CUCINA urbana

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Address:
505 Laurel Street
San Diego, CA 92101

Neighborhood:
Banker's Hill

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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CUCINA urbana Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.urbankitchengroup.com
Email: contact@urbankitchengroup.com
Phone: (619) 239-2222
Hours of Operation: Dinner: SUNDAY | 4:30p - 9p MONDAY| 5p - 9p TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY | 5p – 10p FRIDAY + SATURDAY | 5p – 10:30p dinner | 10:30p – 12a pizza + vasi Lunch: TUESDAY - THURSDAY | 11:30a-2p FRIDAY | 11:30a-5p
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian, American
Executive Chef: Joe Magnanelli
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: URBAN KITCHEN CATERING provides four star, stunning events with menus unique to your occasion. For more information check the URBAN KITCHEN CATERING link on our website www.urbankitchengroup.com or call Carmelle at 619.239.2222. Or if interested in restaurant buyout opportunities, please contact Ben Kephart at 619.239.2222.

Getting there

Cross Street: 5th Avenue
Parking: Valet

A word from CUCINA urbana

Welcome to CUCINA urbana, a casual Italian American Neighborhood Kitchen and Wine Shop located in the heart of Banker's Hill. The menu highlights the cuisines of various Italian regions with a distinct California ‘farm to table’ flair for which the Urban Kitchen Group has become known. Chef Joe… Magnanelli is excited to preview his Italian heritage and create dishes that are fresh, simple and seasonal. Items include: antipasti, artisan pizza, pasta and piatti. Enjoy wine by the glass or visit the Wine Spectator award-winning wine shop and select a bottle from over 100 selections at retail price ($8 corkage fee applies). The space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the history and comfort of an old rustic country farmhouse. A focus on raw, sustainable material is evident with much product coming from recycled/reclaimed local sources. Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerItalian
Diners' Choice WinnerHot Spot
Diners' Choice WinnerNotable Wine List

