RoVino Restaurant + Bar

Italian restaurant · San Diego

RoVino Restaurant + Bar

Italian restaurant · San Diego

4

2034 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null
RoVino Restaurant + Bar by null

Highlights

Rotisserie chicken, pasta, pizza & wine in warm environs with patio  

Featured in Eater
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2034 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

rovinosd.com
@rovinosandiego

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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2034 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 619 269 9341
rovinosd.com
@rovinosandiego

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

12 San Diego Happy Hours to Try Right Now

"This friendly Little Italy establishment, which is under new management, showcases its Italian menu at a happy hour that runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Pair garlic focaccia bites, bruschetta, meatballs, and arancini with $5 wine, beer, or an Aperol Spritz." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-happy-hours-san-diego
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@eater

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego

"Choose from two set menus at this cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy. The $40 Terra (land) option features braised beef while the Mare (sea) option showcases branzino with cauliflower puree." - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/new-years-eve-takeout-dinner-cocktails-san-diego-restaurant
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@eater

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego

"Choose from two set menus at this cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy. The $40 Terra (land) option features braised beef while the Mare (sea) option showcases branzino with cauliflower puree." - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-new-years-eve-dinners-san-diego
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@eater

Large-Scale Italian Food Emporium and Eatery Arrives in the East Village - Eater San Diego

"RoVino The Foodery has landed in the East Village on the corner of Market Street and Ninth Avenue. At 4,800-square-feet, it is San Diego’s largest Italian market, featuring an all-day eatery, grab-and-go foods, and take-home ingredients as well as offering free delivery to upstairs residents in the Strata Building. Customers can start their mornings with fresh pastries and specialty coffee drinks at the illy coffee bar. Lunch and dinner options include to-go salads, a hot food counter, made-to-order deli sandwiches, and 12-inch pizzas. Desserts include a gelato bar and house-baked Italian cookies and cakes. There’s also indoor and outdoor seating. The food hall is an extension of Kettner Street’s RoVino Restaurant + Wine, offering a 55-seat, full-service restaurant and wine bar with a large range of housemade pasta." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/8/22/20828175/rovino-the-foodery-italian-food-market-restaurant-eatery-east-village
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Jon Langbert

Google
The food was quite good; however, the truffle pasta had way too much pepper. And at $40, it wasn’t worth it. Very few vegetarian options. Sat on the patio and there was a fire hose connection sticking out over our table. Also, it seemed like a lot of people were standing around smoking nearby, which was a drag, pardon the pun.

Sarah D

Google
Rovino’s small & intimate atmosphere was perfect for our Friday date night dinner. We had a reservation and were seated right away on their patio. With the sun down, it was chilly, but thankfully, their heat lamps were clutch and kept us warm and comfortable. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick—always a plus! We had the Cavolini croccanti to start and it was great! For mains, we split the Bolognese and the Salsiccia Piccante, both of which were flavorful and satisfying. Portions were generous, and we definitely had leftovers to take home—not that we’re ever unhappy about that because it means another tasty meal later! Overall, great food, intimate atmosphere, and solid service!

Angelica Garcia

Google
This was my first time visiting Rovino for a friends birthday and it did not disappoint! We had a lovely evening of tasty drinks, delicious food and excellent service. I have a dairy allergy so I called beforehand to double check they would be able to accommodate me, and to my surprise, the woman I spoke to was very kind and had Chef Frank speak to me directly. Once at the restaurant he even came out to chat with me! I thought that was beyond generous and I felt very seen and taken care of. I had the Bolognese and it was absolutely delicious! We will be back!! Thank you, Rovino staff!! ♥️🇮🇹🙏🏽

Timmy C

Google
RoVino is a quaint spot in little Italy that if you’re not looking for it you may miss it. I believe I heard it’s family owned / operated restaurant which is cool if so. Everyone we interacted with during our dinner was great. Overall customer service was outstanding for San Diego. Bartender was fun, helpful and in it. The Ciopinno was outstanding, on par with some of the best I’ve tasted. The pastas and apps I tried were all good but nothing memorable. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you live In the area. I’m headed back to try a few more things in the menu.

