Lala

4.7 (201)

$30 and under

Italian

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

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2 people

May 18, 2025

May 2025

11:30 PM

Booked 39 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Charming
Lively

From the Owners of Barbusa .
we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.

Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Location
1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 201 people are saying

Lala reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
San Diego
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala offers a delightful dining experience with "stellar food and service" even on busy days. Guests rave about the "awesome ambiance" and exceptional dishes like bone marrow cavatelli, truffle Alfredo, and seafood risotto. While some service delays occur, the restaurant's "fun atmosphere" and "friendly staff" keep diners returning for more memorable meals.

201 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Service was a little slow ordering but food came out pretty fast. Overall a good value and nice quieter restaurant than others in little Italy
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J
Juan
Orange County3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Greatly appreciate the level of service and the delicious food and drinks. Made some great memories celebrating my daughter’s SDSU graduation!
Is this helpful?
B
Brandon
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The pasta was excellent and the setting was awesome
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Portland1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went during what was probably their busiest day of the year (Mothers day) but even then the food and service was stellar! Our server was amazing and was the only one on the floor so I give her a lot of credit for being the only one and having so many busy tables. We will be back again!
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie
San Diego6 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great ambience, terrific server and food was very good! A charming spot!
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A
Ashtynne
San Diego1 review
3.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was excellent and super cute inside. My only beef with it was there was not very many gluten free options and it would have been nicer to see more options other than two salads
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J
Jason
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome food, awesome ambiance. Another Busalachi restaurant for the win 🙌
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M
Marcela VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food, good ambience, will recommend, delicious drinks
Is this helpful?
K
Kirby VIP
Austin64 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Picked this spot last minute and as I walked up, I questioned my choice…BUT…it was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi and lasagna were our favorites! Service was also great!
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O
Omar
Guanajuato1 review
5.0
Dined on April 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
La comida excelente, pero el servicio por parte de Jesús fue simplemente maravilloso y cálido. Sí regreso.
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FAQs

Lala is rated 4.7 stars by 201 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 39 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sun 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Nino Zizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 848-3858
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Lala

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About this restaurant

Additional information

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTE$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWER$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATA$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIO$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINI$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTI$20.95

STEAMED CLAMS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESAR$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARA$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANA$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSA$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLES$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATORE$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTO$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTA$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIP$53.95

PESCE OREGANATA$35.95

OSSO BUCO$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA$22.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information