Lucrezia La Jolla

Diana was incredibly friendly and highly knowledgeable about the different dishes and their flavors. She recommended a fantastic dessert selection that I had never tried before, and I’m so glad we trusted her suggestion! She even surprised us with a special dessert on the house to celebrate our anniversary—such a thoughtful gesture. Of course, the dessert was amazing! You could really taste the quality of the chocolate and vanilla ice cream. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine. The overall experience was amazing, and I would definitely recommend this place!

Overall an average experience. Mediterranean salad has a generous portion but not the main dish (pasta). Feels like the portion of pasta can up like 10-20% in portion. Was a special occasion so restaurant was busy and took a while for food to be served. Bread service at an extra $5, which is usually free at most restaurants. Atmosphere was ok. Interior was well decorated.

Unforgettable Dining Experience at Lucrezia! The food was absolutely delicious! Manager Ivica made sure we had the best experience possible. His warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail made us feel genuinely welcome and cared for.

The arugula lemon salad was my absolute favorite. The Mezze Salsiccia was one of the best dishes in my opinion! The roasted bell pepper salsa was different, but very delicious. The manager came by to check on us multiple times, it was an absolute great experience!! We will be back soon!

Very nice atmosphere and nice staff but needs to work on their menu, and food presentation. I ordered the branzino fish, it test good but came with few pieces of grilled tomatoes only and it was upside down and full of tiny bones cut, the drinks are nice and the waiters are all amazing.

Let me start with our arrival at the venue. Unfortunately, the greeting was a complete disappointment. The host at the door, distracted by their phone with one hand in their pocket, didn’t even make eye contact and simply said something like, “You can go inside.” Despite this poor start, the ambiance and design of the place were truly impressive. The menu was quite limited, especially in terms of main courses, offering very few options. We started with the arugula salad and arancini, followed by the cacio e pepe and half chicken. The food was delicious, and the server was attentive at first. However, the experience took a turn when they approached our table with the check—without us asking for it—and asked, “Would you like anything else?” While the food and ambiance initially made me consider coming back, this final interaction completely ruined the experience. In the hospitality industry, knowing how to serve your guests is essential. Unfortunately, they failed to deliver on this front.

"Wow! The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was outstanding! The octopus was perfectly cooked, the Caprese salad was fresh and flavorful, and the steak and pasta were beyond delicious. And don't even get me started on the dessert—it was out of this world!" My favorite part of the experience was when the chef came out and talked to us. He made us feel like family.

Super cute restaurant! Decor and ambiance are perfect for a nice dinner - whether with family, friends, or date night. Service was amazing, our server was very hospitable, always came to check on us. Appetizers and entrees were all delicious! Highly recommend the crispy brussels sprouts and the arancini for starters. And also recommend Al tartufo pizza and tagliatelle pasta for mains. Great first experience. Would definitely go back!

Jordan was wonderful ! this was my first time at Lucrezia, so thank you for the superb service.

Diana was our server and made our night very special. The restaurant has an amazing ambiance and the food was great. Definitely coming back.

Jordan was a great bartender. He really makes you feel welcome whether you are dining with friends or enjoying a meal or drink by yourself. The warm environment is definitely partially attributed to Jordan's welcoming nature and his tenacity when faced with a busy environment.

We came for Valentines Day. Kind of a spontaneous we never go out on Valentine's Day type of night. I wanted to go to UTC anyways since my husband told me he will get me chocolate and I told him I've been wanting to try the Italian restaurant. We never really think of coming here because you have to go down from the main level of the mall so we decided to try for Valentines. The wait was not bad at all and they were so busy. I was so surprised how quick we got a table. Took some time to be greeted by our waiter but it's understandable with the amount of people in the restaurant. It's a huge space and mostly every table was occupied. We decided to share the arogosta pizza and the cacio de Pepe pasta and we added shrimp to it. Both didn't disappoint. Love the lemon taste in the pizza and I'm so glad we added shrimp to the pasta. So tasty! For dessert we got the tiramisu. Was so full from dinner but there is always room for tiramisu. Service was great. The waiter was friendly and gave his recommendations. Hope to be back again soon!

