Award-winning

Catania

4.8

2073 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
Neighbourhood gem

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
Area
La Jolla
Cross Street
Girard and Wall
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

Pizza FocacciaUS$7.00
olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, chili flake
Green Salad**US$14.00
meyer lemon vinaigrette, pistachio, black pepper, pecorino toscano
Apple Salad**US$16.00
radicchio, arugula, chicory, shaved fennel, gorgonzola, almonds, aged balsamic vinaigrette
Kale SaladUS$15.00
treviso, chickpeas, celery, parmesan, anchovy vinaigrette
AranciniUS$12.00
saffron risotto, parmigiano reggiano, tomato sauce
Wood Roasted Cauliflower**US$19.00
whipped ricotta salata, fresno chili salmoriglio, pomegranate, red onion, pistachio
Charred Savoy Cabbage**US$15.00
crispy garlic, shallots, mint, basil, calabrian chili, miso mustard vinaigrette
Crudo**US$20.00
local yellowfin, beet puree, blood orange, basil, poppy seed, meyer lemon
Crispy Octopus**US$22.00
chickpeas, lamb sausage, chili oil, capers, herbs
Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUS$15.00
golden raisins, currants, dates, almonds, pickled shallot, parsley

Secondi

Pan Seared Scallops*US$41.00
honeynut squash caponata, carrot puree, prosciutto, golden raisins, pepitas
Whole Roasted Branzino*US$44.00
clams, garlic butter, white wine, charred broccoli, chili flakes, breadcrumbs
Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUS$35.00
farro salad, roasted apples, charred treviso, shallot vinaigrette
Rotisserie ChickenUS$33.00
honey mustard, baby carrots, almonds, mint, garlic butter
Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUS$37.00
fennel radish gremolata celery root-potato puree, porcini jus

Pizza

Italian MeatUS$24.00
fontina, pecorino, sausage, soppressata salami, pancetta
Sicilian PistachioUS$23.00
burrata, pecorino, pork mortadella, pistachio pesto
MargheritaUS$21.00
mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce, garlic
Wild MushroomUS$25.00
burrata, fontina, garlic confit, chili flake, sherry vinegar, thyme
DiavolaUS$23.00
mozzarella, tomato, spicy calabrese salami
Pear & GorganzolaUS$24.00
pancetta, pecorino, rosemary, honey balsamic, arugula

Pasta

Gluten free pasta available

Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUS$21.00
spaghetti, evoo, chili flake, parsley, parmigiano reggiano
Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUS$24.00
basil pesto, creamy tomato sauce, parmigiano reggiano
Butternut Squash RavioliUS$27.00
hazelnuts, sage, parmesan, brown butter, aged balsamic, brussel sprouts
Duck Sugo OrecchietteUS$29.00
braised duck, tomato, porcini mushrooms, juniper, parmesan
Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUS$26.00
pork cheek, tomato, calabrian chili, pecorino sardo
Spaghetti & ClamsUS$27.00
clams, garlic, white wine, chili flakes, breadcrumbs
Shrimp Risotto**US$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 | VenezieUS$13.00
lemon, lime, crisp green apple, and floral honey suckle
Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUS$16.00
melon, yellow flowers, and lemon zest with a clean and refreshing finish
Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUS$15.00
crisp, refreshing, lemon, pear, and minerals
Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUS$15.00
orange blossom hints of citrus, exotic fruit, mineral finish
Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$20.00
rich aromas toasted oak, tree-ripe pear, and apple with touches of brown sugar

Spumanti / Rosato

Prosecco | Bisol | NVUS$12.00
dry, crisp, toasted hazelnuts
Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUS$14.00
floral, berries, currants
Rose | Benanty | SicilyUS$15.00
pomegranate, rose petals and citrus
Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUS$14.00
dry, red fruits, violet

Rossi

Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUS$13.00
red fruit dried herbs, light earth, spice
Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUS$14.00
purple flower, berry, supple tannins, fresh acidity
Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUS$16.00
dark berry, cherry, espresso, candied flowers
Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUS$15.00
violets, cherry, minerals
Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUS$20.00
ripe raspberries and cranberries, notes of violet and vine-ripened tomatoes
Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUS$25.00
layers of vanilla, coco powder, juicy cherry, baking spices and signature tobacco

Birre | 10oz

Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%US$9.00
balanced palate with mildly bitter with lemon and floral notes
Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%US$9.00
pleasant hop flavors, clean, refreshing
Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%US$9.00
dark, yet silky oatmeal stout balanced by a firm hop handshake
Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUS$9.00
balanced citrus rind bitterness and tropical aromas