Polina Krasik

Google
Bolognese pasta was absolutely delicious! Tortellini was as well! Espresso martini was strong! Service great!

Dinelle Camacho

Google
Excellent food, HUGE portions for the price. Everyone at the table had leftovers! The rotisserie chicken was definitely a stand out, and the lasagna was heavenly. Cute little quaint space, where you can see all of the action from the street. Our large group really enjoyed our meal here, but the steak included on the meat platter wasn’t a fan favorite. The rest of the food/service was great!

Jolene Theresa

Google
TLDR: celiac friendly My celiac friend and I stopped by to try out their gluten free flatbread and she took half of hers to go which is highly uncommon. Most gf breads are like cardboard or rubbery but this flatbread tasted just like gluten bread! She didn't get sick so there was definitely no gluten in it but whatever it was, it was amazing! I ordered gluten full tortellini which looked and tasted like it was made in house and I was completely satisfied with my meal. We stopped by just as happy hour was ending and our waiter was quick to help us get some happy hour wine orders in before it was too late. The bathroom... it an experience. Like many cities, some locations work within their confines and RoVino got very clever. The restroom is a short walk outside the restaurant which at first seems so strange because they have someone walk you down to it. At the end of the block, tucked away you'll find a very clean little walk to a door with their logo. Type in the code and you enter a 1 stall restroom. It was so random but well done, I'll be talking about that little experience for a while.

Risa Jones

Google
Such a vibey little restaurant. I first came here a year ago for my daughter’s birthday and she had found this place which had good gluten-free reviews for me. I can't even explain how amazing the food is. It literally brought me to tears it was so good (and gluten-free! )They offer so many amazing gluten free options, and everyone in my group said the GF flatbread tastes just as good as any gluten-full bread. The soup of the day was not gluten free, so the chef just whipped up the most incredible asparagus soup. I have been dreaming about it ever since. I was back in SD this week and we made a point to go back to this incredible restaurant, and it did not disappoint. Oftentimes one can build up an idea in their head and then they are disappointed.... but that is not the case with this restaurant. The service was just as good, food even more delicious and overall experience a 10 out of 10. The chef even whipped up the dreamy asparagus soup for me again which I had dropped in a little note gushing about it and requesting it when I made the reservation! We will definitely be back to this Little Italy gem every time we come to San Diego!

katarina o.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and ambiance, perfect for people watching if you choose to sit on the patio. Food and ingredients are always fresh, as well as navigated with the seasons. Cocktails are extremely balanced, never too bitter or sweet. Came towards the end of happy hour, with great prices and selections of little bites and drinks. Service is exceptional. Managers, owners, and services put a lot of care into the experience.
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Rosario B.

Yelp
Celebrating my husband's 55th birthday. Thank you God for giving me another year. We enjoy coming to San Diego found this cute place. Sat at the Bar great place to watch a game.
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Hosai W.

Yelp
This was our second time dining at Ravine- tucked away from the main bustle of Little Italy on Kettner blvd, this spot feels like a hidden treasure. It's beautiful, quiet, and has a warm, romantic vibe--perfect for a relaxed date night. There's plenty of indoor-outdoor seating, and even when it's busy, it never feels loud or rushed. The menu is small but intentional--they don't try to do everything, they just do what they do really well. On our first visit, someone from the kitchen came out to talk to us. We found out later that it was actually the chef, which totally explains the personal touch in both the food and the service. That stuck with us, so we came back again this weekend. We started with the calamari and zucchini frites--crispy, flavorful, and a nice surprise with shrimp mixed in too. You could actually taste the calamari, not just breading, which is rare. For mains, we had the branzino (fish of the day) served with a silky broccoli purée, couscous, and cucumber salad--super fresh and balanced. I also had the bolognese, which was rich but not heavy--comforting and delicious. As a foodie, I'd absolutely give Ravine 5 stars. It's the kind of place you want to keep going back to.
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Nancy T.

