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Osteria Romantica, San Diego, CA

Osteria Romantica

4.8 (677)
$30 and under
Italian
2151 Avenida de la Playa, San Diego, CA 92037

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

  • Dog-friendly
  • Gluten-free-friendly
  • Healthy
We are located in the heart of la Jolla shores, a short walk from the beach. The Shores area has one short main street with a few stores and restaurants. It has the look and feel of a town square. In this simple but wonderfully comfortable setting, Osteria Romantica generates good feelings as one dines on its good food. The voices of Pavarotti and other famous singers emerge from the background, filling the room softly with operatic melodies. An outside patio provides seating for diners who wish to enjoy the sunny afternoons and cool La Jolla evenings. The restaurant was opened by Fabio Speziali and Antonio Mastellone in 2004. Speziali grew up in the Lake Como region of northern Italy. Mastellone, who also owns several other local restaurants, grew up in Sorrento, Italy. Speziali said, "and we are from different regions of Italy. But we create together and offer dishes from all of Italy. We have our regular menu and daily specials. Our breads and pasta are always fresh and homemade."

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–2:30 pm Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-1221
  • Website
    http://www.osteriaromantica.com/
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

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Menu

Osteria Romantica's menu was last updated on 2/1/2022.

Antipasti

  • Calamari Fritti

    Combination of calamari & zucchini deep fried

    • Calamari Affogati

      Calamari sauteed in fresh tomato sauce & spinach

      • Melanzana Saporita

        Baked eggplant w/ mozzarella cheese & tomato

        • La Bruschetta

          Grilled homemade bread w/ garlic, pesto, basil & tomato

          • Caprese

            Beef steak tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese & basil

            • Carpaccio Di Salmone

              Smoked salmon & capers over a bed of arugola salad

              • Antipasto Italiano

                Mixed Italian cold cuts & cheeses for two people

                • Polenta

                  Soft polenta w/ mixed mushroom & gorgonzola

                  • Scampi La Jolla Shores

                    Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a light tomato sauce

                    Insalate

                    • Contadina

                      Baby spring mix w/ house dressing

                      • Cesare

                        Traditional caesar salad w/ our homemade caesar dressing

                        • Tre Sorelle

                          Radicchio, arugola, Belgium endive, walnuts, goat cheese & our house dressing

                          • Pierina

                            Mixed green salad w/ pears & smoked mozzarella

                            • Romantica

                              Baby spinach, red onion, figs, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts on honey mustard dressing

