Isola Little Italy

4.6

766 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 34 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for happy hour

My Nonna's name was Isola, a wonderful cook who gave me a passion for food and fresh, simple ingredients.

I have vivid memories of my grandmother turning plain bread into amazing desserts, simple apples into incredible fritters sprinkled with a little sugar and honey, and even treating my sunburns with olive oil. Thirty years later, I still savor every meal and moment.

Isola is proud to serve the finest local ingredients, dalla vite, from the vine. I hope you enjoy every bite, plucked from my family tree for your table. Buon appetito!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue 2:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Tue 2:30 pm–5:00 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 555-4230
Website
http://www.isolapizzabar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Raffaele D’Alto/Massimo Tenino

Location
1526 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Cross street
Beech St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Polipo$14.00
charred octopus, kalamata, fingerling potatoes, celery, lemon, salsa verde
Olive Assortite$9.00
assorted olives, orange zest, rosemary, fennel pollen, focaccia
Barbabietole Marinate al Forno$12.00
oven roasted beets, sweet red onions, fresh stracciatella cheese bruschetta
Carpaccio di Bresaola$14.00
thin slices beef bresaola, arugula, parmigian cheese, EVOO, lemon
Burrata Mozzarella$13.00
creamy burrata, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil-olive oil, sea-salt
Pepate di Cozze*$16.00
steamed mussels, white wine, garlic, chile, light tomato sauce
Gamberetti alla Diavola$16.00
wood-fired shrimp, white wine, garlic, capers, kalamata, chile, tomato sauce, served on a bed of polenta
Cavoletti di Brussel$12.00
wood-fired brussel sprouts, spicy salame, calabrese chile, balsamic reduction
Peperoncini Verdi al Forno$11.00
wood-fired shishito peppers, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil
Soup of the Day$8.00
please ask your server for our daily selection

Salumi-Formaggi: from Our Slicer

Prosciutto e Melone$15.00
prosciutto di parma, tuscan melon
Mozzarella Flights$18.00
bufala, fiordilatte, burrata, ricotta, stracciatella, garlic bruschetta
Salumi Misti Board$18.00
assorted artisan salumi, olives, parmigiano, garlic bruschetta

Salads: Local + Sustainable

Insalata Mista$10.00
baby greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette
Arugula e Parma$12.00
arugula, parmigiano reggiano, shaved crimini mushrooms, lemon dressing
Verdure al Forno$14.00
wood roasted vegetables, goat cheese, garlic confit, bagna-cauda dressing on the side

Bruschette: House-Made Focaccia Bread

Pomodoro Fresco$9.00
vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, garlic
Burrata e Carciofini$14.00
fresh burrata, artichokes, lemon aioli, capers, prosciutto, basil

Pasta: Pasta Dish

Penne al Ragu'$18.00
slowly braised bolognese beef ragú, parmigian cheese
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$17.00
oven baked potatoes gnocchi, tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella cheese, eggplant, parmigiano cheese, fresh basil

Secondi Piatti: Main Dish

Salmone*$23.00
roasted salmon, mixed roasted vegetables, potatoes
Tagliata di Manzo*$25.00
wood-fired flat iron steak, broccoli rabe, fingerling potatoes, balsamic reduction

Pizze Rosse: Red Sauce & Mozzarella + "00"

Margherita$13.00
mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil
Margherita DOP$18.00
mozzarella di bufala DOP, tomato sauce, basil, extra virgin olive oil
Sardenaira Ligure$13.00
ligurian style thicker pizza, tomato sauce, anchovies, olives, garlic, oregano
Quattro Stagioni$17.00
speck prosciutto, mushrooms, olives, artichokes, mozzarella, tomato sauce
Prosciutto Cotto e Funghi$16.00
mozzarella, rosemary ham, mushrooms, tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese
Salsiccia$16.00
fennel sausage, red onions, mushrooms, tomato sauce, mozzarella
Parmigiana e Spek$16.00
eggplant, tomato sauce, smoke mozzarella, spek prosciutto, parmigiano cheese
Salamino Piccante$17.00
spicy salame, mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, parmigiano cheese
Quattro Carni$19.00
fennel sausage, salame spicy, pancetta, guanciale, mozzarella, tomato sauce
Mozzarella Affumicata, e Peperoncini$16.00
smoked mozzarella, spicy cherry peppers, tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese

Pizze Bianche: Mozzarella + "00" Flour

Prosciutto e Arugula$17.00
parma prosciutto, mozzarella, panna, arugula, truffle oil, parmigiano
Burrata e Pomodorini$17.00
burrata cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh oregano, sea-salt, basil
Asparagi e Brie$17.00
brie cheese, mozzarella, shaved asparagus, parmigiano cheese, truffle honey
Arugula con l'Uovo$17.00
mozzarella, parmigiano, panna, truffle oil, farm egg, arugula, crispy pancetta
Broccoli Rabe e Salsiccia$17.00
broccoli rabe, fennel sausage, chile calabrese, mozzarella, ricotta salata
Funghi$17.00
mushrooms, mozzarella, taleggio cheese, speck prosciutto
Ortolana Vegetariana$17.00
eggplant, zucchini, broccoli, olives, bell pepper, mozzarella, fontina cheese
Quattro Formaggi$16.00
mozzarella, parmigiano, gorgonzola cheese, fontina, fresh basil

