Lala

4.6

130 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 33 times today

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Hot spot

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) 310-6249
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
Area
Little Italy
Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95
served with salted butter
ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95
TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95
BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95
SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95
CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95
SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95
CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95
CHERRY PEPPERS , GARLIC, LEMON AIOLI
STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95
GARLIC WHITE WINE PARSLEY

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95
BIBB & BLUE
BUTTER LETTUCE, DATES, TERRAGON, GORGONZOLADOLCE, ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95
GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95
LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95
RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95
FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95
SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95
PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95
OSSO BUCOUS$33.95
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

What 130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lala in Little Italy offers a vibrant dining experience with "impeccable service" and a "sultry intimate ambiance". Guests rave about its delicious food, especially the gnocchi and squid ink pasta. The Stiletto martini and espresso martinis are must-try drinks. Ideal for celebrations, Lala's warm, classy vibe makes it a "hidden gem".

130 Reviews

C
Candis
VIP
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ambiance, food, & service was all 5 star. Love this place. Perfect for a date night or a girls night. Don’t miss out on the Christmas decor - it’s so festive & perfect for the holidays. Staff is also incredibly nice & efficient.
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S
Shruti
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Super cute ambiance! The app we had was okay (Sicilian poppers) but entrees were great! Fun place to get drinks with friends.
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M
Marie
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was so good! Hands down! Shared with friends. The steak medium rare omg, chefs kiss! Also ordered the spaghetti with meatballs such a great compliment to the steak.
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D
Danielle
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience! Very festive for the holidays. Great food and delicious cocktails.
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G
Glenda
San Diego
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great, Christmas decorations were amazing, the best part is that they gave ballet parking right in front of the restaurant and it’s only 12 dlls (great price compared to any other place in downtown) 10000 recommended, it’s a must to visit!
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B
Barbara
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 10 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing time at Lala especially since it was during their Christmas pop up. We ordered family style of apps and mains. The food was delicious. We loved their calamari and spicy Caesar. Definitely order the toasted baguette, fresh hot bread is always a good thing at the table. We also ordered the gambera busalacchi which was a bed of potatoes with giant shrimp and gnocchi rosa…both great choices. Katie was our server and she made our friendmas dinner extra special with her exceptional service and genuine down to earth personality. Her service is a reason why we would return. Thanks Katie!
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M
Melissa
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I had a reservation for a party of six and upon arrival they immediately said they would take a while for a table and could try to accommodate the party at Barbusa. After 40 min we were all seated. It took forever to get our food and the check. 4/10.
1 person found this helpful
S
Susan
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Literally outstanding service and 10 out of 10 food. Decor is amazing. Try the osso bucco.
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P
Pablo
VIP
Mexico City
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
You can’t go wrong with the Busa group. The food is always outstanding and they make you feel at home every time.
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D
Denise
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely time at Lala. We met the proprietor and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. The food was very good. The atmosphere was very comfortable. The wine prices were a little too high. But highly suggest the espresso martini. Would like to see more vegan options available.
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FAQs

Lala is rated 4.6 stars by 130 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 33 times today

1919 India St, San Diego, CA 92101-2214

Additional information

Cross Street
Back of Barbusa parking lot
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
http://www.lalasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 310-6249
Private party facilities
Private dining space available from 30-70 people.

Lala

Make a booking

Additional information

Menu

SHARES

TOASTED BAGUETTEUS$6.95

ANTIPASTO TOWERUS$26.95

TOMATO & BURRATAUS$17.95

BEEF CARPACCIOUS$17.95

SHORT RIB ARANCINIUS$14.95

CHARGRILLED OYSTERSUS$19.95

SICILIAN POPPERSUS$12.95

CALAMARI FRITTIUS$20.95

STEAMED CLAMSUS$20.95

SALADS

SPICY CAESARUS$13.95

BIBB & BLUE

PASTA

TORTELLINI MARINARAUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI AMATRICIANAUS$23.95

GNOCCHI ROSAUS$21.95

LASAGNA PINWHEELSUS$24.95

FETTUCCINI ALFREDO AND SHAVED TRUFFLESUS$39.95

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLIUS$23.95

RISOTTO PESCATOREUS$28.95

FAZZOLETTI PESTOUS$21.95

SPAGHETTI NERO CON ARAGOSTAUS$29.95

MAINS

NEW YORK STRIPUS$53.95

PESCE OREGANATAUS$35.95

OSSO BUCOUS$33.95

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANAUS$22.95

What 130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Lala restaurant rated?

Is Lala currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information