Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Downtown / Gaslamp

BICE - San Diego - Permanently Closed

4.3
4.3
1486 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Permanently Closed - Ideally located in the heart of San Diego's downtown Gaslamp Quarter, BiCE San Diego offers a skillful mix of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine prepared with the best seasonal ingredients. As recipients of the 2015 Wine List Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, we boast a temperature controlled wine cellar as well as an award-winning, full-service Italian cheese bar, which offers a constantly rotating selection of formaggi. The BiCE menu includes both classic and trend-driven Italian dishes, with standouts including homemade pastas, unique meat and seafood dishes, and decadent desserts. BiCE was recently recognized by the renowned James Beard Kitchen, where Chefs Mario Cassineri and Francesca Penoncelli were invited to share their Italian creations with some of New York City's greatest culinary minds. Awarded the 2015 ZAGAT RATED Extraordinary to Perfection for food, combined with our warm and inviting atmosphere, BiCE is guaranteed to impress.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Vegetarian / Vegan

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 2:00 pm; Sunday & Monday closed. Dinner: Daily: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 239-2423

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Mario Cassineri

  • Catering

    We offer catering at events both at BiCE and events located elsewhere. Restaurant buyout is available, as well as private and semi-private reservations. For more information, please refer to our website, bicesandiego.com, or email Fabrizio Donato at events@bicesd.com.

  • Private party facilities

    Bice restaurant offers a skillful mix of classic and modern trends in Italian Cuisine, combining local and seasonal ingredients, bold spices and European sauces. From our homemade pasta dishes and tempting desserts to our award winning “Cheese & Salumi bar and authentic Italian wine selection.

  • Private party contact

    Fabrizio Donato: (877) 625-0944

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Cross street

    4th Street

  • Parking details

    Street or valet parking available.

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop at Market and 4th ave. San Diego Trolley at Harbor and 5th ave.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,486 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This was their last open day before they closed shop and we had not been warned of that. We were showed up there, we were told they did not have enough food to accommodate us. This very frustrating and disrespectful. If our experience is a reflection of what this restaurant was, I understand why they had to close.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Gorgeous restaurant with exceptional food. Outstanding prezentation.
  3. clau67

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2017

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Dissapointed at the menu selections and quality of food. Have been to other BICE locations where the food has been way better.
  4. churchill

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great meal at Bice! Amazing service and food...my favorite is the gnocchi but the lasagna and cheese plates were outstanding as well. My favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego!
  5. Riddler51

    San Diego

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great as always. Menu choices for dinner, quality of prepared dishes, ambiance and service impeccable! Highly recommend trying their Happy Hour...also amazing.
  6. JaimiH

    San Diego

    100 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous round table for party of 12. Wonderful food. Recommend for large parties
  7. Disappointed

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    We made reservations because we had read reviews in a tourism magazine which must have been paid. The food was bland and very mediocre for the price. When our Server asked how the Appetizer was, we said "okay" and gestured to that effect. She didnt respond or inquire further about the other dishes. It was sad, because we love Italian food and we're looking forward to trying a new restaurant. We will not return.
  8. ChonnyBadger

    Las Vegas

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been to Bice many many times. My favorite in San Diego. The cheese bar is awesome to try cheeses from around the world. When in San Diego this is a MUST!
  9. mark

    San Diego

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have dined at Bice often and have never been disappointed in the cuisine and service. The location is fabulous for before the theaters in/near the Gaslamp district. This particular evening we had dinner before going to the Horton Grand Theater which is just across the street! The pork chop I had was the best I have ever had...a thick chop just very lightly breaded with a bit of seasoning that tasted amazing. My wife had a wonderful salmon. once again, a wonderful meal. of noe also is that the bar seating has an interesting happy hour drinks and menu that is perfect for a light evening meal.
  10. GregG

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was not disappointed, service was a bit slow but it was a busy night. Food was delicious, great flavor and very filling.
  11. Parisjetamine

    San Diego

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2017

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Really good food, upscale setting. However service was slow
  12. KentT

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2017

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    I had a hard time giving more than 3 stars because the service was not very good at all. Our water glasses went empty for long periods of time. We waited a long time for our entrées and then waited even longer after they took our plates. Very disappointed in the service. We ordered calamari and was very disappointed in the result. beware before you buy it. If you like wine with your dinner be prepared to pay a steep price. Our entrees were excellent, 4 stars for those.
  13. drleo

