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Best Italian Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
1. Antica Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(2388)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 17 times today
Antica Trattoria in La Mesa is a gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts, offering a delightful fusion of authentic Italian flavors and expertly crafted drinks. Patrons rave about their "amazing cocktails," praising their rich flavors and refreshing twists. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both intimate gatherings and festive celebrations. Diners have described the cocktail experience as "out of this world," with the friendly and attentive staff adding a personal touch to each visit. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or simply seeking a memorable evening, Antica Trattoria promises an extraordinary experience that keeps guests returning.
A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
2. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(308)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 26 times today
Limoncello La Mesa offers a delightful journey into Contemporary Italian cuisine, perfectly blending traditional family recipes with a modern twist. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of North Park, this charming restaurant is praised for its “authentic Italian flavors” and exceptional service. Diners rave about the “delicious squid ink pasta” and the “outstanding ossobuco,” attesting to the chef’s mastery in bringing out rich Italian flavors. The atmosphere is lauded as “bright and welcoming,” creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. With its dedication to authenticity and quality, Limoncello La Mesa is a must-visit for all lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine.
A photo of DiLeone's Italian Restaurant restaurant
3. DiLeone's Italian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rancho San Diego
Booked 1 time today
From the moment you walk in the door at DiLeone's Italian Restaurant, you know you are in for truly old world dining experience. We proudly serve authentic Italian cuisine giving us the distinction of one of San Diego's finest Italian Restaurants for over 35 years.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1077)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 22 times today
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove is a gem for authentic Pizza Bar cuisine, where you can savor "the best Margherita pizza" loved by both locals and visitors. This charming spot offers a delightful escape with its casual, Italian-inspired ambiance that transports you straight to "Little Italy." Diners rave about their pizza’s "soft and flavorful" crust, a testament to the timeless Italian techniques used. The restaurant’s gluten-free crust also receives high praise as the "favorite gluten-free crust in San Diego." With its exceptional service and warm atmosphere, Giardino is a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts seeking quality and authenticity.
A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
5. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(191)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 22 times today
Trattoria Da Sofia, nestled in the heart of Kensington, San Diego, offers a delightful escape into authentic Sicilian cuisine. This new gem enchants guests with its "amazing pasta dishes, fresh and delicious," as many diners rave, and a warm ambiance that echoes the spirit of Italy. The restaurant's meticulous attention to detail is evident in their handmade pastas and signature dishes like the seafood ravioli, praised as "amazing" by patrons. The service is often highlighted as "superior," with staff providing genuine Italian warmth and hospitality. Trattoria Da Sofia is a must-visit for those craving a true taste of Sicily.
A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
6. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.7
Exceptional(245)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 30 times today
Aromi Italian Cuisine in La Mesa is a delightful culinary gem where authentic Sicilian flavors take center stage. Guests rave about the "wonderfully fresh homemade appetizers, pasta dishes, and bread," all served with genuine Sicilian hospitality. The restaurant's signature cheese wheel pasta is a must-try, described as "incredibly delicious" and an experience that diners "won’t regret." Aromi's warm and inviting atmosphere perfectly complements its menu, making it an ideal spot for casual date nights or family gatherings. With attentive service and consistent dishes that transport you straight to Sicily, Aromi is truly a standout in the neighborhood.
A photo of Pizza by Aromi restaurant
7. Pizza by Aromi
4.7
Exceptional(8)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 2 times today
Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!
A photo of Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley restaurant
8. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley
4.5
Awesome(32)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Valley
Booked 9 times today
We invite you all to join us at our Italian family restaurant! Whether it's a romantic date for two, a family gathering, or a work event--we want you to enjoy our vintage atmosphere of hanging wine baskets and famous murals that harken back to the restaurants inception in 1950! Come and enjoy our traditional recipes that consist of fresh mixed pizza dough, homemade marinara sauce, homemade meatballs and sausages, and much more!One thing is for certain--you will taste the quality and enjoy our friendly wait staff! Book your reservation today and experience 73 years in the making of incredible pizza and traditional Italian recipes!
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Cynthia
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had an absolutely fabulous time at Seneca-first time visit. Great outdoor view table and even tho it was late December the heaters made it just fine being outside. Wonderful service, good pricing for the quality and we loved everything about it. Started with cocktails then Calabrian sausage pizza and caesar salad-both were outstanding (Caesar is lighter than typical which we really enjoyed) then main courses of casarecce alla vodka pasta, 16oz NY strip and chicken alla diavola....then a couple of gelatos to share for dessert......pretty much everything was perfection--not sure if we just got lucky but nothing to complain about AT ALL (which is kinda no fun). We liked the casual vibe but upscale experience. FOR SURE will come back again. A+
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Renee
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food and drink choices, and wonderful staff!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    •
    4.5
  • Alejandro
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    AS ALWAYS EXCELLENT FOOD!! I HAD COD AS SPECIAL OF THE DAY,,,THE BEST!! WE ARE REGULARS AT THIS RESTAURANT AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTING. THE COD WAS SUPERB, SERVICE VERY GOOD, ATMOSPHERE NICE FAMILY SETTING. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED WITH FAIR PRICING. YOU WILL LIKE THIS RESTAURANT VERY MUCH. ENJOY!!
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Jim
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Limoncello's was such a wonderful surprise. We heard great things, but it was even better than we expected. The decor and ambiance were so charming. The food was unbelievably delicious. One of the biggest standouts was the Ossobuco Di Maile, but there were 7 of us and we all loved what we had. The homemade pasta and the sauces were out of this world. Our server, Miguel, was so friendly and attentive. It was a wonderful night!
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • AdrianaVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 27, 2024
    Great food, very lovely place and great customer service.
    More info
    DiLeone's Italian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rancho San Diego
    •
    4.8

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