Top Southern Italian restaurants in San Diego, United States

The chicken pesto pasta was amazing. And the dessert was delicious. The service a little slow but not bad, considering that was holiday season. Inside was a little noisy so we preferred to seat outside.

Service was very good, staff is very courteous!!
The atmosphere is also nice, both indoors and outdoors seating.

Food : Average taste. Did not feel like a premium exclusive Italian kitchen.
Not many vegetarian options. Also they don't have vegetarian or vegan options labelled in the Manu but they are happy to customise the pizza or pasta for you and add veggies on top of their basic vegetarian options.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at North Italia, and let me tell you, my taste buds are still singing with delight! This restaurant is a true gem for all lovers of Italian cuisine. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and a genuine passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Let's start with their exquisite Italian cuisine, which is nothing short of perfection. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. The attention to detail is impeccable, and every bite tells a story of passion and culinary expertise. Whether you're a fan of traditional classics or looking for innovative twists, North Italia has it all.

Now, let's talk about their wine pairing. Oh, the wine... It's like they have a magical ability to select the perfect wine to complement each dish. The sommelier's knowledge and expertise shine through as they guide you through a journey of exceptional wine pairings. Every sip enhances the flavors of the food, creating a beautiful harmony that elevates the entire dining experience.

And let's not forget about their in-house bread. I swear, it's like a taste of heaven. The warm, crusty bread arrives at your table, accompanied by a fragrant aroma that is simply irresistible. Soft on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior, it's clear that the bread is baked with love and attention. Pair it with their truffle bread for an indulgence you won't soon forget.

Now, let's dive into some of the standout dishes I had the pleasure of enjoying. The eggplant parmigiana was an absolute revelation. Delicate layers of tender eggplant, perfectly seasoned and topped with a rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. The portion size was generous, ensuring that every bite was savored to its fullest.

Their mushroom pizza is truly a work of art. A crispy thin crust topped with a delectable medley of earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs. Each bite was a burst of flavors, with the combination of different mushrooms creating a perfect balance that had me reaching for another slice in no time.

And finally, let's talk about their Alfredo pasta. Creamy, indulgent, and utterly divine. The pasta was cooked to perfection, al dente and full of flavor. The rich and luscious Alfredo sauce coated every strand, making each bite a true delight. It was a dish that showcased the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine in all its glory.

In conclusion, North Italia is a true culinary masterpiece. From their impeccable Italian cuisine to their outstanding wine pairings and mouthwatering bread, every aspect of this restaurant exudes excellence. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy night out or a celebration with loved ones, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at North Italia. Your taste buds will thank you.

Lovely atmosphere, great food, great service, in an amazing shopping area that is cool and has relaxed vibes, making it different from a normal shopping center. North Italia never disappoints!

We could taste that the pasta here was freshly made. The chicken pesto was some of the best pesto I've had. The patio was very dog friendly and there was a ton of seating. We were here on a Sunday evening and the service was quick. If you want good Italian food and don't want to have to go all the way to Little Italy, this is definitely your spot.

This Italian resto is centrally located in One Passeo Del Mar and its outdoor seating is perfect for San Diego lifestyle. It's interior design is modern and cozy. We got the Squid Ink pasta and spaghetti meatballs and both were very sumptuous and flavorful. We got zucca chips for apps and it's so delicious. We'll definitely come back.

We stumbled across this place after we were tired of walking from our hotel to find dinner. We had a large group and a lot of the restaurants in San Diego are tiny! This place had a lot of room and we were all able to sit together (6 plus a baby). The server was extremely nice and helpful! We all loved our food and drinks. We also enjoyed sitting near the kitchen and smelling all the food. We will definitely be back!

We had a great lunch here while on vacation. We were slow to be served at first, but then we got our bread and water and shortly after our server came over and we were able to order. We were given more bread and dipping sauce while waiting for our food. Our glasses were full the whole time, as we were given bottles to refill as needed. The food was absolutely delicious and had large proportions. The service was wonderful. They seemed short staffed, but they worked as a team to make sure everyone was taken care of. We highly recommend.

The food is mediocre for the prices. My lobster ravioli came with 5 tiny pieces that tasted over salted. The waiter got our orders wrong and my son didn’t get his food until we were all done eating because of that error. He didn’t even apologize, instead sounded mad that we told him he never gave my son his food. Waiter never came to check on us and because of their party of 5 or more gratuity, he still got a hefty tip for ignoring us the whole time. He didn’t bother refilling our waters or even giving us our check when we were already done eating, boxing our food and clearly just sitting and waiting. Do not recommend this place at all.

The outside area has a pretty good vibe.
The service was also great.
The food was ok, the octopus we had cooked for a little too long. The canneloni did not impress, the filling was good, but the sauce was just OK.
Wine was very good, they have a decent menu.

Great food and authentic atmosphere. The marinara sauce was spicy which I love, but it might not be for everyone. I would hope they have another version that isn't so spicy. The complementary bread and calamari was delicious. Got the lobster ravioli which was rich and savory. I expect to be back to try more.

I am mortified I brought my family here. Everything seemed promising at first until we ordered our food and didn’t see our server again until she brought back our card to sign for the tip ( she didn’t even bring our check someone else did) so not once did we receive refills or even get asked if everything came out okay (spoiler: it didn’t). We were also up charged for multiple things which is fine, but it’s very simple to let your guests know “there is an up charge for such and such is that okay?”. At the end of our stay we wanted to speak to a manager to let him know about our experience and the young man simply let us know he wasn’t the manager and walked away……. So disappointing

Had a taste for lasagna, in between our Trolley ride and this place did not disappoint. Food was delicious and dessert was by far the best tiramisu I’ve ever had. Staff was on their job and great eye candy lol;-) Thanks for an enjoyable time.