I came here for a business lunch, and the outdoor courtyard was absolutely stunning--very aesthetic with Mediterranean vibes, making it a great spot for professional networking. The atmosphere alone makes it worth considering for a lunch meeting or a nice afternoon meal. The food itself was solid but not particularly memorable. Classic Italian flavors, well-executed but nothing that really stood out as exceptional. That said, I did really enjoy the arancini and calamari. Given the pricing, I'm not sure I'd return just for the food, but the setting does add a lot to the experience. Service was a bit on the slower side, which isn't ideal for a business lunch, but overall, it was still an enjoyable visit. If you're looking for a beautiful setting and decent Italian fare, Lucrezia is worth checking out--just don't expect to be blown away.

Food was good but on the pricey side, about $30 per pasta dish on average. Kudos for the unique cheese/olives/tomatoes in lieu of traditional bread to munch on while waiting for food to be delivered. Caesar salad was good, made with baby Romaine, lettuce, and slivers of Parmesan cheese. We ordered with anchovies as well. We enjoyed the cabonara (creamy and bucanti was al dente), followed by the bolongese with meat sauce, and then the spicy al la vodka (which did not come with any meat to my disappointment). We ate everything--no leftovers. Service was fast. Out in an hour. If you do make reservations online via Opentable, you must hold with credit card, subject to $20 pp fee if you cancel before 24 hours or do not show up. Nice atmosphere although I think the bar should go in the middle of the restaurant. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Located near Xavier's along La Jolla Village Drive.

This rating has nothing to do with service or ambience. Our waiter was fantastic. And if you're looking for a highly instagrammable, luxurious interior that made me feel like I was in LA, you've found the spot. However for the price of the food, the variety of tastes and impact of flavor left me wanting. Now this does not apply to dessert which is where we tried the caramello dessert with crème brûlée bananas was divine! We tried to pasta dishes, the oysters and the burrata appetizer. They were fine but not wowing

The most expensive Italian restaurant in San Diego? Maybe...so thank gawd I was here for a business dinner, in which I didn't pay a penny! Ambiance is top end elegant, ritzy, romantic, dark, and beautiful...Service was friendly and fast, despite us being a table of 20. $20 Mediterranea Salad...pretty good, I personally wouldn't have spent $20 on a salad, but it was very fresh and pleasant. $52 Branzino...this is the BEST FISH SEABASS dish I've ever eaten!!! Whole seabass is roasted or grilled perfectly. The skin was delectably crispy, the tender white flesh was moist and tender, and the seasoning was simple yet stupendous. It was free tonight, but if it were my money I wish there was a small side of pasta, risotta or potatoes to go with it...it's just the fish. $$$? Chicken Parmigiana...not on the regular menu, and not sure why my coworker picked such a generic entree...but it was small and predictable, with little extra flair. $21 Ornellaia Super Tuscan Red Glass...so good! Bold! Rich! $12 Attems Pinot Grigio...so light and refreshing, went perfectly with my $52 Fish entree! $18 Expresso Martini...yum! I also had some shared appetizers and chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert...all was great! A $200+ dinner for me when you factor in tax and tip? Thank gawd someone else picked up the check! :)

Lucrezia in La Jolla is an absolute delight! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the elegant ambience--warm lighting, sophisticated decor, and a cozy yet lively atmosphere that transports you straight to Italy. Given its popularity, the restaurant was fully booked, and the wait time was nearly two hours. Fortunately, we snagged a spot at the bar, which turned out to be a fantastic experience thanks to the incredibly attentive and welcoming staff. While waiting, we were treated to sample cheeses, olives, and wine-marinated tomatoes, all of which were exquisite. The Parmesan cheese stood out--it was aged to perfection and had a rich, nutty flavor that elevated every bite. For our meal, we indulged in a variety of dishes, each more delicious than the last: * Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce - The sauce was incredibly fresh, tangy, and well-balanced, with just the right amount of cheese, allowing the flavors to shine. * Arancini - These deep-fried rice balls, served with marinara sauce and Parmesan, were heavenly--crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside. * Al Tartufo Pizza - A showstopper! The ricotta cheese, mushrooms, and Italian truffles came together beautifully, with a soft, fresh, and perfectly baked crust. * Crispy Brussels Sprouts - Hands down, the best Brussels sprouts I have ever had--crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive. * Sampler Bread Basket - A great way to start the meal, especially paired with a nice drink. Overall, Lucrezia offers a high-end dining experience that is worth every penny. The quality of ingredients, impeccable service, and luxurious atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine. Highly recommend!

