Lala

Name: Lala
Address: 1919 India St, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101-2214
Telephone: (619) 848-3858
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (237)

$30 and under

Italian

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Location
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 237 people are saying

Lala 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala offers "great food" and an inviting ambiance in a small, intimate setting. Guests praise the "excellent service," with standout servers like Jesus enhancing the experience. The menu features favorites such as bone marrow cavatelli and lasagna pinwheels. Despite occasional slow service, the overall dining experience is "highly recommended."

237 Reviews

H
Heather VIP
Las Vegas13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. Our waiter was very attentive! We did not feel rushed. It was easy to have a conversation.
Is this helpful?
J
Jasmine
Phoenix / Arizona4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious, well priced and the service was wonderful. Definitely recommend it for an intimate, romantic dinner.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy VIP
San Diego14 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a delicious meal with great recommendations from our waiter, Jesus. I had the pinwheel lasagna and my husband had the Oso Buco. Everything from the appetizers to the cocktails were perfect and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
J
Josiah
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a great experience. I took my girlfriend out on a date there and was surprised of how good of an atmosphere it was because the location is a little hidden, but when we got in it was a romantic chill vibe. We had to leave for a show so we couldn’t stay long and they did a great job being quick with our food.we got the spicy salad which was delicious , for the main course I got the Gnocchi Rosa and my girlfriend got the Spaghetti Nero con Aragosta, both were amazing! Would recommend for a couples date.
Is this helpful?
M
Miguel VIP
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on July 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great ambiance, great spot. Can't wait to go back.
Is this helpful?
S
Sam VIP
Los Angeles34 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great restaurant and location. Appealing menu, good food.
Is this helpful?
B
Ben
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Nice experience food was good vibe was good I think they were understaffed and that’s why the service was a little slow but that’s not really their fault overall great experience would definitely go back.
Is this helpful?
W
William
San Diego2 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Food was good, ambiance is awesome and it was overall a good experience. There were multiple items that were not available from the menu, which was a bit off since the menu doesn’t offer everything under the sun. If you’re set on something on the menu, I recommend calling ahead.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexandra VIP
San Diego13 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
LOVED the whole experience. Gianni was wonderful and it was such a special night for our first time at LaLa! We will absolutely be back! Our favorites were the bone marrow cavatelli and the lasagna pinwheels.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
San Diego2 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 3, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Parking was problematic due to farmers market (Wednesday). The restaurant is very small and intimate. The decor is dark, bold and inviting. The staff were very polite and attentive (we were also the only seated party at 5:45pm on a Wednesday). We had the arancini (rib meatballs) came in a group of three and were very tasty. Gnocchi Rosa (slight spice was a surprise but delicious) came with approx 24 large-grape sized gnocchi. 2 people shared both plates and we could’ve probably eaten a little more if not for time constraints. Portion:price was a little high in my opinion ($18 for 3 meatballs and $22 for a small plate of gnocchi ) but not absurd since the flavor was good!
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.7 stars by 237 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTE$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWER$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATA$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIO$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINI$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTI$20.95

STEAMED CLAMS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESAR$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARA$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANA$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSA$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLES$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATORE$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTO$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTA$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIP$53.95

PESCE OREGANATA$35.95

OSSO BUCO$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA$22.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information