Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Old Town

25 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(302)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 27 times today

At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.

2. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(731)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 121 times today

Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4283)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 73 times today

Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

4. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3288)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 39 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

5. Lala

4.5

Awesome(122)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 26 times today

Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

6. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(621)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.

7. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1130)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 20 times today

At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

8. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2624)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 71 times today

North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

9. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

4.1

Excellent(217)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 11 times today

At Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, the essence of Market Cuisine is elevated through its innovative cheese wheel bar, a first of its kind. This exclusive dining experience allows guests to indulge in dishes that are not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle to behold, as pastas are masterfully prepared in giant, aromatic cheese wheels. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting the "cheese wheel pastas were fantastic" and the overall experience making them feel as if they were "reminded of my time in Italy." The glowing reviews, such as "the food was incredible," and the restaurant's bustling atmosphere make Vincenzo's a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and delightful take on Market Cuisine.

10. The Red Door

4.8

Exceptional(2974)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
Will
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Lasagna was great, cocktails were well balanced and the dessert martinis lived up to the hype. Great service, very friendly.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Brought some friends from out of town to see the holiday decor and they did not disappoint! I wish I could remember our servers name because she was so sweet and such a cool chick. Definitely recommend reserving a table for a larger party because the bar area gets super packed. We only ordered drinks but it was nice to have our own area to hangout and chat.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
M
Mary
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and service. Great menu options. Recommend the wheel cheese pasta!
More info
Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
P
Pablovip
Mexico City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
You can’t go wrong with the Busa group. The food is always outstanding and they make you feel at home every time.
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.5
J
Jvip
Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
OMG what Ana amazing experience! My family of four and I went to Roman Wolves to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner while we were in town from out of state. The food was absolutely amazing. My daughter and I had the salmon while my wife and son had the filet. My son loved his steak and said it was the best he’s ever had; he’s had many steaks from the top steakhouses in Denver. The cheese wheel pasta was also amazing. We will be back.
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Old Town

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

2. Nolita Hall

3. Barbusa

4. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

5. Lala

6. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

7. RustiCucina

8. North Italia - Fashion Valley

9. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

10. The Red Door

See what locals rave about

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