Upon entering, I didn't have much expectations, but after seeing the decor, I thought "this just might be my new favorite spot". Indeed I was wrong. Granted the decor was lively, the ambiance intimate, and even though the restaurant instantly transported me to Europe, this place is lackluster. We had reservations and were shown to our seats in the matter of moments. We got water and a small plate consisting of cheeses, olives and tomatoes. We order some cocktails and a glass of wine. All very deliciously made and presented. We got a mediterranea salad, though the mix of ingredients with the dressing was a nice touch, the romaine lettuce was not crisp and fresh. We got the grana padano and rosemary french fries. These were a good flavor but as far texture and temperature goes, they could have been more fresh. We ordered a tartufo pizza and an argosta pizza. In my opinion, the tartufo had way too many mushrooms. It left the thin napoletana style pizza soggy and overwhelming. As for the argosta, the crust was good but not much flavor. The lobster meat was watery leaving a weird texture. The only dish that made me not question this place was the cacio e pepe al tartufo. But yet again, this seems to be one of the most simplest dishes on the menu. I am also bias because I'm a fan of truffle. My friends and I agreed that this dish stands out over the ones we've ordered. The handmade pasta was velvety and overall flavor was not overpowering. We were there to celebrate a birthday, we did get a free celebratory dessert. Even though it was palm sized, the brownie/mousse with ice cream was so rich and decadent, we weren't able to finish it. I wish that the staff were more friendly/personable. I felt that would have made us feel more welcomed. Service on the weekend was extremely slow. We waited almost half an hour for our bill. We weren't offered parmesan or red pepper flakes for our pizza (but we saw them on the side tables). Overall, I would probably come here for happy hour just to grab a few drinks at the beautiful bar. Other than that, I would try other Italian food places in the area.

All around amazing! The venue was beautiful, the service was excellent and the food was top year. We celebrated a birthday and they made it very special. Will return for sure!

The veal chop Milanese is wonderful. It use to be $45 though. Still very yummy and worth it. Service at bar is always great.

What a gorgeous, gorgeous restaurant. I could've stayed all night. Had several apps with my coworkers as we met for a team dinner. The arancini was the best I've had. The carpaccio was very popular though I didn't have any. We did try one of the pizzas and I loved it. The crust was both crispy and fluffy and the spiciness was fantastic. I didn't love their focaccia, it just needed something I can't put my finger on. We had a Chianti that was middle of the road, good. I ordered the tagliatelle and the sauce was phenomenal. The pasta itself was overdone. It was clumped and stuck together. But let's be clear, this dish was still fantastic. I also tried the carbonara and love it. The server could've been a little more polished, he was just not articulate and didn't know much about the wines which was surprising in an Italian restaurant. Our after dinner espressos were cold by the time they got to the table because he was chatting up someone at another table. A great night over all, and we enjoyed our evening.

Lucrezia in La Jolla is my new favorite Italian spot! The Al Tartufo pizza was absolutely delicious--rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The restaurant itself is stunning, with beautiful, aesthetic decor that makes the whole experience even better. Everything was amazing, and I can't wait to go back and try more!

This is one of the best secret Italian restaurant in SD. Pasta are made in house, and sauces are made in house too! It's so fresh and delicious! Tagliatelle is my absolute favorite!!! Gambaroni is also a favorite- grilled tiger prawns simple yet delicious. Staff was nice. We came in on a rainey Saturday night (which is rare for socal to get rain) with reservations of course. I highly recommend you make reservations. The complex can get very busy so valet is the best option. The restaurant itself in pretty big with a private dining room available for big parties.