Bottiglia

Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%US$9.00
light with hints of citrus and fruit
Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%US$9.00
malty, hops, citrus
Blonde Ale "Birria Nazionale" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 6.5%US$14.00
chamomile, citrus fruits, and gentle bitterness of Italian hops
IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%US$14.00
citrusy notes of tangerine are complement ed by notes of melon and mango
Witbier "Isacc" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5%US$14.00
citrus, flower, spice
Saison "Wayan" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.8%US$14.00
hazy, spice, fresh pepper
Non-Alcoholic German Lager | Erdinger | GermanyUS$7.00
lemon, grass, malts
Hard Seltzer | High Noon | California 4.5%US$7.00
peach

Analcolica

PressatoUS$8.00
fresh grapefruit, thyme, ginger - served on ice in a wine glass
Italian SodasUS$8.00
Birreria Baladin | Piedmont. Mela Zen- Apple and Ginger; Agrumata – Citrus and Bergamot

What 2,073 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 in La Jolla delights with "excellent service" and "fantastic food," offering a variety of Italian dishes that are both "creative" and "delicious." Diners rave about its "stunning ocean views" and "inviting ambiance." This popular spot is praised for its "thoughtful staff" and memorable dining experiences.

2,073 Reviews

J
Jen
VIP
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fresh and absolutely delicious. They really went above and beyond to make me feel special and I won’t forget it.
Is this helpful?
F
Franco
VIP
Guadalajara
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing lunch with an exceptional service. The food was just out of this world, the Whole Roasted Branzino the best, but if you look for pasta or pizza we tried the Bucatini Alla Amatriciana and the Italian Meat Pizza, both were espectacular… This restaurant is a must in San Diego/La Jolla.
Is this helpful?
T
Tana
VIP
Los Angeles
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Was really excited to try this place. We ordered the green salad, tagliatelle with chicken added, and duck sugo orecchiette. The salad was amazing but both pasta dishes were just okay. The tagliatelle was too wet/mushy(the grilled chicken was pretty good though). Our server was nice. The host, though, was not friendly at all. Ambient was ok. Overall, I expected more from a Michelin guide restaurant.
Is this helpful?
S
Sara
VIP
San Francisco
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service and wonderful food (we stuck with a bynch of appetizersthis time), just wish there were more seasonalbvariations to the mains menu. However, tried in true favorites are still wonderful
Is this helpful?
M
Max
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Val was AMAZING !!!! Her service, knowledge of food and wine was outstanding. Absolutely amazing experience and I will 100% be back !!!
Is this helpful?
J
John
VIP
San Francisco
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is always great and the staff are super friendly. Just a great all around atmosphere on a cold winters night
Is this helpful?
A
Angel
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excelente atención, todo divino, muy rico, volveré
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
VIP
San Diego
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food. Excellent service. Our server Kevin was outstanding.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very attentive and personalized experience as the menu was customized for a graduation party. Very good food and staff to make a very pleasurable experience!
Is this helpful?
B
Brianna
VIP
New York City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience! We will definitely be coming back soon. Natalie the bartender was amazing!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 2073 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross Street
Girard and Wall
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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.

Catania

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Duck Sugo Orecchiette

Crispy Octopus

Pizza Focaccia

Antipasti

Pizza FocacciaUS$7.00

Green Salad**US$14.00

Apple Salad**US$16.00

Kale SaladUS$15.00

AranciniUS$12.00

Wood Roasted Cauliflower**US$19.00

Charred Savoy Cabbage**US$15.00

Crudo**US$20.00

Crispy Octopus**US$22.00

Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUS$15.00

Secondi

Pan Seared Scallops*US$41.00

Whole Roasted Branzino*US$44.00

Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUS$35.00

Rotisserie ChickenUS$33.00

Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUS$37.00

Pizza

Italian MeatUS$24.00

Sicilian PistachioUS$23.00

MargheritaUS$21.00

Wild MushroomUS$25.00

DiavolaUS$23.00

Pear & GorganzolaUS$24.00

Pasta

Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUS$21.00

Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUS$24.00

Butternut Squash RavioliUS$27.00

Duck Sugo OrecchietteUS$29.00

Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUS$26.00

Spaghetti & ClamsUS$27.00

Shrimp Risotto**US$28.00

Cocktails

Aperol Spritz

Isola

Collina

Bacchus

Verde Colada

Succosa

Moncalieri

Santa Maria

Melograno

Vestito

Corvo

Bianchi

Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | VenezieUS$13.00

Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUS$16.00

Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUS$15.00

Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUS$15.00

Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$20.00

Spumanti / Rosato

Prosecco | Bisol | NVUS$12.00

Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUS$14.00

Rose | Benanty | SicilyUS$15.00

Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUS$14.00

Rossi

Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUS$13.00

Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUS$14.00

Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUS$16.00

Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUS$15.00

Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUS$20.00

Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUS$25.00

Birre | 10oz

Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%US$9.00

Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%US$9.00

Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%US$9.00

Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUS$9.00

Bottiglia

Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%US$9.00

Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%US$9.00

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

IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%US$14.00

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