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Catania, San Diego, CA
Award-winning

Catania

4.8
4.8
2110 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 69 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-5105
  • Website
    http://www.cataniasd.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Johnston
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
  • Location
    7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Cross street
    Girard and Wall
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Antipasti

  • Pizza Focaccia$7.00

    olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, chili flake

    • Green Salad**$14.00

      meyer lemon vinaigrette, pistachio, black pepper, pecorino toscano

      • Apple Salad**$16.00

        radicchio, arugula, chicory, shaved fennel, gorgonzola, almonds, aged balsamic vinaigrette

        • Kale Salad$15.00

          treviso, chickpeas, celery, parmesan, anchovy vinaigrette

          • Arancini$12.00

            saffron risotto, parmigiano reggiano, tomato sauce

            • Wood Roasted Cauliflower**$19.00

              whipped ricotta salata, fresno chili salmoriglio, pomegranate, red onion, pistachio

              • Charred Savoy Cabbage**$15.00

                crispy garlic, shallots, mint, basil, calabrian chili, miso mustard vinaigrette

                • Crudo**$20.00

                  local yellowfin, beet puree, blood orange, basil, poppy seed, meyer lemon

                  • Crispy Octopus**$22.00

                    chickpeas, lamb sausage, chili oil, capers, herbs

                    • Smoked Duck Liver Crostini$15.00

                      golden raisins, currants, dates, almonds, pickled shallot, parsley

                      Secondi

                      • Pan Seared Scallops*$41.00

                        honeynut squash caponata, carrot puree, prosciutto, golden raisins, pepitas

                        • Whole Roasted Branzino*$44.00

                          clams, garlic butter, white wine, charred broccoli, chili flakes, breadcrumbs

                          • Grilled Mary's Duck Breast$35.00

                            farro salad, roasted apples, charred treviso, shallot vinaigrette

                            • Rotisserie Chicken$33.00

                              honey mustard, baby carrots, almonds, mint, garlic butter

                              • Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef Shank$37.00

                                fennel radish gremolata celery root-potato puree, porcini jus

                                Pizza

                                add mushrooms $3 | burrata $3 | egg* $2 | olives $2 | red onion $2 | arugula $2 | sausage $3 | prosciutto $4 | fennel salami $3

                                • Italian Meat$24.00

                                  fontina, pecorino, sausage, soppressata salami, pancetta

                                  • Sicilian Pistachio$23.00

                                    burrata, pecorino, pork mortadella, pistachio pesto

                                    • Margherita$21.00

                                      mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce, garlic

                                      • Wild Mushroom$25.00

                                        burrata, fontina, garlic confit, chili flake, sherry vinegar, thyme

                                        • Diavola$23.00

                                          mozzarella, tomato, spicy calabrese salami

                                          • Pear & Gorganzola$24.00

                                            pancetta, pecorino, rosemary, honey balsamic, arugula

                                            Pasta

                                            Gluten free pasta available

                                            • Aglio e Olio Peperoncini$21.00

                                              spaghetti, evoo, chili flake, parsley, parmigiano reggiano

                                              • Tagliatelle alla Portofino$24.00

                                                basil pesto, creamy tomato sauce, parmigiano reggiano

                                                • Butternut Squash Ravioli$27.00

                                                  hazelnuts, sage, parmesan, brown butter, aged balsamic, brussel sprouts

                                                  • Duck Sugo Orecchiette$29.00

                                                    braised duck, tomato, porcini mushrooms, juniper, parmesan

                                                    • Bucatini alla'Amatriciana$26.00

                                                      pork cheek, tomato, calabrian chili, pecorino sardo

                                                      • Spaghetti & Clams$27.00

                                                        clams, garlic, white wine, chili flakes, breadcrumbs

                                                        • Shrimp Risotto**$28.00

                                                          fennel, tomato, fresno chili, parmigiano reggiano

                                                          Cocktails

                                                          $16

                                                          • Aperol Spritz

                                                            aperol, prosecco, soda, orange - served tall on the rocks

                                                            • Isola

                                                              mezcal, bourbon, pineapple amaro, orange, lime juice, simple syrup - served in a coupe

                                                              • Collina

                                                                vodka, cocchi americano, apple cider, lemon, apple-cinnamon simple - served on the rocks

                                                                • Bacchus

                                                                  vodka, cocchi rossa, lemon, simple, grapes, soda float - served in a collins glass

                                                                  • Verde Colada

                                                                    rum, vanilla liquor, pineapple, matcha, macadamia nut orgeat, lime - served on the rocks

                                                                    • Succosa

                                                                      bourbon, yellow chartreuse, pear & rosemary simple, st. george pear, lemon - served in a coupe