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday on a Monday evening. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The restaurant itself is absolutely stunning with such beautiful decor. They have a cute Christmas tree in the back right now that makes for a cute photo! As for parking, there is valet or open lot adjacent to both Javier's and this restaurant. I'll admit the service was very slow, especially since there weren't many people there at all. I found a pitcher of water and kept refilling our table because the waiter kept forgetting. It's definitely worth giving a shot as the food and cocktails were pretty good. This place is definitely on the pricey side so just be ready for that. Food review: Complimentary cheese/olive/tomato plate: (3/5) It was super small but pretty tasty. He said he'd bring 2 for our group of 8, but never came back with one so we all each had like 1/2 a tomato and tiny piece of cheese. Bread & oil/vinegar: (4/5) The bread was fresh and had a great crisp to it. It is not complimentary, you have to request the bread. Mezze salsiccia: (5/5) This pasta was beyond delicious. It's a simple bell pepper cream sauce, but so flavorful and the Italian sausage wasn't too spicy. It was perfect. I honestly finished my entire bowl. Oops. Cacio e pepe: (3/5) Overall flavor was okay it is a very particular and rich taste. The noodles were pretty hard, but the sauce was decent. I wouldn't order this again. Tagliatelle Fatto in Casa: (4/5) This was pretty decent tasting! I think the 6 hour sauce is intriguing on the menu; however, I didn't think it was anything special to be honest. *Overall the cocktails were pretty tasty, but definitely overpriced. We tried the lychee, dragonfruit, and got beer.*

Yes, it's a part of the UTC footprint, but walk inside and it feels like you're in Italy where rustic meets fine dining. A large overhead trellis with foliage trailing down is a prominent focal point in their enclosed patio which resembles one of those cute little cafes in Italy. The bar offers aperitivo hour (daily 3:00-5:00 PM) where one can grab a drink and select appetizers to nibble on. THE FOOD. - Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Cheese with Breadsticks (Complimentary) | Greater starter for what was to come! - Crispy Brussels Sprouts | The sweet chili glaze in a sea of roasted Brussels sprouts is a yes for me. - Bucatini Carbonara | Bits of fatty pork, rich creamy sauce, and thick bucatini noodles make this dish so addicting to devour. Highly recommend. - San Daniele | The prosciutto is lightly cooked, but retains its cured meat freshness. Love the arugula bitterness and different cheeses as well. The crust is bubbly crisp with a soft, spongy interior. Another dish to recommend trying. - Casarecce Cacio E Pepe Al Tartufo Nero | Pasta with cheese, peppercorns, and shaved black truffle. Very rich and savory. I added chicken which was tender and herb forward. Highly recommend! - Calabrian Mussels | A lighter (sauce) dish, but still very flavorful. The mussels were soft and chewy. THE DRUNK DRINKS. - Dragon Mojito | Refreshing and mildly sweet. THE PARKING. - Valet park right at the front of their restaurant, or self-park in one of their nearby parking lots. In either scenario, you will pay some type of fee. THE RESERVATION. Yes, make reservations! It's the right thing to do. COMING BACK? Does a unicorn have a horn? Of course I'm coming back. There's much more to explore here!

Plenty of parking. Valet is offered directly out front. Staff was extremely nice. Reservations are ok but not required. Many great food options. Something for everyone. Very good 3 course lunch menu. Good for groups. Ok for kids. Tv"s to catch a game at the bar.

Lucrezia is an Italian restaurant serving pizzas, salads, pastas, and refined options like tiger prawns, jidori chicken, branzino, veal, lamb chop, steak, carpaccio, caviar, and crudo. AMBIANCE The interior is expansive, modern, and refined yet quirky. SERVICE Staff are friendly, helpful, and could be more attentive by asking how the dining experience is going. FOOD 4/5 Linguine Vongole: Manila clams a plenty, so is the linguine but there wasn't enough white wine, garlic, chili, zucchini blossom, lemon in the dish for me

Came in to celebrate our anniversary after a morning of shopping at UTC. We had a lovely seat on the covered patio and received great service from the jump, starting with the front desk reception to all the wait staff we interacted with. Lucrezia does a great job with their cocktails, and we'll be sure to stop in for Happy Hour that seems to run everyday from 3-5pm at the bar. Formerly the Larsen's Steakhouse, Lucrezia is a welcome addition to the Italian food scene at UTC. Def looking forward to our next visit with them.

