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CUCINA urbana

Name: CUCINA urbana
Address: 505 Laurel St., San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 239-2222
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

6316 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 71 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, American, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 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
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

Experiences

Valentine's Day at CUCINA urbana
$72.00 per person
Feb 14, 2023 only
Celebrate Love Join CUCINA urbana for three course prix fixe dinner from Executive Chef Frankie Becerra. Full menu available at cucinaurbana.com

Popular dishes

fried squash blossoms$15.00
citrus aioli + herb vinaigrette
grilled octopus$18.00
chili balsamic + ceci bean + celery + sumac onion + fennel yogurt
fig$17.00
prosciutto + burrata + calabrian chile honey + pine nut
charred green onion hummus$16.00
dukkah pepita crunch + vegetable crudité + rosemary cracker
ribeye carpaccio$18.00
peppadew relish + garum aioli + potato crumble
lamb sausage$18.00
potato gnocchi + bloomsdale spinach + pecorino cream + herb pesto
giant meatball$13.50
mascarpone polenta + mozzarella + marinara
chef's whim ragu$18.00
mascarpone polenta board

garden

heirloom tomato$15.00
ceci bean + basil + castelvetrano + ela olive oil vinaigrette
italian chopped$14.50
escarole + radicchio + green bean + cherry tomato + cucumber + provolone + pepperoncini + ceci bean + almond + dill + oregano vinaigrette + rosemary breadcrumb
bloomsdale spinach$16.00
golden beet + gorgonzola dolce + leeks + strawberry + pistachio + sherry vinaigrette
charred brussels sprouts$10.00
ivan's hot sauce

pizza

add prosciutto +$5 / add sausage +$4 / add pepperoni +$3

pepperoni$21.00
sausage + ricotta + fresh mozzarella + tomato + garlic + basil
mushroom$19.00
goat cheese + caramelized onion + truffle oil
margherita$18.50
tomato sauce + house made mozzarella + basil
calabrese salami$20.00
pineapple habanero jam + provolone dolce + red onion + arugula
burrata$20.00
cacio e pepe + besciamella + pecorino + szechuan black pepper
vegan potato$19.00
mushroom n'duja + cashew besciamella + melted onion + spinach

pasta

gluten free available upon request

corn agnolotti$24.00
poblano pepper + black truffle + ricotta cheese + squash blossom
bucatini amatriciana$22.00
guanciale + tomato + chili + pecorino
rigatoni bolognese$23.00
veal + pork + lemon ricotta + grana padano
short rib pappardelle$24.50
cremini mushroom + carrot + parmesan
shrimp fioretti$26.00
shellfish panna + calabrian chili + snap pea + cherry tomato + basil + bread crumb

large plates

half chicken fra diavolo$27.00
mascarpone polenta + charred broccolini + preserved garlic + lemon
whole roasted trout$35.00
frisee + cherry tomato + anchovy + sicilian vinaigrette
grilled pork chop$35.00
pancetta + cipollini onion + grilled radicchio + escarole + marsala jus
cucina burger$22.00
fontal + calabrese salami + escarole + pickle aioli + brioche bun + parmesan fries

sides

house made focaccia$9.00
whipped butter
creamy polenta$8.00
parmesan fries$7.50

sweets

vanilla thyme panna cotta$9.00
meyer lemon orange marmellata + pizzelle
seasonal ice cream + sorbet$4.00
gianduja chocolate torta$12.00
almond hazelnut croccante + amaretto whip
traditional tiramisu
toasted hazelnut
- for two$14.00

