Best Italian Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

73 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5507)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 127 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4195)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 74 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4307)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 79 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.

4. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(762)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 62 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.

A photo of Officine Buona Forchetta restaurant

5. Officine Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 27 times today

At Officine Buona Forchetta in the vibrant Liberty Station neighborhood of Point Loma, San Diego, diners are treated to an authentic slice of Italy with its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza. Renowned for its dedication to quality and authenticity, guests rave about the “heavenly crust” and toppings that create a “perfect combination of flavors” making it “the best pizza in San Diego.” The restaurant's rustic yet modern ambiance adds to the allure, where every pizza is a testament to Italian culinary traditions. As one reviewer puts it, “if you want a true pizza experience, go no further.” Officine Buona Forchetta not only promises but delivers a delightful dining experience with its stellar pizza and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for pizza aficionados and casual diners alike.

A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

6. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2439)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 24 times today

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

7. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(312)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 60 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.

8. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7102)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 46 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.

10. Elvira

4.9

Exceptional(413)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 41 times today

Welcome to Elvira, where every slice of pizza tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, nestled in the vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. This beloved pizzeria stands out not just for its authentic Italian flavors but for the love and passion that can be tasted in every bite. Customers rave about the "authentic handmade pasta and pizza Roma style - delicious!" and declare Elvira's offerings as "the best pizza!!!" including praise for their vegan and gluten-free options. The ambiance is consistently described as cozy and inviting, making every dining experience memorable. With glowing testimonials like "Great authentic Italian food with al dente pasta and great specials!" and "The pizza was great! We tried the Super Arrabbiata, yumminess," it's clear that Elvira is a cornerstone for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in San Diego. Whether it's the welcoming service or the meticulously crafted dishes, Elvira promises an impeccable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.

‘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

M
Matt
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Great happy hour choices. Service was awesome! Would definitely go back.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
J
Jose
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great food! Service was awesome and didn’t feel rushed.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
D
DonVIP
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food. Highly recommend the cheese wheel pasta. It’s very rich, so share it with someone. Everything we had was fantastic. We will be back in the next couple of weeks.
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
Y
YelenaVIP
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9/10 Dining at Seneca in San Diego felt like stepping into a dream — the atmosphere was enchanting, with breathtaking views and an ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Our server, Victor, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, patience, and thoughtful menu suggestions elevated the entire experience. He navigated the evening with grace, making us feel truly cared for. The only reason this isn’t a perfect 10/10 is that the food took longer than expected to arrive. For a moment, time seemed to stretch — but when the dishes finally graced our table, every bite was a masterpiece. It was a delay we were willing to forgive for such a culinary experience. Seneca isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. I’ll be back — and next time, I’ll be ready to savor every second. 🍷✨
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SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
B
BrianVIP
San Diego •36 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
The only restaurant in San Diego better than Cesarina is Cesarina at Christmas time. The food and service are as good as you can find anywhere but the already beautiful space is taken to the next level with their stunning and spectacular decorations for the holidays. Cesarina is a MUST any time of the year, but especially so at Christmas.
More info
CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
•
4.9

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Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

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73 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

2. Seneca

3. Barbusa

4. Nolita Hall

5. Officine Buona Forchetta

6. Solare Ristorante Lounge

7. Roman Wolves

8. CUCINA urbana

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

10. Elvira

See what locals rave about

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