A beautiful restaurant whether it be brunch or dinner. Stunning ambience that makes you feel like you are vacationing in Italy. The food & drinks were impeccable & the service was outstanding. Everyone was very kind & attentive. Parking was a breeze & the bathrooms were so clean & well designed. My boyfriend & I came in for lunch and we will definitely be coming back to try their dinner menu when we are in the area.

It's not difficult to be intrigued by Lucrezia peering into the restaurant as you walk past. The restaurant is usually filled with patrons enjoying what appear to be very appealing entrees as they sit in this very up tempo environment. It was just this vibe that prompted my visit. For starters, Lucrezia is very will decorated leaving you with a sense that you are in a big restaurant in Italy. Maybe, that is an overstatement as most there are not that large, but it is decorated with just that sense with a seating area in their patio that is shielded from the elements yet gives you a glimpse of the patrons walking along the sidewalk. The décor is nicely done with great accents and a feel that you are in an upper scale Italian spot that is on the more modern side. The staff there were extremely friendly and were quick to get us started. Refreshments were solicited along with water with options for those seeking bottled water. The adult beverage options were vast and orders were taken. Wine options were heavy on the imported side and if you have domestic favorites, I would encourage bringing your own and spring for the $35 corkage. As you will see in advance, is an abundance of dining options for you to choose. I'll share some details about personal ratings for some, but will start by saying some of them were hit and miss. To start, we enjoyed a antipasti plate that included cheese, spiced olives and seasoned cherry tomatoes. This was a "5" (out of 5) as it was plenty for a party of 6 and had great flavor and was of good quality. The other appetizers included an Arancini and a Beef Carpaccio. Our server adjusted the number of Arancini's that arrived to accommodate everyone and so glad that he did. This dish was a "5" as it was robust with flavor and the Arrabbiata was full of flavor and the right accent to this dish. The Beef Carpaccio was very abundant and plenty for our table. It was served with the traditional accents including Capers and Arugula, but despite all of this, it was not a table favorite. It was lacking some olive oil, perhaps seasoned, and some other seasoning. I would rate this a "4" at best. Prior to being served dinner, I was served a Casesar Salad. It was served with very fresh leafy lettuce with very fresh Anchovies. It is sufficient for a person to just dine on this given its size, but it was shared with others. This was a "4 plus." For the entrees, I ordered the Linguine Vongole . . . a seafood pasta entrée with a manila clams, garlic, chili and lemon. This was loaded with seafood and was exceptional. Not traditional as the pasta was spicy and accented the protein and the past well. This was a "5." Others at my table had other entrees that I was able try included the Branzino, based upon our server's recommendation, and the Tagliatelle Fatto in Casa. To start the Branzino was deboned and included the tail. Solidly presented, but it was not particularly appealing. It was lacking seasoning and other herbs and despite the crispy skin, it fell short of expectations as it also was on the dry side. I rate this a "3 plus." Lastly, the Tagliatelle was served hot and was abundant in the portion. Unfortunately, despite the lengthy cooking time of the sauce, it did not come through in taste. This, too, was lacking herbs and spices that would have complimented the cooking time. Not something I my group would order again. My rating is a "3." Overall, my experience here is very mixed with hits and misses. If you choose to dine here, take a close look at the menu. I've highlighted some of the items that I really, really enjoyed, but provided some details on some that I would pass on in the future. That said, you will find something really tasty here and will be able to dine at a trendy spot to boot. Bon Appetite!

Stopped by on a weekend lunch, and will definitely be back to try more offerings! They offer a great price-fixed menu for lunches with a starter, entree, and dessert (just sorbet options) for $29 which I thought was a pretty good deal! Note - some of the lunch fixed menu entrees are not on the regular menu and cannot be ordered outside of the fixed menu. We ended up just ordering off the regular menu - everything was absolutely delicious! The mussels appetizer and the spicy rigatoni (we added chicken) were my favorites. Also really good cocktails here! Pricey at $18+ per but all delicious. Servers were all very helpful and informative, great patio seating with heaters for those "cold" San Diego winters. Few times we were looking for our server but her tables were quite widespread so it did take a bit longer to find and flag her down, understandable. Also great decor and some private rooms/areas for hosting parties.

