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Best Sicilian Restaurants in Downtown

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Osteria Panevino restaurant
1. Osteria Panevino
4.3
Awesome(1738)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego, Osteria Panevino stands out as a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite Steak cuisine. This restaurant, the oldest in the area, brings a slice of Italy to San Diego, championing authenticity with its rustic, Tuscan ambiance. Chef Vincenzo Lo Verso, with over 25 years of culinary experience, masterfully prepares Sicilian recipes that make their steaks a must-try. Diners rave about the authenticity and quality, noting dishes that "remind me of being in Italy." Osteria Panevino holds the prestigious titles of Best Family Restaurant and Best Italian Cuisine in San Diego, making it a top destination for steak lovers seeking a memorable dining experience with a touch of Italian flair.
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
2. Operacaffe
4.7
Exceptional(1343)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!
A photo of Lala restaurant
3. Lala
4.5
Awesome(121)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Little Italy
Booked 21 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 Barbusa restaurant
4. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Little Italy
Booked 66 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 Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(609)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • North Park
Booked 23 times today
At Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, San Diego, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Under the helm of the acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes that beautifully incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Critics and patrons alike rave about the seafood offerings; one standout review highlighted the "signature seafood carbonara" as being "absolutely delicious," and another celebrated the "scallops with risotto" for being "perfectly prepared and delicious." These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, making Cori Pastificio Trattoria a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood dining experience.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
6. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.6
Exceptional(620)
Price: Expensive
• Sicilian • Little Italy
Booked 18 times today
Mimmo's Italian Village in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy stands as a beacon of Sicilian cuisine, deeply rooted in authenticity and tradition. Established in 1973, this family-owned gem has consistently delighted diners with its homemade dishes, crafted from scratch using only the freshest local produce. A standout favorite, as one diner vividly shares, is the Campanelle Sausage, which they reminisce about "almost every day" due to its divine taste. The restaurant's atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making guests feel as though they've stepped into a quaint Sicilian village. With its impressive dedication to quality and originality, Mimmo's offers an unforgettable slice of Sicily, right in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Coronado restaurant
7. Il Fornaio - Coronado
4.7
Exceptional(5821)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Coronado
Booked 54 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy's chefs, bakers and homemakers. Il Fornaio means "the Baker" in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch.
A photo of Vinarius restaurant
8. Vinarius
4.9
Exceptional(371)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Vinarius, nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, is a celebrated Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar that boasts an unparalleled wine selection. Known for its cozy ambiance and extensive wine list featuring global varieties, Vinarius stands out as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. Patrons rave about the "exceptional service" and the "amazing" wine bar, highlighting experiences where the wine suggestions were "helpful and paired perfectly" with dishes like the caprese appetizer and lasagna. The staff's knowledge and passion for wine elevate the dining experience, making Vinarius a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Wine Bar cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
9. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(944)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Little Italy
Booked 17 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.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
10. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1127)
Price: Moderate
• Sicilian • Hillcrest
Booked 31 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Annettevip
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    After a recent trip to Italy, we were craving authentic pasta dishes. Trattoria da Sofia did not disappoint! Each of our dishes was delicious. My dish (our table favorite!) was the Pistacciosa. Great wine selections, spritzers and best, simple, authentic tiramisu prepared table side. We’ll be back!
    More info
    Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
    •
    4.6
  • Lisa
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service was top notch and the food delectable. I will absolutely be back.
    More info
    Cacio E Pepe Trattoria RomanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.3
  • Estrella
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    They are amazing! My FAVORITE server Jacob is so attentive and makes sure that our drinks NEVER hits the bottom of the glass! I've NEVER had a bad plate. From the full entrees, appetizers, pizza and their salads it has ALL been so good. Great ingredients and so flavorful. They have the BEST espresso martitinis. Soooo good! Giuseppe the owner is always there ensuring that he helps his staff run the place so smoothly and checking in on all customers. Thank so much!!
    More info
    VinariusPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.9
  • Girija
    Corpus Christi / McAllen •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    Great food, great service and beautiful decor! Came here for my birthday and loved it. So happy I did! :)
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    4.5
  • Gail
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    The food selection at Mimmo’s Italian Village was outstanding! We ordered a Pastrami sandwich and the Fettuccine with clams and don’t forget the cheese bread! All was wonderful and made our last meal in San Diego before our flight a very memorable one.
    More info
    Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

Discover best Sicilian restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of Sicilian cuisine right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Our curated selection of Sicilian restaurants offers a diverse array of authentic dishes that embody the rich culinary traditions of Sicily. From classic arancini and seafood-rich pasta to decadent cannoli, each venue promises a distinctive dining experience that highlights the depth and variety of Sicilian flavors. Downtown San Diego, known for its vibrant dining scene, serves as an ideal backdrop for these culinary gems, offering both locals and tourists a taste of Sicily amidst the bustling city life. These restaurants not only excel in creating mouth-watering dishes but also emphasize a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests. Through a focus on authenticity and culinary excellence, these establishments maintain a high standard of quality and service, reflecting the true spirit of Sicilian hospitality. Whether you are a lover of Italian cuisine or a curious foodie, exploring these Sicilian spots in Downtown San Diego is guaranteed to satisfy your palate and enrich your dining repertoire.

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