Vino

See Back for More Reds

Bollicine: Sparkling

Prosecco, Nino Franco, DOCG, Valdobiadene
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Rose`, Lamberti, NV, Veneto
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00
Moscato d'Asti, D'ampess, 2016
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00

Bianco: White & Rose

Arneis, Hortensia, Pietro Rinaldi, 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Chardonnay, Caldora, Terre di Chieti, 2017
- Bottle$34.00
Rose`, Frico, Piemonte, 2017
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$40.00
Pinot Grigio, Scarpetta, Friuli-Venezia, 2018
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Gradis'ciutta, Collio, 2015
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Vermentino, Audarya, Sardegna, 2018
- Glass$13.00
- Bottle$50.00
Pecorino, Umani Ronchi, IGT, Abruzzo, 2017
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00
Chardonnay, Educato, Doc, Piemonte, 2018
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$56.00
Soave, Pieropan, Veneto, 2017
- Bottle$35.00

Vino della Casa

Rosso Piemonte: Family Winery

Barbera d'Alba, Monpiano, Pietro Rinaldi, 2018
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$48.00
Barbera d'Alba Superiore, Bricco Cichetta, Pietro Rinaldi, 2016
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$65.00
Barbaresco, San Cristoforo, Pietro Rinaldi, 2013
- Glass$20.00
- Bottle$78.00
Nebbiolo, Argante, Pietro Rinaldi, 2016
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$60.00
Dolcetto d'Alba, Pietro Rinaldi, 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Barolo, Pietro Rinaldi, 2013
- Bottle$98.00

Rosso Toscana, Marche, Piemonte: Red

Sangiovese, Carpazo, Toscana, 2018
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$34.00
Chianti Classico, Borgo Scoperto, Tuscany, 2017
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00
Super Tuscan, IL Fauno, Tuscany, 2016
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$56.00
Chianti Classico Riserva, Arceno, Siena, 2016
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$52.00
Montepulciano, Podere, Abruzzo, 2018
- Bottle$34.00
Brunello di Montalcino, la Glera, Toscana, 2014
- Bottle$100.00

Rosso Veneto, Friuli, Trentino: Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Fantinel, DOC, Friuli, 2016
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$46.00
Pinot Noir, Cave des Onze, Valle d'Aosta, 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Amarone, Domenico Fraccaroli, DOCG, Veneto, 2011
- Bottle$110.00
Valpolicella, Giuseppe Lonardi, Sicilia, 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$45.00

Rosso Sicilia, Puglia, Sardegna, California: Red

Primitivo, Polvanera, IGT, Puglia 2018
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$38.00
Nero d'Avola, Cantine Cellaro Luma, Sicilia, 2018
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$34.00
Etna Rosso, Costanzo, Sicilia, 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$45.00

Birra

Peroni$7.00
Shock Top Belgian White$7.00
Moretti Bionda$6.00
Moretti Rossa$6.00
Sculpin IPA$8.00
Hardland Hazy IPA$8.00
Menabrea Amber$7.00

What 766 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Neighborhood gem
San Diego
Neighborhood gem
San Diego
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Isola Little Italy is celebrated for its "fantastic food," particularly the "best pizza in Little Italy" with a "perfectly crisp" crust. The "friendly and attentive" service enhances the dining experience, while the "terrific wine list" complements the "authentic Italian pizzas." Ideal for a "wonderful time" and memorable occasions.

766 Reviews

R
Raquel
VIP
Baja California
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Isola is a fantastic spot in Little Italy! My party of four and I had an amazing experience from start to finish. We began with the burrata as an appetizer, which was rich and creamy. Our waiter, Alexandri, treated us exceptionally well, making us feel special and welcomed. The Tuscany wine we ordered was outstanding, as always. For the main course: • My friend ordered the gnocchi (potato-based pasta) and kindly shared a piece with us—it was delicious. • Another friend had the eggplant parmigiana, which he also shared, and it was incredibly flavorful. • My salmon, cooked in the wood oven with vegetables, was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. • My husband ordered the steak, and it was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. To finish, we had the chocolate budino with caramel and sea salt, and it was pure indulgence! Overall, Isola never disappoints—the food, service, and atmosphere make it a must-visit in Little Italy!
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A
Armand
VIP
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Service was non-existent. Long waits for drinks, appetizers and food. Fish was not fresh. I was very disappointed with the whole experience. Especially that we had no service interaction for 30 minutes as we waited for our main dishes.
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J
JESSE
Orange County
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Overall good food and good experience considering the limitations with outside seating.
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J
Janet
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this place, I come here every time I visit my daughter.
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S
Soi
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Our pizza crust on a pizza was burnt. Our server never refilled our waters.
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M
Melissa
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food. Ask for some marinara on the side. It’s delicious and a must for dipping pizza crust.
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B
Bethany
VIP
San Diego
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tatiana was gracious and attentive. She made dining at Isola wonderful ‼️
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S
Shreyas
San Diego
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Food was excellent and the service was pretty good too. We did however have a not so great experience in the beginning. We made a reservation on opentable and choose “standard” as the seating option and not “outdoor” because we specifically wanted to be seated indoors. However when we arrived we were told there were no indoor tables available and only outdoor was available as they were full. We could see that there were a lot of tables inside that were open and their availability on opentable was also pretty open. After insisting multiple times they seated us indoors and clearly there were no other guests who showed up the entire time we were there. We understood that this is what happens in a touristy spot restaurant. They want to fill up the outdoor tables as much as they can to portray that it’s a busy and popular place to attract more customers. Definitely won’t be considering going back based on today’s experience.
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E
Elaine
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always fantastic Naples style pizza! Great, though brief, wine list! Cool place, nice people, so happy it's in our neighborhood.
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M
Michael
VIP
Grand Rapids
60 reviews
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great find in downtown San Diego. Terrific wine list and very kind and helpful service staff. Would love to find my way back here anytime.
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FAQs

