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  5. Banker's Hill
CUCINA urbana, San Diego, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Award-winning

CUCINA urbana

4.7
4.7
6727 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:
We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009.

The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.

CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 71 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 239-2222
  • Website
    http://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-urbana-bankers-hill/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Tim Kolanko
  • Catering
    URBAN KITCHEN CATERING provides four star, stunning events with menus unique to your occasion. For more information check the URBAN KITCHEN CATERING link on our website www.urbankitchengroup.com or call Alison at 619.239.2222 extension 2. Or if interested in restaurant buyout opportunities, please contact Tiffany Tassano at 619.239.2222 extension 4.
  • Private party facilities
    From birthday celebrations and corporate dinners to graduation celebrations and wedding receptions, our space is perfect for your dining event. Our Wine Shop offers an intimate semi-private space for smaller functions, while larger groups are welcome to host their event using our entire restaurant as a private venue. We offer: wine specialists, who will design pairings for your meal, personalized printed menus, table decorations, specialty to-go gifts, and more.
  • Private party contact
    Tiffany Tassano: (619) 239-2222 ext. 4
  • Location
    505 Laurel St., San Diego, CA 92101
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Banker's Hill
  • Cross street
    5th avenue
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 6,727 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Great for fine wines

6,727 Reviews

  1. Lori

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server as well as other staff were very kind, attentive and knowledgeable of the wine selection and menu. The food was delicious as always. It was a lovely experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. AlessandraL

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    The heat lamps don’t heat at all, it was freezing and the one next to us seemed to need new propane, the flame was very low compared to others. Our waitress didn’t check on us, my wine was wrong and it took forever and two different people to ask for parmeggiano cheese. And my food was cold. Terrible experience this time.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AntoninaK

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was good, but wouldn’t rate it outstanding. Tiramisu was actually really good.

    Is this helpful?

  4. robertb

    Montreal

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Been going to CUCINA urbana for years when in San Diego, great food / service / wine list

    Is this helpful?

  5. BethC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious, great service, we will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Imatravelguru

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s always nice to dine at Cucina Urbana. We had a party of 3 and dined in early December 2023. For appetizers, we ordered grilled octopus which was full of flavor. One of the best appetizers I’ve had! A must try! Their tempura fried stuffed squash blossom was good, but I’ve had better at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles. The roasted tomato focaccia was perfect. For entres we ordered crab linguine which was so amazing. You could taste the crab pieces with every bite. We also ordered the whole branzino as nobody makes it better than Cucina Urbana! The italian chopped salad was fresh and a good portion. Service was professional and friendly. Looking forward to coming back like always!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    We were seated in the worst seat of the house. There really should not be a table at the corner of the sidewalk. It did not feel like part of the restaurant and we got to listen to the road rage at the stop light front and center. December in San Diego can be chilly at night and we had to ask multiple times for the heater to be turned on. Service was good for the most part but it was apparent the servers were running around. Excellent pizza and pastas but bucatini was definitely the highlight of the meal. For the price point, definitely sit indoors for the ambiance.

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  8. BeatrizR

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Loved the carpaccio and the Margherita pizza! I’ll add burrata the next time to enjoy more cheese with that wonderful tomato sauce. Great ambiance, and the service was quick and excellent. Jason, our server, was awesome!

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  9. Mike

    Grand Rapids

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great experience. Service was attentive and she gave great recommendations. The menu offers various options, but not very big. They focus on making each dish great. Definitely will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. MariaC

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic evening of avant garde food and wine! Outstanding service, fabulous ambiance and December Nights scene.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is fabulous and our server Jason was terrific!

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  12. AmelieC

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Allow people to get seated before 5- even if the kitchen isn’t open yet - everyone was packed at the bar awaiting for a table. It is ok to not open the kitchen before 5 but just have a bartender rotating

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Not a huge fan of their pizza crust but everything else was excellent, including all of the service staff. We normally eat at CUCINA Enoteca as it’s closer to us, but I think the original is a better restaurant overall.

    Is this helpful?

  14. SSLL

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cucina Urbana is consistently fantastic, can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas or pastas

    Is this helpful?

  15. AnushkaP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    It's a great spot for hanging with friends before heading to the Old Globe for a show. Loved the crab linguini!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Tramiiie

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Appetizers were good- the grilled octopus and mussels. 2/4 pasta dishes were good, the other 2 were pretty salty for our taste. Not sure we'll be back since there are many other options in San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Atecia

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Cutely decorated, nice ambience, good options, nice staff

    Is this helpful?

  18. PR22

    Mexico City

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing staff, wonderful food!!! We will keep on visiting Cucina Urbana!

    Is this helpful?

