Italian Cuisine: 23 Restaurants Found
Chianti
Address: 644 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Executive Chef Gennaro De Liso recently joined Chianti, bringing with him the traditions and techniques of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Using quality fresh ingredients, De-Liso has crafted an extensive menu of traditional and modern Italian fare, offering everything from fresh made lobster risotto to steak served intagliata style. Chianti’s dining room offers a casually sophisticated atmosphere, allowing diners a relaxing escape from downtown San Diego’s lively Gaslamp area. The extensive wine list of course features a wide array of Chianti wines, as well as an excellent Italian and American selection. With its varied menu, generous portions, and inviting atmosphere, Chianti is ideally suited for large groups and small parties alike.
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Firenze Trattoria
Address: 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Sit at a table at Firenze Trattoria and let yourself be transported to Italy. The quaint Italian restaurant, tucked in the hills of Encinitas, seems worlds away from the hustle of San Diego. Whether you choose to surround yourself with the soothing outdoor patio or calm, elegant interior dining room, you’ll feel at ease. The cuisine is as transporting as the space, with an extensive menu of savory Italian fare including alluring pastas and risottos, fresh, flavorful fish, and tempting house specialties such as Veal Scaloppini, Chicken Piccata, and Eggplant Parmesan. An extensive, Italian-centric wine list and gracious, hospitable service compliment an already outstanding dining experience.
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Solare
Address: 2820 Roosevelt Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Solare Ristorante and Lounge is down-to-earth and elegant, inspired by an Asian aesthetic and Mediterranean spirit. A meal here can be dramatic or intimate, either amid the spacious and airy indoor and outdoor lounges, outdoor patio, or main dining room, or at one of the unique private tables: the two-person chef’s table overlooking the kitchen, the elegant, 24-seat private room, or the charming glass wine room that houses a single romantic table. Solare’s inventive, contemporary Italian cuisine is thoughtful and engaging, spun from premium ingredients like organic produce, domestic, hormone-free meat, and fresh seafood. Favorites include house-made Butternut Squash Ravioli, Black Truffle Risotto, Domestic Rack of Lamb, and Oven-Roasted Sea Bream. Regulars flock for daily happy hours, live music, weekly specials, and free parking.
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Operacaffe
Address: 835 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
It is the very presence of charismatic Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his lovely wife, Chef Patrizia Branchi that sets Operacaffe apart from the countless “authentic” Italian eateries downtown. The first ingredient in all of Chef Bernadoni’s dishes is his "cuore", his heart and passion for his trade. This is splendidly reflected in the careful presentations, wistful aromas, and creative tastes of their traditional dishes. Allow your taste buds to be transported to Italy by thin crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and herby and flavorful pasta and second course dishes. Chef Bernardoni will be delighted if you select any one of his handsome desserts.
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Sante Ristorante
Address: 7811 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
The Buonsante name has been synonymous with traditional Italian cuisine in La Jolla since 1988. Located on Herschel in picturesque downtown La Jolla, Sante serves classic Italian fare in a setting that is warm and welcoming. Amidst terracotta-colored walls, functional fireplaces, and starched tablecloths, you will notice that Sante Ristorante is a step above the rest. Try the Ossobucco, which melts like butter, or the creative and savory Lemon Fettuccini. When it comes to cuisine, the Buonsantes believe that tradition has been around for a long time for one reason-because it works.
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