3 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego, CA

“Cucina Urbana aims to provide high-quality food and wines at an affordable cost. This is one of Southern California's first retail wine shops inside a restaurant concept. Their talented chef and team are experts in cooking seasonal dishes, including house-made charcuterie and sausage, cheese, artisanal bread, and pasta from scratch. Cucina Urbana focuses on California seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their scratch menu has combined flavors of Italy with the organic freshness of Southern California. Their wine program features 200+ labels worldwide, emphasizing Italian and California varietals. Remember to try their house-made pasta, innovative pizza, cleverly crafted large plates, an elevated variety of vegetarian dishes, and delightful sweets. Cucina Urbana offers complete full-service catering, from menus to tabletop designs tailored to customers' needs. Cucina Urbana is a kid-friendly restaurant.”

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“Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy has a deep history rooted in the DePhilippis family’s culinary heritage. Vincent DePhilippis, born in New York, NY, and raised in Naples, Italy, returned to New York City at 18. There, he met Madeleine Manfredi from Nimes, France (Mamma and Papa), and they married in 1925. The couple settled in Westchester, Pennsylvania, before moving to San Diego in 1947. They opened Cash & Carry Italian Foods, an Italian market on India Street. In 1950, they began a successful venture that has grown into the well-known family of restaurants known today as Filippi’s Pizza Grottos, managed by the original family members of the founders. The DePhilippis family welcomes you and your family to experience their restaurants and enjoy authentic old Italian family recipes passed down through generations. Savor a variety of Italian dishes that showcase the rich culinary tradition of the DePhilippis family.”

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“Civico 1845 specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on vegan options. Their tastefully designed interior featuring reclaimed wood elements accentuates the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Customers can dine on the restaurant's patio, allowing them to enjoy their meal in a charming outdoor setting. At Civico 1845, the driving force behind the culinary creations is owner and Executive Chef Pietro Gallo. With his expertise and passion for Italian cuisine, Chef Pietro brings a contemporary twist to traditional Italian dishes, resulting in a unique and flavorful dining experience. What sets Civico 1845 apart is its commitment to offering vegan options. In line with the growing demand for plant-based choices, the restaurant ensures that individuals following a vegan lifestyle can enjoy a wide selection of dishes prepared creatively.”

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