  19. TacoHeaven

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely family dinner, delicious wine, pasta and pizzas - can’t go wrong.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food exceeded my expectations. Had dinner reservations but decided to eat at the bar. Black Friday dinner Clam Linguine with focaccia

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  21. AustinV

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food! Fantastic atmosphere. Was able to have a wholesome date night and will definitely be coming back!

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  22. TammyB

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were in Balboa Park and wandered in for dinner-so glad we did! The food was outstanding-some unique choices! Our waiter was excellent and had some great recommendations. Highly recommend the squash blossom and chocolate budino-you won’t be sorry!

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  23. Rakuman

    Grand Rapids

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience, with an experienced waiter! Kevin was a treat - friendly - efficient - good humor - and knowledgeable. He added much to our night. Janet loved the lamb shank and my sea bass was great. We'll return 😃

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Had a great dinner for my birthday. Everything was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Cityman

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had dinner at the bar. Everything we ordered was outstanding. Service was excellent and we love Bobby. Highly recommend Cuchina!! I’m from Boston and think Cuchina is one of the best restaurants in SD.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Had made a reservation for a standard table inside. They were running behind about 15 min. No biggie. But then they didn’t have a normal table inside so we got seated at a high top by the entrance. It was chilly and weird to have people standing right by where you are eating. Server was good but awkward for him to have to check on those tables. Food was solid. They need to prioritize reservations

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat outside and it was great- dining room seemed a bit loud, so would probably opt to sit outside again. Food was delicious and our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything about this restaurant was great EXCEPT the noise level. With the concrete floors and modern vibe, all conversations echo together into one big cacophony of sound. Even though we were tucked in a corner we still had to basically shout to have a normal conversation.

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  29. CalNative

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Concrete floors and very few soft surfaces makes it extremely loud. No desire to return.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service. Has a nice warm and welcoming environment and perfect for our family dinner.

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  31. Guest

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated my birthday last night and everything was Perfect! It is a little loud but still great! The wine wall is beautiful. We had 3 bottles and my glass was never empty! The ladies who took care of us did amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant setting is very beautiful. The greeters were courteous. The food was outstanding , genuine and authentic. Our server was very friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to eating here again soon.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hostess was sweet and clearly read their guest notes. Congratulated us on our anniversary right away and made it personable. Despite it being busy, the server was kind and personable and of course the food was quick to be served and delicious. A wonderful anniversary dinner. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We decided to sit outside since it’s so loud inside. The weather was perfect so it was a good decision. They do have heaters but we declined. Street parking only. We got pizzas and they were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  35. Mag53

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had not been there since before the pandemic. Many changes made as they opened it up more. Was packed at 5:30!! Delicious food great waitress (Stephanie) and our favorite waiter Kevin still works there!! We will go back

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I chose to celebrate my birthday with you, my friends and I had a lovely time. Our server was amazing and attentive. The food was phenomenal. Can’t wait to come back again!

    Is this helpful?

  37. TrueFoodieKDT

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great and the service was very attentive and personable. Portions very noticeably smaller (especially the appetizers) and they charge a 4% surcharge on all checks just an FYI...

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was very slow, seems like our server forgot about us several times. Pasta was undercooked.

    Is this helpful?

  39. penelopeA

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    Too noisy… needs some carpets or noise abatement.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Fachoy

    Orange County

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Cucina Urbana continues to be our goto restaurant for special occasions and sharing exquisite dining experiences with dear friends and family. Ribeye Carpaccio and Grilled Octopus were superb starters. Braised Lamb Shank and Brazzino were simply delicious along with creatively refreshing cocktails and delectable dessert selections. The highlight of the evening is always the attentive service that Kevin provides. His recommendations for menu selections are always spot on perfect with superb wine suggestions.

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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
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from CUCINA urbana using the Order Online button. CUCINA urbana also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 239-2222.

CUCINA urbana is rated 4.7 stars by 6727 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 71 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for CUCINA urbana

505 Laurel St., San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
  • Cross street
    5th avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Banker's Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Tim Kolanko
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-urbana-bankers-hill/
  • Phone number
    (619) 239-2222
  • Catering
    URBAN KITCHEN CATERING provides four star, stunning events with menus unique to your occasion. For more information check the URBAN KITCHEN CATERING link on our website www.urbankitchengroup.com or call Alison at 619.239.2222 extension 2. Or if interested in restaurant buyout opportunities, please contact Tiffany Tassano at 619.239.2222 extension 4.
  • Private party facilities
    From birthday celebrations and corporate dinners to graduation celebrations and wedding receptions, our space is perfect for your dining event. Our Wine Shop offers an intimate semi-private space for smaller functions, while larger groups are welcome to host their event using our entire restaurant as a private venue. We offer: wine specialists, who will design pairings for your meal, personalized printed menus, table decorations, specialty to-go gifts, and more.
  • Private party contact
    Tiffany Tassano: (619) 239-2222 ext. 4

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