Location: La Jolla
Top Restaurants in La Jolla
Most Popular Italian food in La Jolla, San Diego, California
Reviews on Italian food in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Topnotch golf courses, art galleries and seals share the dramatic oceanside landscape of La Jolla, an affluent community 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers dip into La Jolla Cove, where the protected waters shield an abundance of bright orange Garibaldi fish and sea caves indent the cliffs. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the family-friendly Birch Aquarium and the acclaimed La Jolla Playhouse deliver breaks from the sun.
Things to do in La Jolla
10. Isola Pizza Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By MMann22
It was my first time at this location...I'm somewhat of a regular at the one in Little Italy, and have always loved their thin-crust pizza, fire-roasted vegetable plate, and garlicky mussels. But I heard they had an expanded menu here, which includes house-made pasta and had to give it a try. Wow...had the Pappardelle with mushrooms, spinach, and a touch of cream, and it was glorious! The noodles were wide and toothsome (just the right chew), and the sauce had a delightfully intense mushroom flavor. The lemony Arugula Salad was a perfect compliment to the pasta, and I finished the meal with a lovely Pear poached in red wine, served with a Vanilla Gelato and Italian Shortbread Cookie - almost as good as their Chocolate Budino Pudding, which is still my favorite!
9. La Dolce Vita Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
The Amazing Staff At La Dolce Vita Ristorante Have A Warm Way Of Welcoming You To Our Quaint Restaurant Atmosphere. Come Enjoy A Delightful Dinning Experience. Loyal To Our Name (the Sweet Life) This Is The Perfect Location To Sit Back, Relax And Enjoy A
Reviewed By redscorp25
We went here on a whim⦠And are so glad that we did. I had the lobster ravioli special and it was to die for. My coworkers had the vodka pasta and the rigatoni and both of them loved it. We sat outside on the little patio and there were heaters, so it was nice. The inside is kind of small, but we didnât go in there. The service was good and the food was excellent. We walked away with tip for right around $80. What a deal!
8. Cafe Milano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Roger P
We were looking for a spot near Pacific Beach for a dinner with friends and family, and we saw the reviews online so we thought we'd try it out. It is a small place that you cant miss thanks to the really little red Fiat in from with teddy bears at the wheel. The food was excellent, with people ordering veal parm, veal saltimbocca, and chicken marsala to name of the few items. We were also serenaded by a gentleman on the guitar and piano, playing classic Italian songs and different versions of American longe classics. Overall everyone was very pleased, and full, AND it didn't break the bank like some restaurants would in the area. Go and have fun, you will not regret it!! PS They have a good wine selection.
7. Piazza 1909
Overall Ratings
4 based on 139 reviews
PIAZZA 1909 is located in the heart of La Jolla, in a historical cottage house built in 1909. Authentic Italian Restaurant with chef-owner from Milan. Fresh, homemade cuisine, Piazza 1909 blends traditional Italian cuisine to more contemporary unique dish
Reviewed By cindyl289
Made a last minute reservation, wasnât sure because of Good Friday, if it was going to be a zoo. Pleasantly surprised, definitely not packed, but enough people to make it interesting. We were seated immediately, greeted very warmly. Great service, attentive without being intrusive. We ordered a pizza, the bolognese, and the cinghiale app. All great! The cinghiale had mushrooms which was not listed on the menu. Not a fan of mushrooms. Would not have ordered it had I known. All in all, a great visit.
Most Popular American food in La Jolla, San Diego, California
6. Barbarella Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By 2beans2000
Stopping by at Barbarella in September/October is a must!Barbara started her custom of âenthusiastic decoratingâ many years ago and the Shores wouldnât be the same without it even though Barbarella is now under new owners yet they are keeping up with great traditions, great food and great staff.My two favorites on the menu are the Bib and Blue salad with grilled atlantic salmon.....the salmon is done to perfection!And my other fav is the pizza max.... can be ordered any time, breakfast lunch or brunch or di ner. Thin crust, salmon, capers, and craime freche. Whatâs not to like? Delish.Parking is on the street... be patient and persistent, try side streets.Seating is available inside or outside.I have reserved the patio for breakfasts/brunches for about 25 people and Barbara used to offer a fixed menu with a sweet and a savory offering. This is a wonderful setting for a breakfast/brunch. Going early affords people easy parking. Not so easy at lunchtime.Enjoy!
5. Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall Ratings
4 based on 331 reviews
Manhattan of La Jolla transports you to the best of New York via the cozy, upscale village of La Jolla. Located in the Empress Hotel on Fay Avenue, it is an elegant, casual and classy place where you would expect to see Old Blue Eyes or Danny Ocean romanc
Reviewed By lesleyh925
It started off bad as my friend commented on Cesar salad for 26.00 and the waiter took off.We split the special which was a bone end and it was excellent. The potatoes had spinach in themâoutstanding.We slit a desert with deep fried apples and berries plus ice cream. It was ok.The waiter recommended a wine. Cost 66.00. It was outstanding.Total bill was 140.00 plus a 30.00 tip for a total costs of approximately 170.00I considered it a good deal.
4. Bernini's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By rodjk37
My cousin brought me here and we had a delicious meal. My salad was delicious with the added grilled chicken making it a complete meal and very satisfying. The bread and dipping oil were fresh and yummy. It would have been nice to try one of the delicious looking desserts, but I was too full. Cute decor and cozy neighborhood feeling. Prices at high end of mid-range.
3. Osteria Romantica
Overall Ratings
4 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By David O
My wife and I returned to Osteria Romantica last week on Tuesday night, 1/2 price bottle of wine night. Service is always good. We sat outside on a patio. Perfect weather.The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was quite good, bread-we ask for balsamic instead of the tomato sauce that normally is served with the bread, good, but not great, but my linguine di mare was very good, and reasonably priced.Always enjoyable, particularly on Tuesday night!
2. Catania
Overall Ratings
4 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By Sepp1213
Last time we dined here, the whole experience including service and food was absolutely top notch. Tonight, food was ok, just ok - good enough to not complain but not good enough to say anything nice. Presentation was appalling. Hope itâs a âone offâ as this restaurant should go back to being amazing.
Where to eat Cafe food in La Jolla: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Piatti
Overall Ratings
4 based on 819 reviews
Reviewed By marhow2001
Piatti is a lovely establishment located in La Jolla village and very popular. Why? The food is exceptional, reasonably priced, well presented with ample portions and some unusual dishes. For our first course we had saffron risotto balls, which were delightful. My main course was a wild mushroom rotolo, that is similar to a lasagna roll-up, and was so rich and yummy I couldn't finish it. We also ordered the cannelloni dish that was made with braised short ribs, also really tasty. The service was spot on and our dining neighbors were friendly, chatting us up. I notice that when the patrons are enjoying the food and ambiance everyone becomes more engaging. Great food equals happy people. Reservations strongly recommended.
