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Lala, San Diego, CA

Lala

4.7 (208)
$30 and under
Italian
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Lively
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

What 208 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

NoiseModerate

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 an intimate and cozy dining experience with "amazing food" and a "great atmosphere." The "bone marrow Cavatelli" and "lasagna pinwheels" are standout dishes, complemented by "delicious drinks" and attentive service. Its festive ambiance and unique decor, like the shoe wall, create a memorable setting perfect for gatherings.

208 Reviews
  1. Ewanna

    Washington DC18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and the service were very good. We all had a different entrée (spaghetti, gnocchi, eggplant) and each was amazing. The calamari was fresh and delicious. Service was perfect and timely - great recommendations.

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  2. Anna VIP

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible and well priced. Amazing gnocchi and carpaccio.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sydney

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing! The best calamari I’ve had and same with the pasta!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Roberto

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitstaff, Jesus, was wonderful. He was engaged, helpful, and very accommodating. We loved all of his recommendations. He took very good care of us. The food was delicious and arrived promptly. I would definitely recommend Lala for the overall dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Cynthia VIP

    San Diego22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated my birthday here with a larger group and had a great experience. The drinks were all delicious, and the bartender gave excellent recommendations. The menu is well-curated with plenty of shareable plates, perfect for groups. The atmosphere strikes a balance between upscale and casual—dress however you feel. Music was on point, and the decor is super cute and inviting. I’d definitely recommend this spot and will likely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Carly VIP

    Las Vegas9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great time at Lala. It was relatively quiet when we went in on a Sunday evening, it made our tiny table in the corner feel cozy and intimate. The ambiance was great, and the music wasn't too loud. We did the pepper poppers and carpaccio to start, and then shared a pair of the pastas. All the food was good, but the bone marrow Cavatelli stole the show for sure. Had great service too!

    Is this helpful?

  7. kacie

    San Diego3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a cute little bar and dining area in little Italy. The staff are very interactive and kind. Beautiful ambiance and lighting. Food was very filling and delicious

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Houston1 review

    4.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was a little slow ordering but food came out pretty fast. Overall a good value and nice quieter restaurant than others in little Italy

    Is this helpful?

  9. Juan

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Greatly appreciate the level of service and the delicious food and drinks. Made some great memories celebrating my daughter’s SDSU graduation!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Brandon

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The pasta was excellent and the setting was awesome

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.7 stars by 208 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Little Italy

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Google Map for Lala

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
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