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Pleasantly refined spot amid craziness of Gaslamp district. Interesting menu, just the right number of appetizers, salads, and mains. Very interesting and not overwhelming wine list, although wines by the glass choices were modest. Excellent selection of cheeses (19!!!) and very knowledgable cheese monger. Service was very attentive. Refined modern clean decor, glass walls at street facing corner, so openness. Could be noisy if busy. Bar at entrance separate from restaurant. Maybe 15 tables, with several small tables against back wall banquette. Also a few seats at the cheese bar.
  14. POLO

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    great food
  15. den711

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fabulous. Our waiter was friendly and offered good selection ideas. An amazing smoked cocktail. Great ambiance.
  16. kareninsd

    San Diego

    42 reviews

    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    I wish I remembered the name of our server because she was excellent. She happily split our entrée for us when the kitchen would not and she got me an excellent dry margarita when I asked for one not too sweet. She was from Verona and had a lovely accent. In fact all of our servers were considerate and helpful. The cheese and olive plate was delicious as was the special of the night, lasagna. The only drawback was the noise in the dining room, which would prevent us from coming back if conversation was important. However, it was right across the street from our theater and very convenient for pre-show dining.
  17. LindaO

    San Diego

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lasagna special was excellent. I wish it was permanently on the menu.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great ambiance and decor, but service can be improved. Food was delicious! Would give a five star rating if we didn't have to constantly try to track our waiter because he kept forgetting our requests.
  19. italian2

    Las Vegas

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, cheese bar makes it special . Our waiter Arnold was fantastic and will always ask for him
  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was prepared beautifully - particularly enjoyed the Octopus.
  21. POLO

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always amazing service by Arnold. You just can't go wrong for a great night out. Good food and amazing service - thank you Arnold!
  22. DowntownDwellerIsHappy

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had not been to Bice before and we will cheerfully go there again. This restaurant makes lovely food, is generous with bread for the table, and is NOT very loud. Great time. Thanks.
  23. Paula

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My daughter, Dr. Claudia Taylor, sent me a gift certificate for Mother's Day. She had researched all SD restaurants and found this at the top. She and her husband are "foodies" in Portland. OR. The service was impeccable and professional AND friendly. All three courses were excellent except for the beef dish which I had ordered "rare". It was more than medium rare and a little tough. My friend's lamb was very good. I would return with friends at the Vi retirement facility if we could solve the parking problem because your food is very, very good. It was a lovely Mother's Day treat and I sent her photos of the menu and all the courses .
  24. grandslamhomer

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The Beef Tenderloin was Chewy and Tough We went to Bice for the Mothers Day Special they had for $49.00 each. The service from Arnold was excellent. He was very nice. The 4 course meal was all very good except my Mustard crusted Beef Tenderloin. It was very tough and chewy. Everything else was good. I mentioned it to the manager on our way out of the restaurant and she said I'm sorry. Probably the worst plate I have had at Bice. Everything else is usually very good.
  25. MaxM

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2017

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    I asked three times to get the ice water LOL. The main dishes are not really worth the price.
  26. AnaS

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant! Service, food, all great. I highly recommend and would come back for sure.
  27. Edie

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service here is gracious and attentive--just right. Every thing about our meal was as we expected /hoped, appetizer was interesting and piqued our appetite but didn't kill it! The entrees were tasty and generous. Only fault might be the wine list. Especially the non-Italian selections. None of the California selections are the current stellar wines from the Central Coast or the Napa Valley or the other districts. You might consider starting all over again.
  28. BubblesGirl

    Charleston

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    My husband and I enjoyed a lovely evening advice. We opted for a plate of truffle cheese and olives, the beef carpaccio, and the Sea-bass, and all were quite good. The bread basket was amazing. The only negatives were the noise level and our waiter who seem to forget about us for a while.
  29. GeeJay

    New England

    13 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2017

    overall1food1service4ambience3
    The Hostess did not even greet us, she escorted us to our table with out a word to us, handed us our menus and dropped the wine list on the table and curtly said "Wine List! ". She never made eye contact with either of us and and we were both shocked the way she acted towards us. Our waiter, was just the opposite, warm , conversational, engaging and attentive. Unfortunately the meal was worse than our experience with the hostess, the food was not fresh, it had clearly been precooked and then just reheated before serving us, the veal was tough and saturated with oil as if it was reheated in oil the was not up to temp, the ravioli was rubbery and cold and the sauces had a "skin" or film on the top, as if they were not properly heated either. All in all, inedible. Despite our waiters professional service and his sincere apologies, the meal was the worst I have experience in years. What would I recommend this reatraunt for? Nothing. Clearly with the exception of our waiter this place is just going through the motions and counting on it's location for business.
  30. CTodd

