Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant

1. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Del Mar

Booked 66 times today

At North Italia in Del Mar, every dish promises a slice of Italian heaven, meticulously handcrafted from scratch. Celebrated for its authenticity, the restaurant offers a menu that boasts seasonally inspired dishes with a modern twist, from divine handmade pastas and pizzas to innovative cocktails perfectly paired for an elevated dining experience. Patrons rave about the quality, with one declaring the funghi pizza "the best pizza I’ve ever had." Another highlighted the restaurant's consistent excellence, noting, "Every time I eat at this restaurant I become more impressed." North Italia stands out not just for its exceptional food but also for the vibrant atmosphere and outstanding service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian cuisine in San Diego.

A photo of Ambrogio15 Del Mar restaurant

2. Ambrogio15 Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(211)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Carmel Valley

Booked 11 times today

Ambrogio15 Del Mar, nestled in the charming Carmel Valley of San Diego, epitomizes the essence of fine Italian cuisine with a modern twist. This restaurant stands out with its partnership with Michelin-starred Milanese chef Silvio Salmoiraghi, bringing an authentic Italian gastronomic experience to the West Coast. Patrons rave about the gourmet pizzas and the unique five-course tasting menu, highlighting not only the quality but the innovation of the dishes. The natural Italian wines and French Champagnes add to the exquisite dining experience. Customers consistently praise the "amazing food" and "wonderful service," with one noting, "WOW, the food is delicious and the customer service was amazing. Made us miss ITALY even more!" Ambrogio15 Del Mar is indeed a gem for those seeking authentic Italian flavors with a sophisticated flair.

A photo of Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana restaurant

3. Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana

4.6

Exceptional(1323)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Del Mar

Booked 8 times today

Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana in Del Mar is a seafood lover's paradise, renowned for its fresh, high-quality offerings that leave diners raving about their experiences. Nestled with a picturesque view of the lagoon and ocean, this culinary gem serves up a variety of seafood dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Customers often highlight the "phenomenal" branzino and salmon, noting how dishes like the mixed fish and shellfish grill are "all delicious." With its commitment to responsibly sourced local ingredients, Aqua Mare ensures every plate not only tastes exquisite but also supports sustainable practices. Perfect for any occasion, from casual dining to special events, Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana promises an exceptional seafood experience right in the heart of Del Mar.

4. Lucrezia

4.4

Awesome(545)

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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

A photo of Ambrogio by Acquerello restaurant

7. Ambrogio by Acquerello

4.2

Awesome(84)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 1 time today

Experience Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi’s Iconic 8 Course Tasting Menus in our charming La Jolla restaurant, recently included in the Michelin Guide.Signature Tasting Menu - $159/person. Vegetarian Tasting Menu - $139/person. A La Carte Menu: From Tuesday through Thursday, you get to enjoy the Great Classics of Italian Cuisine through the lenses of Chefs Silvio Salmoiraghi and Enea Sintoni on this special A La Carte Menu. It includes two (2) courses of choice + dessert for $99/person. Not sharable and not combinable with Tasting Menus.We seek to operate within the frame of a New Italian Cuisine. Italy, France, Korea, Japan and California: the five places that define our cuisine and allow us to create a unique set of masterpieces.Reservations require a $20/person deposit, fully refundable up to 24h in advance.We gently require a 48h notice for allergies and dietary restrictions. A full Vegan Menu is available only upon request.

A photo of Candor by Giuseppe restaurant

8. Candor by Giuseppe

4.8

Exceptional(786)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 17 times today

Candor by Giuseppe in La Jolla is a standout destination for those seeking a truly international dining experience. This neighborhood gem consistently impresses with its "familiar tastes with global twists," making every dish an adventure. Praised for its high-quality ingredients and exceptional service, guests rave about the diverse offerings, from the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Poached Chicken Salad to the globally inspired Lamb Pappardelle and Fisherman's Stew. Reviewers consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the attentive staff, noting that "Guillermo made our dining experience!" and the ambiance is "always fantastic." Candor by Giuseppe isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that celebrates global flavors with every dish.

A photo of Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant

9. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(581)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

Bernini's Bistro & Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, is a treasure trove of Contemporary American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike for over 24 years. Known for its "incredible" Lasagna and wood-fired pizzas, Bernini's offers a menu that is both diverse and bursting with flavor. Reviewers rave about the “delicious” and “well-prepared” meals, highlighting dishes like the blackened salmon and cioppino as must-tries. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised, creating the perfect backdrop for dining experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious. With "excellent service" and a "warm" atmosphere, Bernini's stands out as a top choice for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare in a charming neighborhood setting.

‘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

R
Ro
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food and great service. Fast and high quality authentic food
More info
Ambrogio15 Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel Valley
•
4.8
K
Kami
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was incredible for a birthday celebration for 6 of us. Duck Crostini and Lamb Ribs were outstanding.
More info
CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.7
D
Dionisio
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food, service and ambiance. Authentic pasta, one of the best steaks I have ever had, and great wine. Also, our server was incredible.
More info
MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.6
C
Chris and Anitavip
San Diego •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We found this restaurant as a wonderful surprise! We had been at the previous restaurant at this location several years ago and were delighted to visit this one. The service was great. The food was delightful. They had great choices on the menu and we paired a perfect wine for it. The dessert was delicious and we enjoyed our time there immensely. Thank you so much!
More info
Aqua Mare Cucina ItalianaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.6
FO
FoodObservationsvip
San Diego •41 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
North Italia in Del Mar is such a beautiful restaurant with warm, genuine service. I love all the staff here. Some unfortunate observations though from this most recent visit. Meatball appetizer with the polenta is something I always order. This time the meatballs were not thoroughly hot in the center. One of the meatballs had a noticeably dense, off-putting texture. The poleta base was hot & tasty as usual. I did try the new Lasagna Bianca al Forno. There was a generous amount of braised short rib on top. The center of the lasagna was not hot and rather bland. Not sure I would order it again. Also, their plating now with the stainless steel baking dishes right on top of plates is awkward and frustrating. It’s almost like eating on an air hockey table. They really need to put a cloth napkin in between or some other friction agent. This was a surprising oversight in their attention to detail. Tiramisu was excellent!
More info
North Italia San Diego - One PaseoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
•
4.5

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

2. Ambrogio15 Del Mar

3. Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana

4. Lucrezia

5. Marisi

6. Catania

7. Ambrogio by Acquerello

8. Candor by Giuseppe

9. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

See what locals rave about

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