Diner Reviews

"I dined here with a friend for dinner and had a good time. The entire restaurant is sort of sunken below ground level — a pretty cool detail — and the inside is very well decorated. As far as the menu goes, there were a fairly good selection of pastas, pizzas, and drinks even for a vegetarian. I should mention that the menu has a pretty hefty Italian-to-English ratio, so make sure to ask your server for clarification when you need it. For food, I ordered a mushroom dish and my friend ordered the meatball pizza. Mine was good, but a tad salty. My friend enjoyed his dish. We both had the gelato sampler for dessert. Amazing! It came with four different options, all of which proved unique and tasty. Overall, this place deserves a checking out."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"This place is highly recommended for ANYONE. The food is exceptional and the restaurant is appropriate for any occasion, really. It's my favorite place to dine in San Diego with my significant other and also my go-to restaurant for taking out-of-town visitors. Definitely, DEFINITELY make a reservation well in advance."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"This is one of our favorite spots to eat before an evening at the Old Globe. Menu is interesting with always some good specials."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Not that great, it took over 30 min to seat us although we already had a booking! Food selection very limited to anyone that is trying to stay away from carbs"
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Our party of 4 was very impressed with not only the amazing ambience, the delicious and tasty food, but also by our server Emily. She was on point and when going over the yummy beats chef had prepared she really knew her menu! Made us want to order every last little item!! It nice to see a place tale pride in ALL that a dining experience is. Thank you."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Simply put, my favorite restaurant! Be sure to book in advance. We went for our anniversary, and were treated to a free round of champagne, very nice touch! The service and food are always amazing! Love!"
Dined on 1/31/2014
"I went there for my birthday dinner. We had a party of 7 an the table they gave us was perfect. We were near the wine shelves and out of the crowd. The food was delicious. And we had a delish red wine for only $20 per bottle. All the red wine drinkers liked it, which is sometimes hard to find! I highly recommend this restaurant, you just have to make a reservation well ahead of time."
Dined on 2/25/2014
"Great experience. Wine is at retail price and no mark up!!!. They have a great selection too"
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Went to Cucina Urbana with our top customer two years ago! Went back this week with different customer, equally as pleased. Great ambiance! Outstanding food. Server was very accommodating and knowledgeable. Would refer it to anyone. A little noisy but fine for our group. Thank you for a great evening!"
Dined on 2/23/2014
"absolutely great food....best lasagna we've ever had. Salad was delicious, great service. Overall 5 star experience"
Dined on 2/23/2014
"The food is creative and delicious. The service is fabulous. The manager, Debbie, is warm, efficient and obviously experienced. The upscale neighborhood is a wonderful backdrop for this gem of a restaurant. I've never ordered anything that wasn't superior. Favorites: I love the beet salad and the short rib papardelle (sp?) - they are favorites. The porkchop is incredible. Their pate is addicting. Their desserts are heavenly and a favorite is the bread pudding. The owner transformed this restaurant from what was a nice, standard, dependable Bankers Bill restaurant, named Laurel, to a beautiful, vibrant, uber-popular place for drinks and great food, with warm, charming décor. It's a beauty in all ways."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"My husband had somewhat a late flight in and cucina urbana was convenient and a full menu to choose from at 10:15. Great food and great service."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Great food, and service people who REALLY know wine."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Outstanding dinner at CU with amazing service! Kevin our waiter was superb and had great suggestions for wine and food. Definitely recommend eating here."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Had a fantastic lunch. The restaurant has a great vibe. So much thought has gone into every detail of the decor. We started by sharing a polenta board - which was to die for delicious. Rich thigh meat ragu with olives over a rich buttery polenta. Followed by a light brussel sprout and apple salad with farro. I was headed to a birthday afterwards and picked up a fantastic bottle of red in their wine room which has a great collection of wines for sale. I will be back - it was the kind of dining experience one craves for unique and tasty!"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"The food was amazing. I got the prosciutto pineapple pizza and my wife got a shrimp angel hair pasta primavera. Top notch, excellent food. The blueberry margaritas were divine as well. But my wife and I felt that this place tried too hard to create an atmosphere that was unnecessary. Too loud and too much going on. I know this review will be cast aside considering this place was packed when we arrived and left. But a more intimate setting would suit this place better. I forgot our waiters name, bald guy in late 20s early 30s, but he was polite, informative, and an overall breath of fresh air."
Dined on 2/19/2014
"My girlfriend and I have been here several times and have been equally impressed with the food each time. The ricotta gnudi with brown butter sauce is wonderful. We usually order a pizza and one of their pasta dishes as our main course. The risotto which changes fairly often was also noteable. I have a had a few versions of the tiramisu and have been impressed with all. Overall one of my favorite spots in San Diego."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"Food was very good and the ambiance was nice, but the restaurant was so loud i could barely speak to my party. Restaurant would be nice for a medium sized group, but I'm not sure if i would recommend it for an intimate date"
Dined on 1/11/2014
"Since I don't live in San Diego, Cucina urbana came recommended by a third party. It turned out not to be the place for intimate conversation. The food was good but not memorable, and we liked the wine we selected from the considerable list. Unfortunately, the venue appears specifically designed to enhance noise. We were looking for an upscale/elegant restaurant to take a senior person to; this wasn't it. While I might recommend it in certain situations, it's not one for any occasions where conversation is desired without raising your voice."
Dined on 2/9/2014
