Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Old Town

Price: Moderate (14)Price: Expensive (13)Price: Very Expensive (2)

26 restaurants available nearby

1. Roman Wolves

4.4

Awesome(214)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 41 times today

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, The Heights has swiftly garnered a reputation for providing an authentic contemporary Italian culinary experience. Patrons praise its excellent service and quality, with standout dishes such as the Buffalo Eggplant and Raviolone earning rave reviews. The seafood, including calamari and Chilean Seabass, is applauded for its top-notch quality, as is the signature fettuccine served in a cheese wheel. The inviting ambiance combined with a great selection of drinks and gourmet cuisine, makes The Heights a 'must-try' for locals and tourists alike. As one reviewer succinctly puts it, "It's an elegant yet comfortable place to meet your friends and/or family."

2. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4211)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 79 times today

Barbusa is a revered Italian restaurant that has garnered a glowing reputation from both local and visiting patrons. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, it boasts an inviting ambiance that perfectly marries modern decor with traditional Italian heritage. As noted in several reviews, the food at Barbusa is nothing short of exceptional; dishes like the ribeye, the rigatoni with eggplant, and the pesto gnocchi have been pointed out as exquisite highlights of the menu. Customers have also commended the exceptional and attentive service, making special mention of waiters like Paolo and Diego Silva, who elevate dining experiences through their passion and knowledge. One reviewer described a visit to Barbusa as an "unforgettable journey into the heart of Italy," which speaks volumes about the authenticity and quality of its culinary offerings. Overall, the combinative experience of the food, service, and ambiance make Barbusa a must-visit spot in San Diego for any lover of fine Italian cuisine.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

3. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.3

Awesome(600)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 11 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 Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

4. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(3230)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 84 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen is a treasure trove of true Italian cuisine, nestled in Little Italy, San Diego. Its menu might not be enormous, but each dish stands out, reflecting the principle of "less is more". This philosophy is confirmed by numerous customers who praise Bencotto's authentic Italian meals, especially the homemade pasta that enthusiasts say rivals the best in the world. The unique cheese wheel pasta special has been highlighted as a must-try experience for both its preparation demonstration and its unforgettable taste. Celebrated for its consistent quality and fabulous service, Bencotto Italian Kitchen promises an exceptional dining experience for those seeking the best of Italian cuisine, as one reviewer testifies, "There is no better choice in San Diego than Bencotto."

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

5. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

3.8

Excellent(176)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 23 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.

6. Nolita Hall

4.5

Awesome(696)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 51 times today

Nolita Hall is a prime location for contemporary Italian cuisine. Located at an ideal spot, this restaurant has been lauded for its outstanding service, creative and delectable food, as well as its trendy ambiance. Reviews commend its ingenious drink options, with the Back on the Rind Mezcal creation receiving particular praise. Notable menu items recommended by patrons include the hot honey pizza, chilaquiles, and French toast board. While the planes flying overhead occasionally impact the atmosphere, most customers find the overall experience worth it. Its consistent excellence has made Nolita Hall a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

7. Lala

4.5

Awesome(98)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 17 times today

"Lala" is 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.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

8. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2541)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 57 times today

North Italia - Fashion Valley is highly acclaimed for its Italian cuisine, as attested by numerous positive reviews. Its location is perfect for a nice meal, and the atmosphere - either indoors or on the patio - enhances the dining experience. The restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Italian offerings, with great pizza, pasta, and salads, and the Strozzapreti is a recommended dish. The menu includes a variety of Italian wines, such as Nebbiolo Langhe and Barolo, enhancing the authentic Italian dining experience. As one reviewer noted, the food and service are "always phenomenal," making North Italia a must-visit for Italian dishes.

9. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1074)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 21 times today

RustiCucina is recognized by many food enthusiasts as one of San Diego's finest Italian culinary spots. This acclaimed restaurant boasts an enticing menu filled with traditional Italian dishes, fused with a distinct contemporary twist. The restaurant is frequently praised in reviews for dishes like their cheese wheel pasta, traditional lasagna, and pillowy gnocchi with wild boar. Impressive customer service complements the exemplary dining experience, demonstrated by complimentary drinks and memorable hospitality. With its reputation for producing succulent Italian fare, RustiCucina continues to charm the palates of both locals and visitors alike. Regardless of the numerous establishments around, it stands out through its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine that is always served with warmth and proficiency.

10. The Red Door

4.8

Exceptional(2931)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills

Booked 16 times today

Housed in San Diego, The Red Door is an exceptional Italian restaurant praised by patrons for its excellent menu and welcoming atmosphere. With owner Luciano Cibelli assuring every dish delivered meets the highest standard, the restaurant offers a variety of enticing Italian dishes such as lobster ravioli and risotto. Customers commend the chef’s innovative style, transforming traditional Italian dishes to a modern and updated version. The team’s dedication to service is evident in the fantastic reviews, with many customers expressing appreciation for the personal interaction. The Red Door's outstanding food, combined with an intimate dining room and a rich selection of Italian wines, make it a beloved spot, destined to deliver a gratifying and authentic Italian dining experience.

‘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.

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