Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Mission Bay

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolita Hall

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 55 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.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2642)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 67 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

4.3

Awesome(300)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bay Park

Booked 5 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. The Red Door

4.7

Exceptional(2976)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.

5. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4196)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 82 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.

6. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(312)

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.

7. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4307)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 84 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.

8. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1061)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 41 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.

9. Catania

4.8

Exceptional(2067)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 26 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. Lucrezia

4.5

Awesome(573)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 38 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.

‘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

L
LindaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great time! Decorated so beautifully for the holidays. Mulled wine was wonderful.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3
J
Jose
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great food! Service was awesome and didn’t feel rushed.
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BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
D
DonVIP
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food. Highly recommend the cheese wheel pasta. It’s very rich, so share it with someone. Everything we had was fantastic. We will be back in the next couple of weeks.
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Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
M
mariza
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This is a great neighborhood gem! The ambience and service (and authentic cuisine) you would find in La Jolla But in our own backyard :)
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La PastaiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bay Park
•
4.3
S
SulimoniVIP
San Diego •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
My wife and I shared a ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, and it was delicious—a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty flavors on beautifully baked dough. Our server, Kendrick, was patient and attentive, and the entire staff collaborated smoothly to ensure a great experience. We sat at the window area facing the parking lot, at their new round tables, which were surprisingly comfortable and quiet. It's been a while since we’ve eaten here, and, as expected, we had a wonderful experience. Thank you!
More info
North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
•
4.7

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Mission Bay

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolita Hall

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

3. La Pastaia

4. The Red Door

5. Seneca

6. Roman Wolves

7. Barbusa

8. Marisi

9. Catania

10. Lucrezia

See what locals rave about

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