memorable dining experience for the guests. By choosing Little Italy Pizzeria & Pasta, customers can expect exceptional service and high-quality food. Reviews from satisfied customers praise the restaurant's friendly staff, delicious food, and prompt service. The pizzeria's menu features a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and other Italian specialties. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and excellent service has earned them a 4.4-star rating from 1202 reviews, solidifying their reputation as a top choice for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience.

Opening hours
  • Monday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Tuesday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Thursday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Friday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Saturday9:30 AM–1:30 AM
  • Sunday9:30 AM–1:30 AM