Italian Restaurants in San Diego (2025)
Cesarina
Restaurant · San Diego
Point Loma’s pasta workshop and trattoria with a tableside tiramisù ritual and mix‑and‑match handmade shapes. Recognized as a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide and praised by local food critics; lively, welcoming, and resolutely independent.
Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Chef Accursio Lota’s North Park cucina elevates Sicilian flavors with handmade pastas and seasonal specials. Awarded Three Forks by Gambero Rosso in 2025 and noted by food editors; intimate room, earnest hospitality, and a serious Italian wine list.
Bencotto
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Little Italy classic founded by Italians, still turning out benchmark fresh pastas. Frequently recommended by Thrillist and San Diego Magazine; design‑your‑own pasta, hearty sauces, and a lively neighborhood scene rooted in local Little Italy culture.
Ciccia Osteria
Italian restaurant · Barrio Logan
Family-run osteria in arts-rich Barrio Logan serving handmade Piedmontese and Milanese comfort. A MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand, it’s beloved for warm service, a leafy courtyard, and excellent value that keeps locals returning.
Enoteca Adriano
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Pacific Beach favorite blending Roman roots with a wine‑bar spirit. Handmade gnocchi, an intimate patio, and gracious hospitality; praised by local writers and diners for consistency and value under Italian ownership.
Solare Ristorante
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Liberty Station stalwart led by a passionate family team, focused on Tuscan flavors and house-made pasta. Recommended by the MICHELIN Guide and long celebrated by San Diego Magazine; polished service and a deep cellar.
Antica Trattoria
Italian restaurant · La Mesa
La Mesa’s standard‑bearer since 2001, owned by Sicilian chef Francesco Basile. Old‑world recipes, seasonal specials, and a loyal local following; frequently highlighted by community publications for enduring quality and hospitality.
Piacere Mio
Italian restaurant · Brooklyn Heights
South Park’s intimate ristorante from Stefano Poletti and Marco Fontana, known for scratch‑made pastas and regional dishes. A decade in, it remains a neighborhood favorite with generous portions and heartfelt service.
Parma Cucina Italiana
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Hillcrest’s family‑run spot channels the flavors of Parma—tortellini, ragù, and the region’s famous cheeses. Praised by locals and listed by the city’s tourism authority; straightforward cooking and warm service.
Civico 1845
Italian restaurant · San Diego
Calabrian brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo deliver bright Southern Italian flavors alongside one of the city’s best full vegan Italian menus. Featured by The Infatuation and honored by Italian trade officials; quintessential Little Italy patio energy.