"Everything has always tasted great and the service is always superb."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"I was excited to celebrate VDay with my honey here during our recent SD visit. As a former San Diego local I've always enjoyed the food and ambiance here. But the fixed menu was a total flop this time. My steak tasted and had the consistency of being pre-cooked, the chocolate dessert was blah and had an odd flavor profile. Overall disappointing food experience, yet the service and ambiance was very good. Would not return on holidays as I feel the kitchen should pull off fixed menu items flawlessly if you're already going to limit the night's selections."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We had two appetizers - the daily polenta board and the stuffed squash blossoms - both were excellent. The short rib with pappardelle was also very good. The service we received was exceptional, good tips from the waiter both as to food and wine and attentive and quick service for our 7 year old grandson. This restaurant should be on everyone's "must try out" list."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Everything made fresh -- simply fantastic food. This is real authentic Italian -- my favorite go to place when I visit San Diego. Affordable wine list too!!!"
Dined on 2/12/2014
"This place is about being "seen" and being a hipster. I thought it was going to have a classier, older crowd, but it's just a bunch of rich 20-30 somethings showing off their style and educated pallet. This was made even more apparent by the waiters, hostess and bartenders. Never felt more unwelcome in a restaurant."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"My girlfriend and I have been living in SD for about a year now, and we are huge foodies. We've tried a lot of the notable restaurants in SD and we love Cucina Urbana the best. Their Valentines menu was top notch, and weren't disappointed with any of our dishes. Delicious food, comfortable yet romantic ambience, and overall a great night out."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Every time I have gone to this fun place I have discovered something new to love..this time it was the foraged mushroom pizza!!I have been many times and each time it seems I enjoy it more!!I highly recommend this place to any one who loves wonderful dining!"
Dined on 2/12/2014
"Cucina Urbana never fails at providing awesome Italian inspired food. On my most recent trip I ordered the Ragu & Polenta, Short Rib Pappardelle, and the Roasted Chicken. All items were superb, but the Ragu & Polenta board was the highlight of my dining experience. The marscapone cheese blended into the polenta was a sintilating touch that gave a sweetness which paired nicely with the savoryness of the ragu. My girlfriend and I had a great time and Cucina Urbana made our Valentines Day very special."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Food was good but the portions were so small for the price, I had to eat noodles when I came home later that night. Will definitely not return for valentine's day dinner."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"It was our third visit to the restaraunt and we will be back. The service is excellent, the food is excellent. If I was rich I'd take my wife there every week."
Dined on 2/13/2014
"Everyone in our group enjoyed sharing all the food. Stuffed Fried Squash Blossoms, Polenta, Burnt Brussel Sprouts, Pizzas, Giant Meatballs, Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, Truffle Parmesan Fries and Chocolate Nutella Zeppole. We are all excited to come back to try out more dishes. Great Birthday Dinner!"
Dined on 2/9/2014
"Cucina is always consistent...from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere. It has become the MUST to do for all of my friends visiting San Diego. The braised beef pappardelle is to die for! Thank you Cucina for putting a smile on my face! You are always a great experience!"
Dined on 2/11/2014
"Definitely recommending this place! Food was delicious! Super cute! It's also very close to Balboa park!"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"My son took me there for a special occasion. We were both very excited, because of the hood reviews from others, but we found the food to be inconsistent. Our appetizers were great. The salads were ok. The entrees left much to be desired. Maybe it was an off night, but it wouldn't waste my money to try it again. Service was good. Ambience was noisy but fun."
Dined on 1/5/2014
"Early evening dinner for a party of four. The servers were consistently friendly, efficient, enthusiatic, and knowledgeable. Doesn't get much better than that. Lively interior crowd but we could still hear each other. Good wine list. Great appetizers, entrees and desserts. Everything was well-prepared and served in a well-timed sequence. Would we go back? You bet."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"It was our first visit. I had always assumed it was overpriced, but now I think it was worth every penny. I'm not overweight, but if I were I think I'd consider the "Cucina Urbana diet": small portions of fabulous food, including perfectly-cooked vegetables combined with wonderful sauces and small amounts of pork belly, octopus, or whatever. The fried squash blossoms stuffed with lemon ricotta were perfect, and everything else was close behind. Even our glass of wine was small but excellent. We felt totally nurtured and nourished. We'll be back! And, oh, yes, our waitress did a great job. Great face, great smile, she took plenty of time with each table, made us all feel well supported, and yet keeping things moving efficiently when needed."
Dined on 2/6/2014
"Fantastic food although the piccata veal was really salty especially on the top fantastic Beet salad and pizza The hostess people always appear a bit snooty and not as accommodating to guest requests as they should. Perhaps this is because they are popular NOW and need more control to handle to crowds, but soon this will be too tiring for the customer and they may look elsewhere"
Dined on 2/6/2014
"Every time I go to Cucina Urbana, I am always geared up for an amazing experience. They're incredibly popular (to the point that you MUST make a reservation) and they have a wine list a mile long. Yet, I'm always a little disappointed. For the price, the food is mediocre, the restaurant far too loud, and the service slow. I don't think I've ever been wowed by an entree, although their truffle fries are pretty darn delicious. I have to yell over the incredible noise of the restaurant, and it looks like a hipster's wet dream. Still, though, I go back, so I guess they must have something going for them. For drinks and appetizers, they're great! Assuming you can get seated, that is. For a full dinner? Skip it."
Dined on 1/15/2014
"I go to Cucina with friends about once a month. It never disappoints. The service is almost always great, the food consistent, and enough change in the menu that there are still great standbys but something new to try. I love their meat and cheese boards! And Pappardelle shortribs."
Dined on 2/5/2014
"Enjoyed a romantic dinner in this hip and creative dinning, while celebrating her birthday. Recommend this place for any occasion, Very ample menu with Italian food. Wines our at list price, while you only pay for corkage. Great service and will come back hopefully soon."
Dined on 12/3/2013
"Excellent restaurant, food and ambience are outstanding."
Dined on 2/2/2014

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