Yelp
My husband and I came here for a concert and wanted to get dinner before the show. Nice little resturant with lots of outdoor seating. We got the ficoccia bread, the fritto misto, the Pollo arosto, and the salsiccia picante. Man everything tasted so good! My husband and I were so happy with our food. We both thought everything was seasoned nicely. Maybe a hair on the salty side but it was soo good! We always complain that other resturants usually serve bland chicken but not this chicken! There was flavor throughout the entire chicken along with the side vegetables. I tried my husbands pasta and i wanted to eat the whole thing! Im going to be thinking about the pasta. The portions are definitely large so I think the pollo arosto is sharable in my opinion. Service was friendly. Everyone was helpful and had a smile on their face. I definitely want to come here again.
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Natalie P.

Yelp
Great service & delicious food! I had been wanting to try this place out for a while, after hearing nothing but incredible things. So glad I finally went! Everything was delicious, we started with the Burrata e Proscuitto - it was super fresh, and the balance of the pesto and pistachio flavors was incredible. For mains we got the Tortellini and the Osso Buco which were both great! The pork was super tender, and a very generous serving size. The risotto in the Osso Buco dish was so creamy I could've eaten a whole bowl of just that. The restaurant itself is pretty small and cozy, with a decently large outdoor patio space. The staff was all very friendly. Our server handled some very difficult tourists at the table next to us with patience and grace - I was impressed.
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Sophia M.

Yelp
Great food, wine and service i. my opinion. The staff was so attentive and friendly - and Luis made a phenomenal recommendation on the bruschetta appetizer. It was so delicious and refreshing with delicious berries and creamy goat cheese (definitely order that). I got the 1/2 rotisserie chicken and it did not disappoint plus they gave me wayyy more than half a chicken. The chef came out to personally let us know that he had extra so he threw it in our order (so sweet). Cooked to perfection, skin was flavorful, and the veggies seasoned to perfection. My boyfriend got the pasta and loved it! It had the perfect amount of flavor without too much heat. We sat inside and enjoyed the ambiance along with a great bottle of red! Would absolutely come back here for great portions, flavors, and service.
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Alex E.

Yelp
Came here on a Friday night and enjoyed some dinner and appetizers. Started with the Fritto Misto, which had some nice sized calamari and shrimp. We shared a Prosciutto Pera flatbread, which was great - one of the high points of the meal, for me. The arancini is always a favorite here as well and it didn't disappoint. We also enjoyed the Tortellini, and RoVino salads. The salad tasted fresh and my daughter loved her pasta. They seemed short-handed, but the bartender that served us did a great job trying to help us. Really appreciated his effort.
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Jackie W.

Yelp
I'm in San Diego for a conference and saw this restaurant near my hotel. It's a small quaint family owned Italian place with a very friendly staff. I was dining alone and everyone made me feel very comfortable. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and I sat outdoor to enjoy the wonderful weather. I ordered the Pollo Arrosto and it was delicious. It's a half rotisserie chicken served with baked broccoli, potatoes,cauliflower,and carrots, delicious and healthy. Both the taste and the presentation of this meal was finger licking good. If you're looking for a great place with healthy food, this is a place for you to try. The service, the ambience and the staff will amaze you. They also provide an assortment of desserts, which are made fresh daily on property by a pastry chef. I did not try any desserts because I was stuffed, but I'm definitely going back to try your tiramisu, which is my favorite dessert.
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Ashley C.

Yelp
We came here for Valentine's day, and I really enjoyed my time here. To start off, we arrived at our reservation time, but unfortunately our table was not ready. After waiting for a little bit, we were seated in a half booth right by the kitchen. Although the seating arrangement was alright, it was a bit cramped because workers were constantly coming by to pick up food to serve. Anyway, we ordered the (medium rare) ribeye steak and cacio e pepe. Both food items were SO delicious. The ribeye steak was perfectly seasoned and paired so perfectly with the sauce. I loved that they served it with asparagus, but I wish they seasoned it a bit better (like adding more salt). The steak had a few chewy/fatty parts, but overall it was very juicy and tender. The pasta was also so tasty. It was very savory and cheesy, and I loved their noodle choice. We got some cheese on the side, but we did not end up needing to add any of it on. Overall, I had a great experience. Our server was great as well. I am likely to return!
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Mariana O.

