Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. La Jolla
Catania, San Diego, CA

Catania

4.8
4.8
1695 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 39 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Contemporary Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (858) 551-5105

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Ryan Johnston

  • Private party facilities

    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.

  • Private party contact

    Erin Rudolf: (619) 415-7101

  • Neighborhood

    La Jolla

  • Cross street

    Girard and Wall

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,695 people are saying

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Italian

  • San Diego

    Italian

Sort by

  1. Zibbief

    Kansas City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience from delightful Prosecco to delicious asparagus appetizer to shrimp risotto . Sorry we didn’t have room for dessert. We did have to move to a quiet booth as there was a “girls” birthday party getting louder by the drink. But Catania was VERY accommodating. We highl recommend Catania.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MichaelC

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our anniversary dinner on the patio. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable with the seasonal items. The salads, halibut, and pasta were excellent. The restaurant has an open air vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Monterrey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had dinner with my family for my Birthday and it was the best choice ! Service was on point and the food was delicious, above and beyond. I highly recommend this restaurant in La Jolla.

    Is this helpful?

  4. ReneeE

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food expertly prepared and served. Highly recommend spring pea crostini, arancini, squid ink pasta and duck sugo pasta.

    Is this helpful?

  5. RLee

    Phoenix

    69 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    69 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Details matter. I don’t like getting a text telling me my reservation is 8:15 when it was 8:30. What’s more annoying is that we showed up at 8:14. The server was just ok but took 10 minutes to get to our table. The server was ok but surly. Too many other less pretentious places in La Jolla to deal with this. The food was good, the pizzas were ok. The meatballs were just ok. Last but not least, we ordered a double espresso and less than a minute later for the check. We waited 5 minutes and then paid the check and left without getting the espresso. Again, details matter and I won’t be back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. CainanA

    Denver

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Crudo, fresh Halibut, pancetta and strawberry short cake where all so delicious. Every dish layered in depth of flavor and quality 😘Our server was the best server I’ve had in a long time. My wife and I had such a lovely time. 10 stars for a high standard across the board.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mimi

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant. Great service, amazing food.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing experience. We were there to celebrate our anniversary. The staff was so lovely and the food & drink were absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to go back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. CPSki1988

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Catania has some of the best Italian food; the halibut was phenomenal, margarita pizza was perfect, and dessert trio the best way to finish it all off. Great date night!

    Is this helpful?

  10. ENguyen

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    The service from our server and food were fantastic! We were there to celebrate our friends engagement. Not pleased of the staff at check in. Condescending tone and passive aggressive.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Wonderful experience. Our waiter was a foodie and offered great advice and descriptions of the food and cocktails. Went with his suggestions and were blown away. Some of the best cocktails I have ever had and the shrimp risotto was divine. He treated us to a special dessert as we were celebrating our anniversary. Will Definitely go back next time in town. Only drawback is it’s location in a strip mall and only a side glimpse of the ocean.

    Is this helpful?

  12. LizThomps

    San Diego

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful date night for my birthday! They printed happy birthday on the menu for me, which was such a thoughtful touch! Our service was excellent and the food was delicious. We look forward to going back!

    Is this helpful?

  13. IreneW

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! First time and will come back with friends. Sat at high top at 6pm so it was a bit sunny but when sun went down was glad to be seated there. The food??? AMAZING! Nothing negative. Drinks?? Perfect!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. Vicki

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pizza fantastic Birthday celebration fantastic Pasta fantastic

    Is this helpful?

  15. MoiraM

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved every bite -all the way to the dessert trio and appreciated the attentive service.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always fantastic!! Love it here so very much,..truly the best cuisine in La Jolla…

    Is this helpful?

  17. ShadiA

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was wonderful and everyone finished every bite of food! Delicious

    Is this helpful?

  18. EmilyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was outstanding and food was delicious. We had the green salad, shrimp risotto, and the roasted duck; all fantastic. They also served us complimentary prosecco for our anniversary.

    Is this helpful?

  19. snowman

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience — great service and food. Waitstaff incredibly courteous, knowledgeable, and cooperative. Spectacular view of the ocean on the terrace Will visit again

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great, friendly service. Love the outdoor hightop seating with a beautiful view of the neighborhood. Food was excellent! We had the liver pâté, meatballs, pea salad, and bucatini. I will definitely make this a must-go-to spot every time I’m in La Jolla!

