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What is San Diego known for?
- San Diego, CA is known for its sun, sand, and wonderfully laidback atmosphere, but the city is also home to a wide array of excellent Italian food.
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What kind of Italian cuisine can you find in San Diego?
- Plenty of culinary delights await, including artisan gelato, freshly made pasta, and freshly caught seafood.
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Where can you find authentic Italian food in San Diego?
- Head to Little Italy to experience some of the city's oldest and most authentic Italian restaurants.
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Are there modern Italian restaurants in San Diego?
- Sample some of the more contemporary offerings to be found right downtown.
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1. Buona Forchetta
Buona Forchetta is owned by Matteo Cattaneo, a born-and-raised Italian who was determined to bring a taste of his homeland to San Diego. Guests can choose from a wide selection of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, and meat and seafood dishes. The excellent wine list is sourced from around the world and has a perfect pairing for every meal.
The restaurant prides itself on its authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza oven, which was handmade by the renowned oven-maker Stefano Ferrara. Plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian items are available and the restaurant offers daily specials to showcase the best ingredients of the moment.
3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102, Phone: 619-381-4844
2. CUCINA urbana
Opened in 2009, CUCINA urbana is a new breed of modern Italian restaurant. The food served here is a sort of Californian-Italian fusion and it's all made using ingredients that are locally sourced and organic whenever possible.
The menu changes often, but expect to see a good selection of appetizers, salads, pizzas, meat entrees, and pasta dishes. Guests can also choose from an excellent selection of meats and cheeses. There is a wine shop attached to the restaurant and diners can purchase a bottle of wine at retail price to enjoy with their dinner for a small corkage fee.
505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-239-2222
3. Bencotto
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Bencotto offers artisanal Italian food in a chic, modern setting. Diners can choose from a wide selection of appetizers, including risotto balls, calamari in a spicy garlic tomato sauce, and an excellent selection of meat and cheese platters.
The menu also offers soups, salads, meat and seafood entrees, and gourmet pasta dishes; all the pasta is 100% organic and made fresh by hand every day. Plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. There is plenty of free street parking, or guests can take advantage of the valet parking for a small fee.
750 Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-450-4786
4. Buon Appetito Restaurant
Opened in 2003, Buon Appetito Restaurant invites guests to come enjoy their authentic Italian hospitality and food that has been prepared using traditional family recipes. Choose from a wide range of appetizers, salads, soups, pasta dishes, and meat and fish entrees, and expect to find classic favorites like caprese salad, cheese and spinach ravioli, and veal shank braised in red wine.
The wine list includes both foreign and domestic options and wine can be purchased either by the glass or by the bottle. The restaurant also has an extensive dessert list, which includes options like tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, and stuffed cannoli.
1609 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-238-9880
5. Civico 1845
Civico 1845 is a uniquely contemporary restaurant that serves delicious modern versions of classic Italian favorites. Pastas, breads, and some cheeses are handmade from scratch and the menu offers everything from appetizers to gourmet pastas to meat and seafood entrees.
The owners have put an emphasis on sustainability; the bar and the dining area were built using natural reclaimed wood and ingredients are seasonal and locally grown whenever possible. When it comes to the food, gluten-free options are available, as are a number of other lighter, healthier options. Guests can also choose something from the restaurant's unique vegan menu.
1845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-431-5990
6. Davanti Enoteca
With two locations in San Diego, Davanti Enoteca offers rustic Italian food in a warm and welcoming setting. The menu has a magnificent selection of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish entrees.
There are also several small plates that are perfect for sharing and the food is nicely complemented by an extensive wine list. A special brunch menu is available on Saturday and Sunday mornings and happy hour takes place every day between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The restaurant also hosts a number of other special events, including wine dinners and cooking classes.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12955 El Camino Real G3, San Diego, CA 92130, Phone: 858-519-5060
7. Enoteca Adriano
Located in Pacific Beach, Enoteca Adriano is known for serving delicious, rustic Italian food. The intimate, romantic atmosphere makes this an excellent date-night destination, but there is also plenty of space for large groups. Guests can choose from a wide range of appetizers, soups, and salads; the restaurant also offers several special burrata dishes.
For the main course, there is a variety of traditional pasta dishes as well as several meat and fish entrees. The restaurant also has an excellent wine bar, which boasts wine from 13 different regions and offers wine flights and wine pairings.
4864 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109, Phone: 858-490-0085
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