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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Clairemont

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65 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Lucrezia restaurant
1. Lucrezia
4.5
Awesome(671)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 36 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, Lucrezia offers an exquisite journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is celebrated for its "exceptional" service and "delicious" dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing" pastas, with standout mentions for the Cacio e Pepe and Lobster Fra Diavolo. The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making it perfect for any special occasion. Lucrezia promises an unforgettable culinary voyage, with every dish telling a story of Italian summers, curated with passion and authenticity.
A photo of La Pastaia restaurant
2. La Pastaia
4.3
Awesome(345)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Bay Park
Booked 7 times today
La Pastaia in Bay Park, San Diego is a hidden gem for authentic American cuisine, delivering a dining experience that diners rave about. From the moment you step inside, you're embraced by an inviting and warm atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful meal. "What a gem! Such a beautiful spot with amazing food and wonderful service," one guest exclaims. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in every dish, from perfectly cooked ribeye steaks to creative American-inspired appetizers. With an attentive staff that goes above and beyond—"Sergio's service was beyond anything"—La Pastaia is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience.
A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant
3. North Italia - Fashion Valley
4.7
Exceptional(2756)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Booked 50 times today
North Italia - Fashion Valley in Mission Valley, San Diego, offers a “fantastic” Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Known for its “authentically prepared” dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, North Italia excels in providing a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “delicious” handmade pastas and pizzas, with standout flavors like the ‘Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto’ pizza, lauded for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and salty notes. The warm atmosphere and “excellent service” complete the experience, making it a “staple” for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian flavors.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4. Madison
4.5
Awesome(3124)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • University Heights
Booked 30 times today
Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a culinary gem that offers an authentic Italian dining experience like no other. Michelin-recognized Chef Mario Cassineri crafts exquisite dishes that have diners raving "the food and drinks were amazing," making each meal memorable. The restaurant's ambiance is described as "airy, romantic, stylish, and peaceful," perfectly complementing the rich flavors of its traditional Italian fare. Madison's commitment to quality and creativity shines through in every dish, with standout favorites like the flavorful chicken piccata and vegan pasta. Whether for brunch or dinner, Madison promises an unparalleled Italian culinary journey.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
5. Piatti - La Jolla
4.7
Exceptional(5149)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • La Jolla
Booked 57 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
6. The Godfather Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1953)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 14 times today
The Godfather Restaurant in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, is a delightful destination for exceptional Seafood cuisine. Recommended by diners for its “amazing” seafood dishes, The Godfather brings the authentic taste of Italy to your plate. Whether you're indulging in their famed sea bass or savoring the seafood crepe, the quality is undeniable, with every bite transporting you to the coastal regions of Italy. Guests have praised the restaurant for its “fabulous” food and ambiance that perfectly complements the exquisite dishes. The Godfather promises a memorable dining experience, making it an ideal choice for seafood aficionados seeking both quality and authenticity.
A photo of Enoteca Adriano restaurant
7. Enoteca Adriano
4.8
Exceptional(105)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 25 times today
Welcome to Enoteca Adriano where Roman born chef, Giuseppe Ciuffa, brings the essence of Italy to the shores of North Pacific Beach. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that blends modern creativity with traditional Italian flavors. Our eclectic menu showcases the best of Italian, "Roman forward" cuisine, using locally sourced produce and ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative. Dine while enjoying vintage movies shown on our outdoor big screen. At Enoteca Adriano, we celebrate the rich heritage of Italy, offering a diverse selection of wines to complement your dining experience in our main dining room or outdoor heated patio. Our passion for food and hospitality shines through in every dish we serve, as we strive to share the love of Italian cuisine with our guests. Join us at Enoteca Adriano and experience the true taste of Italy, where every meal is prepared with authenticity, passion, and a touch of Italian hospitality. Viva e Forza Italia!
A photo of Baci Restaurant - San Diego restaurant
8. Baci Restaurant - San Diego
4.9
Exceptional(1943)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Old Town
Booked 16 times today
Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.
A photo of Scuderie Italia restaurant
9. Scuderie Italia
4.2
Awesome(365)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 8 times today
Scuderie Italia in Pacific Beach, San Diego, offers an exceptional vegetarian dining experience that transports you straight to Italy. Known for its "authentic Italian food," the restaurant excels in crafting mouthwatering vegetarian dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the "distinctively homemade pasta" and "delicious pizzas" that cater perfectly to vegetarian palates. The vibrant atmosphere, adorned with Italian race car themes, complements the flavorful dishes, creating a delightful dining ambiance. The attentive and welcoming staff ensure an unforgettable experience, making Scuderie Italia a must-visit destination for those seeking top-notch vegetarian cuisine. Come and savor the essence of Italy in every bite!
A photo of Theresa's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
10. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse
4.4
Awesome(112)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Mission Valley
Theresa's Italian Steakhouse in Mission Valley, San Diego is a hidden gem that shines in the realm of Seafood cuisine. With rave reviews highlighting dishes like the "Salmon Rustica," which diners describe as "delicious, with large portions and perfect plating," the Seafood offerings here are truly noteworthy. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, sustainable, and locally-sourced ingredients ensures that every dish bursts with authentic flavors. Diners have praised the "Branzino fish" as nothing short of excellent, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. With a welcoming ambiance and exceptional service, Theresa's promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to the Italian coast.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Paul
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great restaurant, amazing food and awesome customer service!
    More info
    North Italia - Fashion ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Valley
    •
    4.7
  • Kennadi
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I went here to celebrate my fiancés birthday and to celebrate us getting married in a month. They made sure we had a great seat in the house to celebrate and they congratulated us and wished us happy birthday many times - great service! We ordered the porterhouse, it was a special. It was amazing! So much flavor. They also serve you fresh parmigiana that they are cutting from a cheese wheel and it is delightful. I will definitely be back.
    More info
    LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Eric
    New Orleans / Louisiana •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food, cocktails (inventive but with no reliance on shock value) and service. Inside looks nice, but why eat inside when outside is available! The crudo changes, but ours was awesome, as was the beet salad, bone marrow, and prosciutto. The big surprise was the bolognese—v good (I thought it would be boring: wrong).
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • Melissa
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Food was fantastic! The ambiance is a very intimate setting. Our server was the best. Second Tuesday in a row. We love it here.
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Barbara
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 6, 2025
    Great home made pasta and sauces. The waiter was attentive and professional. A great place to celebrate birthdays.
    More info
    La PastaiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bay Park
    •
    4.3

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