San Diego Italian restaurants you'll love
Top Italian restaurants in San Diego, California
San Diego has some of the best Italian food in the nation. Really. This beachside city became home to many Italian immigrants as early as the 19th century. Little Italy in San Diego is a prominent Italian neighborhood filled to the brim with authentic Italian cuisine, desserts, and coffee. From recipes passed down for centuries to Italian favorites with a contemporary twist, there’s a little bit of everything to explore.
Experience the complex flavors of slowly simmered sauces, fresh-made parmesan cheese, and handmade noodles. These family-owned restaurants in San Diego will change the way you feel about chain Italian cuisine forever. Choose from favorites such as eggplant parmesan, ravioli, and Italian cream cake. Everything is made with care and precision down to the last ingredient.
Ask your server about imported Italian wines to try or local pairings from California wineries. There is no better date night, family dinner, or work outing than one that starts with good food and wine. From traditional delicatessens, pizzerias, and upscale Italian eateries, when you search “Italian food near me” you’re bound to set out on a worthwhile adventure. Little Italy in San Diego is waiting just for you.
Must-try Italian restaurants in San Diego

Flamingo Deck
4110 Mission Blvd, SAN DIEGO
Popular items | |
---|---|
Truffle Pasta | $21.00 |
Porcini Mushrooms, Truffle Butter, Soft Herbs, Creme Fraiche | |
Spicy Salami Pizza | $15.00 |
Calbrian Chili, Fontina, Thyme, Honey | |
Wild Mushroom Pizza | $14.00 |
Taleggio Cheese, Porcini, Caramelize Onions, Parsley |

PIZZA
CUCINA sorella
4055 Adams Ave, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
burnt brussels sprouts | $10.00 |
with ivan's hot sauce | |
italian chopped | $14.50 |
cucumber + green bean + tomato + provolone + pepperoncini + ceci bean + almond + dill + oregano vinaigrette + rosemary breadcrumb | |
half chicken fra diavolo | $26.50 |
polenta + charred broccoli + preserved garlic + lemon |

Cesarina
4161 Voltaire St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Bolognese | $26.00 |
100% grass-fed beef, fresh tomato sauce, root vegetables, herbs and Parmigiano | |
Funghi | $24.00 |
Creamy fresh Cremini, Shiitake and Porcini mushroom sauce, Parmigiano, crispy Parmigiano crumble and fresh parsley | |
Romantic Dinner (for 2) | $59.95 |
Create your Romantic Italian Dinner (feeds a family of 2) Homemade focaccia and Parmigiano is always included! No substitutions please |

Nicolosi's on 5th
815 5th avenue, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Medium | $16.50 |
Cap Al Pomodoro Fresco | $19.75 |
Fettuccini Alfredo with Shrimp | $26.00 |

PIZZA • PASTA • SMOKED SALMON • SALADS • FRENCH FRIES
Soleluna
702 Ash St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Margherita Pizza | $12.00 |
San Diego Pizza | $17.00 |
Lasagna Classica | $20.00 |

Scuderie Italia
1525 Garnet Avenue, san diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
PIZZA MARGHERITA | $15.00 |
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO | |
PIZZA CARNE | $18.50 |
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sausage, Salame Calabrese, Basil, EVOO | |
PIZZA REGINA MARGHERITA | $19.50 |
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala, Garlic, Oregano, Basil, EVOO |

make pizza+salad
699 Park Blvd, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
pepperoni pizza | $14.00 |
house made red sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni | |
buffalo chicken bites | $8.00 |
oven baked breaded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, served on a bed of arugula with celery, blue cheese dipping sauce | |
bbq chicken pizza | $17.00 |
bbq sauce, shredded mozzarella, pineapple, red onions, fire braised chicken, finished with bbq drizzle and fresh cilantro |

PASTA • FRENCH FRIES
Rusticucina
3797 Park Blvd, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Cacio e Pepe | $20.00 |
pecorino cheese & fresh black pepper | |
Wild Boar Sausage | $25.00 |
wild boar sausage, roasted tomatoes, peas, garlic & vodka cream sauce. | |
Grandmas Ragu | $22.00 |
veal & pork ragu |

PIZZA • FRENCH FRIES
Cardellino
4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Fusilli alla Vodka | $21.00 |
parmigiano, calabrian chiles | |
Fungi | $26.00 |
panna, mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, soft garlic, ricotta, thyme, pecorino | |
Mission Fig Pizza | $24.00 |
pickled onion, boursin cheese, soft herbs, fig balsamic, candied walnuts |

MOM'S PIZZA & PASTA
3422 Tripp Court. Suite A, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Original New York Style | |
Thin curst, crushed tomatoes, hand shredded mozzarella, topped with fresh organic Organo leaves. BEST SELLER | |
Mom's Garlic Knots | $6.00 |
Fresh Garlic coated knots made from fluffy pizza dough and topped with grated parmegiano cheese, EVOO and Italian herbs. Served with marinara | |
Margherita Pizza | |
crushed tomato sauce, shredded all natural mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, EVOO and fresh basil. |

Bar One
1532 India St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Cheesesteak | $12.00 |
Chicken Sando | $12.00 |
Fries Basket | $4.00 |

FRENCH FRIES
The Red Door | BAR by Red Door
741 W Washington St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Lasagna | $30.00 |
Bolognese style | |
Kale Caesar Salad | $16.00 |
Parmesan toasted naan, black pepper, citrus hummus spread, radishes | |
Pappardelle | $30.00 |
Slow braised red wine meat ragu |

Civico 1845
1845 India St., San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Tiramisu | $10.00 |
ladyfingers, mascarpone, espresso | |
Ravioli Classico | $22.00 |
lobster and ricotta stuffed ravioli, light lobster citrus sauce | |
Garganelli Zafferano | $20.00 |
garganelli pasta, sausage, porcini mushrooms, gorgonzola, saffron sauce |

PIZZA • PASTA
Siamo Napoli
3959 30th St, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Crescione | $12.00 |
Yellow beets, Arugula, avocado, Gorgonzola and walnuts and balsamic. | |
Parpardelle con il Ragu D'Agnello | $27.00 |
Cabernet infused pasta with slow braised lamb ragout. | |
Cesar | $10.00 |
Because, why not? |

PIZZA
Officine Buona Forchetta
2865 Sims Road, San Diego
Popular items | |
---|---|
Side of Veggies | $6.00 |
Fattore | $10.00 |
Margherita Pizza | $13.00 |

PIZZA • PASTA • SOUPS • SEAFOOD • FRENCH FRIES
Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge
750 Front St, San Diego

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen
1652 Camino Del Rio North FS16, San Diego

PIZZA • SALADS • SANDWICHES
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen - SDSU
6011 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego

PIZZA
Lorna's Italian Kitchen
3945 governor dr., San Diego

Level 19
901 Bayfront Court, Suite 1900, San Diego

PIZZA
Matteo
3015 Juniper St, San Diego

FRENCH FRIES
Sogno Di Vino
1607 India Street, San Diego

Sorrento Ristorante e Pizzeria
1646 INDIA ST, SAN DIEGO

Il Sogno Italiano
314 Fifth Ave, San Diego

Operacaffe
835 4th Ave, San Diego