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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Mission Hills

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nolita Hall restaurant
4.3
Awesome(789)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 73 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.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(347)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 46 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!
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4334)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 74 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.
A photo of Lala restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(147)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 20 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 Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3323)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 76 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.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1172)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest
Booked 50 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
4.4
Awesome(636)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 29 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.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2675)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 93 times today
North Italia - Fashion Valley in Mission Valley, San Diego, offers a “fantastic” Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Known for its “authentically prepared” dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, North Italia excels in providing a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “delicious” handmade pastas and pizzas, with standout flavors like the ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, lauded for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty notes. The warm atmosphere and “excellent service” complete the experience, making it a “staple” for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian flavors.
A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.2
Awesome(244)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy
Booked 39 times today
Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that will leave your taste buds singing. Renowned as the city's first cheese wheel bar, this modern chic restaurant draws diners in with "the irresistible sight and smell of authentic Italian flavors." Guests rave about the "mind-blowing" carbonara and the "exceptional" cheese wheel dishes that are both a visual and flavorful delight. The ambiance is lively yet intimate, providing a perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste just like Italy." From outstanding service to exquisite cuisine, Vincenzo's is a must-visit for any Italian food enthusiast.
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2991)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission Hills
Booked 36 times today
At The Red Door in Mission Hills, San Diego, the dedication to authentic Farm-to-table cuisine is palpable. Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli's passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through every meticulously crafted dish. "The food was out of this world," rave patrons, praising the harmonious blend of contemporary Italian and modern European flavors. Each menu item is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the seasonal San Diego harvest, ensuring both quality and freshness. The chef's personal touch, from baking fresh breads to creating gluten-free pasta, elevates the dining experience, making it a "must-try" destination for anyone seeking genuine Farm-to-table excellence.
‘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
  • Lexi
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was absolutely delicious. And we had a great experience And our waiter was so accommodating and knowledgeable of the questions we asked. Definitely will come back!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • JaneVIP
    San Diego •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very noisy and overpriced. Food was good but it would be nice to some more healthy options.
    More info
    LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Chan
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This place never disappoints! Rosanna was the nicest server and took care of us perfectly. The service and the food was wonderful like always. We couldn’t have picked a better place to spend our anniversary.
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Edward SafaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    It was great all the way around just one thing it’s supposed to be a sports bar. We’re there to watch sports and have good food but then they put a two hour limit on the tables which is unusual. Large groups of people are there to watch a specific game, they made the reservations to watch the game at a place where there’s good food and atmosphere. You simply cannot kick them out after two hours ?
    More info
    Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
    4.3
  • CarolVIP
    San Diego •216 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 15, 2025
    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
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