Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Coronado

20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

1. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.

2. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(317)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 66 times today

At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.

3. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(772)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 87 times today

Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.

4. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4312)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 90 times today

Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

5. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(135)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 31 times today

Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

6. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3307)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 78 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

7. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

4.2

Awesome(231)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 40 times today

At Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, the essence of Market Cuisine is elevated through its innovative cheese wheel bar, a first of its kind. This exclusive dining experience allows guests to indulge in dishes that are not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle to behold, as pastas are masterfully prepared in giant, aromatic cheese wheels. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting the "cheese wheel pastas were fantastic" and the overall experience making them feel as if they were "reminded of my time in Italy." The glowing reviews, such as "the food was incredible," and the restaurant's bustling atmosphere make Vincenzo's a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and delightful take on Market Cuisine.

8. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1153)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 56 times today

At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.

9. Monzu Fresh Pasta

4.9

Exceptional(626)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

Monzu Fresh Pasta, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego's East Village, is your culinary passport to contemporary Italian cuisine at its finest. Praised for its "first-class" pasta and "impeccable" service, Monzu stands out with its commitment to scratch-made, authentic Italian dishes, transporting diners straight to Italy with every bite. Reviewers rave about specialties like the lamb ragu with bucatini and the Scarpariello Piccante, claiming they would "order them again." The tiramisu is consistently highlighted as "the best I have ever had," emphasizing the restaurant's dedication to both quality and authenticity. With its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, Monzu Fresh Pasta is highly recommended as a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of contemporary Italian in San Diego.

10. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(179)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 45 times today

Ciccia Osteria, nestled in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, is a treasure trove for Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine enthusiasts. With its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awards from 2021 to 2024, the restaurant has established itself as a haven for authentic Italian flavors tailored to plant-based preferences. Diners rave about the "mushroom flan appetizer," describing it as a "MUST" for every visit. The attention to quality and authenticity shines through, with reviews highlighting how Ciccia Osteria is "very accommodating" to dietary restrictions, offering "gluten dairy free ravioli with lobster" that is "elevated to a 5-star restaurant level." The blend of a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that caters thoughtfully to Vegetarian and Vegan tastes makes Ciccia Osteria a standout destination for those seeking a delightful culinary experience in San Diego.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kateryna
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It’s was exciting to still catch holidays decorated indoors and outdoor. Food is great! We’ve had HALIBUT PUTTANESCA entree, MISO POMODORO pasta, WOOD FIRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS as shared. Big plus is that they still have seasonal cocktails. Our waitress didn’t offer us any water, but it’s was something we didn’t notice until the end. No a big deal. 10/10 in overall
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
P
PatriciaVIP
Mexico City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Service was excellent! Our waiter that night was very friendly and made us feel very welcomed. The food was delicious, it tasted homemade we had the a la matriciana pasta and the lamb. The Tiramissu was also very good.
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
A
AaronVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Karissa went above and beyond for our anniversary dinner
More info
Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
•
4.4
J
JeanVIP
Fort Lauderdale •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great food at reasonable prices. Good service, floor was a bit cold initially but we eventually got used to it.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Christopher
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely Beautiful for Christmas Eve dinner!! Decorations were gorgeous, ambiance was intimate, festive, warm, cheerful. Food was delicious loved grilled oysters, bruschetta, fried short rib balls, steak was yummmy!! Drinks were great, and service was on point! Beautiful experience thank You La La!! Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year💗✨
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Coronado

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Coronado

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

2. Roman Wolves

3. Nolita Hall

4. Barbusa

5. Lala

6. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

7. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

8. RustiCucina

9. Monzu Fresh Pasta

10. Ciccia Osteria

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable