Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Hillcrest

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(324)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
Roman Wolves in Little Italy, San Diego, is a shining gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts. This vibrant establishment is celebrated for its exquisite cocktails, with the Hugo Spritz receiving rave reviews as "incredible" and leaving patrons eager for more. The talented bartenders at Roman Wolves ensure that each drink is a masterpiece, complementing the rich Italian culinary experience. Diners frequently commend the bar's atmosphere, describing it as lively and welcoming, perfect for both intimate gatherings and spirited celebrations. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail experience in the heart of San Diego, Roman Wolves is the place to be!
A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
4.3
Awesome(774)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 35 times today
Nolita Hall, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Pizza Bar experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Known for its Fiori woodfire oven, this beloved spot crafts pizzas that are nothing short of spectacular. Patrons rave about the "pepperoni pizza with honey" as being "awesome," highlighting the unique and delightful flavor combinations that set Nolita Hall apart. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of fun and elegance, with many calling it a "great place to watch a sports game" while indulging in top-quality pizzas. It's a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking authentic taste and vibrant ambiance.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1154)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest
Booked 39 times today
RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Californian cuisine with a delightful touch of Sicilian flair. This charming eatery captivates food enthusiasts with its commitment to "locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes," ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant. The fusion of American and Sicilian tastes offers an unparalleled farm-to-neighborhood experience, making it a community favorite. Diners rave about the "amazing food and dining experience," with standout dishes like the "cheese wheel pasta" and "pesto pasta creamy and delicious." With a warm ambiance and a pet-friendly outdoor space, RustiCucina is a must-visit for those seeking quality Californian cuisine.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4318)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 42 times today
Barbusa, located in the vibrant Little Italy of San Diego, stands out as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its "freshest seafood," Barbusa consistently delights guests with its authentic and modern Sicilian flair. Diners rave about the "amazing dishes" and the exceptional service that complements the vibrant atmosphere. The seafood offerings at Barbusa are not just meals; they are culinary experiences, crafted with precision and served with passion. Guests frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "amazing waiter service," making every visit memorable. For those seeking quality seafood with a touch of Sicilian charm, Barbusa is a must-visit.
A photo of Lala restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(136)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 16 times today
Lala, nestled in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, offers an enchanting experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine that captivates with its modern flair and timeless flavors. This chic eatery perfectly marries tradition with innovation, presenting dishes like the inventive loaded potato gnocchi and the exquisite squid ink pasta with lobster. Guests rave about the "incredible ambiance" and "stellar service," with standout cocktails like the "Lala Martini" elevating the dining experience. The cozy, romantic setting, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, ensures that every visit is both memorable and meaningful. Join Lala for a true celebration of Italian culinary excellence.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3308)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 85 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, is a standout spot for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a dedication to "75 kinds of different pasta recipes, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day," Bencotto truly honors the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "incredible cheese wheel pasta" and commend the restaurant for its "exceptional food and service." The intimate, sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to authenticity, ensures that each dish is a delightful journey to Italy. Whether enjoying a cozy meal upstairs or at the lively bar downstairs, Bencotto offers a quintessential Mediterranean dining experience.
A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(632)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge is a standout gem in Downtown San Diego, offering an authentic Californian twist on Mediterranean and Italian classics. Just steps from the marina, this culinary haven is celebrated for its "fantastic Italian food" and "delicious cocktails," creating a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that invites guests to relax and indulge. Diners rave about the vibrant atmosphere, with one delighted guest noting, "Everything about this place was amazing!" The combination of exquisite dishes like the "spicy rigatoni with just the right amount of heat" and impeccable service make Salvatore's a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2652)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 60 times today
North Italia - Fashion Valley in Mission Valley, San Diego, offers a “fantastic” Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Known for its “authentically prepared” dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, North Italia excels in providing a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “delicious” handmade pastas and pizzas, with standout flavors like the ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, lauded for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty notes. The warm atmosphere and “excellent service” complete the experience, making it a “staple” for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian flavors.
A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.3
Awesome(235)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that will leave your taste buds singing. Renowned as the city's first cheese wheel bar, this modern chic restaurant draws diners in with "the irresistible sight and smell of authentic Italian flavors." Guests rave about the "mind-blowing" carbonara and the "exceptional" cheese wheel dishes that are both a visual and flavorful delight. The ambiance is lively yet intimate, providing a perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste just like Italy." From outstanding service to exquisite cuisine, Vincenzo's is a must-visit for any Italian food enthusiast.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(622)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Park
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the heart of North Park, San Diego, Cori Pastificio Trattoria is a seafood haven that promises an extraordinary culinary experience. Acclaimed chef Accursio Lota, known for his authentic Sicilian flair, creates masterpieces that captivate the palate with the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "spectacular seafood pasta" and "craveable scallops with risotto," praising the restaurant's ability to flawlessly combine traditional Italian techniques with a California twist. The cozy, intimate atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking both quality and authenticity in every bite.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lisa
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great service! Great ambiance and best of all amazing food! Pasta was so fresh and delicious. My girlfriends and I had the charcuterie board, lobster pasta, gnocchi, carbonara and crab ravioli! Of course we ended with a beautiful tiramisu! Fun night catching up! Not recommended for a quiet romantic night as it was a bit loud, but perfect for a girls night out!
    More info
    Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Kateryna
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It’s was exciting to still catch holidays decorated indoors and outdoor. Food is great! We’ve had HALIBUT PUTTANESCA entree, MISO POMODORO pasta, WOOD FIRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS as shared. Big plus is that they still have seasonal cocktails. Our waitress didn’t offer us any water, but it’s was something we didn’t notice until the end. No a big deal. 10/10 in overall
    More info
    Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    4.3
  • JeanVIP
    Fort Lauderdale •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food at reasonable prices. Good service, floor was a bit cold initially but we eventually got used to it.
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Yessyr
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Went for Christmas Eve dinner. Saw the cheese wheel on TikTok and had to try it, it was AMAZING. Espresso martini’s were amazing, even tho we had to send the second one made by a different person, they remade it and it was so good to know they took the time to make sure our service was fantastic. Thank you guys! See you again in the near future.
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Christopher
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Absolutely Beautiful for Christmas Eve dinner!! Decorations were gorgeous, ambiance was intimate, festive, warm, cheerful. Food was delicious loved grilled oysters, bruschetta, fried short rib balls, steak was yummmy!! Drinks were great, and service was on point! Beautiful experience thank You La La!! Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year💗✨
    More info
    LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant contemporary Italian dining scene in Hillcrest, San Diego, where culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a delightful array of flavors and experiences. Hillcrest's restaurants showcase a sophisticated fusion of traditional Italian techniques with modern twists, ensuring a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each establishment prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. The ambiance of these restaurants ranges from cozy and intimate to lively and modern, perfect for any occasion whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering. Guests can expect impeccable service and an inviting atmosphere that complements the exquisite menu offerings. Hillcrest is known for its eclectic and inclusive vibe, making it an ideal destination for foodies looking to explore contemporary Italian cuisine in a charming and dynamic neighborhood. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the contemporary Italian restaurants in Hillcrest promise an unforgettable culinary journey.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo