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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Hillcrest

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Seneca restaurant
1. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4126)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 104 times today
Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
2. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(300)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 49 times today
At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
3. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 67 times today
Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
4. Nolita Hall
4.4
Awesome(728)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 129 times today
Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
5. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1127)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest
Booked 32 times today
At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.
A photo of Lala restaurant
6. Lala
4.5
Awesome(121)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 21 times today
Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
7. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 63 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.
A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
8. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge
4.5
Awesome(620)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
9. The Red Door
4.8
Exceptional(2971)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills
Booked 13 times today
Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego, The Red Door shines as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. This charming eatery is dedicated to sustainable, responsibly-sourced fare, highlighted by Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's daily ritual of hand-selecting the freshest local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "expertly crafted cocktails, tender and smoky grilled octopus, and a rich, creamy risotto," which underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The handmade gluten-free bucatini and nightly specials like Beef Wellington receive high praise, with many noting the "memorable" dining experience fostered by attentive service and a cozy ambiance. Enthusiastic diners recommend The Red Door for anyone seeking authentic, meticulously prepared Italian and modern European dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
10. North Italia - Fashion Valley
4.7
Exceptional(2622)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 87 times today
North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jvip
    Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    OMG what Ana amazing experience! My family of four and I went to Roman Wolves to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner while we were in town from out of state. The food was absolutely amazing. My daughter and I had the salmon while my wife and son had the filet. My son loved his steak and said it was the best he’s ever had; he’s had many steaks from the top steakhouses in Denver. The cheese wheel pasta was also amazing. We will be back.
    More info
    Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Nicole
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great experience! We ordered Chianti and House wine (amazing) the basil pesto pasta was a fave. Carbonara was a 6/10 (sauce lacked flavor; the flavor was coming mainly from the meat) and the same goes for the pasta with short rib (I forgot the name) overall the service and our outing was great.
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.7
  • Dorivip
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Lots of fun watching the planes go overhead. Ben was the BEST waiter ever! You MUST request his section when dining here!
    More info
    Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.4
  • Vartanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food, service and environment makes it a must visit when we are in town. The riso fritto…the best!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant contemporary Italian dining scene in Hillcrest, San Diego, where culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a delightful array of flavors and experiences. Hillcrest's restaurants showcase a sophisticated fusion of traditional Italian techniques with modern twists, ensuring a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each establishment prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. The ambiance of these restaurants ranges from cozy and intimate to lively and modern, perfect for any occasion whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering. Guests can expect impeccable service and an inviting atmosphere that complements the exquisite menu offerings. Hillcrest is known for its eclectic and inclusive vibe, making it an ideal destination for foodies looking to explore contemporary Italian cuisine in a charming and dynamic neighborhood. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the contemporary Italian restaurants in Hillcrest promise an unforgettable culinary journey.

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