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Lala, San Diego, CA

Lala

4.6
4.6
132 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Hot spot
From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 310-6249
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Nino Zizzo
  • Private party facilities
    Private dining space available from 30-70 people.
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Cross street
    Back of Barbusa parking lot
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 132 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lala in Little Italy offers a vibrant dining experience with "impeccable service" and a "sultry intimate ambiance". Guests rave about its delicious food, especially the gnocchi and squid ink pasta. The Stiletto martini and espresso martinis are must-try drinks. Ideal for celebrations, Lala's warm, classy vibe makes it a "hidden gem".

132 Reviews
  1. Christopher

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely Beautiful for Christmas Eve dinner!! Decorations were gorgeous, ambiance was intimate, festive, warm, cheerful. Food was delicious loved grilled oysters, bruschetta, fried short rib balls, steak was yummmy!! Drinks were great, and service was on point! Beautiful experience thank You La La!! Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year💗✨

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  2. Sarah

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience! Our waiter and food are awesome :)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Candis

    VIP

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambiance, food, & service was all 5 star. Love this place. Perfect for a date night or a girls night. Don’t miss out on the Christmas decor - it’s so festive & perfect for the holidays. Staff is also incredibly nice & efficient.

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  4. Shruti

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Super cute ambiance! The app we had was okay (Sicilian poppers) but entrees were great! Fun place to get drinks with friends.

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  5. Marie

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was so good! Hands down! Shared with friends. The steak medium rare omg, chefs kiss! Also ordered the spaghetti with meatballs such a great compliment to the steak.

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  6. Danielle

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience! Very festive for the holidays. Great food and delicious cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Glenda

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great, Christmas decorations were amazing, the best part is that they gave ballet parking right in front of the restaurant and it’s only 12 dlls (great price compared to any other place in downtown) 10000 recommended, it’s a must to visit!

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  8. Barbara

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an amazing time at Lala especially since it was during their Christmas pop up. We ordered family style of apps and mains. The food was delicious. We loved their calamari and spicy Caesar. Definitely order the toasted baguette, fresh hot bread is always a good thing at the table. We also ordered the gambera busalacchi which was a bed of potatoes with giant shrimp and gnocchi rosa…both great choices. Katie was our server and she made our friendmas dinner extra special with her exceptional service and genuine down to earth personality. Her service is a reason why we would return. Thanks Katie!

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  9. Melissa

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    I had a reservation for a party of six and upon arrival they immediately said they would take a while for a table and could try to accommodate the party at Barbusa. After 40 min we were all seated. It took forever to get our food and the check. 4/10.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Susan

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Literally outstanding service and 10 out of 10 food. Decor is amazing. Try the osso bucco.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lala is rated 4.6 stars by 132 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
Google Map for Lala

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Back of Barbusa parking lot
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Nino Zizzo
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (619) 310-6249
  • Private party facilities
    Private dining space available from 30-70 people.
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