                                                                      • Moncalieri

                                                                        malfy gin, mediterranean fever tree tonic, orange and sage - served on the rocks

                                                                        • Santa Maria

                                                                          fresno chili infused tequila, lime, dimmi, ginger, agave - served on the rocks

                                                                          • Melograno

                                                                            pomegranate, tequila, ancho reyes, lemon, amaro sirene, walnut bitters - served on a large rock

                                                                            • Vestito

                                                                              mezcal, amaro D'arancia rossa, yellow chartreuse, lime, grapefruit soda - on the rocks

                                                                              • Corvo

                                                                                rittenhouse rye, baltamoro coffee amaro, frangelico, crème de banana, bitters, nutmeg - served on a large rock

                                                                                Bianchi

                                                                                • Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | Venezie$13.00

                                                                                  lemon, lime, crisp green apple, and floral honey suckle

                                                                                  • Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-Giuli$16.00

                                                                                    melon, yellow flowers, and lemon zest with a clean and refreshing finish

                                                                                    • Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | Piedmont$15.00

                                                                                      crisp, refreshing, lemon, pear, and minerals

                                                                                      • Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | Sicilia$15.00

                                                                                        orange blossom hints of citrus, exotic fruit, mineral finish

                                                                                        • Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia Highlands$20.00

                                                                                          rich aromas toasted oak, tree-ripe pear, and apple with touches of brown sugar

                                                                                          Spumanti / Rosato

                                                                                          • Prosecco | Bisol | NV$12.00

                                                                                            dry, crisp, toasted hazelnuts

                                                                                            • Rose Brut | Bisol | Veneto$14.00

                                                                                              floral, berries, currants

                                                                                              • Rose | Benanty | Sicily$15.00

                                                                                                pomegranate, rose petals and citrus

                                                                                                • Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia Romagnia$14.00

                                                                                                  dry, red fruits, violet

                                                                                                  Rossi

                                                                                                  • Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto Adige$13.00

                                                                                                    red fruit dried herbs, light earth, spice

                                                                                                    • Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | Piedmont$14.00

                                                                                                      purple flower, berry, supple tannins, fresh acidity

                                                                                                      • Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa Lucia$16.00

                                                                                                        dark berry, cherry, espresso, candied flowers

                                                                                                        • Sangiovese | Nunzi | Chianti$15.00

                                                                                                          violets, cherry, minerals

                                                                                                          • Super Tuscan | Le Difese | Tuscany$20.00

                                                                                                            ripe raspberries and cranberries, notes of violet and vine-ripened tomatoes

                                                                                                            • Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso Robles$25.00

                                                                                                              layers of vanilla, coco powder, juicy cherry, baking spices and signature tobacco

                                                                                                              Birre | 10oz

                                                                                                              • Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%$9.00

                                                                                                                balanced palate with mildly bitter with lemon and floral notes

                                                                                                                • Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%$9.00

                                                                                                                  pleasant hop flavors, clean, refreshing

                                                                                                                  • Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%$9.00

                                                                                                                    dark, yet silky oatmeal stout balanced by a firm hop handshake

                                                                                                                    • Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABV$9.00

                                                                                                                      balanced citrus rind bitterness and tropical aromas

                                                                                                                      Bottiglia

                                                                                                                      • Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%$9.00

                                                                                                                        light with hints of citrus and fruit

                                                                                                                        • Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%$9.00

                                                                                                                          malty, hops, citrus

                                                                                                                          • Blonde Ale "Birria Nazionale" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 6.5%$14.00

                                                                                                                            chamomile, citrus fruits, and gentle bitterness of Italian hops

                                                                                                                            • IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%$14.00

                                                                                                                              citrusy notes of tangerine are complement ed by notes of melon and mango

                                                                                                                              • Witbier "Isacc" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5%$14.00

                                                                                                                                citrus, flower, spice

                                                                                                                                • Saison "Wayan" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.8%$14.00

                                                                                                                                  hazy, spice, fresh pepper

                                                                                                                                  • Non-Alcoholic German Lager | Erdinger | Germany$7.00

                                                                                                                                    lemon, grass, malts

                                                                                                                                    • Hard Seltzer | High Noon | California 4.5%$7.00

                                                                                                                                      peach

                                                                                                                                      Analcolica

                                                                                                                                      • Pressato$8.00

                                                                                                                                        fresh grapefruit, thyme, ginger - served on ice in a wine glass

                                                                                                                                        • Italian Sodas$8.00

                                                                                                                                          Birreria Baladin | Piedmont. Mela Zen- Apple and Ginger; Agrumata – Citrus and Bergamot

                                                                                                                                          Last updated: August 29, 2023

                                                                                                                                          What 2,110 people are saying

                                                                                                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                                          Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                                          4.8
                                                                                                                                          4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                                          • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                                          • 4.8Service
                                                                                                                                          • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                                                          • 4.5Value

                                                                                                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                                          Review summary

                                                                                                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                                          Catania, nestled in La Jolla, boasts "amazing food" and "superb service," making it a local favorite. Guests rave about the "stunning ocean views" and dishes like the fresh pasta and crudo. The ambiance is "charming," perfect for special occasions. With "attentive staff" and a "beautiful setting," Catania promises a memorable dining experience.

