Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego

Looking for some good Italian food? Whether you're looking for a fabulous pasta or a great chicken parmigiana dish, San Diego has a lot to offer. Having lived in San Diego for over fifteen years, I've been blessed with the tasty experiences of a few Italian restaurants. Here are some that I would recommend.

Lorna's Italian Kitchen

3945 Governor Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
858-452-0661

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm

Whether you're with friends, family, or a date, Lorna's is the perfect place for a casual and fun night out. Lorna's is a small and friendly Italian restaurant. I have eaten here too many times to remember and the food is always delicious! My favorite dishes are the nightly specials. There are two to three nightly specials each evening, all of which are reasonably priced. Everything on the menu is well priced, and all the servings are large. My friends and I always have leftovers, making two meals per order. Lorna's can be quite busy, but we have always been seated quickly. Lorna's is also perfect if you just want to take food home. You can call and place your order, pick up your meal, and enjoy it at home. Ordering pizza to go from Lorna's is always a great choice! The staff at Lorna's is incredibly friendly.

Café Luna

11040 Rancho Carmel Drive
San Diego, CA 92128
858-673-0077

Hours: Lunch: Wed-Fri: 11:30am-2pm Dinner: Mon-Sun: 5pm-11pm

The Café Luna is easily the best restaurant in Carmel Mountain Ranch. I have been here several times. The restaurant is located next to an Irish pub in a strip mall, but don't be fooled by the surroundings. I strongly recommend this Italian restaurant. The staff and service at Café Luna are impeccable. I am always very impressed with how friendly all the servers and hosts/hostesses are. The prices are very reasonable. The food is wonderful! The filet mignon is cooked perfectly to your liking. The different types of pasta are all quite good. I highly recommend the Fucilli Umbriaco pasta. This pasta is served with a creamy, tomato-based vodka sauce. It is incredible. If you have room for dessert, the tiramisu is exceptional. If you would like to dine here, I strongly recommend making reservations as the Café Luna is often heartily busy.

Old Venice

2910 Canon Street
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-5888

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 4pm-10pm

Old Venice is my all time favorite Italian Restaurant. The food here is absolutely wonderful. The first time I ate here, I remembered the taste of the incredible Italian food for days. The atmosphere at Old Venice is very warm and inviting. It is an excellent place for a family dinner, but it can also be the perfect place for a first date. There is usually quiet live music. The staff is incredibly efficient and friendly. The prices here are very reasonable, and the food is always great. Along with the usual indoor restaurant seating, Old Venice offers outdoor dining and a bar.