Best Italian Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2386)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 27 times today

Antica Trattoria in La Mesa is not just renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine but also stands out as an exceptional cocktail bar. Patrons rave about the ambience that complements their drink experience, with one guest stating, "Always a wonderful experience... cocktails, appetizers, and entrees." The bar is celebrated for its skilled bartenders who craft each cocktail with precision, ensuring a delightful sip every time. Whether it's a beautifully made Lemon Drop or the refreshing Red Sangria, the quality of their cocktails consistently impresses guests. Moreover, the friendly and attentive service adds to the charm, making Antica Trattoria a must-visit for both exquisite meals and outstanding cocktails in La Mesa.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

2. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(306)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 20 times today

Limoncello La Mesa offers an authentic slice of contemporary Italian cuisine right in the heart of La Mesa. Celebrated for its "delicious and very authentic" dishes, this charming restaurant has quickly become a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Patrons rave about the "outstanding mushroom & cream Marsala wine sauce" and the "homemade pasta" that remind them of upscale Italian eateries reminiscent of childhood. The ambiance at Limoncello, described as a "light, airy, modern, gardenlike" environment, complements its culinary offerings, making every meal a delightful experience. Notably, the service is consistently praised, with staff like Roberto and Francesca providing "excellent service" that enhances the dining experience. Whether it's the handcrafted Limoncello Martini that comes with a lemon popsicle or the meticulously prepared lobster ravioli, Limoncello La Mesa stands out as a gem in North Park, offering a true taste of Italy with every dish.

A photo of DiLeone's Italian Restaurant restaurant

3. DiLeone's Italian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(9)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rancho San Diego

Nestled in the heart of Rancho San Diego, DiLeone's Italian Restaurant is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. For over 35 years, this family-owned gem has been celebrated for its "old world sauce recipes and hearty portions." Regulars rave about the "mouth-watering" flavors of their pizzas and calzones, and the Chicken Marsala has been described as "bursting with flavor." The atmosphere adds to its charm, making diners feel like they're stepping into a slice of Italy. As one satisfied patron noted, "the authentic atmosphere of the restaurant added greatly to the overall experience." With generous portions and a welcoming vibe, DiLeone's is highly recommended for anyone seeking the best Italian food in the county. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, DiLeone's promises an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1070)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the heart of Lemon Grove, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina offers a slice of Italy with its authentically inspired Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its "amazing food" and "exceptional service," this local gem creates a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of Little Italy. Diners rave about the fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and the signature Cheese Wheel Pasta, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. The glowing reviews often mention the "outstanding" Chicken Parmigiana and the tender calamari, offering a "great experience" that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Whether it's Wine Wednesday or a family celebration, Giardino promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience right in Lemon Grove.

A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(186)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 47 times today

Trattoria Da Sofia, nestled in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego, is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This delightful establishment has quickly become a favorite, praised for dishes that exude the heart and soul of Italy. Guests rave about the "creamy Spaghetti Carbonara" and the "divine Risotto ai Funghi," which are just a few examples of the menu's authentic offerings. The ambiance, described as "cozy and authentic," enhances each dining experience, making it feel like a "mini vacation to Italy." Regulars adore the "table side tiramisu," highlighting it as a must-try. With glowing reviews stating it's the "best Italian food in San Diego," Trattoria Da Sofia is undoubtedly a gem worth visiting for anyone seeking genuine Italian fare combined with warm hospitality.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

6. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(244)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 14 times today

Discover the delightful flavors of Italy right in the heart of La Mesa at Aromi Italian Cuisine. Known for its authenticity and affordability, Aromi offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere where every dish promises a slice of Italy. Patrons rave about the "Cheese Wheel Pasta," describing it as "delicious and really fancy," and the service as "premium." Aromi's dedication to genuine Italian dining is evident, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service" and "truly original" food that "brought me back to Italy, my home country." Whether it's the handcrafted pastas or the engaging tableside preparations, Aromi stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Italian experience in La Mesa.

7. Pizza by Aromi

4.8

Exceptional(7)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!

A photo of Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley restaurant

8. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

4.5

Awesome(31)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 3 times today

We invite you all to join us at our Italian family restaurant! Whether it's a romantic date for two, a family gathering, or a work event--we want you to enjoy our vintage atmosphere of hanging wine baskets and famous murals that harken back to the restaurants inception in 1950! Come and enjoy our traditional recipes that consist of fresh mixed pizza dough, homemade marinara sauce, homemade meatballs and sausages, and much more!One thing is for certain--you will taste the quality and enjoy our friendly wait staff! Book your reservation today and experience 73 years in the making of incredible pizza and traditional Italian recipes!

‘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
Debbie
San Diego •25 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Sat at a table in the bar. Friendly & very good service. Good cocktails - really enjoyed the Queen of Crowns drink with the tarot card - fun presentation & a nice balanced cocktail. Loved the sliders & fries!! Fun evening.
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MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
J
Jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Limoncello's was such a wonderful surprise. We heard great things, but it was even better than we expected. The decor and ambiance were so charming. The food was unbelievably delicious. One of the biggest standouts was the Ossobuco Di Maile, but there were 7 of us and we all loved what we had. The homemade pasta and the sauces were out of this world. Our server, Miguel, was so friendly and attentive. It was a wonderful night!
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6
D
Delzio
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Christmas dinner at Giardino’s was nothing short of magical! The cozy atmosphere, twinkling lights, and festive décor made it feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. The food was absolutely incredible, each dish was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The staff was warm, attentive, and made sure every detail was just right. It was the perfect place to celebrate the season with loved ones. Can’t wait to come back next year!
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.7
T
TyroneVIP
Houston •91 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Everything was great! The Sea Bass special is always out of this world and service is always fantastic... thanks to waitstaff like Levi & Heather
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Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8
A
AdrianaVIP
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Oct 2024
Great food, very lovely place and great customer service.
More info
DiLeone's Italian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rancho San Diego
•
4.8

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El Cajon / Lakeside

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Antica Trattoria

2. Limoncello La Mesa

3. DiLeone's Italian Restaurant

4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

6. Aromi Italian Cuisine

7. Pizza by Aromi

8. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

See what locals rave about

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