Yelp
Available to obtain a table on OpenTable! Came here for my birthday dinner and it was a great choice. Outside seating and indoor, caught our eye more. The inside is smaller but still good seating. Pasta was spicy but so delicious, portion is well to share! I felt like I kept eating and still had so much left over. Haha Lasagna? To die for. Every bite and the cheese. I was beyond impressed. Cesar salad? Amazing and fresh- just wish the anchovies were already cut. Drinks? So delicious. Burbon drink was a hit and we had six delicious espresso martinis! Bathroom is located so far, like outside the building. I would've gotten lost had the server not walked me over. Food runner, buster , server were on it! We were definitely well taken care of. Look forward to coming back.
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Amy H.

Yelp
I was excited to try this place after reading raving reviews of this spot. We ordered the fried calamari, wood fired artichoke and roasted 1/2 chicken and veggies. The calamari was pretty good, I just wished there was cocktail sauce. The aioli was a little too heavy for my liking. The breading was also a little thick and dry. I've had good breading where it feels fluffy and light, the color is like a light golden. This was on the darker, crispier and thicker side. 3 stars I have had wood fired artichoke in a lot of steakhouses and expected that charred taste off the grill, where you pluck one petal at a time and dip it in the sauce and scrap with your teeth the meat of the artichoke, then enjoy the stem at the end. This was nothing like it, the artichoke seemed like it was out of a jar/can and then threw on the grill so it was my least favorite out of everything we ordered. 2 stars The chicken dish was my favorite, so flavorful, tender and juicy. The skin was my favorite part. Unfortunately, the veggies were soggy! Flavor was good, just overcooked. Chicken alone 4, veggies a 2. Service was great, from the hostess to our server. 5 stars. Too bad about the food. Nothing wowed me. Only gave them a 4 cuz the service was so good. The food would be more a 2-3 for me. Chicken alone a 4. Everything else was meh... i will probably never come again and I don't recommend.
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Beth G.

Yelp
Tasty pasta. No half salads which is unfortunate. Can only order full size, and I wasn't interested in 2 meals. Thus, I left feeling like my palate was unbalanced. Kind staff. Ok ambiance. Pricey drinks.
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Gerry D.

Yelp
We stopped here right from the airport for dinner. Tried the Spicy Sausage and Shrimp Scampi pasta's. Both were very good and would come back.
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Roger P.

Yelp
I never heard of RoVino until I attended a Yelp event and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do so. This place has become my favorite Italian restaurant and I've enjoyed pretty much everything so far. The staff is also incredibly friendly! Being in Little Italy means that you'll need some luck with parking if you visit during peak hours. We ended up just paying for one of the garages nearby and walking over. The restaurant itself is pretty small, with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor tables are nice, especially in the summer, but the downside is all the leaves/flowers falling onto your table. During this particular visit, we wanted to try as much as we could but this was way too much food for a party of two. We had to ask for to-go boxes throughout the meal for each dish just to make room for the next round! Everything came out in tiers with the starters first and the entrees last. You probably could ask the kitchen to send out whatever is ready first too. Arancini: Comes with 3 rice balls, filled with meat and cheese. Very crispy and because of the rice, it's a very filling starter. You can add an extra ball for an additional fee but unless you're making this a meal in itself, save your stomach space for other dishes. Fritto Misto: Fried calamari and surprisingly, fried zucchini! I have never seen zucchini in a calamari appetizer but this was a great addition. Whatever breading they used was so flavorful that you didn't even need a dipping sauce. Highly recommend! Cesare: A large amount of salad that is best shared. I can't imagine eating this as your only meal just because you'd probably get bored with it fast. I would've liked it more with less dressing but overall a good Caesar salad. When we ordered, the waiter made sure we understood that there would be anchovies. Bistecca: Grilled ribeye steak pre-sliced for you. Served over a bed of mashed potatoes and a couple of stalks of broccolini. The meat was super tender and well flavored and the sauce had us cleaning the plate. A little pricey but worth it if you're celebrating something! Chicken Parmesan Pasta: This was the special for the night and I believe the pasta was in a vodka sauce. I've had the vodka sauce pasta before and it was just as good as last time. I think they used Pappardelle for the pasta which is kinda like fettucine but a little wider. The chicken was cooked well and there wasn't a dry bite! Pretty much loved every dish and will recommend to friends if they're looking for an Italian restaurant. Can't wait to be back to try their other pasta dishes!
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Skye J.

Yelp
Discovered this charming spot thanks to a friend's recommendation, and it completely exceeded expectations. The tortellini in creamy pesto was divine--rich, flavorful, and topped with crispy prosciutto for the perfect crunch. Highlights: Generous Cocktails: My birthday drink packed a delightful punch Perfect Pasta: Fresh, handmade tortellini with dreamy pesto Decadent Tiramisu: Huge portion with ideal sweetness Exceptional Service: Christian made our night with his humor and attentiveness Why It Shines: * Cozy, intimate atmosphere * Clearly passionate about authentic flavors * Staff who elevate the experience
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Robin MF D.

Yelp
Had a lovely evening. Service was wonderful. Highlights: The tortellini was so good!! Really appreciate the presentation and prefect crunch of the crostini in the bruschetta dish. Also pairs perfectly with the pinot grisio. *chefs kiss The rotisserie chicken was cooked to perfection as welll. The meat sauce served with the arancini elevated the entire dish. Wine selection was lovely.
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Joe B.

Yelp
Hip little Italian spot on the edge of San Diego little italy. It was Sat night, and we had not made reservations, so we were walking around and came across this place. The food looked good from what we say people had at the sidewalk tables, and they said they could seat in 15 minutes, so he said let's give them a try. There was four of us, so we started with a goat cheese and fresh berries bruschetta and some of their fresh garlic focaccia bread. Both were delicious. For mains, we split their Sicilian pizza and the mixed meat platter. The pizza was delicious; lots of sausage, veggies, and just the right amount of cheese. That's fine. Has no that has no no error there The platter had grilled Italian sausage, ribeye steak and half a rotisserie chicken. The ribeye was delicious and the best thing on the platter. The sausages were burnt and we let the waiter know and they replaced them with a new order of grilled sausage. These were very good. The rotisserie chicken was also good but Costco's rotisserie's chicken really spoils you and nothing compares to that By now we're really stuffed and the restaurant was winding down. We had no, but they offered us complementary dessert to try; a cannoli and a tiramisu. The tiramisu was very good, but in contrast the cannoli was terrible, as the shell was very thick and hard as a rock.
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Shelly S.

Yelp
Overall really great experience. Staff were all very friendly. The food was excellent! I have a severe gluten restriction and they were able to accommodate very well.
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LaRyn F.

Yelp
Hands down the best Italian spot in little Italy. Me and my husband came across this place randomly and it is now our favorite restaurant. Every thing here is 10/10 from the staff, the drinks, the vibe and the food. The owner, Frank, is amazing and always makes sure to take care of his guests. He is an incredible chef and has an amazing team. I highly recommend to anyone!
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Grace C.

Yelp
RoVino is in the midst of the bustling Little Italy, a great location for good food. Reservations via Open Table are highly recommended. There is indoor seating and patio seating, which is great for people watching! Service was friendly and our waiter provided some recommendations. We got the Fritto Misto, Tortellini, and Pollo Arrosto. Prices are fair considering the location. We also got complementary bread to start the meal, yum! Everything was great! The calamari was crispy and not too batter-heavy. The chili aioli was a great pairing, adding a bit of spice. The tortellini was good, although nothing outstanding. The chicken was the star of dinner! Juicy, perfectly seasoned and roasted, it was like the classier rotisserie chicken. The roasted potatoes and vegetables balanced out the meal. RoVino was a great meal! While it wasn't the best meal ever, it was solid and reliable. Often times touristy spots can be a hit or miss, and it was a hit!
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Sarah D.

Yelp
Rovino's small & intimate atmosphere was perfect for our Friday date night dinner. We had a reservation and were seated right away on their patio. With the sun down, it was chilly, but thankfully, their heat lamps were clutch and kept us warm and comfortable. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick--always a plus! We had the Cavolini croccanti to start and it was great! For mains, we split the Bolognese and the Salsiccia Piccante, both of which were flavorful and satisfying. Portions were generous, and we definitely had leftovers to take home--not that we're ever unhappy about that because it means another tasty meal later! Overall, great food, intimate atmosphere, and solid service!
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Kim C.

Yelp
We had a wonderful meal here before we left for a cruise. We shared a wonderful half-rotisserie chicken and roasted veggies. If you haven't had it, you're missing out! Great food and the prices were reasonable considering it's a little Italy. We would highly recommend Rovino and would go back. Check out their happy hour pricing on wine as well.
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Samir Y.

Yelp
Unfortunately we ate before our cameras could. The food was absolutely incredible! We split the Chicken Tortellini and the Gamberi Scampi, and I'm pretty glad we did, they were both very good, but the Toetellini was a little too rich to endure the whole thing. The drinks were pretty tasty too! Our server was great and helped the whole time and was a pretty good sport. Very intimate inside, so it was nice and quiet. Will be going back
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Nav C.

Yelp
As we first walked in we received outside seating which we had requested for inside, but I was so excited to try this place that it didn't matter. I ordered pasta, and at the same time I ordered bread, coke, and my friend had ordered a henny and coke. Our pasta had come out after 20 minutes and I still did not receive any of the 4 items and asked them again. I then ate the bread with the pasta. I recommend everyone to try the bread as it is very tasty. I'm not a huge fan of basil pasta but this was really good. Everyone loved their food. I am giving this place a three star for the service. The staff is very friendly and one of my friends glass had cracked and they immediately helped and cleaned it up which we were so thankful for. I would come back here again for the pasta.
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Luis F.

Yelp
sometimes you need to walk off the popular path to find the gems .. in this case, stagger off india st and into kettner to find this 5 star spot. to start, I highly recommend the house focaccia .. we got an order of the fritto misto as well .. the focaccia though is a must and I even got another order mid meal.. entrees were tortellini, bolognese and gamberi scampi. The tortellini was creamy and the crispy prosciutto gave it the perfect salt / texture flavor. Gamberi scampi dish was my favorite, so full of flavor and I got to thank the chef because it was THAT good!! Save some room for the sweet stuff at the end and have a couple Negronis at the start to get thongs going .. Metered parking can be hit or miss in this area, lots of paid parking lot/garage options around though. Opt for inside if you prefer a quieter experience.
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Priscella P.

Yelp
Came to eat here this past weekend with my boyfriend. We had a very nice time! Our server, Evan, was kind and welcoming. Checked in on us quite a few times. We were seated in the covered patio area and immediately noticed the chairs were on the smaller side. Just a note in case you're thinking of sitting there. Otherwise the food and drinks were 10/10. I don't drink alcohol so they were able to give us some mocktails to try. Loved it! The only other downside was the bathroom situation. It's over a block in the alley. The music was also a bit loud and we couldn't hear each other at times. Overall a good experience.
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Pam B.

Yelp
I went into RoVino to get a gift certificate and Evan, the bartender, was again, AMAZING. He is so helpful and polite.
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Mackenzie H.

Yelp
LASAGNA rating: Thick noodles soaked in the creamiest bechamel sauce, very moist, cheesy and delicious We caterered a whole cheese pan without meat. Can't wait to go in person
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Yvonne M.

Yelp
Delicious, fresh pasta. We had some of the best Cacio e pepe "cheese and pepper" in Italian -- classic Roman pasta dish made with just three ingredients. Cute, quaint restaurant with friendly staff. Great service. Highly recommended.
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Leah T.

Yelp
Five star from start to finish. The focaccia was sublime, fritto misto and meatballs melt in your mouth tender, Caesar salad fantastic, and our entries: salsiccia pesto, osso buco, scampi, and chicken parm, were all beyond delicious. And after all that, naturally, the tiramisu was perfection. Furthermore, the check was astoundingly reasonable for 2024 pricing. I wish I lived in San Diego so I could eat here every week. Do yourself a favor and go to this restaurant.

Josh R.

Yelp
What a great meal. Found Rovino by chance for date night. Great food. Chef was even willing to accommodate his dishes per my wife's request. Definitely will be back.
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Deanne L.

Yelp
Spontaneously had a date night here on a Friday night and loved it. There was a private event during our visit, so not many tables to go around, plus the restaurant itself is already small. We were seated at a table for two, outside. Started the night with Sicilian Margaritas, which had hibiscus. We split a Cesare salad and the Arancini appetizer, which are stuffed rice balls with beef and cheese. The server offered an entree not on the menu, which was Chicken Parmigiana and pasta. Everything was flavorful. There isn't something I don't like. The Cesare salad had pieces of anchovy which was a nice touch. All dishes were served hot and fresh. Service was nice. Only thing I would change is I wish we weren't seated outside and right on the sidewalk where all the passerby walk thru on a busy Friday night. Restroom is a building away and you must ask them for a passcode. The private party had a long table of trays and chafing dishes of food, right outside on the sidewalk. A lot of people constantly walk by so I think it's an awkward set up for the party. Anyways, we want to come back for the whole rotisserie chicken!
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Jila T.

Yelp
It's a very casual place. Food is ok and service is slow. Wasn't a good place for celebrating special occasions.
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Doug P.

Yelp
We really enjoy Rovino. The service is always good, the food is consistent and the owners are really, really nice. I was going to order the shrimp scampi, and the owner Frank came out with a tray of scallops he just got in. The scallops were beautiful, and larger than I have seen, but I also know they can be quite expensive. So then he brought out the sauce that he was using to prepare them, and gave me a taste. I'm sorry to say I forget what it was called but it's outstanding. So I ordered the scallop dish, which came with potatoes and asparagus, and it was one of the best and most uniquely prepared scallop dish I've ever had. He's thinking of putting it on the menu permanently, and I hope he does. It was a memorable meal. And, at $38, it was less expensive than many restaurants charge for their scallop dish. The other thing they do that I've had a few times, is the roasted chicken. It's probably the best in San Diego. If you haven't been here, put it on your list.
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Megan R.

Yelp
Had such an amazing experience here with some of my girlfriends!! We sat at the bar for a couple drinks and had some appetizers. The food was to die for and our bartender Fernando was so personable. He made the experience so inviting. Will definitely be coming back for the meatballs!!
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Adam C.

Yelp
RoVino has a cozy feel like it is your neighborhood bar which I appreciated. The food was flavorful and there is a bar. I was disappointed that the blueberry bourbon drink featuring fresh blueberries came from an institutionally provided plastic squeeze squirt bottle. Certainly, what was delivered was not what was advertised.
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Jen N.

Yelp
Came on a weekend night with a reservation. We were seated right away, but it took a long time for our server to come over. He was very polite, but I wish we had been acknowledged sooner. My husband wanted a beer, but they only had maybe 2 options that were priced high for what they were. The wine selection seemed pretty good - I got a glass of Montepulciano. For an appetizer we went with the focaccia, which was really good. The 2 pastas - one with seafood and one with spicy sausage were pretty good, but they didn't stand out in comparison to some other local spots. Our server never really checked on us until we were pretty much finished. Again very nice, but had we wanted another drink or needed anything, we would have had to flag him down. Overall it was fine, but I was hoping for better. Every time we walked by I always thought it looked like a cute spot to go; however, it wouldn't be my first choice for Italian in Little Italy.
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Danielle B.

Yelp
The owners and staff are super welcoming. This family owned and operated business is delicious! We loved everything we ordered, especially the board with all the different proteins. Perfect for sharing.
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Laura S.

Yelp
Exceptional as always. The service and ambiance are always great. And.... Of course the wine menu is perfect. The Chicken Parmesan special is still my favorite. The side of veggies is also a perfect side dish to share. This is hands down the best restaurant in Little Italy.
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Carling L.

