Best Italian Restaurants in University Heights

Price: Moderate (229)Price: Expensive (129)Price: Very Expensive (29)

81 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

4.4

Awesome(2954)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • University Heights

Booked 20 times today

Madison, a celebrated restaurant in San Diego, is hailed for its brilliant fusion of Modern European and Mexican cuisines. Patrons commend the establishment for its tasty and fresh meals, such as the Mediterranean breakfast, which stands as a testament to their allegiance to quality. The restaurant's ambiance is also highly appreciated by diners, with many enjoying the outdoor seating and tastefully designed interiors. Furthermore, the eatery's service is frequently applauded, contributing to its reputation as a dining destination that offers "wonderful experiences." Madison's extensive drink menu has also received rave reviews, solidifying its spot as a go-to restaurant for food and drink connoisseurs alike.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(3924)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 144 times today

Seneca restaurant is consistently praised for its excellent authentic Italian cuisine, served in a unique environment with stunning views of the San Diego Bay. The eatery has garnered numerous positive reviews for its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable dishes such as their praised 30-layer oxtail lasagna and delectable tiramisu. Besides the top-notch food, the restaurant's unique location on the 19th floor offers breathtaking views that enhance the overall dining experience, earning it the title of "one of the best restaurants" in San Diego. Customers have noted that despite being in the heart of the city, the ambiance of Seneca gives you the feeling of dining in Rome, Italy. This testifies to the authenticity of their food selection and dining experience.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

3. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2546)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 42 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.

4. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4216)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 89 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.

5. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1078)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Hillcrest

Booked 19 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.

6. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7032)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 33 times today

Rooted in the heart of San Diego, CUCINA urbana is an authentic Italian restaurant famed for its brilliant food and excellent service. Highly rated by customers, CUCINA urbana is commended for its unique and unexpected twists on typical recipes. The restaurant offers a variety of delightful dishes such as squash blossoms with lemon ricotta filling, gnocchi, mushroom pizza and more. The outstanding flavors are complemented by a great selection of Italian wines. Patrons also appreciate the restaurant's proximity to the Old Globe Theater. From the fantastic food to the fun ambiance and attentive staff, it's clear CUCINA urbana is a beloved go-to spot for Italian cuisine.

7. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1261)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 16 times today

Siamo Napoli is lauded as the epitome of authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego, with many praising the high quality and freshness of their ingredients. The commitment to authenticity is reflected in perfectly cooked and beautifully plated pasta dishes, delicious pizza, salads, and more. Several reviews mention service excellence, specifically naming staff members like Gianni who go above and beyond to ensure an outstanding dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant also earns high remarks for its great atmosphere, sending a feeling as if one is dining in Italy, without leaving California. Clearly, Siamo Napoli is not merely a restaurant, but an Italian experience in itself.

8. The Red Door

4.8

Exceptional(2934)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Hills

Booked 9 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.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(919)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

The Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego is a widely praised locale renowned for its exceptional American cuisine. Dedicated to delivering a satisfying dining experience, the restaurant continuously receives commendations for its outstanding service, inviting ambience, and mouthwatering menu options. Visitors highly recommend the brunch offerings, emphasizing the perfection of their omelets and breakfast potatoes. The diverse menu also offers hearty meals including New York steak and rack of lamb, which are commendably cooked to perfection. Many guests consider Provisional one of the best brunch or breakfast spots in the city. A testament to its stellar reputation, one review stated, "After arriving by Amtrak from Fresno, I knew that we needed a hearty meal...The service was outstanding and the atmosphere was memorable." This sentiment is mirrored in many other reviews and reinforces Provisional's status as a must-visit gem in San Diego's vibrant culinary scene.

10. Roman Wolves

4.4

Awesome(218)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 51 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."

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Discover best Italian restaurants in University Heights

Discover the essence of Italian dining in the vibrant neighborhood of University Heights, San Diego, where you'll find an array of restaurants that celebrate Italy's rich culinary traditions. Each venue offers a unique blend of authentic Italian flavors, meticulously crafted dishes, and a commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations that fuse classic Italian techniques with local influences, these restaurants in University Heights provide a rich, gastronomic experience. The dining scene here is characterized by its cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, making it a perfect destination for both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood for hand-made pasta, exquisite seafood, or artisan pizzas, University Heights' Italian restaurants promise an unforgettable culinary journey. Enjoy the exceptional service and warm hospitality that complements the mouth-watering cuisine, ensuring a dining experience that goes beyond just eating out.

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