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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One  Paseo restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1527)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Del Mar
Booked 65 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
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 Giaola Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.1
Excellent(454)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Carlsbad
Booked 2 times today
Giaola Italian Kitchen in Carlsbad is the epitome of authentic and quality Italian cuisine. With a menu that skillfully combines classic homemade flavors with a touch of contemporary flair, Giaola offers an experience that is both comforting and uniquely delightful. Diners rave about their "authentic gourmet Italian food," with dishes like lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo receiving high praise for their deliciousness. The ambiance, enhanced by live music and impeccable service, makes every meal memorable. As one reviewer put it, the experience is "a fun night to remember!" Whether it's the "ten steps ahead" salad or the "perfect" cannoli, Giaola Italian Kitchen ensures a top-notch Italian dining adventure.
A photo of Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana restaurant
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.
‘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
  • 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
  • Brianvip
    San Diego •58 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was a solid place...I wouldn't say anything was outstanding about it other than the great service we received from Lucky who served us at the bar. The menu has a nice variety and everything was well-executed.
    More info
    Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • 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
  • Cindyvip
    Las Vegas •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Wonderful gem of a restaurant in UTC, a mall that has been transformed into a foodie paradise. From the moment we walked in for the first visit, we were treated as returning family. Service was exceptional! We started with the Calabrian mussels which were absolutely perfect. We tried the Cacio e Peppe with shaved truffles, Lobster Fra diavlo (one of the night’s specials), spicy rigatoni and Carbonara. None disappointed and the pasta was clearly all freshly made. Ending with limoncello really put the cherry on top of a fabulous evening. The restaurant space is beautiful and big, music was perfect and set the stage for a fun night. We will definitely be back to try other offerings.
    More info
    LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.4
  • 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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