Best Authentic Restaurants in National City

96 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana restaurant

1. Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana

4.6

Exceptional(29)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 4 times today

Start your day with a delightful brunch at Farmers Table Chula Vista and then indulge in a delicious Trattoria Romana experience at Acqua e Farina by night! 🍽️❤️✨At Acqua E Farina, we bring you a modern take on authentic Italian cuisine. Our menu features homemade pastas crafted with love, along with Grandma's cherished meatball recipe that will transport you to Italy with every bite. Indulge in traditional dishes, including classics like Parmigiana, Brazatto, homemade pizzas and stuffed pizzas as well, our famous Parmesan wheel pastas, each prepared with the finest ingredients and attention to detail. To complement your visit at Acqua E Farina, we offer a full bar featuring a delightful selections of cocktails designed to bring friends together. Enjoy refreshing Aperol spritzers, an array of flavorful sangrias, and dont miss our signature Espresso Martini. We also proudly showcase a selection of exquisite Italian wines to enhance your dining experience.

A photo of Kalaveras - Chula Vista restaurant

2. Kalaveras - Chula Vista

4.5

Awesome(108)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 6 times today

We're creating a new concept of modern rustic dining with a fusion of traditional and vanguard Mexican ingredients. Our food is chef-driven, using classic cooking techniques with fresher and healthier options. We're elevating bold, authentic flavors and presenting a new way of eating. In the bar you'll find over 90 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits.

3. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(197)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

4. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(871)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 66 times today

Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

A photo of Garage Buona Forchetta restaurant

5. Garage Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(913)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Coronado

Booked 48 times today

Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante in Coronado, San Diego, California.

6. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1383)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 47 times today

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

7. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(979)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Little Italy

Booked 35 times today

WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.

8. Civico 1845

4.4

Awesome(2434)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 24 times today

Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

9. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(631)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 25 times today

Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.

10. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(347)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy

Booked 35 times today

"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"

‘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

J
Jody
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Best Italian food I've ever had. So authentic. Great vibe, perfect portion sizes and not overpriced.
More info
Ciccia OsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Barrio Logan
•
4.7
T
TammyVIP
San Diego •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food was plated beautiful, full of flavor and service was delightful. Very pleased with everything and was surprised at the level of attention and quality of ingredients. Highly recommend this gem. Great for big parties
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Acqua E Farina Trattoria RomanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.6
E
EileenVIP
Orange County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious, Eggplant Parmesan, Bolognese, Cioppino, Rib eye steak pasta, Truffle Pizza and the Brussel Sprouts were all so good! Glad we made reservations since every dish was amazing! We brought friends visiting from Florida and we live in OC… highly recommend this authentic Italian Restaurant!
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Garage Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Coronado
•
4.6
N
Nancy
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food. Service waiter was busy with other tables but when we ordered good came out fast.
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Kalaveras - Chula VistaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.5
S
Sarah
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was my birthday and we had the best time! The wine came out quickly along with all the appetizers. Everything was fresh and large portions. We made multiple waiters come and check on us throughout the evening. The location is half inside and half outside but even if you're outside you're under a HUGE heater. So don't be afraid you'll be cold. This is one of my favorite restaurant to celebrate
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Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in National City

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96 restaurants available nearby

1. Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana

2. Kalaveras - Chula Vista

3. Ciccia Osteria

4. Buona Forchetta

5. Garage Buona Forchetta

6. Kettner Exchange

7. Cloak + Petal

8. Civico 1845

9. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

10. Roman Wolves

See what locals rave about

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