Lala

4.5

121 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

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) 310-6249
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 121 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala offers a charming dining experience in Little Italy, known for its "impeccable service" and "amazing food." Guests praise the "sultry intimate ambiance" and "phenomenal drinks." While some find it noisy, the lively atmosphere and standout dishes like the spicy gnocchi and pistachio pesto make it a "hidden gem."

121 Reviews

D
Denise
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely time at Lala. We met the proprietor and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. The food was very good. The atmosphere was very comfortable. The wine prices were a little too high. But highly suggest the espresso martini. Would like to see more vegan options available.
Is this helpful?
D
Dominick
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fun dining experience. Intimate, casual fashionable setting and vibes. Arancini rice meat balls delicious. Great bar and novel drinks. Negatives limited menu choices which could be a problem for some patrons. Amatraciana pasta watery sauce. On the other hand Gnochi fabulous.
Is this helpful?
C
Chad
Greater Boston
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So we went out for a dinner to celebrate our Anniversary. The food, omg, delicious! We started out with one of my favorite appetizers at an Italian restaurant - the Sicilian Pepper Poppers. These were Cherry Peppers filled with Cheese, then deep fried in a thin batter. They exploded with deliciousness when cut open or bitten. Then we ordered the Butternut Squash and Fazzoletti Presto pasta. Let me tell you, the sauces in these dishes, were perfecto. The fresh pasta - glorious. Combined, it made for an amazing experience full of flavor. We highly recommend Lala for a great Italian meal. - Cheers! (On that note the drinks were great too!)
Is this helpful?
J
Jasper
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wow best night meeting up with friends to share a meal and the meal was outstanding! I reccomend the lala martini, clams, and the steak
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
San Diego
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Food quality was subpar, was expecting more from sister restaurant of Barbusa which is consistently good. Would suggest a cocktail, not much else.
1 person found this helpful
F
Felicia
San Diego
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were amazing but it was very loud.
Is this helpful?
A
Alecxis
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about this place was awesome! The aesthetic was so gorgeous and the service was amazing. We even got to meet one of the owners and he was so sweet! I highly recommend their Espresso Martinis here, it’s made with oat milk and it’s literally insane. Will come back with back in SD for sure!
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Los Angeles
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
This restaurant is the exact definition of MID. The food was solid, but not amazing. The atmosphere is festive with 80s music playing so I was fun, but there was nothing that set this spot that blew my mind. Futhermore, it was my client's birthday and I noted it on the reservation yet there was no acknowledgement of it so that was a bummer. Overall, it wasn't special enough to come back to especially when there's a million restaurants in Little Italy with better vibes!
2 people found this helpful
E
Elijah
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great time the food and drinks were delicious and the staff were very accommodating definitely recommend 🙏
Is this helpful?
D
Dey
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved it. Tasty food. Great service. We had a wonderful experience!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.5 stars by 121 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 18 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) 310-6249
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

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

What 121 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information