This was our first visit to Lucrezia and it won't be our last. It was one of our best dining experiences in a long time. The space is beautifully laid out, the food and wine selections have a little of something for everyone and Kim our delightful server was attentive, friendly and professional - a definite revisit is planned ...

We went for lunch on Sunday right before we started shopping. What a great decision! They have a lunch special for $29 that includes three courses. It was excellent. I went with the salad and half branzino. Our kids ordered pepperoni pizza and the bolognese pasta. Both were excellent portions and our kids loved the food. I tried my son's pizza and it was amazing. We started off with cocktails which were excellent. The service was impeccable. Our waiter was atttentive and made excellent recommendations. He let us try a splash of the wine prior to committing to full glass. Ambiance is perfect for date night. Part of the restaurant is open air but we were comfortable where we sat.

Where do I start?! The hostess greeted us warmly, and everyone seemed very nice and pleasant! The cocktails were SPECTACULAR! I ordered a mezcal cocktail, and it was to die for. Very delish, spirit forward, and had a splash of moscato, which was unexpectedly fantastic! The food was so flavorful! I enjoyed their lunch special, where I ordered the oysters (small, but flavorful), the chicken Parmesan (crusted nicely with slight spice) and gelato. The dessert was amazing , although I forget the name. It had caramel, and took about 15-20min to make. Trust me, you need it in your life. Our server was very attentive, friendly, and is likely why we really enjoyed our first experience here! They were family friendly (we had our two, small kids with us) with solid food choices. We are already looking forward to going back again! The ambiance was cool, sophisticated, and reminiscent of Italian countryside or farmhouse, which I enjoyed. They also offer valet parking (a must if you only want to dine and not shop at the mall). Do note, it is slightly open air, so I would pack an extra sweater or jacket next time I go. This didn't bother me at all (after a couple cocktails lol) but, it would have been helpful to know that detail. Go check it out!

Our entire experience was pure perfection. Our waitress was really friendly and attentive. The music playing in the background and the lit candles in every table add to the experience making perfect for a very cozy atmosphere. Now for the show stopper of the evening, the food. From the oysters to our pizza to our pasta, everything had such a great flavor. And let's not forget the drinks, which complimented our food choices perfectly. Most of which were recommendations from our waitress. Prices are a little high but the portions and the flavor profile of each item justifies it. This has become one of our favorite places to have dinner.

Service was great. Diana gave us a great experience. Food was super good too and the restaurant is very well designed.

Pasta was great, meatballs were dry but the sauce was very good but the vibes are really good! It's super loud in the restaurant with loud music being played and even louder conversations happening, definitely recommend bringing earplugs if needed! Service is great, although the front desk was hesitant to give us a table. Initially they said they didn't have tables, but when we looked to the side there were a bunch of empty ones, when they saw that we saw those empty tables they immediately took us there with no words spoken. If coming I do not recommend casual wear

The food is extraordinary and the service as well. Our waitress Diana is the best. We will definitely come back

Nice restaurant inside UTC Mall that was open and airy. It was a warm evening and it was a bit hot inside where we were seated in the back corner. The wait staff was great and the manager came by a few times to see if every table was taken care of. The food was delicious. Everyone was happy with what they ordered. The aracino appetizers were a favorite. We ordered the aperol tree with 4 drinks. We thought we were getting a deal but each drink was half the size of the regular drink. Also the regular aperol came in prettier glasses. The Aperol tree was a little disappointing so don't recommend that. Order the regular one. A funny thing happened. Someone in our group only ate ¼ of her pizza so a waiter took it away to box it for her and never came back with it. We sat there for at least an hour longer with desserts and chatting away before heading next door to Javier's for drinks. We didn't even remember about the missing pizza until then!

