Lala

4.6

175 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Lively

From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Location
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 175 people are saying

Lala reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

LaLa offers a chic and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic date. Guests rave about the "great ambiance," "amazing service," and "delicious food." Standout dishes include the Sicilian pasta with sausage and the espresso martini. Despite some noise complaints, the experience is generally delightful.

175 Reviews

S
Steve
Toronto3 reviews
2.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
It was ok but not great. Server more interested in talking to the hostess and at no point did I feel like a customer. Never introduced himself and never offered parmesan for our meals. Food was ok but not memorable. With all the choices in Little Italy Lala could do better.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cancun1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Great food and cocktails, would recommend the calamari and gnocchi!! Service could improve, our waitress was obviously flirting with men at the bar while neglecting to check in on our table until we asked for the bill. The bussers were much more attentive than she was to the tables!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was awesome, cute place! I would say a little pricey but overall it was great!
Is this helpful?
D
Dylan
Sacramento1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and the drinks were great! Service was very quick and polite. Definitely worth a try if you are in the area!
Is this helpful?
S
Steve VIP
San Diego37 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. We didn’t eat much but we had the calamari and the Spicy Caesar salad. The drinks were spectacular as was the service. Our waiter was awesome. I asked him to recommend my drinks and he sure delivered. We really liked this place and we will certainly be back soon!
Is this helpful?
M
Minou VIP
San Diego142 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
So glad we visited Lala. The "share" menu is great - we had grilled oysters, burrata and tomatoes, bib and blue salad and the most delicious carpaccio with fresh from the oven small baguette breads. Followed by the seafood risotto and a couple of the delicious dessert. The only thing I would add is that we wished they had decaf coffee or espresso and a variety of hot teas. All is all delicious and we will be back again ...
Is this helpful?
J
Juan Carlos
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So accommodating, easy booking, no snobbing, food was better than anticipated especially with so much competition around. Service and location was great
Is this helpful?
v
vickie VIP
San Diego4 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Server was great. Food was nothing as we read about the reviews. Food was not good at all
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D
Danielle
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on March 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drinks. Slow service but still amazing
Is this helpful?
K
Katie VIP
Orange County77 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We absolutely loved everything we ordered, had the best service and the atmosphere was great! We'll be back the next time we're in San Diego. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.6 stars by 175 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTE$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWER$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATA$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIO$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINI$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTI$20.95

STEAMED CLAMS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESAR$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARA$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANA$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSA$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLES$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATORE$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTO$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTA$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIP$53.95

PESCE OREGANATA$35.95

OSSO BUCO$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA$22.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information