                              • D'Anatra

                                Smoked breast of duck over spinach w/ pine nuts & raisis

                                Zuppe

                                • Minestrone

                                  Vegetable soup w/ fresh pesto

                                  • Zuppa Dil Giorno

                                    Ask your server

                                    Pasta

                                    • Penne Vittorio

                                      Penne pasta w/ sausage, bell peppers & mushrooms in a spicy tomato sauce

                                      • Fettuccine Ortolane

                                        Fettuccine w/ fresh vegetables in a cream or tomato sauce

                                        • Linguine Nere

                                          Black linguine w/ bay scallops, bay shrimp & leeks in cream sauce & caviar

                                          • Cappellini Alla Checca

                                            Angel hair pasta w/ fresh chopped tomato garlic

                                            • Linguine Mare

                                              Linguine w/ mussels, clams, shrimp, white wine or tomato sauce

                                              • Gnocchi Gratinati

                                                Homemade potato dumpling, parmesan, cream sauce, baked

                                                • Risotto Profumo

                                                  Italian arborio rice w/ scamorza cheese, radicchio, pears

                                                  • Farfalle Salmone E Wodka

                                                    Bow tie pasta w/ salmon, vodka & asparagus

                                                    • Fettuccine Ubriache

                                                      Fettuccine pasta w/ mushrooms, chicken, peas, brandy

                                                      • Linguine Al Pesto

                                                        Linguine w/ string beans, potatoes, pine nuts & fresh pesto

                                                        • Mezzelune All'Aragosta

                                                          Homemade ravioli stuffed w/ lobster meat in a saffron sauce

                                                          • Cappellini Vegetariani

                                                            Angel hair pasta w/ radicchio, arugola, endive & chopped tomato

                                                            • Penne Arrabbiata

                                                              Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce w/ chicken

                                                              • Linguine Sfiziose

                                                                Linguine pasta w/ calamari, capers, olives in tomato sauce

                                                                • Spaghetti Carbonara

                                                                  Linguine pasta w/ eggs & pancetta

                                                                  • Cappellini Mare E Monti

                                                                    Angel hair pasta w/ zucchini, mushroom & shrimp tomato sauce

                                                                    • Lasagna & Ravioli

                                                                      Homemade daily

                                                                      Secondi

                                                                      • Vitello Piccata or Marsala

                                                                        Veal scaloppini sauteed w/ lemon, capers, mushrooms or marsala

                                                                        • Vitello Capriccioso

                                                                          Breaded veal cotolet topped w/ arugola, chopped tomato

                                                                          • Filetto Rustico

                                                                            Filet mignon w/ gorgonzola cheese & sundried tomatoes

                                                                            • Vitello Parmese

                                                                              Veal scaloppine breaded w/ melted mozzarella, tomato sauce

                                                                              • Costata Di Vitello

                                                                                Veal chop stuffed w/ fontina cheese & prosciutto

                                                                                • Battuta Di Pollo

                                                                                  Grilled chicken breast served w/ arugola, chopped tomato

                                                                                  • Pollo Arrotolato

                                                                                    Chicken breast rolled & stuffed w/ ricotta cheese & spinach, in a mixed mushroom sauce

                                                                                    • Pollo Empolese

                                                                                      Chicken breast w/ artichokes & mushrooms in a white sauce

                                                                                      • Pollo Al Finocchio

                                                                                        Chicken breast w/ fennel, black olives & white wine

                                                                                        • Pollo Amaretto

                                                                                          Chicken breast sauteed in amaretto liquor, roasted almonds

                                                                                          • Pollo Balsamico

                                                                                            Chicken breast & bell peppers, sauteed w/ balsamic vinegar sauce

                                                                                            • Salmone Ripieno

                                                                                              Filet of fresh salmon stuffed w/ crab meat, spinach, saffron

                                                                                              • Halibut Zia Luisa

                                                                                                Filet of halibut sauteed in tomato sauce, mussels, clams, linguine

                                                                                                • Sea Scallops

                                                                                                  Sea scallops in a light white wine, garlic, served w/ spinach

                                                                                                  • Grigliata Di Pesce

                                                                                                    Mixed grilled fish marinated in olive oil, lemon & pepper

                                                                                                    • Gamberi Avenida De La Playa

                                                                                                      Jumbo shrimp w/ artichokes, mushroom in a light tomato sauce

                                                                                                      • Cioppino

                                                                                                        Mixed fish & shell fish sauteed in a light tomato broth

                                                                                                        Last updated: February 1, 2022

                                                                                                        What 677 people are saying

                                                                                                        Osteria Romantica reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                                                        4.8
                                                                                                        4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                        • 4.8Food
                                                                                                        • 4.7Service
                                                                                                        • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                        • 4.6Value

                                                                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                        Loved For

                                                                                                        • San Diego

                                                                                                          Romantic

                                                                                                        • San Diego

                                                                                                          Romantic

                                                                                                        Review summary

                                                                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                        Osteria Romantica is a charming Italian gem in La Jolla, praised for its "outstanding service" and "excellent food and drinks." The atmosphere is "romantic," ideal for special occasions. Diners enjoy generous portions of delicious pasta and seafood. Outdoor dining is a highlight, with a "fantastic" waiter enhancing the experience.
                                                                                                        677 Reviews

                                                                                                        1. Rebecca VIP

                                                                                                          San Diego20 reviews

                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                          3. Service 4
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                          Osteria Romantica is one of me favorites and we return to it often. Everything is good but I’ll mention the braised artichokes which are fantastic! So are the people.