Probably some of the BEST Italian food I've ever had in San Diego! My entire party's pastas were cooked very well and had great flavor. Diana, our server, was amazing and patient! I really appreciated her kind personality and attention to detail in explaining all the dishes. We celebrated a birthday this visit, and the surprise chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream was perfection. Such a lovely restaurant, will be back soon!

Great spot to have a nice dinner which I will be doing next time. This time I just stop by the bar for a delicious pizza and some great cocktails. Our bartender was very attentive and serviceable. Loved the vibe and music that was playing. Next time I will try the dinner menu.

I really wanted to love this place, but I can't say more about it than it's an overpriced Olive Garden. It's quite a shame because the restaurant itself is beautiful, even if it's located at the front of the UTC La Jolla shopping mall. Came here after work with a few colleagues, and we were all looking forward to it. I ordered an americano... but never got it. I asked about it three times and only after the third time I was told "sorry the espresso machine is broken" The alcoholic beverages looked great, but I never got a chance to order one because the waiter seemed to forget things. On to the food: The Mediterranean salad was wilted and soggy. We ordered a few different protein-forward entrees, all of which fell so short. I was most disappointed by the branzino. It was not cooked or filleted properly. Extremely hard and rubbery texture, not seasoned at all. FULL of bones and cartilage - I nearly choked on one. Lamb chops and chicken were OK. Nothing to brag about. At least there was an average-tasting warm chocolate brownie with half of a fresh strawberry at the end to hold me over. All things considered, would rate this a 2.5 if I could.

The restaurant is simply beautiful. Came back to sd for my master's commencement and ate lunch here afterwards. We came when it was happy hour and were so excited but they said happy hour was restricted to the bar and the bar seating which was kinda annoying. We ended up getting a drink at the bar and the bartender said he didn't care if we took it back to our table (bc they also said we couldn't do that) so that was really nice of him! The penne arabiata was flavorful and spicy. The rigatoni alla vodka was lacking a lot of flavor and depth in my opinion. It didn't taste substantially different from the other pasta. The pizza was delicious and rhetorical chopped salad was the perfect palate cleanser.

Came here for my birthday dinner - it's my second time here, and both times it's been perfection! Fabulous cocktails, great pasta, and such a beautiful setting. Thank you Diana for helping make my birthday extra special! Will be back soon!

Lucrezia has an incredible atmosphere, it's well decorated and high end while still remaining to make it feel homey. The service was great, we ordered drinks, two appetizers and several pastas. The calamari was great, crispy but not too crunchy. The Burrata with the prosciutto was wonderful and easy to share with everyone. The drinks were also really good, they had a wide selection of cocktails along with beer and wine. The pasta was the only area where I was a bit disappointed. The Cacio e pepe was the best out of all of them, but the Soucy Vodka and Arrabbiata were a bit more bland, however the Arrabbiata had a good kick to it. Overall, for the expensive price tag I had higher expectations for the food.

Exceptional Dining at Lucrezia Lucrezia exceeded all expectations! The food was outstanding--expertly crafted, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. What truly made our evening special was the incredible service. General Manager Ivica and our server Chris went above and beyond, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Our evening was more special because of their warmth and attentiveness. A perfect blend of delicious cuisine and top-tier hospitality and amazing ambience--Lucrezia is a must-visit!

We had the pleasure of dining at Lucrezia on Juneteenth since my Best Friend had the day off. As soon as we were seated in the Patio area the General Manager came by and introduced himself. He had the best personality and welcomed us to the Restaurant & highlighted some of their dishes and indicated that based on reviews alone & popularity, sometimes items on the menu are substituted with a fare that more people enjoy. We tried 'The Lucrezia', a Pizza for the two of us and then some with Smoked Salmon, purple onions, arugula & capers Topped with Parmesan cheese. Tasted Good! We also had LINIGUINE NERO VONGOLE ~ made with manila clams | white wine | garlic | chili | zucchini blossoms | lemon | squid ink pasta ~ This Tasted Delicious ~ Squid ink pasta was new for me & the clams were Tasty. Their Bread was also very well prepared and came with balsamic vinegar for dipping. The Bread was super tasty. This is my second time dining here and the Menu items were awesome. My friend loved the decor and the live plants that adorned the restaurant. The atmosphere is airy with plants & trees. The bar is beautiful and bright. We'll definitely return to enjoy dishes we've never tried before and some we really enjoy, there's so many items on the menu to look forward to trying out in the future.

