Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucrezia

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 64 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of La Jolla, San Diego, Lucrezia offers a refreshing contemporary twist on Italian cuisine that is both innovative and deeply rooted in authenticity. Guests are transported to the Amalfi Coast with dishes that evoke the mystique of Italian summers, using fine ingredients to craft meals that are "spectacular" and reminiscent of the beautiful Italian countryside. Reviewers rave about the "amazing service" and the uniquely delicious offerings like the mussels in white wine sauce and Calabrese pizza with hot honey sauce. As one diner put it, "The whole experience was fantastic," making Lucrezia a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian fare.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2611)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 72 times today

North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.

3. La Pastaia

4.2

Awesome(292)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bay Park

Booked 4 times today

La Pastaia, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Bay Park, San Diego, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that promises an authentic and delightful dining experience. The restaurant is celebrated for its "homemade pasta tossed in flavorful sauces" and "wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients," crafted with a modern twist. Guests often rave about the quality of the dishes, such as the "delicious Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe" and the "pasta with zucchini cream," highlighting their authentic and innovative flavors. The atmosphere is described as "a beautiful spot with amazing food and wonderful service," making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine Italian culinary journey. The consistently "excellent service and food," along with glowing reviews like "the best homemade pasta we have ever tried," underscore why La Pastaia stands out as a top destination for Contemporary Italian fare in San Diego.

4. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4108)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 101 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

5. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(294)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 58 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.

6. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 62 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.

7. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1033)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 81 times today

Marisi, nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of La Jolla, is a gem that brings the heart of Italy to the Californian coast. Celebrated for its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, Marisi offers an exceptional array of handmade pastas, which are crafted daily to ensure the freshest experience. The restaurant’s ambiance, reminiscent of a charming villa by the Amalfi coast, complements its culinary offerings, creating a dining environment that feels like "coming home." Critics and patrons alike rave about the diverse menu and the high-quality ingredients, with a recent review highlighting, “The rigatoni dish is probably the best pasta dish I’ve ever had.” Recognized as the best new restaurant by San Diego Magazine, Marisi is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic, memorable Italian dining experience.

8. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(723)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 78 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.

9. Catania

4.7

Exceptional(2054)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 25 times today

At Catania in La Jolla, San Diego, diners are consistently wowed by the authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine, crafted with passion and a commitment to tradition. A standout for its use of wood-burning ovens and a meticulously curated all-Italian wine and craft beer list, Catania captures the essence of Italy's coastal flavors. Guests rave about dishes like the "best pizza they had ever had" and the "delicious pasta and wine." The restaurant's setting, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, complements its culinary delights, creating a perfect dining experience. Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional service and atmosphere, making Catania a beloved spot among locals and a must-visit for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in a breathtaking locale.

10. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1115)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 48 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.

‘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

B
Brianvip
San Diego •58 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was a solid place...I wouldn't say anything was outstanding about it other than the great service we received from Lucky who served us at the bar. The menu has a nice variety and everything was well-executed.
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Cindyvip
Las Vegas •29 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful gem of a restaurant in UTC, a mall that has been transformed into a foodie paradise. From the moment we walked in for the first visit, we were treated as returning family. Service was exceptional! We started with the Calabrian mussels which were absolutely perfect. We tried the Cacio e Peppe with shaved truffles, Lobster Fra diavlo (one of the night’s specials), spicy rigatoni and Carbonara. None disappointed and the pasta was clearly all freshly made. Ending with limoncello really put the cherry on top of a fabulous evening. The restaurant space is beautiful and big, music was perfect and set the stage for a fun night. We will definitely be back to try other offerings.
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LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.4
M
Monica
Las Vegas •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
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BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
L
Lee Annvip
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Ed at the bar was friendly and helpful. We are looking forward to going back soon.
More info
La PastaiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bay Park
•
4.2
R
Rachelvip
San Diego •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
So much better than my last visit. I chose the Giardino Stromboli, stuffed with lots of cheese and veggies, which was delicious. It was quieter than usual, but it was Tuesday and not crowded. Service was top notch!
More info
North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
•
4.7

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Kearny Mesa

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucrezia

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

3. La Pastaia

4. Seneca

5. Roman Wolves

6. Barbusa

7. Marisi

8. Nolita Hall

9. Catania

10. RustiCucina

See what locals rave about

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