                                                                                                                                          2,110 Reviews

                                                                                                                                          1. ABCola

                                                                                                                                            Las Vegas2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            Our third time at Catania, and each trip a delight.

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                                                                                                                                          2. Derrick

                                                                                                                                            San Diego19 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            The dining experience was first class from start to finish! We were celebrating a 25th birthday and the menus were tailored to our event, the staff was super attentive while respecting our conversation and timing. The food was delicious with each dish holding surprising depth of flavor. Atop all of that it was a beautiful sunset that complemented the environment. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you very much to the Catania team!!

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                                                                                                                                          3. Jerry VIP

                                                                                                                                            San Diego16 reviews

                                                                                                                                            4.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            Great drinks and food, really enjoyed the Octopus, and Crudo both were 10-10!!

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                                                                                                                                          4. Dennis VIP

                                                                                                                                            Vancouver24 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on March 2, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            I forgot how great Catania is. The food was superb and presentation was fantastic. Add the great service we had makes it easy to recommend Catania. I'm looking forward to going back again soon.

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                                                                                                                                          5. Hoyo

                                                                                                                                            San Francisco24 reviews

                                                                                                                                            4.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 27, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 4
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            Our experience overall was disappointing because we have been there multiple times previously. It would’ve been a much better experience if our waiter was not as surly or disinterested as he was. There were many other servers who weren’t attending to us, but was extremely accommodating and pleasant. I wish we had somebody else aside from our server. My Crudo with tuna, blood oranges and beets was excellent. My wife’s fish dish was like a Huatchinango  Veracruzana. Kind of a surprise, but it was good overall because the fish was delicate and moist with a nice crisp on it and it was covered by the tomato E cioppino like sauce. The Orchieta pasta with duck Sugo was super disappointing. it was kinda like a mac & cheese type of thing but with like little dots of supposedly duck, but it could’ve been anything. Really disappointing. The wine on the hand was really nice a terrific assortment of Italian wines by the glass as well as a few California wines thrown in.

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                                                                                                                                          6. Kay

                                                                                                                                            San Diego23 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 25, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            We had such a fun birthday experience and Valerie - our wait person enhanced the experience! Food was delicious as always.

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                                                                                                                                          7. Fauzia

                                                                                                                                            San Diego2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 24, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Very great staff and had an amazing experience. Can’t wait to visit again

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                                                                                                                                          8. Kerri

                                                                                                                                            San Francisco3 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 24, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            It’s always a great night at Catania: food, service and atmosphere all terrific

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                                                                                                                                          9. Debbie VIP

                                                                                                                                            San Diego6 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 23, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Great food! Great staff! Great atmosphere! Very reasonable for La Jolla!

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                                                                                                                                          10. Howard

                                                                                                                                            San Francisco8 reviews

                                                                                                                                            4.0

                                                                                                                                            Dined on February 21, 2025

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            Ask for server Val who is lovely and good at describing the dishes. We did not really like the Nutella dessert but liked the chocolate one though not the best ever.

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                                                                                                                                          FAQs

                                                                                                                                          You can order delivery directly from Catania using the Order Online button.

                                                                                                                                          Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 2110 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                                          Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                                          Make a reservation

                                                                                                                                          2 people
                                                                                                                                          10:30 PM
                                                                                                                                          Booked 69 times today

                                                                                                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                                          Google Map for Catania

                                                                                                                                          7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

                                                                                                                                          Additional information

                                                                                                                                          • Award-winning
                                                                                                                                            1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
                                                                                                                                          • Cross street
                                                                                                                                            Girard and Wall
                                                                                                                                          • Neighborhood
                                                                                                                                            La Jolla
                                                                                                                                          • Hours of operation
                                                                                                                                            Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                                                                                          • Price
                                                                                                                                            $31 to $50
                                                                                                                                          • Cuisines
                                                                                                                                            Italian, Contemporary Italian
                                                                                                                                          • Dining style
                                                                                                                                            Casual Elegant
                                                                                                                                          • Dress code
                                                                                                                                            Casual Dress
                                                                                                                                          • Parking details
                                                                                                                                            Street Parking
                                                                                                                                          • Payment options
                                                                                                                                            AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                                          • Executive chef
                                                                                                                                            Ryan Johnston
                                                                                                                                          • Additional
                                                                                                                                            Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                                          • Website
                                                                                                                                            http://www.cataniasd.com/
                                                                                                                                          • Phone number
                                                                                                                                            (858) 551-5105
                                                                                                                                          • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                                            Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
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