Conveniently located in UTC. I really enjoyed the branzino, and they had a delicious cucumber cocktail. I remember getting their enchilada plate last time, which was also good!

The food here is amazing! Diana was our server and she made my husband's birthday so special. All the food we ordered was so good and flavorful. I will recommend this to everyone! The restaurant was so beautiful and the decor was cute!

Great atmosphere. Great food. Ivica is the best! I have never seen a GM who is as passionate and dedicated as he is. He's attentive, remember all of his regular guests and treats us like we are family. He's in the kitchen helping out when the restaurant is busy. These pictures are examples of what leadership is all about. IMHO, the restaurant success is because of him! Would I return? yes!

Everything was delicious and service was wonderful. Definitely coming back to try the rest of the menu . Recommended!

Diana was amazing and very personable. Had our first date here and came back a little over a year later for my birthday and she remembered us! Along with the service, the food was delicious and the ambiance is so beautiful. Definitely will be coming back!

Service was terrible. Food was incredibly mediocre, add on to the fact that it costs more than other Italian places. Ambiance was the one plus, very cute decor and lovely atmosphere. Unfortunately, that's not enough to salvage the dining experience. We had a curt server who didn't give us the option for tap water. Only offered sparkling or still and proceeded to charge us about $7 for a small, still bottle, which left us feeling thirsty. We felt that was dishonest and tacky. We also watched other servers refill other tables' glasses with water from a pitcher. That wasn't an option offered to us. When paying, the server said zero words to us, he looked pissed even though we barely interacted (he barely came by). Then once he was done swiping my card, I held out my hand to receive the card back and he looked at it, and tossed my card on the table and stormed away. No "thank you" or "have a good night." It was aggressively rude. I feel embarrassed for the restaurant that is trying hard to offer a nice experience, likely unaware that they're employing someone like that. Won't be coming back. Also, the suggested tip on their machine is based on the taxes amount rather than total before tax, also misleading. I typically don't check but after the water thing, I did check. So another minus from me.

Diana provided excellent service, making our experience truly enjoyable. We had a wonderful time.

Amazing place to eat! The aperol spritz is one of the best in the area and food is phenomenal. If you're looking for an upscale Italian restaurant but still want that warm and cozy kind of vibe, this is the place to go. Waiter was very nice and timed our appetizers and entrees very well. Lovely evening and we will be returning soon for another date night!

A former colleague treated me to a birthday dinner here. We had reservations, but moved to a different table that was not as windy. The space is huge and so pretty! We received complimentary olives, tomatoes, and cheese shortly after being seated. For food, we shared the tagliatelle fatto in casa and brazino. We wanted a surf and turf meal LOL. Food took over 30 minutes to arrive, so we were starving by that time! The pasta and fish were pretty tasty. We were definitely satisfied with the portions. Another 40 minutes passes and we finally got a brownie dessert with a candle on top. It was good, but not worth the wait. As for service, our server wasn't very helpful in choosing entrees and disappeared for long periods. When we asked for the bill, he asked if we wanted coffee or anything else- we just wanted to leave already LOL.

We were seated, all tables around us had gotten an palate cleanser plate, tomatoes, olives and cheese, we never received one. We ordered an appetizer and our meals. The calamari was very underwhelming, with two sauces, a standard spicy tomato, and something that looked sirracha mayo but had no flavor at all. Our food came, the 6 hour sauce pasta was also very bland. At least the sausage bell pepper pasta had some flavor and the brussel sprouts were also good. Got a drink refill, originally ordered Arnold Palmer and was refilled with. Ice tea. After all that then find out they don't validate for parking. Also the calculated tip is based on the total, not the subtotal, not a big difference, but still something that stings a little after sun par service. So we sat there for just under 2 hours and got stuck in the exit for parking and had to pay. The parking setup is another review, sitting at a light and blocking access to the gate to pay ... Next month I think I'll go back the the Italian restaurant at 7878 Claremont Mesa Blvd. Much better food and service.