Best Italian Restaurants in Mission Bay

74 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5452)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 168 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

2. Elvira

4.8

Exceptional(399)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 47 times today

Welcome to Elvira, where every slice of pizza tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, nestled in the vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. This beloved pizzeria stands out not just for its authentic Italian flavors but for the love and passion that can be tasted in every bite. Customers rave about the "authentic handmade pasta and pizza Roma style - delicious!" and declare Elvira's offerings as "the best pizza!!!" including praise for their vegan and gluten-free options. The ambiance is consistently described as cozy and inviting, making every dining experience memorable. With glowing testimonials like "Great authentic Italian food with al dente pasta and great specials!" and "The pizza was great! We tried the Super Arrabbiata, yumminess," it's clear that Elvira is a cornerstone for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in San Diego. Whether it's the welcoming service or the meticulously crafted dishes, Elvira promises an impeccable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.

A photo of Baci Restaurant - San Diego restaurant

3. Baci Restaurant - San Diego

4.9

Exceptional(1888)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 15 times today

Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.

4. Scuderie Italia

4.8

Exceptional(351)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pacific Beach

Booked 14 times today

Scuderie Italia in Pacific Beach, San Diego, is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine, where the spirit of Italian culinary artistry shines through every dish. Patrons rave about their experience, with one guest exclaiming, "I have never had such delicious pasta ever before in my life" and another declaring, "Hands-down, the best gluten-free pizza in all of San Diego county!" The restaurant's master certified pizzaiolo, Johncarlo "JC" Ferraiuolo, crafts famous Napoletana pizzas that have diners proclaiming it "the best pizza in PB!" Every meal, from the handmade pastas like rigatoni alla bolognese to the gnocchi formaggi, is a testament to traditional Italian flavors. Scuderie Italia is not just a meal; it's an experience of heartwarming authenticity and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian fare.

A photo of Officine Buona Forchetta restaurant

5. Officine Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(487)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 33 times today

At Officine Buona Forchetta in the vibrant Liberty Station neighborhood of Point Loma, San Diego, diners are treated to an authentic slice of Italy with its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza. Renowned for its dedication to quality and authenticity, guests rave about the “heavenly crust” and toppings that create a “perfect combination of flavors” making it “the best pizza in San Diego.” The restaurant's rustic yet modern ambiance adds to the allure, where every pizza is a testament to Italian culinary traditions. As one reviewer puts it, “if you want a true pizza experience, go no further.” Officine Buona Forchetta not only promises but delivers a delightful dining experience with its stellar pizza and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for pizza aficionados and casual diners alike.

6. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(728)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 81 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 Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

7. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2429)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 12 times today

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

8. The Red Door

4.8

Exceptional(2971)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Hills

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

9. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2617)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 51 times today

North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.

A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant

10. La Dolce Vita Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1103)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 19 times today

La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Vincentvip
Washington, D.C. Area •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We chose Cesarina because they make their own pasta in-house as well as their sauces and everything else. Wow - what a great meal! We waited at the bar overlooking the pasta being made so when we were seated, we decided to start with a ravioli and separately, carpaccio. Both were outstanding with some type of truffle oil over the tender carpaccio making it fantastic! We had the Norma sauce (with eggplant) with pasta and the meaty Mafalde al Sugo Napoletano with ribs and sausage and it was made perfectly! We were too stuffed for dessert and boxed up the leftover but will definitely return.
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CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
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4.9
D
Debra
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Dining at Elvira was a great experience. The service was above and beyond great. The food was awesome and we were seated in a nice, quiet area. Parking was easy.
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ElviraPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
•
4.8
W
Wendyvip
San Diego •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic server, great food, good company! Left some decisions up to the server and she did not disappoint.
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North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
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4.7
M
M Diana
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This location has the best kitchen, food was amazing. We have been to the Coronado branch and it is not as good as this one. Luana our server was amazing, thank you Luana
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Officine Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Point Loma
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4.6
D
Dorivip
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lots of fun watching the planes go overhead. Ben was the BEST waiter ever! You MUST request his section when dining here!
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Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4

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Best Italian Restaurants in Mission Bay

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74 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

2. Elvira

3. Baci Restaurant - San Diego

4. Scuderie Italia

5. Officine Buona Forchetta

6. Nolita Hall

7. Solare Ristorante Lounge

8. The Red Door

9. North Italia - Fashion Valley

10. La Dolce Vita Ristorante

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