Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Imperial Beach

Price: Moderate (5)Price: Expensive (5)Price: Very Expensive (1)

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant

1. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Chula Vista / Bonita

Located in Chula Vista, Farmer's Table offers a diverse array of delectable American cuisine well regarded for its freshness and quality. A consistent mention in customer reviews is the notably excellent service, paired with a pleasant and spacious ambience that enhances the dining experience. Many customers commend the exceptional dishes, with one stating, "Food never disappoints." Returning customers enjoy the brunch options and look forward to savory dinners, complemented by creative beverages like the unique Mexican mocha. The venue is also appreciated for its reasonable prices and large portions, boasting a menu that truly represents good American fare.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

2. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.3

Awesome(597)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge comes highly recommended for its authentic Italian cuisine, as per its reviews. The carefully selected menu, attentive service, and distinctive dishes have won the hearts of many customers. Also noteworthy is the restaurant's ambiance which is appreciated for its Italian-style serving of food, course by course. From appetizers like fried gnocchi to main courses like seafood linguine or prosciutto pizza, the food is consistently praised for being delicious and authentic. Reviewers also highlight the creative cocktail offerings and lively atmosphere. In addition, the restaurant's unique features like a speakeasy and fire show add to the overall experience. As one review sums up, "This is a high energy, vibrant and chic restaurant offering great Italian dishes." Not only is Salvatore's renowned for its food and drinks, but it's also mentioned as a wonderful place to celebrate special occasions.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

3. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

3.8

Excellent(174)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 49 times today

Farmer's Table - Little Italy is a gem that offers a unique blend of Italian cuisine and farm-to-table freshness. Customers highly commend the restaurant for its outstanding dishes, such as the Roasted Chicken flatbread, Artichoke Ravioli, and Oxtail Ravioli. Aside from its remarkable food, Farmer's Table stands out for its excellent service, from the hostess to the waitstaff. It's nestled in an amazing location surrounded by the vibrant energy of Little Italy's new Piazza. The comfortable ambiance, coupled with the reasonable pricing, makes it a favorite among locals and tourists. In the reviews, phrases like "awesome service, great meal", "great atmosphere and food", and "food was delicious" commonly appear, underscoring this restaurant's commitment to top-quality farm-to-table cuisine.

4. Ciccia Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(98)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

5. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(924)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 13 times today

Nonna, located in the heart of Little Italy in San Diego, is an authentic Italian restaurant that never fails to impress its patrons. Hailed by Italian Americans from New York and Italian natives alike, Nonna is lauded for its high-quality, delicious food, exceptional service, and cozy ambiance. Reviewers on numerous occasions have noted Nonna's excellent eggplant dishes, generous portions, and outstanding authenticity, with some diners even stating it's the best Italian they've had since Italy itself! Whether you're craving their heavenly cannolis, exceptional espresso, or their succulent seafood special, you're in for an unforgettable dining experience at Nonna.

6. Palermo Cucina

4.6

Exceptional(48)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Tijuana

Booked 13 times today

Menu tradicional, sabor casero, italiano. En una de las casas más irónicas del Fraccionamiento Chapultepec en Tijuana.Variedad de entradas, ensaladas, sopas, pastas caseras, pizzas, cortes de carne y platillos típicos italianos.Ven a disfrutar las tardes en nuestro patio o en cualquiera de las diversas salas de nuestra remodelada casa.

7. Monzu Fresh Pasta

4.7

Exceptional(599)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Monzu Fresh Pasta, located in San Diego's Gaslamp area, is highly revered by locals and visitors alike for its authentic Italian cuisine experience. The restaurant boasts a myriad of positive reviews that praise not only the quality of the delicious and abundant food but also the exceptional wine selection, professional and friendly staff, as well as the intimate and inviting ambiance. Guests especially love the fresh pasta dishes, which they describe as "knock your socks off good" and "the best pasta in San Diego". Reviewers often mention the connection they feel to Italy when dining at Monzu, noting that it "made me feel like I was back in Rome". The positive reception from reviewers is a testament to Monzu's commitment to providing a true Italian culinary experience.

8. Casa Zibarita

4.8

Exceptional(61)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Tijuana

Casa Zibarita TijuanaOmakase de Pasta Pasta Fresca

9. The Desmond

4.6

Exceptional(147)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

The Desmond is a premium restaurant that consistently delivers remarkable American cuisine, as echoed by the numerous positive feedback it receives. Located in the heart of San Diego, The Desmond is lauded for its flavorsome and boldly seasoned dishes, with favorites ranging from braised beef cheeks to the succulent salmon dish. Each culinary offering is meticulously plated and served in perfect portions, demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to a high-quality dining experience. Notable too is the exceptional service, with staff members like Aria and Josh earning recognition for their dedication and expertise in food recommendations. The restaurant is regarded as a "hidden gem," with its unique ambiance, outstanding service, and unforgettable food making it a must-visit. Above all, The Desmond ensures that every diner leaves with a memorable culinary adventure under their belt.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Explore OpenTable

Imperial Beach

Contemporary italian