Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Normal Heights

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4176)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 121 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

2. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(310)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 32 times today

At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.

3. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1134)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hillcrest

Booked 38 times today

At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.

4. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(751)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 52 times today

Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.

5. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4302)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 104 times today

Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

6. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(612)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 23 times today

At Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, San Diego, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Under the helm of the acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes that beautifully incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Critics and patrons alike rave about the seafood offerings; one standout review highlighted the "signature seafood carbonara" as being "absolutely delicious," and another celebrated the "scallops with risotto" for being "perfectly prepared and delicious." These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, making Cori Pastificio Trattoria a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood dining experience.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

7. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3080)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Park

Booked 33 times today

Alexander's on 30th, nestled in the vibrant North Park neighborhood of San Diego, is a culinary treasure that excels in delivering exceptional seafood dishes alongside its Italian specialties. Patrons rave about the "incredible lobster ravioli" and the "best linguini and clams" they've ever had, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With its romantic ambiance and top-notch service, Alexander's has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers. As noted by a satisfied guest, the "shrimp pasta really enjoyed" and the freshness of the seafood is consistently praised, making every meal here a delightful experience. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Alexander's on 30th offers a seafood feast that's sure to impress.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

8. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(626)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 8 times today

Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge in Downtown San Diego is a gem for those seeking exceptional Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Situated near the marina district, this restaurant offers a "multi-sensory culinary sanctuary" that combines the freshness of Californian ingredients with the bold flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One delighted diner exclaimed, "THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!! I am obsessed with this place!!! Their food, service, and ambiance is by far like no other!!!!" From the "fried gnocchi" to the "yummy seafood pasta," every dish is crafted to perfection, highlighting the fresh and flavorful ethos of Californian cuisine. Salvatore's not only promises a delightful meal but also an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.

9. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Little Italy

Booked 25 times today

Lala, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with a delightful modern twist. Celebrated for its "sexy-chic ambiance," Lala offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Italian dishes like stuffed shells with innovative creations such as loaded potato gnocchi. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavors" and the handcrafted cocktails, particularly the signature "Lala Martini." The commitment to sustainability and a cozy, intimate setting make Lala a community favorite. As one customer put it, "The food, drinks, and vibes were immaculate. The cutest restaurant in Little Italy for sure." Lala is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

10. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2632)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley

Booked 84 times today

North Italia in Fashion Valley, Mission Valley - San Diego, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Italian cuisine, especially noted for its exceptional Pizzeria. Patrons rave about their experiences, emphasizing the high quality and deliciousness of dishes like the prosciutto pizza and the spicy meatball pizza. One guest joyfully shares, “I love this place! The truffle bread is incredible along with the chicken pesto pasta, the margarita pizza, and the salads!” The restaurant crafts its pizzas with a commitment to authenticity, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, North Italia’s vibrant ambiance and consistent, top-notch service make it a must-visit for pizza lovers and Italian food enthusiasts alike.

‘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

D
Dennis
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Group of 4 got right in as we showed early to our reserve time. The Service was the main concern, our server was really friendly and gave us recommendations but she missed a requested meal and brought dishes that was not ordered. 3 of us ate our meals so they would not get cold, lasagna takes time and so that meal pretty late, then came really rough so that was a big miss and they did comp the meal. Also little touches were missed like Parm chese. So service was spotty
More info
RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.7
B
Bill
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Truly one of the finest dining establishments in all of San Diego. The fact that it is in the heart of the most vibrant community SD has (Little Italy) puts this place over the top. Whether its an intimate date or a corporate Christmas Dinner (like we hosted last night), this place is always the perfect option. Food is 5 stars, ambiance is too! See you soon Barbusa!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
G
gimettevip
Atlanta Metro •20 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, great service. Air from back door opening and closing was distracting and the noise level was too high
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
S
Sarely
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was a wonderful experience, service and food. We will definitely be back as we were delighted by the star value this restaurant brought!
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
L
Leigh
Columbus •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This was my first visit to Cori and it exceeded all my expectations. The ambiance is absolutely incredible, the service was amazing and the food was top tier. Bridget was our server and she was so sweet, gave great recommendations and was so attentive. I would come back just to have her as our server! I loved that they replaced the silverware between courses; a small touch that goes a long way! The arancini was the best I’ve had in San Diego. The pasta was SO good and you can definitely tell it’s homemade and made with love. My only regret is waiting so long to come in. I can’t wait to come back!!
More info
Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Normal Heights

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Normal Heights

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

2. Roman Wolves

3. RustiCucina

4. Nolita Hall

5. Barbusa

6. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

7. Alexander's on 30th

8. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

9. Lala

10. North Italia - Fashion Valley

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable