Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lemon Grove

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2396)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • La Mesa

Booked 16 times today

Antica Trattoria in La Mesa is a gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts, offering a delightful fusion of authentic Italian flavors and expertly crafted drinks. Patrons rave about their "amazing cocktails," praising their rich flavors and refreshing twists. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both intimate gatherings and festive celebrations. Diners have described the cocktail experience as "out of this world," with the friendly and attentive staff adding a personal touch to each visit. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or simply seeking a memorable evening, Antica Trattoria promises an extraordinary experience that keeps guests returning.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

2. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(311)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 16 times today

Limoncello La Mesa offers a delightful journey into Contemporary Italian cuisine, perfectly blending traditional family recipes with a modern twist. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of North Park, this charming restaurant is praised for its “authentic Italian flavors” and exceptional service. Diners rave about the “delicious squid ink pasta” and the “outstanding ossobuco,” attesting to the chef’s mastery in bringing out rich Italian flavors. The atmosphere is lauded as “bright and welcoming,” creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. With its dedication to authenticity and quality, Limoncello La Mesa is a must-visit for all lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine.

3. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(341)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 40 times today

Roman Wolves in Little Italy, San Diego, is a shining gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts. This vibrant establishment is celebrated for its exquisite cocktails, with the Hugo Spritz receiving rave reviews as "incredible" and leaving patrons eager for more. The talented bartenders at Roman Wolves ensure that each drink is a masterpiece, complementing the rich Italian culinary experience. Diners frequently commend the bar's atmosphere, describing it as lively and welcoming, perfect for both intimate gatherings and spirited celebrations. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail experience in the heart of San Diego, Roman Wolves is the place to be!

4. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(782)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 46 times today

Nolita Hall, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Pizza Bar experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Known for its Fiori woodfire oven, this beloved spot crafts pizzas that are nothing short of spectacular. Patrons rave about the "pepperoni pizza with honey" as being "awesome," highlighting the unique and delightful flavor combinations that set Nolita Hall apart. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of fun and elegance, with many calling it a "great place to watch a sports game" while indulging in top-quality pizzas. It's a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking authentic taste and vibrant ambiance.

5. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4328)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 84 times today

Barbusa, located in the vibrant Little Italy of San Diego, stands out as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its "freshest seafood," Barbusa consistently delights guests with its authentic and modern Sicilian flair. Diners rave about the "amazing dishes" and the exceptional service that complements the vibrant atmosphere. The seafood offerings at Barbusa are not just meals; they are culinary experiences, crafted with precision and served with passion. Guests frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "amazing waiter service," making every visit memorable. For those seeking quality seafood with a touch of Sicilian charm, Barbusa is a must-visit.

6. RustiCucina

4.6

Exceptional(1168)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 53 times today

RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Californian cuisine with a delightful touch of Sicilian flair. This charming eatery captivates food enthusiasts with its commitment to "locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes," ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant. The fusion of American and Sicilian tastes offers an unparalleled farm-to-neighborhood experience, making it a community favorite. Diners rave about the "amazing food and dining experience," with standout dishes like the "cheese wheel pasta" and "pesto pasta creamy and delicious." With a warm ambiance and a pet-friendly outdoor space, RustiCucina is a must-visit for those seeking quality Californian cuisine.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

7. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(633)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge is a standout gem in Downtown San Diego, offering an authentic Californian twist on Mediterranean and Italian classics. Just steps from the marina, this culinary haven is celebrated for its "fantastic Italian food" and "delicious cocktails," creating a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that invites guests to relax and indulge. Diners rave about the vibrant atmosphere, with one delighted guest noting, "Everything about this place was amazing!" The combination of exquisite dishes like the "spicy rigatoni with just the right amount of heat" and impeccable service make Salvatore's a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.

8. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(142)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 24 times today

Lala, nestled in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, offers an enchanting experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine that captivates with its modern flair and timeless flavors. This chic eatery perfectly marries tradition with innovation, presenting dishes like the inventive loaded potato gnocchi and the exquisite squid ink pasta with lobster. Guests rave about the "incredible ambiance" and "stellar service," with standout cocktails like the "Lala Martini" elevating the dining experience. The cozy, romantic setting, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, ensures that every visit is both memorable and meaningful. Join Lala for a true celebration of Italian culinary excellence.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

9. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(631)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of North Park, San Diego, Cori Pastificio Trattoria is a seafood haven that promises an extraordinary culinary experience. Acclaimed chef Accursio Lota, known for his authentic Sicilian flair, creates masterpieces that captivate the palate with the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "spectacular seafood pasta" and "craveable scallops with risotto," praising the restaurant's ability to flawlessly combine traditional Italian techniques with a California twist. The cozy, intimate atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking both quality and authenticity in every bite.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3318)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 87 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, is a standout spot for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a dedication to "75 kinds of different pasta recipes, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day," Bencotto truly honors the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "incredible cheese wheel pasta" and commend the restaurant for its "exceptional food and service." The intimate, sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to authenticity, ensures that each dish is a delightful journey to Italy. Whether enjoying a cozy meal upstairs or at the lively bar downstairs, Bencotto offers a quintessential Mediterranean dining experience.

‘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

C
CarolVIP
San Diego •216 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place is a real gem! Our third time here and we loved it as much as the first two - something that doesn't often occur at least in our experiences! The service is fabulous - every single one of the staff are very friendly and kind. They are all smiling and welcoming! I had a really good Lemoncelli cocktail that was light and refreshing and the rest of my party enjoyed a glass of red wine. Their food is delicious - I selected the fettuccini alfredo with chicken and it was amazing. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was really good. My husband and both of our friends chose the pappardelle pasta with Italian sausage and Bolognese sauce and they all loved it. We will definitely take more friends to this place! It's truly a great Italian gem in Little Italy!
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Cameron
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went on a Tuesday evening and it was great. The same goes for the food!!
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
S
Samantha
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful food and drinks, but I was especially impressed with the service. Everyone who serves there genuinely seems like they love their job—they are excited to share the history of Barbusa and to recommend their favorite items. My party and I felt well taken care of and wish we could give it 10 stars!
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BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
L
Linda
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love this restaurant 😍 Great location, fantastic food, wonderful bar & wine selections. The staff is well trained, very professional, and make you feel at home. Been coming since 2017, and it's gotten better and better. The entrées are superb, we got the seafood linguine and Ceasars salad. Red rose wine for my husband and I got the Moscato. Wonderful night out.
More info
Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8
R
rjVIP
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
omg everything we had, appetizer, salad, main course, and desert was original in its way and deeelicious!!! we shall return!
More info
Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6

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Lemon Grove

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

2. Limoncello La Mesa

3. Roman Wolves

4. Nolita Hall

5. Barbusa

6. RustiCucina

7. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

8. Lala

9. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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