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Barbusa

4.6
4.6
3078 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.
Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.

Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.

Gluten free and Vegan Items Available


WHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!


Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 104 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Seafood, Sicilian

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:45 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 238-1917

  • Website

    http://www.barbusa.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Joe Busalacchi and Nino Zizzo

  • Catering

    We can cater all your events .Please send email to joey@barbusa.com

  • Private party facilities

    We are here for any of your private party needs. We do buffet, family style and seated experiences.

  • Private party contact

    PJ Busalacchi ( Peterbusalacchi@gmail.com ): (619) 238-1917

  • Location

    1917 India Street San Diego, CA 92101

  • Neighborhood

    Little Italy

  • Cross street

    Grape Street and India Street

  • Parking details

    we have Valet in the lot next to our establishment

  • Public transit

    Bus and trolley within blocks

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 3,078 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    101 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    101 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food5service5ambience3

    Before 9 pm while having dinner tge music level should be lower for all clients, not everybody is 21 and we were not even able to think too seat inside with a discoteque loud music, even outside the music could hear it so loud. Hope you care for all clients.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service1ambience3

    We love eating there and dine there often ,however some of their policies are STUPID- you know what I am talking about..the one that “we need all your party here to sit you”…. I made reservations for 6 - so we already having a table that is waiting for us and no one can sit there.. we arrived 4 together - 2 were in traffic, i was told we can not be sited , I told the hostess we want to sit and order a drink and appetizers- she said - you can go to the bar which was very busy - I told her : look at the bar- it’s busy - there is no room for 4 people there - she said she is sorry and smile.. what a turn off

  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    I am in San Diego for a few days and I definitely had to make another visit to this place. I’ve very much enjoyed the atmosphere and the Decour of the restaurant. I think it is definitely trendy and sexy. The music makes for a good atmosphere as well. I came with a party of 4 and we were seated right away. We tried to separate appetizers, the Fritto Misto and Salumeria Board, both were very good. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and authentically Italian which is always a nice surprise. We all had different main course dishes, and they were all excellent. For dessert we had the deconstructed cannoli and it was certainly very good as well! Overall this restaurant is definitely a must visit when you are in little Italy.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Authentic food and servers. Unique dishes but also classic pizzas and pastas. Bone marrow is the best I’ve ever had. This place rocks!

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food as always!!!

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was INCREDIBLE. The food was authentic and delicious. Can’t wait to return.

  7. DS

    DonnaS

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and and I have been here several times. It’s a favorite. It’s pricey but worth it. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food comes out fast and that helps when you’re really hungry.

  8. SI

    SIW713

    San Francisco

    105 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    105 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a spectacular restaurant. Highly recommend it! We chose to order each time for our party of 4 as a "share" plate which afforded us to try many things. Some of the standouts were the bone marrow starter, meatballs, beet salad, mushroom/truffle risotto (DELIGHTFUL), Blue crab pasta, and Dolce Picante pizza. This was mine and my husband's first time and we can honestly say it won't be our last. Our server was very attentive, the whole srvice team was incredible.

  9. J

    Jwicki51

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We returned to Barbusa after having dined there in 2021 when it was fairly empty (and pleasant). This time, the noise inside was the loudest I have ever heard in a restaurant. Music blasting, diners shouting and even me having to shout our name for the reservation check-in. Thankfully, we were seated outdoors along the street so it was possible to have a conversation. I like that they have kept the enlarged the outdoor dining. Service and food: We had the meatballs, but they serve no plain bread to sop up the tomato sauce. You could not even buy anything but a $13 garlic bread! Arugula salad was nothing but a pile of arugula with 4 tiny artichoke hearts and some shaved parmesan and a spot or 2 of some other soft cheese. Disappointing, and when you pay in the 'teens, you expect something more. The cavatelli with chicken was heavy and not quite al dente, but good flavor. My jidori chicken was tasty but swimming in sauce. I think there were other starter choices that would have been better; we saw them delivered to other tables, like the squash blossoms. The server was, let's say, attentive but very taciturn and cool. Not given to friendly helpfulness. But, once our order was placed, I have rarely experienced such a fast turnaround. Our entrees were delivered in under 5 minutes. Overall, it seemed other people on the street seating were happy and enjoying. We saw an array of antipasti being served on a very long plank to 2 groups. It looked wonderful. Unfortunately, I can't give Barbusa higher mark because of the noise level and the food/service was not outstanding, just good. But ask to be seated outside if you don't like noise. This seems to be a popular place.

  10. M

    Melisa

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Great food and vibe. Somewhat loud but good music. Very busy spot.

  11. CR

    CeliaR

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was the perfect lunch for Father's Day. The food was delicious and the service was great.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was such a good night. Drinks were good, food was great. Our server was actually from Italy so the experience was just perfect for a quick weekend getaway.

  13. j

    jreilly02

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always amazing food, services, and overall experience. HIGHLY recommend.

