Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Encanto

23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(609)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 37 times today

At Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, San Diego, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Under the helm of the acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes that beautifully incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Critics and patrons alike rave about the seafood offerings; one standout review highlighted the "signature seafood carbonara" as being "absolutely delicious," and another celebrated the "scallops with risotto" for being "perfectly prepared and delicious." These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, making Cori Pastificio Trattoria a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood dining experience.

2. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1115)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 47 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.

3. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(143)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 35 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.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

4. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3065)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 64 times today

Alexander's on 30th, nestled in the vibrant North Park neighborhood of San Diego, is a culinary treasure that excels in delivering exceptional seafood dishes alongside its Italian specialties. Patrons rave about the "incredible lobster ravioli" and the "best linguini and clams" they've ever had, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With its romantic ambiance and top-notch service, Alexander's has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers. As noted by a satisfied guest, the "shrimp pasta really enjoyed" and the freshness of the seafood is consistently praised, making every meal here a delightful experience. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Alexander's on 30th offers a seafood feast that's sure to impress.

5. Monzu Fresh Pasta

4.9

Exceptional(617)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 8 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.

6. The Desmond

4.5

Awesome(149)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant

7. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

4.2

Awesome(374)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Chula Vista / Bonita

Farmer's Table in Chula Vista stands out as a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary Italian cuisine. This family-run establishment harmoniously blends farm-to-fork principles with the sophistication of Italian cooking, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Reviews consistently praise their offerings, like the "Black Ink Squid Spaghetti Pasta," described as a "singular and remarkable dining experience" and the "Spaghetti Carbonara," noted for being "creamy, flavorful, and just like what you'd find in Italy." Patrons are enchanted by the ambiance and the dedication to locally-sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but savored. Whether it's a magical brunch or a cozy dinner, Farmer's Table delivers an authentic slice of Italy right in the heart of Chula Vista.

8. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4108)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 102 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.

9. 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.

10. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 61 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.

‘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
Linda
San Diego •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
a Hidden Gem in Barrio Logan with street parking. We recommend -squash blossoms for an appetizer- yummy! Italian Spritz aka Aperol Spritz- the Best! The service really is outstanding! and is truly a team effort! Love the ambiance of both the patio and indoor dining. *There is an upstairs area if you would like private seating… We’ll be back!
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Ciccia OsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Barrio Logan
•
4.7
B
Brenda
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing, as usual. This was my 2nd speciality dinner at Cori Pastificio. Acursio and staff always excel at service, food, creativity. From the cocktail to the plates and the wine pairings--excellent, and we learned about the creativity of local chefs using local seafood and local people to present beautiful and delicious food.
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Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
T
Tracy
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
We came as a group of 7 which is large for this small location but it was lovely. The food was absolutely amazing and the service was above and beyond. Highly recommend reservations as I said it is a very small spot but worth the wait. My mouth is watering just remembering all the amazing foods.
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Monzu Fresh PastaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.9
P
Phi
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
The wait staff was very polite and attentive. The food was great. We also got an awesome anniversary celebration courtesy of the chef and waiter. I highly recommend this venue for a nice quiet ambiance Italian dinner.
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RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.7
B
Brigitte
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
Food is insanely delicious, service is excellent, and the ambience is lovely. Went to dinner with a few friends and we were able to share a bunch of dishes. Everything was amazing. It’s about a 30 minute drive for us but well worth it. We had the bruschetta (so yummy and full of garlic), the seafood stuffed mushrooms (to die for), and the Caesar salad, which was the best Caesar I’ve ever had. We ordered a bunch of pasta dishes and the fish special (amazing) which were also super tasty. I HIGHLY recommend it! Oh and the cookie dessert is incredible too.
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Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.7

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Encanto

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Encanto

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

2. RustiCucina

3. Ciccia Osteria

4. Alexander's on 30th

5. Monzu Fresh Pasta

6. The Desmond

7. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

8. Seneca

9. Roman Wolves

10. Barbusa

See what locals rave about

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