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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Sorrento Mesa

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lucrezia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(580)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 33 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, Lucrezia offers an exquisite journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is celebrated for its "exceptional" service and "delicious" dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing" pastas, with standout mentions for the Cacio e Pepe and Lobster Fra Diavolo. The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making it perfect for any special occasion. Lucrezia promises an unforgettable culinary voyage, with every dish telling a story of Italian summers, curated with passion and authenticity.
A photo of North Italia San Diego - One  Paseo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1551)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Del Mar
Booked 46 times today
North Italia San Diego - One Paseo offers a delightful journey into Contemporary Italian cuisine right in the heart of Del Mar. Known for its exceptional handmade pastas and pizzas, this restaurant crafts each dish with inventive flavors and seasonal ingredients, ensuring a “delicious” experience every time. The menu is well-rounded with fresh flavors from garden, farm, and sea, making it a “go-to spot” for many. Guests rave about the “excellent service” and “warm hospitality,” which elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. Whether it's a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, North Italia promises an authentic modern Italian escape.
A photo of Ambrogio15 Del Mar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(212)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Carmel Valley
Booked 9 times today
Ambrogio15 Del Mar in Carmel Valley, San Diego, offers a sublime experience in Contemporary Italian cuisine, crafted with precision and passion by Michelin-starred Milanese chef Silvio Salmoiraghi and his talented team. Diners rave about the "amazing food and great service," with standout dishes like the paper-thin gourmet pizzas and inventive Italian ramen. The restaurant's five-course gourmet tasting menu, complemented by a diverse selection of natural Italian wines and French Champagnes, elevates the dining experience to new heights. Guests describe it as "a real gem," with a "lovely staff and excellent menu," making it a must-visit for authentic, innovative Italian dining.
A photo of Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1333)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Del Mar
Booked 15 times today
Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana in Del Mar is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a blend of authentic flavors and innovative dishes. Nestled beside the Pacific Ocean, this charming eatery is praised for its "amazing food and atmosphere," making it a local gem. With a menu that highlights fresh homemade pasta, risotto, and responsibly sourced seafood, it delivers an authentic taste of Italy while incorporating fresh, local ingredients. Diners are consistently delighted by the "excellent service" and "beautiful setting," complete with sunset views over the Los Penasquitos Lagoon. It's a delightful dining experience that brings a piece of Italy to California's coast.
A photo of Marisi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1072)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 31 times today
Marisi, nestled in the charming locale of La Jolla, offers an unparalleled experience in Contemporary Italian cuisine that transports diners straight to the Amalfi coast. With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Marisi delights with "authentic pasta" crafted daily and a menu that evolves with the seasons to present the freshest Italian delights. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "a warm, charming villa," offers a perfect setting for enjoying the "amazing food, service, and ambiance." Guests rave about the "extraordinary culinary innovation" and impeccable service, making every visit to Marisi a memorable exploration of Italy's rich culinary heritage.
A photo of Catania restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2073)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 24 times today
Catania, nestled in the scenic La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic Contemporary Italian cuisine. Inspired by an Italian road trip, Catania stands out with its commitment to authenticity, boasting wood-burning ovens and grills that bring the vibrant flavors of Italy's coastal cuisine to life. Guests rave about the "amazing dining experience," highlighting dishes like the "crispy octopus" and "duck sugo pasta" as must-tries. The restaurant's all-Italian wine list and exclusive craft beer program further enhance the authenticity, making each visit not just a meal, but a tasteful journey to Italy.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2652)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 60 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 Candor by Giuseppe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(792)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 10 times today
Candor by Giuseppe in La Jolla offers a delightful Bistro experience that combines familiarity with global flair. With dishes like poached chicken salad and Valencia Orange arugula salad, it’s no wonder diners describe the food as "delicious" and "outstanding." The restaurant’s dedication to quality shines through in its use of the "highest quality ingredients," ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful. The inviting and approachable atmosphere, coupled with exemplary service from staff like Guillermo, makes it a "go-to" spot for locals and visitors alike. Candor’s commitment to authenticity and community has rightfully earned it the reputation of being a "true neighborhood gem."
A photo of Ambrogio by Acquerello restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(86)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Ambrogio by Acquerello in La Jolla offers an exceptional Kaiseki dining experience, meticulously crafted by Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi. The restaurant's 8-course tasting menus are celebrated as "art on display," highlighting not only the creative fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisines but also the high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation. Diners rave about the "superb service" and "incredible" food, which together make each visit a memorable occasion. The wine pairings, expertly curated to enhance each dish, add another layer of sophistication to the dining experience. This culinary gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable Kaiseki adventure.
A photo of La Pastaia restaurant
4.3
Awesome(310)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Bay Park
Booked 15 times today
La Pastaia in Bay Park, San Diego is a hidden gem for authentic American cuisine, delivering a dining experience that diners rave about. From the moment you step inside, you're embraced by an inviting and warm atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful meal. "What a gem! Such a beautiful spot with amazing food and wonderful service," one guest exclaims. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in every dish, from perfectly cooked ribeye steaks to creative American-inspired appetizers. With an attentive staff that goes above and beyond—"Sergio's service was beyond anything"—La Pastaia is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional American 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
From verified diners like you
  • JaneVIP
    New York City •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Rarely do we find a restaurant we can say was perfection on every level. Marisi is just that place. We were greeted with warmth upon our arrival for our reservation and were seated immediately, despite a long line of walk-ins. Our table was set beautifully and our server(s) were professional and knowledgeable. From cocktails through dessert every dish exceeded our expectations. The cocktails were beautifully crafted, the dishes beyond delicious and the homemade pasta to die for! We had an opportunity to meet Assistant General Manager, Karley Maes, and thanked her for the training of staff and the noted attention to detail that was notable. Upon speaking with staff, everyone acknowledged admiration and respect for the organization. We also had a moment to chat with the bartender. He was proud of the set-up and proliferation of high-end brands that were even in the well. Can’t wait to return.
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Mary
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As usual food was amazing and wine delicious. Definitely recommend Lucrezia. Done and the bar or at a table, both great experience!
    More info
    LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Lola
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Dined here on Christmas Eve. We were seated promptly and cheerfully by our lovely hostess whose name I, unfortunately, didn’t note. Our server, Marcie G., promptly arrived table side and was such a breath of fresh air - cheerful, knowledgeable, and friendly - making our experience most enjoyable. Food was excellent as well.
    More info
    North Italia San Diego - One PaseoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    4.6
  • TheresaVIP
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We had appetizer of artichoke and calamari, lobster bisque, margherita pizza, penne Villa Capri, and salmon fettuccini. The bisque needed to be heated up but everything was delicious! The service was outstanding. We loved it.
    More info
    Aqua Mare Cucina ItalianaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    4.7
  • Hernan
    San Diego •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Portions were noticeably smaller than on prior visits
    More info
    Ambrogio15 Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel Valley
    4.8
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