Great outdoor dining. You can enjoy a beautiful afternoon of fine dining while taking the beautiful scenery in. Really enjoyed their risotto with Italian sausage. Great staff willing to guide your palate. Salute

We started out with an appetizer and a glass of wine after nibbling on the bread and dipping sauce. Our main courses included the Duck Ragu and the Lobster Pasta pockets. Complex flavors!

Isabella, the server, was very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

5 stars all the way around! My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful experience. All of the staff was great; multiple people checked in on us and the food was amazing. Drinks were great. Definitely somewhere to stop when in Little Italy

Good food. The red sauce is fresh. I had the short rib ganache. It was good. Husband had chicken Marsala. They have off menu kids spaghetti or noodles in a butter sauce. Wine list is decent. If you expect to see your waiter, more than twice, you’re gonna be disappointed.

Stopped here with my family for lunch while exploring Little Italy. We came as soon as they were opening and were seated quickly, choosing to sit outside. We were served water right away. We ordered calamari as an appetizer to have while we wait for our main entrées. We were also served bread with marinara sauce. The marinara sauce was great; plenty of flavor and a little bit of spice to it. I ordered the Risotto alla Piemontese, which was really delicious. The risotto came in a crisped bowl of parmesan cheese. The risotto is likely a top-5 overall for me. My mother ordered the Linguine allo Scoglio, which was delicious and the mussels were cooked well (not overcooked). The service was friendly, attentive, knew the menu and had good recommendations. I would definitely come back to try other menu items if in the Little Italy area.

Mushroom ravioli is greatness! Love the paintings in the back patio. Ask for Alex as a waiter if you can. He is from Rome and makes you feel like you are having a mealnwith an Italian family. We can't say enogh nice things about our experience here.

Eat on the patio!
Service is incredible! They will customize dishes heavily to your preference.
One of the best Italian places.
1. Get the Arancini, Gnocchi.
Starter bread is so good with the marinara sauce and the oil & vinegar.

I love this place. Seriously great service. Charming eatery that has both indoor and patio dining. Everything we ordered was so delicious. Before I knew it bread was on the table with some zesty red sauce. My seafood pasta dish (forgot the name,) was really tasty and a deceivingly large portion. The desert was as good to look at as it was to devour.

Best customer service we’ve ever received at a restaurant! Ended up here on a whim after seeing nutella cheesecake on the menu (which was amazing) and I’m so glad we did! We also had the Hawaiian pizza which was amazing too! Multiple members of the staff checked on us as we dined. I was so impressed!! Highly recommend. We will be back!

A fun way to experience Little Italy in San Diego. To walk up and down India St and see the vibrant neighbour, and to stop and be welcomed with such warmth and hospitality. This is exactly what Sorrento Ristorante did. The welcome from the Chef’s wife at the door and inviting us in really had such a warm charm. The food was great and portions were perfect!

Great Italian place. We ordered the lasagna classic, which was very flavorful but felt a bit over cooked and seafood mix, forgot the name, which was really good and generous portion too. Overall good experience (fast and friendly waiter on a Friday night).

North Italia has a lovely ambiance, delicious food, options for vegetarians, and wonderful staff. Everything ordered was so enjoyable. Highly recommend!

My wife and I recently dined at Sorrento Ristorante and it was an absolutely delightful experience. The setting was perfect, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. But it was the food that truly stole the show. I ordered the Penne Pollo e Funghi and my wife had the Ravioli Burrata, and both dishes were fabulous.

My Penne Pollo e Funghi was a delightful combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a rich and flavorful cream sauce. The dish was perfectly balanced and every bite was a true delight. The chicken was cooked to perfection, the mushrooms were tender and flavorful, and the cream sauce was rich and decadent without being too heavy. It was a pasta dish that truly hit all the right notes.

My wife's Ravioli Burrata was equally impressive. The ravioli were stuffed with creamy burrata cheese and served in a luscious tomato sauce that had just the right amount of tanginess. The dish was beautifully executed and every element was perfectly cooked. The ravioli were tender and flavorful, and the sauce was just the right consistency to coat each bite of pasta.

Overall, we would highly recommend Sorrento Ristorante to anyone looking for excellent Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. The Penne Pollo e Funghi and Ravioli Burrata were both fabulous and a definite must-try. The service was also exceptional, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that made us feel truly welcome. We can't wait to come back and try more of their menu offerings!

My husband had the “penette polo e funghi” and I had a Margherita pizza and WOW. 10/10
In both dishes you could taste the quality of the ingredients used. It was so fresh and came out within a reasonable time. Staff was kind and service was great.

Little Italy has too much Italian food to offer and Sorrento Ristorante is one of them, we love the place and the food… staff is great!

Ambience and the entire area/mall is really good. Parking can be tricky as I went for the first time, there is a circle and on the right is parking and we have to walk 5 minutes to the restaurant. We went there and had our names written, wait time was 10 minutes. We dinned outside, the service was quick and food was delicious. Me any my husband had a really good evening. We ordered Garlic bread with truffle oil, hazelnut dessert, margarita pizza with chicken, pasta, olive oil and bread was served when we asked and it was not added in the bill, so that's a plus.