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                                                                                                        2. Pam

                                                                                                          Minneapolis - St. Paul2 reviews

                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                          2. Food 3
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          The service was excellent. The food was just ok. I would go back to try something else on the menu

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                                                                                                        3. Todd VIP

                                                                                                          San Francisco Bay Area54 reviews

                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                          Dined on June 14, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          We’ve visited a few times before, and were looking forward to returning. But how great is it to be so pleasantly surprised by everything! Outstanding service, ambiance, and especially the food. We are always heavy on the seafood, and these guys rock in that area. A special shout out to the woman who was bartending that night too. Didn’t get her name, but she was super classy, made great cocktails, and was always busy, even polishing the glassware when there wasn’t a drink to pour; love this place!

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                                                                                                        4. Gloria

                                                                                                          San Francisco Bay Area1 review

                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                          Dined on May 28, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          Outdoor dining at its best! The waiter was fantastic and the food was great. We had our dogs outside too and it was amazing fun and casual atmosphere.

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                                                                                                        5. Carolynn VIP

                                                                                                          San Diego142 reviews

                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                          Dined on April 22, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          Always a lovely place, staff and food! Thank you for being there for us all these many many years!!!!

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                                                                                                        6. Colleen VIP

                                                                                                          San Diego11 reviews

                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                          Dined on April 11, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          I took my daughter to this restaurant for the first time and she loved it. She had the penne ala vodka and I had the cheese ravioli. Both were delicious!! The service is always excellent and the prices are reasonable.

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                                                                                                        7. Edward VIP

                                                                                                          Philadelphia County871 reviews

                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                          Dined on March 25, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                          3. Service 3
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                          Three of us had a good dinner in a pleasant outdoor setting. Salmon and mushroom ravioli were delicious, while the minestrone Genovese and Fettuccine Ubriache were both lacking in flavor. Portions were generous. Service was spotty: one glass of wine was missed and we had to go inside to get the waiter to bring parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

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                                                                                                        8. sandie VIP

                                                                                                          Baja California Sur20 reviews

                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                          Dined on March 21, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                          The best place in La Jolla. The food is always good. The service is great. And Fabio is always there to greet you.

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                                                                                                        9. RoniF

                                                                                                          New York City1 review

                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                          Dined on March 21, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                          3. Service 4
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                          Enjoyed it! Our food was good, our friends’ less so.

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                                                                                                        10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                          Denver / Colorado2 reviews

                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                          Dined on March 19, 2025

                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                          3. Service 4
                                                                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                          No lobster chunks in lobster bisque. Lobster ravioli was delicious. Good service

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                                                                                                        FAQs

                                                                                                        Osteria Romantica offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (858) 551-1221.

                                                                                                        Osteria Romantica is rated 4.8 stars by 677 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                                        1. Home
                                                                                                        2. United States
                                                                                                        3. San Diego
                                                                                                        4. San Diego
                                                                                                        5. La Jolla

                                                                                                        Make a reservation

                                                                                                        2 people
                                                                                                        7:00 PM
                                                                                                        Booked 11 times today
                                                                                                        Google Map for Osteria Romantica

                                                                                                        2151 Avenida de la Playa, San Diego, CA 92037

                                                                                                        Additional information

                                                                                                        • Neighborhood
                                                                                                          La Jolla
                                                                                                        • Hours of operation
                                                                                                          Mon–Thu 11:30 am–2:30 pm Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm
                                                                                                        • Price
                                                                                                          $30 and under
                                                                                                        • Cuisines
                                                                                                          Italian
                                                                                                        • Dining style
                                                                                                          Casual Dining
                                                                                                        • Dress code
                                                                                                          Casual Dress
                                                                                                        • Parking details
                                                                                                          Street Parking
                                                                                                        • Payment options
                                                                                                          Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                        • Additional
                                                                                                          Beer, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine
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