What 6,316 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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food4service4ambience3
The food was good but not sure of the value. $85 and didn’t have drinks.
LC
LowellC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall, a casual fine dining experience. Food, quality, service, and ambiance makes an overall great dining experience for a large group.
CC
ChristyC
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service was excellent.. our waitress was knowledgeable and efficient. She made great recommendations and knew the menu very well . She was super friendly from start to finish . Highly recommend this restaurant.
AG
AdrienneG
San Diego
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
We have always really liked Cucina Urbana, the food is always on point and like that they change the menu so that regular patrons don’t get bored. This last time that we visited our table wasn’t quite ready yet so we went to the bar to grab a drink. This is when my 4/5 star rating went down. We ordered 2 kettle one dirty martinis and what we got was 2 half filled glasses for $38. We were shocked! And very disappointed. We made a comment to the bar tender and got a very rude explanation that she gave us 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of vermouth! Of course we will be going back because we love the food but beware of ordering cocktails at the bar!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience2
The inside was way way too loud, we sat outside even though it was a bit chilly. They should consider working on reducing the loud noise.
G
Gingeeeeee
Central Coast
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
We looked forward to this dinner. It did not disappoint. We ordered the blossoms- yum try them, the meatball - average the short rib pasta OMG so yum and the margarita pizza best we ever had. Service was above average but no ideal. We got our main course before an appetizer. I had a migraine earlier in the day so could not drink, which was a bummer for me who loves wine. As soon as they heard no wine it seems the were disappointing about lower tab and were a bit “left on our own”.
J
Jose
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was Lynn and she was great!
CW
ChonW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and great food. If you are not dining with kids, you will not be offered this kid’s menu favorite, Mac & cheese. It is the best Mac & cheese I have ever had. It was quite a big portion, my 5-yr old could not finish, so I finished the rest and oh boy, that was yummy! The rest of the other food was great, pizza was good and the other pasta we order was good. For sure I will go back if I come in town again next time.
AT
AndreaT
Mexico City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants in San Diego, everything was delicious specially the ribeye carpaccio
M
Mugsy
San Diego
143 reviews
vip
5.0
143 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food. We had heirloom tomatoes salad and margarita pizza with extra veggies. Ample portions. We split. Delicious.
PO
POPOJIJO
New England
25 reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Fresh crisp great food. Wine equally strong Quite noisy when busy Would readily return. Do not miss
AG
AmyG
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our dinner was wonderful. I can’t wait to go back. : )
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service: very attentive and made our anniversary special. Also the server was very helpful with my dietary restrictions. The food was great too!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing! To die for…Don’t remember the names of the dishes because I was so into how yummy it was.
m
micaelar
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food, amazing service, and great atmosphere! Definitely will be back here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My rigatoni was one of the best pastas i’ve had! This is a fantastic place! Can’t wait to go back!
O
Oaklander
San Francisco
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Richard, our server, was excellent! Everything was outstanding! We definitely will return. Thank you for a lovely evening and experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I will go back to try other stuff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Overall really nice evening. Our server and the rest of the staff were attentive and friendly. Food and wine recommendations from the server were appreciated and on point. There was a group seated near us that were loud at times, so it was tough to hear conversation at our table.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience1
The food was good as always. But it was the first time after their remodel and the noise level was intolerable. We were a table of 5 and could barely hear one another. The echo must be controlled. They need to install carpet or sound panels. I don’t want to return given how loud it was. And this was one of our favorite go-to restaurants
SD
SanDiegoRegularDiner
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We are long time Cucina Urbana clients and have dined here more times than we can count. This newest iteration of its menu is a little less "farm table," which is not a good thing. My pumpkim tallegio ravioli was not hot. Bizarre! It was room temp. I don't know what to think. Go back to your menu before this menu. This is also the third very expensive remodel in less than ten years. Why? Who had that much cash for chairs and decor?
J
Jake
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, excellent service, great atmosphere and very fancy
RW
RicheleW
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic and the waitress was helpful and friendly. The wait wasn’t long at all. The burger is a must and the beat salad was also delicious.
C
Catlady
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great pizza. Cute decor. A little noise. Had to talk very loudly to be heard.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service. You have to get the Brussel sprouts. The sauce is the bomb.
JM
JennieM
San Diego
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service!!
k
kingmike
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was fire. People were really nice and the food was pretty good
l
lisac
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
Restaurant is beautiful with a nice ambiance. Food on the other hand was not impressive. I wouldn't return.
j
jane
Mexico City
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Un must en San Diego. Imperdible Extraordinaria comida
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great meal at Cucina. Cucina is our go to for anyone visiting or any occasion.
C
Christina
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and atmosphere - will be back again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visiting with our adult children
JB
JordanB
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was amazing and the food was delicious!
JA
JANETB
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
The appetizers were wonderful but the salad was odd and our two main courses were disappointing. The beef cheeks were quite fatty. The service was adequate but lackluster. Our previous visits have always been exceptional but this NYE dinner missed the mark.
AM
AndreM
San Diego
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience3
The foccacia bread was tasteless, blend and just a basic piece of dough and very grease. The pasta bolognese had barely any meat and was very blend. The pizza had very little ingredients and again no flavor. While the waiter was good, the dining experience was very poor and nor worth the trip.
SM
SandraM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasty food, great drinks, friendly staff! Amazing Tiramisu.
AE
AudreyE
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
Cucina Urbana is a nice restaurant with good service. The food itself was decent but definitely failed expectations a bit given all of the rave reviews on Yelp.
CM
CharlieM
Denver
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
It’s right in our neighborhood so we go quite a bit but not just because of convenience. It’s really good, especially the Burrata and tomato salad and the service is always great. A really good mocktail too.
C
Cathy
San Diego
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Nice ambience, good food. We sat at the hightop table in the front, not in the main dining room. Not as much atmosphere and very uncomfortable. They should replace the high tops with some cozy bistro tables instead.

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 6316 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 71 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Order online

505 Laurel St., San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
5th avenue
Neighborhood
Banker's Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
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

This restaurant now offers Takeout

CUCINA urbana

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Pizza in San Diego

Valentine's Day at CUCINA urbana

fried squash blossoms

cheese pizza

short rib pappardelle

small plates

fried squash blossoms$15.00

grilled octopus$18.00

fig$17.00

charred green onion hummus$16.00

ribeye carpaccio$18.00

lamb sausage$18.00

giant meatball$13.50

chef's whim ragu$18.00

garden

heirloom tomato$15.00

italian chopped$14.50

bloomsdale spinach$16.00

charred brussels sprouts$10.00

pizza

pepperoni$21.00

mushroom$19.00

margherita$18.50

calabrese salami$20.00

burrata$20.00

vegan potato$19.00

pasta

corn agnolotti$24.00

bucatini amatriciana$22.00

rigatoni bolognese$23.00

short rib pappardelle$24.50

shrimp fioretti$26.00

large plates

half chicken fra diavolo$27.00

whole roasted trout$35.00

grilled pork chop$35.00

cucina burger$22.00

sides

house made focaccia$9.00

creamy polenta$8.00

parmesan fries$7.50

sweets

vanilla thyme panna cotta$9.00

seasonal ice cream + sorbet$4.00

gianduja chocolate torta$12.00

traditional tiramisu

Overall ratings and reviews

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does CUCINA urbana offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is CUCINA urbana restaurant rated?

Is CUCINA urbana currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Pizza in San Diego