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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Downtown

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
1. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge
4.4
Awesome(629)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
2. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4195)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 83 times today
Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
3. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(312)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 58 times today
At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
4. Nolita Hall
4.3
Awesome(762)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 62 times today
Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
5. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4306)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 74 times today
Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
A photo of Lala restaurant
6. Lala
4.6
Exceptional(131)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 26 times today
Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
7. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(3301)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 65 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.
A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
8. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge
4.2
Awesome(222)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 22 times today
At Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, the essence of Market Cuisine is elevated through its innovative cheese wheel bar, a first of its kind. This exclusive dining experience allows guests to indulge in dishes that are not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle to behold, as pastas are masterfully prepared in giant, aromatic cheese wheels. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting the "cheese wheel pastas were fantastic" and the overall experience making them feel as if they were "reminded of my time in Italy." The glowing reviews, such as "the food was incredible," and the restaurant's bustling atmosphere make Vincenzo's a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and delightful take on Market Cuisine.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
9. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1139)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest
Booked 42 times today
At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
10. Nonna
4.6
Exceptional(950)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Nonna, nestled in the vibrant Little Italy district of San Diego, is a haven for authentic Pizzeria cuisine that delights its patrons. Known for its rustic, country-style ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, Nonna offers a slice of Sicily with its exceptional pizzas. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and freshness, with one guest exclaiming it’s “a complete gem in San Diego's Little Italy!” The pizzas are a standout, praised for their deliciousness and high-quality ingredients. As one review highlights, “Good ambience, excellent pizza, highly recommended,” encapsulating the culinary experience that awaits at Nonna. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors right in the heart of San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Callie KuklokVIP
    San Diego •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Our server Michael was the best! Food and holiday drinks were delicious ❤️💚❤️💚
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Wes
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined today
    The first thing you noticed about Salvatore‘s is the decor and the ambience. It really sets the mood. The service was great. The drinks were perfect. As a starter, we had the margarita pizza and it was delicious. We both have the specials of the day. The fish was a striped mass And beef was a bone in ribeye which was cooked perfectly only it was already cut off the bone into pieces, which I prefer not. However it was delicious so I give them 4.5 , everything was perfect except the portion size of the fish . Should be a full filet
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • DonVIP
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing food. Highly recommend the cheese wheel pasta. It’s very rich, so share it with someone. Everything we had was fantastic. We will be back in the next couple of weeks.
    More info
    Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • CandisVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Ambiance, food, & service was all 5 star. Love this place. Perfect for a date night or a girls night. Don’t miss out on the Christmas decor - it’s so festive & perfect for the holidays. Staff is also incredibly nice & efficient.
    More info
    LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Angela
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Love the vibe, experience and service. Food was decent but this spot is just so gorgeous. You come for the experience and drinks!
    More info
    Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.3

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego. Renowned for its eclectic blend of modern and traditional Italian flavors, this area offers a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Restaurants in this locale masterfully combine fresh, locally sourced ingredients with authentic Italian culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. The dining scene in Downtown San Diego is dynamic and inviting, with establishments that boast elegant ambiances, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary excellence. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a chic venue for a social gathering, you'll find an array of options that provide a memorable dining experience. Each restaurant contributes to a lively, gastronomic landscape, making Downtown San Diego a must-visit destination for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the meticulous attention to detail in every meal, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Italy with a modern twist.

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