Isola Little Italy offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Isola Little Italy also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 555-4230.

Isola Little Italy is rated 4.6 stars by 766 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1526 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Cross street
Beech St.
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue 2:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Tue 2:30 pm–5:00 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Raffaele D’Alto/Massimo Tenino
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.isolapizzabar.com/
Phone number
(619) 555-4230

Isola Little Italy

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Antipasti: Wood-Fired Oven

Polipo$14.00

Olive Assortite$9.00

Barbabietole Marinate al Forno$12.00

Carpaccio di Bresaola$14.00

Burrata Mozzarella$13.00

Pepate di Cozze*$16.00

Gamberetti alla Diavola$16.00

Cavoletti di Brussel$12.00

Peperoncini Verdi al Forno$11.00

Soup of the Day$8.00

Salumi-Formaggi: from Our Slicer

Prosciutto e Melone$15.00

Mozzarella Flights$18.00

Salumi Misti Board$18.00

Salads: Local + Sustainable

Insalata Mista$10.00

Arugula e Parma$12.00

Verdure al Forno$14.00

Bruschette: House-Made Focaccia Bread

Pomodoro Fresco$9.00

Burrata e Carciofini$14.00

Pasta: Pasta Dish

Penne al Ragu'$18.00

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$17.00

Secondi Piatti: Main Dish

Salmone*$23.00

Tagliata di Manzo*$25.00

Pizze Rosse: Red Sauce & Mozzarella + "00"

Margherita$13.00

Margherita DOP$18.00

Sardenaira Ligure$13.00

Quattro Stagioni$17.00

Prosciutto Cotto e Funghi$16.00

Salsiccia$16.00

Parmigiana e Spek$16.00

Salamino Piccante$17.00

Quattro Carni$19.00

Mozzarella Affumicata, e Peperoncini$16.00

Pizze Bianche: Mozzarella + "00" Flour

Prosciutto e Arugula$17.00

Burrata e Pomodorini$17.00

Asparagi e Brie$17.00

Arugula con l'Uovo$17.00

Broccoli Rabe e Salsiccia$17.00

Funghi$17.00

Ortolana Vegetariana$17.00

Quattro Formaggi$16.00

Vino

Bollicine: Sparkling

Prosecco, Nino Franco, DOCG, Valdobiadene

Rose`, Lamberti, NV, Veneto

Moscato d'Asti, D'ampess, 2016

Bianco: White & Rose

Arneis, Hortensia, Pietro Rinaldi, 2017

Chardonnay, Caldora, Terre di Chieti, 2017

Rose`, Frico, Piemonte, 2017

Pinot Grigio, Scarpetta, Friuli-Venezia, 2018

Sauvignon Blanc, Gradis'ciutta, Collio, 2015

Vermentino, Audarya, Sardegna, 2018

Pecorino, Umani Ronchi, IGT, Abruzzo, 2017

Chardonnay, Educato, Doc, Piemonte, 2018

Soave, Pieropan, Veneto, 2017

Vino della Casa

Rosso Piemonte: Family Winery

Barbera d'Alba, Monpiano, Pietro Rinaldi, 2018

Barbera d'Alba Superiore, Bricco Cichetta, Pietro Rinaldi, 2016

Barbaresco, San Cristoforo, Pietro Rinaldi, 2013

Nebbiolo, Argante, Pietro Rinaldi, 2016

Dolcetto d'Alba, Pietro Rinaldi, 2017

Barolo, Pietro Rinaldi, 2013

Rosso Toscana, Marche, Piemonte: Red

Sangiovese, Carpazo, Toscana, 2018

Chianti Classico, Borgo Scoperto, Tuscany, 2017

Super Tuscan, IL Fauno, Tuscany, 2016

Chianti Classico Riserva, Arceno, Siena, 2016