  14. BD

    BillyD

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wow, what an experience! Firstly, the drinks and wine we had were awesome, definitely was pretty sauced leaving the restaurant. Bone marrow was great, healthy portions and a hearty amount of chili paste. Server offered to give us a shot with our bone marrow, I of course seized this opportunity. 9.5/10 experience, only downside was it was slightly expensive but that's Little Italy and sometimes you just gotta pay to play! Will be back!

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    LOVED IT! The food was so delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere was 10/10.

  16. EO

    EdwinO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was delicious, and the service was amazing!

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Cumpleaños de mi esposa

  18. RD

    RegD

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Loved our experience at Barbusa! The food was fantastic. The risotto and crab pasta were our favorites. We loved the Fritto Misto as well—not only was the presentation gorgeous, but it was perfectly fried and tasty! Really enjoyed everything. :)

  19. J

    Jenny

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best garlic bread I have ever had! Our server was the best!

  20. MG

    MattG

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Food was excellent as always. We have been here multiple times over many years when we visit San Diego. Atmosphere and food are out of this world great!! Service this past time was a bit slow but waitress was very nice and helpful. We just went long times without anything to drink. Appetizers, beet salad, Osso bucco and spaghettini were all outstanding!

  21. RV

    RafaelV

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Michael’s service was outstanding!!!

  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    Food was slightly above average and the waiter was absolutely terrible and didn’t care that he screwed up several things.

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Annoyingly loud and bathrooms were disgusting

  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food and service! 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a pleasant energetic ambience with amazing food and service.

  25. c

    colleen

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    The food here was good but my mom found a hair in her food on the first bite. The waiter quickly brought out a new dish but didn't seem to care otherwise. We barely received an apology and nothing else was done to remedy the situation. He seemed more interested in the tables of super attractive women around us than tending to us or the hair situation. I was so unimpressed by the way it was handled and probably won't be returning here, especially considering there are so many great Italian restaurants nearby that I have had much better experiences at.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great food and ambiance!

  27. MR

    MRSD

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    $30 Corkage fee is outrageous. If memory serves, one of the big advantages of Barbusa was no or very low corkage fee.

  28. B

    Betts

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Daughter’s b-day. Waiter was super nice Ossi Bucco tender but a slight cold, pizza was delicious, 2 pastas were good. Calamari was nice and the capresse unique. Nice wine and crafty cocktails.

  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    Bolognese was requested with no cheese, food was delivered from kitchen and verbally confirmed “no cheese”. However there was cheese in the dish. Waitress was great in taking the dish back to replace with no cheese. Complementary birthday dish was provides to the party beside us, no complementary birthday dish provided to us despite filling that part out in the open table app.

  30. FH

    FHD59

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food and service. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. Only criticism is lack of variety of desserts and noise level very high. Would not hesitate to go again,

  31. G

    Gerronimo

    Palm Springs

    39 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    We really enjoy this place…very good menu and food….excellent service…we HATE the noise level…they have the music turned up so high that everyone has to speak much louder to be heard which makes the noise level even higher….this alone will probably discourage us from coming back…too bad

  32. J

    Jody

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We have enjoyed coming to Barbusa many times. The food is always good. The weight staff and the bartenders are excellent and remember you each time they come in when you sit at the bar. Parking is nextDoor and when you get your ticket stamped at Barbusa the parking fee is only eight dollars.

  33. GM

    GarrettM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Diego,Tito and Mike went out of their way to make our dining experience spectacular. We really appreciated the variety of delicious foods Diego selected for our table.

  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excelente!

  35. R

    Rynn

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Got sat in the bar area, which was very crowded and we kept getting bumped into throughout dinner. Bolognese was really tasty and the garlic bread appetizer paired with the caprese was a great combo to start. Would come back.

  36. AQ

    AlanQ

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    great food. large quantity. good drinks. a little loud for indoor seating

  37. B

    Briana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    The food was excellent! I will definitely be coming here again.

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Luca was fabulous!! Thank you for making our moms 75th a special time!!!

  39. EK

    EddieK

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Barbusa was an outstanding experience as always. Food, drinks and ambiance were top notch. Julianna offered impeccable service, made great recommendations, accommodated for food allergies and truly made the experience. Will definitely come back for another visit!

  40. GL

    GregL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our party of eight was treated very well, the food and service was excellent.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Barbusa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 238-1917.

Barbusa is rated 4.6 stars by 3078 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM
Booked 104 times today
Google Map for Barbusa

1917 India Street San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Grape Street and India Street

  • Neighborhood

    Little Italy

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:45 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Seafood, Sicilian

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    we have Valet in the lot next to our establishment

  • Public transit

    Bus and trolley within blocks

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Joe Busalacchi and Nino Zizzo

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.barbusa.com/

  • Phone number

    (619) 238-1917

  • Catering

    We can cater all your events .Please send email to joey@barbusa.com

  • Private party facilities

    We are here for any of your private party needs. We do buffet, family style and seated experiences.

  • Private party contact

    PJ Busalacchi ( Peterbusalacchi@gmail.com ): (619) 238-1917

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