By Dan Zisko
The Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
is the second largest city in California and located at the southwest-most tip of the state (and country). This city has seen a renaissance of its downtown area in the last decade which has attracted high quality restaurants to the area. One of the most popular cuisines of all the restaurants in San Diego is Italian.
de'Medici
Located right in San Diego's Gaslamp District, de'Medici offers patrons dishes which come from recipes handed down generation after generation. This "Old World" style approach to the menu has set it apart from its competitors and has made it one of the premier restaurants in the downtown area. Its menu consists of a wide selection of soups, salads, antipasti, pasta and gourmet Italian entrees. Choose from Oysters Rockefeller, baby calamari, fresh minestrone, and gnocchi in a basil Gorgonzola sauce, chicken and veal. It also has an extensive wine list so you can find the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
de'Medici
815 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA. 92101
(619) 702-7228 (phone)
(619) 702-7236 (fax)
Buon Appetito
Buon Appitito is a small restaurant located in the Little Italy section of downtown San Diego. While this restaurant may be tiny, it packs a big wow factor with its cuisine. If you don't speak Italian, don't worry. The wait staff can tell you how to pronounce the dish you order (all the names are in Italian) and can recommend which entrée you should try if you are having trouble deciding. Pretty much everything on the menu is delicious. It offers such items as slow simmered ragu of duck, a risotto with asparagus and mushrooms topped with truffle oil, and a gnocchi in a four-cheese sauce (one of the best things it serves, this is usually only a special). Try to sit out on the patio if you can. San Diego usually has fair weather and dining on the patio allows you to watch the people as they shop and walk through Little Italy.
Buon Appetito
1609 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-9880 (phone)
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Filippi's has been a San Diego institution since 1950. From one original restaurant, in Little Italy, the chain has grown to ten eateries located all through San Diego County. However, for the most authentic Italian experience, head downtown. As you walk in you may hear strains of the theme from "The Godfather" or some other heavy Italian music. Through the deli is the dining room, where the ceilings are low and Chianti bottles hang from them. The room is dark, lit with low level light and candles. It doesn't get much more "Italian" than this. It serves mainly pizza, but it is noted for a wide selection of subs and pasta. The restaurant is relatively inexpensive and remains a highlight of San Diego.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
1747 India Street
San Diego, California 92101
and other various San Diego Locations
(619) 232 - 5094 (phone)
About the Author:
Based in California, Daniel Zisko has been a writer since 2008, penning articles for a variety of online publications. Before he started a writing career, he spent several years traveling and working as a hotel manager for several different hotel properties. Zisko holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from National University with a minor in biology.
Photo Credits:
1747 India Street