Yelp
Loved this place. Had the focaccia and the meatballs to start both were great. Our server was lovely and very attentive. Had the ribeye with potatoes and asparagus. The holiday drinks were cute too.

Khalila V.

Yelp
5/5 me and my girls had such a good time here! Gianni was such a good server and made amazing drinks! The vibe here is so great we came back two days in a row, will definitely be back whenever I'm in town! Luis and Rylee were so nice as well! The staff here is just incredible!

Kayleen S.

Yelp
Really love this place! The service and hospitality is amazing ! The food is very delicious and Gianni is the best! Always ask for Gianni he will take care of you guys! Will always come back here for drinks or food outing !
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Kim R.

Yelp
The service great here the server was very attentive. I ordered Chicken Tortellini and it was bomb! Being someone who just got back from italy it hit the spot for me. I ordered a Hugo spritz and I gave them the recipe to make that drink unfortunately not as good as the ones in italy or one so make at home. We sat outside so did see what the inside looked like. The bathroom is at the end of the block which is odd. The server explained the restaurant is tiny so that's why they ended up having it down the street. Will be back for dinner.
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Roy S.

Yelp
Was looking for a very good Italian restaurant in San Diego's Little Italy while avoiding the many mediocre, tourist traps on India Street....found one in RoVino. Located on Kettner Blvd, across the street from Kettner Exchange away from the know less tourists and restaurants that cater to them. RoVino offers indoor and outdoor dining. I ordered the focaccia and Bolognese pasta. The bolognese sauce was excellent with a sweet, pungent flavor and the noodles were perfectly cooked. Added a nice glass of Valpolicella at a very reasonable $12 per glass. Thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Mentioned that to one of the managers who proceeded to comp me a tiramisu. Would definitely return.
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Mari S.

Yelp
We walked in this place. Staff was excellent and welcoming. The food was terrific. We had focaccia, Caesar salad, tortellini, and the bolognese. The salad was great - if a bit heavy on the dressing. The pastas were excellent. The service was amazing and fast. Love this place!
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Isabelle W.

Yelp
I was blown away by this restaurant! We went for Valentine's Day and they had cute Valentine's Day music playing and rose petals on the table! We got the tortellini (chicken tortellini with pesto and prosciutto) and the Prosciutto Pera (pizza with pear, ricotta and prosciutto). Both were INCREDIBLE and so unique! We also got a cannoli for desert and it was amazing. The staff was also great!
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Mei T.

Yelp
This restaurant was a disappointment. The Capresse ($18) was good, but the pastas were not. The Ravioli in Salsa Rosa ($24) was actually quite awful. It was stuffed with ricotta cheese that tasted chalky and the sauce was bland. The Pasta Con Fresno Chili ($23) was supposed to be spicy, but was probably at most a 1 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the spiciest. It was a very buttery dish, definitely not what I expected, especially when the waiter pointed out that it was a spicy dish. I added shrimp for $14, and was disappointed that it only came with 3 medium sized grilled shrimp. The Bella Donna ($15) and Ciliegia ($18) cocktails were also a disappointment. The Bella Donna looked nothing like the photo and tasted like straight up vodka. The Ciliegia was only half full and made with cheap whiskey. The ambiance was nice and our waiter was pleasant, but I would never come back. Oh, and if you have to use the restroom, it's 3 doors doors down. There's 1 unisex restroom that has a code that opens the door. If you're inside and they give the code to someone else to use, you're pretty much screwed. Someone could walk in while you're on the throne. It's quite sad that the restaurant is so small that it doesn't even have a restroom. Overall, I would have to say this is my least favorite Italian restaurant. To me, a 3-star rating is "average." This was below average.

Paige F.

Yelp
Gianni is amazing! We came here twice and him including Luis made sure we were safe, always checking in, great service each time, and overall some of the nicest people we've met in our short time in San Diego! I will definitely be visiting again my next time in San Diego.

Dylan A.

Yelp
RoVino is a hidden gem in San Diego! The tortellini was rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The bartender whipped up a couple of custom drinks that were spot-on. Great vibes, great service--can't wait to come back!