Top Best Italian Restaurants in Pacific Beach

"Buona Forchetta is all about pizza—Neapolitan-style, specifically—with blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil (Italian-born owner Matteo Cattaneo hails from a line of olive oil producers, and ships in his family's liquid gold by the barrel). Pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and the much-beloved spicy salami to shine. Grab a seat on their oft-packed patio, illuminated by string lights and filled with leafy trees, and soak in the warm California night while you wait."

"The dough for these specialty pizzas is first fried then finished in the oven for a fluffy yet crisp texture that’s hard to beat. Besides their usual variety of pizzas, Buona Forchetta boasts pizza, appetizer, pasta, risotto, and main dish specials that actually change daily."

"Piatti is a charming Italian eatery in the heart of La Jolla Shores by the beach. In addition to lunch and dinner, you can join them for a full Italian-style breakfast. Everything on the mouthwatering menu is amazing, but the dipping sauce for the fresh bread is what you’ll be dreaming about for the next few nights."

"For starters the calamari was undercooked and way overpriced for the portion. Our entrees were much better portion and flavor. I’m only giving three star..."

"At Whisknladle, you know you’re getting three things: Decadent comfort eats, local ingredients, and a plate of food your body will thank you for. Chef Ryan Johnston believes in a simple culinary philosophy: Food does not need to be overpowered, overmixed, or over-presented. Food, in its optimal form, is a culmination of the ingredients inside."

"This farm-to-table restaurant located in the village serves breakfast 7 days a week from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. It features open-air windows, a small outdoor patio, and the servers are friendly and attentive. The menu is ever-changing to reflect what the executive chef can get from local farms and purveyors, and everything is made from scratch."

"With a varied menu hitting all different types of cuisines from around the globe, Whisknladle specializes in approachable, quality cooking with a menu that offers someone for everyone. Guests particularly love the fried chicken sandwich."

"Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two) and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with it’s own magical chandelier. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1871 or ponsatys.com"

"Since 1994, Asti Ristorante offers an Italian fine dining experience in the heart of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter . Asti is rated by Zagat Survey 2009. Professional service, elegant interiors, excting outdoor patio and outstanding Italian cuisine, garant"

"This ma n’ pa eatery has mastered the formula for golden-brown fried perfection. The titular entree (fish & chips) is hands-down a popular favorite because the delicate, fresh-caught fish is masterfully coated in a light tempura batter, flawlessly fried, and gently nestled next to a mound of scrummy steak-cut fries. The airy tempura batter is what sets Mr. Fish & Chips apart from other fried fares."

"While the pandemic has put a stop to indoor dining, locals in the Clairemont area still line up at this mom-and-pop shop for fresh fish and chips. Huge pieces of cod get the tempura treatment and come served with coleslaw and thick-cut fries. Two kinds of shrimp, jumbo and popcorn, are also worth a taste."

"Harbor IslandThe more-casual concept that shares space with Island Prime is a great pick for $6 cocktails and small plates during happy hour or a satisfying dinner with bay and Downtown skyline views. The restaurant sits on several large stilts on top of the San Diego Bay, so you really can’t get any closer to the water. Most entrees are reasonably priced, but if you’re comfortable splurging, the Lobster Truffle Mac 'n Cheese is a worthy choice."

"A fashionable destination for dinner or drinks, Island Prime boasts enchanting skyline views, a wealth of trendy cocktails, and flawless service. The restaurant is sitting on stilts, resting over the San Diego Bay. Local celebrity chef Debra Scott's deft touch is evident with creations like macadamia crusted mahi mahi with seabeans, roasted pineapple salsa, yuzu beurre blanc."

"I took my husband to C-Level for our Anniversary Lunch and man I just want to cry of happiness from this experience. We haven't been to C-Level since we first…”more"

"Grab a couple of gourmet tacos at City Tacos, a great first stop before exploring the local beer scene. Start at North Park Beer Co., then walk around the corner to visit Toronado."

"Rooftop STK is Andaz San Diego's newly refreshed and rebranded poolside lounge that offers incredibly picturesque views of the Downtown San Diego skyline. It is a sexy, swanky and scenic spot to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and delicious dishes from a menu specially created by Executive Chef J.C. Colón. By day, The Rooftop by STK will sweep you away with stunning views and creative regional cuisine for breakfast and lunch."

"By day, The Rooftop by STK is a sophisticated high-end bar with showstopping views and gourmet entrees. By night, particularly a weekend night, the bar transforms into an eclectic lounge and nightclub. Located on 600 F Street in the heart of downtown, this outdoor bar will offer a delightful beginning to an evening in downtown San Diego."

"The twinkling stars, cool breeze, live music, city view and you. What more could you ask for?. The rooftop by STK serves innovative Americano dishes with a touch of Southern California flavors."

"I loved Carnitas Snack Shack when it was a hole in the wall in a not-so-glamorous section of town. It was so good that word soon got out and Carnitas Snack Shack expanded, then contracted, and now has the ideal location right on the Embarcadero on the bay. Pork-centric and Farm-to-Table, Carnitas Snack Shack is foodie paradise."

"Carnitas’ Snack Shack is a local favorite with an affordable and mostly meaty menu featuring items with pulled pork, pork belly, pork links, ham, and bacon. There are plenty of non-pork options as well, including beet terrine with goat cheese, crispy chicken, burgers, and a rib-eye steak sandwich."

"What is it: Not simply a bar and restaurant, but a great hang-out with a big backyard. Why go: Three very convincing reasons: chunky pork sandwiches, craft beer and tacos. Grab your choice snacks from the shack window, or pull up a chair inside the laidback venue."