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Best Authentic Restaurants in Pacific Beach

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124 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Catania restaurant
1. Catania
4.8
Exceptional(2110)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 31 times today
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
2. Cesarina
4.9
Exceptional(5720)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 181 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Enoteca Adriano restaurant
3. Enoteca Adriano
4.8
Exceptional(75)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 26 times today
Welcome to Enoteca Adriano where Roman born chef, Giuseppe Ciuffa, brings the essence of Italy to the shores of North Pacific Beach. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that blends modern creativity with traditional Italian flavors. Our eclectic menu showcases the best of Italian, "Roman forward" cuisine, using locally sourced produce and ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative. Dine while enjoying vintage movies shown on our outdoor big screen. At Enoteca Adriano, we celebrate the rich heritage of Italy, offering a diverse selection of wines to complement your dining experience in our main dining room or outdoor heated patio. Our passion for food and hospitality shines through in every dish we serve, as we strive to share the love of Italian cuisine with our guests. Join us at Enoteca Adriano and experience the true taste of Italy, where every meal is prepared with authenticity, passion, and a touch of Italian hospitality. Viva e Forza Italia!
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
4. Ambrogio15
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach
Booked 5 times today
Ambrogio15 is an authentic Pizzeria with a unique Milano gourmet pizza recipe. Reviewers are consistently impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the authenticity of the Italian cuisine. The restaurant is described as 'exceptional', 'fabulous' and 'authentic'.
A photo of Marisi restaurant
5. Marisi
4.6
Exceptional(1164)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 77 times today
Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.
A photo of Scuderie Italia restaurant
6. Scuderie Italia
4.4
Awesome(362)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 10 times today
Scuderie (scoo-de-ree-ye) is often referred to, in Italy, as a racing team garage. In the spirit of teamwork we welcome you to Scuderie Italia, our luxurious home providing you with impeccable service and simple, comforting Italian food and pizza. Our true Napoletana pizza is proudly made by our vibrant pizzaiolo, Gimmy Piperku, who also heads the kitchen serving handmade pasta and other popular Italian dishes. Enjoy your meal on either one of our our covered patios or dine inside surrounded by beautiful photos of Italian engines and bright racing yellows. Nothing brings people together like good food and we have that for you and your crew!Buon appetito~ Leonardo and Christine Landini
A photo of Elvira restaurant
7. Elvira
4.9
Exceptional(503)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 73 times today
Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!
A photo of Duke's La Jolla restaurant
8. Duke's La Jolla
4.5
Awesome(6676)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 123 times today
We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
9. La Dolce Vita Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(1174)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
10. Puesto La Jolla
4.7
Exceptional(2162)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 47 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SilviaVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and starting with the host and waitress and bus boy every detail was amazing.
    More info
    CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    •
    4.9
  • JohnVIP
    Greater Boston •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    If you want great Italian food this place is the real deal. It is worth the drive and prices are reasonable! Just wonderful authentic Italian! Very nice people too! I enjoyed my birthday and I will be back soon.
    More info
    Enoteca AdrianoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.8
  • mikeVIP
    East Tennessee •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Good quality, good service, good presentation but small amount of food for the high price
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • JerryVIP
    San Diego •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 5, 2025
    Great drinks and food, really enjoyed the Octopus, and Crudo both were 10-10!!
    More info
    CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • Ellen
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 27, 2025
    We were very excited to participate in a second wine tasting paired with a four-course dinner at Ambrogio 15. The island of Sicily is the theme for the dinner. The first course of Caponata was spectacular (my wife's favorite). This was followed by a seafood couscous dish, then a swordfish involtini for a delicious third course. Finally, the cannoli served as dessert had the best shell of any I have ever tasted. Very thin and crispy, a great ending to the meal. The different wines paired with each course were very carefully selected and did nothing but enhance each course. If they have more of these dinners, we will make sure we attend.
    More info
    Ambrogio15Price: Moderate• Pizzeria• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Pacific Beach

Discover the heart of authentic dining in Pacific Beach, San Diego, where a diverse array of eateries offers a genuine taste of global cultures. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that ranges from traditional Mexican flavors to exquisite Italian delights, all adhering to the highest standards of authenticity. Each restaurant in this vibrant locale upholds a commitment to genuine ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and a cultural ambiance that transports diners straight to the country of origin. Pacific Beach's dining scene is not just about food; it's an entire cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an authentic dining experience. The local restaurants pride themselves on their ability to merge authentic culinary traditions with the laid-back, beachside atmosphere of San Diego, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Pacific Beach's authentic restaurants offers a unique glimpse into the world's diverse culinary landscape, right from the comfort of one of San Diego's most beloved neighborhoods.

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