Lala

4.5

125 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

Charming
Hot spot
Great for creative cocktails

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 125 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

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala in Little Italy offers a vibrant dining experience with "impeccable service" and a "sultry intimate ambiance". Guests rave about its delicious food, especially the gnocchi and squid ink pasta. The Stiletto martini and espresso martinis are must-try drinks. Ideal for celebrations, Lala's warm, classy vibe makes it a "hidden gem".

125 Reviews

B
Barbara
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing time at Lala especially since it was during their Christmas pop up. We ordered family style of apps and mains. The food was delicious. We loved their calamari and spicy Caesar. Definitely order the toasted baguette, fresh hot bread is always a good thing at the table. We also ordered the gambera busalacchi which was a bed of potatoes with giant shrimp and gnocchi rosa…both great choices. Katie was our server and she made our friendmas dinner extra special with her exceptional service and genuine down to earth personality. Her service is a reason why we would return. Thanks Katie!
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M
Melissa
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I had a reservation for a party of six and upon arrival they immediately said they would take a while for a table and could try to accommodate the party at Barbusa. After 40 min we were all seated. It took forever to get our food and the check. 4/10.
1 person found this helpful
S
Susan
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Literally outstanding service and 10 out of 10 food. Decor is amazing. Try the osso bucco.
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P
Pablo
Mexico City
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
You can’t go wrong with the Busa group. The food is always outstanding and they make you feel at home every time.
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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.
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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.
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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!)
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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
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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.
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FAQs

Lala is rated 4.5 stars by 125 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 36 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 125 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