Best Sicilian Restaurants in University Heights

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(619)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • North Park

Booked 33 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.

2. Lala

4.5

Awesome(134)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • Little Italy

Booked 29 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.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4312)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • Little Italy

Booked 99 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.

4. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1153)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • Hillcrest

Booked 56 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.

5. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1322)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • North Park

Booked 70 times today

Siamo Napoli in North Park, San Diego, stands out as a haven for authentic Napolitano style pizza, celebrated for its exceptional quality and the authenticity of its cuisine. Patrons rave about the "absolutely amazing pizzas" and the atmosphere that captures the essence of Italy. With ingredients sourced to reflect the richness of Napoli, the restaurant crafts dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Reviewers consistently praise not only the food but also the "excellent service" and the warm, inviting ambiance. A standout comment notes, "The pizza was killer, some of the best dough I’ve had outside of Napoli," highlighting the genuine Italian experience Siamo Napoli offers. Whether it's the Burrata pizza or a classic Margherita, each bite promises a slice of Naples right in San Diego.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

6. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2648)

Price: Expensive

• Sicilian • Mission Valley

Booked 104 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

7. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(186)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • Kensington

Booked 44 times today

Trattoria Da Sofia, nestled in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This delightful establishment has quickly become a favorite, praised for dishes that exude the heart and soul of Italy. Guests rave about the "creamy Spaghetti Carbonara" and the "divine Risotto ai Funghi," which are just a few examples of the menu's authentic offerings. The ambiance, described as "cozy and authentic," enhances each dining experience, making it feel like a "mini vacation to Italy." Regulars adore the "table side tiramisu," highlighting it as a must-try. With glowing reviews stating it's the "best Italian food in San Diego," Trattoria Da Sofia is undoubtedly a gem worth visiting for anyone seeking genuine Italian fare combined with warm hospitality.

A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

8. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.5

Awesome(629)

Price: Expensive

• Sicilian • Little Italy

Booked 48 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 Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana restaurant

9. Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana

4.3

Awesome(61)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • North Park

Booked 12 times today

Step into the heart of Rome with a visit to Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana in North Park, San Diego. This gem offers an authentic Pizzeria experience, where the Roman-style pizza stands out as a true testament to Italian culinary traditions. Diners rave about the "perfectly creamy Bucatini Cacio e Pepe" and the "best artichokes I've ever had," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The cozy, Italian-inspired ambiance paired with welcoming staff makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you're looking for a delightful brunch or a romantic dinner, Cacio E Pepe promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to Italy.

A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

10. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2445)

Price: Moderate

• Sicilian • Point Loma

Booked 26 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.

‘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

C
Carol
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a great experience and a lovely dinner. Very busy time for Little Italy the Friday night after Christmas but the staff handled the customers with charm! Our dinners were delicious and served at the perfect temperature. Chicken Marsala had a wonder creamy sauce and the spicy Campanelle Sausage dish was perfection! We sat outside under a great heater and enjoyed the passerby's and the excitement of the street.
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Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.5
S
SandraVIP
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything is excellent, the food is very delicious, the portions and the service. For my taste the music is a little loud but nothing that you can't stand
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Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
S
Suzanne
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was fresh made, delicious. There is nothing better than fresh ingredients and fresh made food. We had the cacio e Pepe pasta and the brazato short rib. And the bread with butter/truffle oil was unbelievable. We will be back.
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Cacio E Pepe Trattoria RomanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.3
B
BrendanVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The four of us had a great dinner and chose a few of the tasty pastas and a pizza. We also had the frito misto to start and it was delicious. The service was friendly and attentive. Would return for another meal 100%.
More info
VinariusPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.9
C
ChristineVIP
San Diego •13 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Great food....service was excellent. Mylie our server was awesome. Friendly, very attentive, very welcoming.
More info
Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
4.5

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University Heights

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Best Sicilian Restaurants in University Heights

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

2. Lala

3. Barbusa

4. RustiCucina

5. Siamo Napoli

6. North Italia - Fashion Valley

7. Trattoria Da Sofia

8. Mimmo's Italian Village

9. Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana

10. Solare Ristorante Lounge

See what locals rave about

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