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We went for our daughters 16th birthday (her find). Our evening was superb, The food, the service, and the ambiance were outstanding. I would definitely eat here again and recommend it to anyone.
  31. Bruceandginna

    Sacramento

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    About an hour before our reservations I received a call stating "you know you made reservations in our lounge and not our dining room. Is that ok?" I was taken back but asked if the lounge would provide us a comfortable dining experience where we can talk together. She reassured me and I kept our appointment. At the restaurant, we had a rotation of three different waiters throughout the evening which caused a rather disjointed experience. Then there is the food. It was somewhat expensive. I would not complain except it also was not very good. The fish was overlooked. The other courses were bland and the desert was just weird. The only bright part of the evening was one of the waiters (who was apparently a bartender doubling as a waiter that evening was very nice. I would not go back.
  32. Catty

    Milwaukee

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great pasta. I love the mushroom ravioli. Atmosphere was wonderful-did get noisy with some larger parties arriving
  33. TERRYL

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food! Attentive knowledgeable service. Amazing meal. We would highly recommend this restaurant!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great Italian restaurant with world class food and service.
  35. basilhayden

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall2food4service2ambience3
    Dined here quite enjoyably for years. I'm afraid that many of the more recent reviews are telling. The food is still great but the service and attitude was on the verge of rude. We will not return.
  36. BeachesDiner

    Jacksonville

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall1food3service1ambience4
    My experience at Bice was among the most disappointing I have ever had at a restaurant that aspires to be considered fine dining. It took 3 requests before the hostess finally seated our party for our 7:00 PM reservation. Once seated, the waitstaff completely ignored us, and it was 7:30 before they finally brought a bottle of wine to the table. While we waited, I asked the hostess to send the manager over. After a few minutes, a guy dressed identically to the other waitstaff came over, and to his credit, he did apologize profusely and hurry some appetizers to the table. Once he left, however, the service lapsed back to interminably slow, and the meal took well over 3 hours. I would be willing to overlook some of these lapses had the food been exceptional, but that was unfortunately not the case. The menu is inventive and exciting. I was truly eager to taste the appetizer and entree I ordered, but they were both poorly executed. The octopus on the grilled octopus salad was fantastic, but the arugula salad was bland and undressed, and almost seemed as though it had been dumped on the plate straight from its container. The lamb ragu on my pasta was solid, but the kitchen staff inexplicably failed to salt the pasta cooking water (a cardinal sin if ever there was one), so the pasta was bland and unappetizing. All in all, there seems to be a serious void in leadership and management at Bice. The entire staff seemed to be distracted and overwhelmed, and even the wine list was disorganized, with numerous listed bottles unavailable. It's a shame, because I had big expectations, but I don't think I will be going back to Bice.
  37. Mark

    Phoenix

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    the cheese twist is special with the wonderful assortment as an appetizer and then presented mild to strong so you actually could keep track of the tastes. Entrees were elegant also and the price was moderate given the downtown location and type of high quality entree served
  38. Jaime

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, delicious food, great location.
  39. Adriana

    San Diego

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food always is good and the service is always excellent We really enjoyed it
  40. POLO

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Amazing meal! The pork chop is out of this world. The experience is just wonderful. Arnold is our favorite server.

FAQs

BICE - San Diego - Permanently Closed offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 239-2423.

BICE - San Diego - Permanently Closed is rated 4.3 stars by 1486 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for BICE - San Diego - Permanently Closed

425 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    4th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 2:00 pm; Sunday & Monday closed. Dinner: Daily: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Vegetarian / Vegan

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Street or valet parking available.

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop at Market and 4th ave. San Diego Trolley at Harbor and 5th ave.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Mario Cassineri

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (619) 239-2423

  • Catering

    We offer catering at events both at BiCE and events located elsewhere. Restaurant buyout is available, as well as private and semi-private reservations. For more information, please refer to our website, bicesandiego.com, or email Fabrizio Donato at events@bicesd.com.

  • Private party facilities

    Bice restaurant offers a skillful mix of classic and modern trends in Italian Cuisine, combining local and seasonal ingredients, bold spices and European sauces. From our homemade pasta dishes and tempting desserts to our award winning “Cheese & Salumi bar and authentic Italian wine selection.

  • Private party contact

    Fabrizio Donato: (877) 625-0944

  • 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