    Is this helpful?

  21. Opentable23

    San Francisco

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service, delicious food, plenty of variety on the menu. More comfortable seating is inside.

    Is this helpful?

  22. JustineC

    Caribbean

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding, all the food we had the mushroom Pizza added prositto the branzino and the tagliatelle all fire. Service great perfect evening

    Is this helpful?

  23. vonniem

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Really lovely evening! Food was beautiful and delicious, great pacing between courses...server was attentive but did not intrude on conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  24. clyn

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the spring pea crostini special and duck sugo never disappoints!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Adam

    Central Coast

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    If you are looking for overpriced pizza and pasta that isn’t as fancy as you would expect, then this is the place for you! While the pizza was good, it was not worth the price. One of my guests ordered a duck pasta, and it was ground and tasted more like cheap beef when she expected slices of duck. The location is a bit strange for an “upscale” restaurant, too. I would go elsewhere.

    Is this helpful?

  26. DebbieI

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very pleasing experience overall. Would definitely recommend and go back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Beep23

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really superb meal. We sat on a balcony overlooking the town and the water in the distance. Everything delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  28. MelG

    Jacksonville

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional service and drinks and food were delicious!!!

    Is this helpful?

  29. AMBERS

    San Diego

    68 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was very pleasantly surprised as a lot of friends had recommended Cantania to me. I was reluctant to go as it looked like a lot of seafood. I ended up having an amazing refreshing salad, a pizza, and a fabulous pasta!!! My cocktail was delicious and refreshing as well! I will definitely go back soon!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Wish the menu had more choices for entree. Menu seems better suited for lunch than dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  31. SherryM

    Phoenix

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great restaurant to celebrate a birthday. To my surprised to us they printed a personalized menu with Happy Birthday and the birthday persons name on it which made it extra special. The service was excellent but they don’t veer from the menu which is not so good with people who have specific tastes.

    Is this helpful?

  32. ChiaW

    Cancun

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite, straight of the airplane dinner!!! Duck pasta in the world with a liver pate burst of flavors!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good food. Very good wine. Would kiss the cook

    Is this helpful?

  34. NicoleM

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat outside but the heaters made it very comfortable. My mom and I both had pasta dishes and they were amazing. The view can’t be beat.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Carlos

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always! Service was incredible, the ambiance was impeccable, & the food was to die for.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful time, as always! I’ve come to Catania for a number of special occasions, this time to celebrate my birthday with some friends! It was my first time sitting inside, but I do recommend specifying to sit on the patio if you make a reservation in advance - the view is so pretty, especially around sunset. The service is always great here, but we mostly come for the phenomenal drinks and food. The Almalfi Coast cocktail and Tagliatelle pasta!!! Mmm YUM. Free cake/a dessert for a birthday dinner too!

    Is this helpful?

  37. DeniseM

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We enjoyed. Our waiter was great. I would have liked a few more options on the menu to choose from. We loved the grilled octopus appetizer. It was fabulous The pizza was okay, had good flavor but was soggy. The pasta was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Leftfield

    New Mexico

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always exceptional food and always exceptional service and great bar. Don't miss out on the pizza foccacia.

    Is this helpful?

  39. LindaL

    Salt Lake City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was simply delicious italian food. The service was great with attention to details. A great dining experience. The interior dining feels cozy and more elevated. The patio dining feels like you are on a balcony in Italy… not in a gimmicky way but in a “you are on a patio and going to have some amazing food” kind of way…

    Is this helpful?

  40. Lusikamu

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We were there for Easter lunch, the food & service was great. Pistachio pizza is a must and also the dessert with pistachio. Sorry don’t remember the name :)

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • 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

You can order delivery directly from Catania using the Order Online button.

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 1695 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 39 times today
Google Map for Catania

7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Girard and Wall

  • Neighborhood

    La Jolla

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Contemporary Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Ryan Johnston

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (858) 551-5105

  • Private party facilities

    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.

  • Private party contact

    Erin Rudolf: (619) 415-7101

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo