Pasta Restaurants

With its intimate, reserved, and romantic ambiance and soft floral palette décor, Primavera strives to provide each guest with a sense of being on vacation while dining. Situated between shops and cafes on Coronado’s Orange Avenue, Primavera brings a little bit of Italian culinary heaven to us right here in San Diego. The restaurant’s menu is loaded with color and flavor from appetizers to desserts. They also have nightly seafood specials along with an extensive menu of entrées and a great selection of pastas, salads, chicken, and meat. Primavera’s extensive wine list contains an assortment of choices suited to pair …

While it may be physically impossible to bring a Florentine trattoria to San Diego, Chef and Owner Martin Gonzalez has come remarkably close. Acqua Al 2 is the sister restaurant of the original Acqua Al 2, located on the Via della Vigna Vecchia in Florence. Using the same menu, recipes, and cooking techniques, Acqua Al 2 offers authentic Tuscan-style dining right in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp district. The charming ambiance hints of old world Italy, while the aromatic and flavorful dishes exude authenticity. Anyone considering an escape to Italy should first pay a visit to this local favorite.

Beyond the heavy glass doors of De Medici lies a wonderland of delight and extravagance. Once inside, wrapped in the cozy embrace of one of the booths, guests are welcomed to linger over an amazing meal and absorb an evening of tantalizing experiences. Under the insistence of owner Salavatore Vitale, many of the signature dishes are still created table-side. The soft rosy glow and intimate ambiance of the dining room is punctuated by the bright flashes of flambéing Bananas Foster and Steak Diane. Specializing in both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, Chef Ricardo Macias charms the palates of many with …

Italian rusticity meets modern sophistication at Baci Ristorante, where an Old World appreciation for quality and service marries seamlessly with contemporary style and warmth. The rich, mahogany bar sets an elegant yet unassuming tone, while the classic Italian cuisine menu showcases the brilliance of fresh seafood, succulent meat, and rich accompaniments. Dine in the subtly modern dining room surrounded by art deco accents and crisp white linens, or dine al fresco on the romantic patio. No matter where you sit, a decadent and satisfying meal is sure to be had.

With one of the most extensive menus in town, sure to please even the pickiest of palates, The Cheesecake Factory genuinely has something for everyone at your table. This landmark restaurant prides itself on hospitality and delectable menu items that are both sweet and savory. The restaurant has established itself as the go-to spot for large parties and big celebrations as well as a romantic date for two. Cheesecake Factory’s ambiance combines the hustle and bustle of the city with the quiet intimacy of a corner bistro. Ultimately renowned for their long list of signature cheesecakes, generous portions, and comfortably …

Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals.

Owner Roberto Vigilucci grew up in Milan, Italy. So it should come as no surprise that dining in one of his three restaurants is like taking a mini vacation to Italy. The combination of authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wait staff, and award winning wine selections provide a truly unique and memorable experience.

All selections are made on the premises and feature traditional italian dishes as well as innovative specialties. Whether your mood is for spicy apple cider sausage pork loin in cinnamon, garlic and whiskey sauce halibut in florentine sauce or the more traditional Italian fare of pastas and pizza, For finale, share a tiramisu or cappuccino.

Buca di Beppo is neighborhood restaurant where guests feast on family platters of real Italian specialties in a boisterous, celebratory environment that recalls the Italian-American supper clubs of the 1940s and '50s. It's the marriage of Italy's oldest cuisines and the bounty of America, rich in tradition yet alive with innovation.

If you love Italian food but feel trapped in a pasta and pizza rut, Devine Pastabilities will serve up your old Italian favorites with a twist. The Point Loma eatery’s unique specialty, dubbed the “Torpasta,” consists of a hollowed-out Italian bread roll stuffed with a pasta dish such as Spaghetti Marinara or Fettuccine Alfredo. Pizza, salads, and classic Torpedo sandwiches are also on the menu. Devine Pastabilities features locally brewed beers on tap and offers happy hour specials from 5pm to 7pm, Monday thru Saturday.

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 …

Tuned in to what diners really want, Q Restaurant and Sports Bar serves as a true neighborhood hotspot that features not only prime drink specials but also a casual and friendly environment suited for sports fanatics and families alike. This Oceanside eatery is open for lunch, dinner, and late night cravings, and offers quite the spread of classic American fare, along with some international inspired favorites. All of their tasty food selections wash down nicely with any of their fine drink options, which taste even better during Q’s twice-nightly happy hours. And did we mention their grandiose display of HDTV …

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine …

Just minutes from Moonlight Beach (off of S. Coast Highway) is Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, a North County local destination for classic Italian food in a relaxed setting. Bottomless baskets of freshly baked garlic bread are served complimentary to further satisfy your Italian cravings of gourmet pizzas, pastas, and submarine sandwiches. As the original location for this pizzeria establishment in Encinitas, Leucadia has been serving delectable Italian entrees for 25 years. Chef A.J. Mortazavi’s culinary talent is showcased weekly as he offers test menu items which are sold throughout the week. Don’t forget dessert—especially when Pastry Chef Nikki Schaeffer …

Trattoria i Trulli pairs fresh ingredients with traditional Italian tastes and welcomes all to dine in a warm, hospitable atmosphere. Great pride is taken in the extensive and meticulously chosen international wine list which helps provide the best experience Encinitas has to offer. There are international white and red wines from Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Germany, St. Lucia and many other regions of the world. Sit inside the enchanting dining room or on the exclusive patio overlooking Italian shops, buildings and an urban neighborhood. Come in for lunch or dinner and choose from a wide variety of entrees which include …

Trattoria Acqua promises to whisk diners off to the Mediterranean, mirroring Italian seaside restaurants in cuisine, ambiance, and proximity to the water. The restaurant’s practically unrivalled location overlooks the crashing waves of the Pacific at La Jolla Cove; the dining room’s rustic charm and the courtyard’s lush greenery both offer a tranquil atmosphere with a hint of old world charm. Chef Damaso Lee’s menu of Italian coastal cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, although also offers decadent pastas, meats, and game dishes. The award-winning cuisine is inventive, the ingredients fresh, and the selections decadent. An outstanding wine list adds perfection just when …