Lala

4.7

161 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Great for creative cocktails
Charming
Hot spot

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 161 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 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 in Little Italy is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "incredible ambiance." The restaurant offers a lively vibe perfect for gatherings, with standout dishes like the "lobster spaghetti nero" and cocktails such as the "lala martini." Despite occasional noise, Lala promises a memorable dining experience.

161 Reviews

M
Marco
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
ANDIE AND TEAM WAS FLAWLESS SERVICE. The art of delivering a Pinwheel Lasagna piping hot to table, and then delivering utensils 3 minutes later is BRILLIANT. WE loved letting it cool down a bit and this all is simply and example of PRO SERVICE. So many details.....Andie noticed a low glass of acqua minerale and asked if I'd like another. (Next time i am ordering a Liter bottle) She was aware of the appetizers so well, she suggested 4 which all harmonized perfectly. The calamari made us realize BARBUSA was the actual KITCHEN for LALA, and now I realize this boutique is for the ALL STARS to ply their magic. Is "Lala" the name for Joey's mom? The lasagna, caesar's salad, osso buco, meatballs & pasta, gnocchi all just right! Was that space a former dark room for a photographer? The wooden paneling made it seem like a Euro Train car. Was this restored from 80 years ago or all brand new? The matre D (can't recall name allison?) made the billing all go smoothly. Fun to leave $100 tip for team.
Is this helpful?
G
Gracia
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I Made a reservation last minute, and was able to get accommodated. The food was fantastic, the service was good and the atmosphere was excellent! It was a cute little spot! I will definitely check it out again.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I adore this place. We tried multiple things and everything was delicious and perfect. The cavatappi with bone marrow was 🤌. Our sever was on point. Their music and vibe were exactly what we wanted for a girls night out. Thank you Lala and I will be back.
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B
Bella
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience!! Drinks were perfect, food came fast! Amazing service!
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K
Kaliyani
VIP
San Diego
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely amazing experience. We ordered everything practically because it was all too good to pass up! Great night for our galentine’s date.
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K
Kyle
Sacramento
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good was really good but the service and cocktails were exceptional. Great for large parties
Is this helpful?
R
River
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good service and good food with an energetic, but classy environment. I will definitely be back again!
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B
Barb
San Joaquin
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. It was a little loud. They didn’t do anything special for the birthday boy.
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T
Trisha
VIP
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved it! Brought a group of customers semi last minute and they were super accommodating- the food was fantastic, and I will definitely be back!
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M
Michelle
VIP
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot. Fun decor and really great food. The pasta was delicious. Loved “the smoking hippo” cocktail
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FAQs

Lala is rated 4.7 stars by 161 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 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

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