Best Italian Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

Price: Moderate (78)Price: Expensive (47)Price: Very Expensive (19)

25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

1. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2724)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 18 times today

Cucina Enoteca in Del Mar is much acclaimed for its good Italian cuisine. Diners laud it for being anything but typical and for its creative comfort food. The excellent service coupled with the wonderful atmosphere adds to the overall experience. The restaurant has mastered outdoor dining, which often amplifies the satisfaction of diners enjoying the fresh, delicious Italian food. The meals are enhanced by the well-informed and friendly service. While the restaurant is considered pricey by some, the majority of the diners agree that the food, with the likes of short rib pappardelle and squashed blossoms, are worth every penny. Overall, Cucina Enoteca is one of the best Italian spots in San Diego County.

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant

2. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

4.4

Awesome(1493)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 50 times today

North Italia San Diego - One Paseo is lauded for its diverse array of authentic Italian cuisine. Many patrons have praised its generous servings, flavor-rich dishes, and the freshness of its ingredients. From their renowned meatballs and excellent red sauce to the perfectly seared scallops on creamy risotto, the restaurant's skill is evident in the execution of every dish. Commendations extend beyond the food, with many reviews highlighting the exceptional service as well. Notably, guests appreciate the varied Italian wine selection, especially the whites, which are often lacking in other Italian establishments. The restaurant offers a wonderful blend of traditional Italian and modern American dishes, ensuring universally satisfying dining experiences for all patrons.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant

3. Il Fornaio - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2342)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 24 times today

Il Fornaio - Del Mar serves high-quality Italian cuisine according to glowing reviews from many loyal customers. Located in Del Mar, the restaurant offers stunning ocean views, significantly enhancing the dining experience. Patrons commend the restaurant for its excellent service, delicious food, and special attention to details such as rose petals on the table for anniversaries, underlining the restaurant's commitment to creating a memorable experience. Notably, the food is often described as authentic and consistent, with dishes like homemade pasta and Margherita pizza becoming fan favorites. The restaurant is highly recommended as the best Italian eatery in the area, with some customers stating that it serves "the best Italian food in the U.S".

4. Davanti Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(430)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 8 times today

Davanti Del Mar is a beloved gem that guarantees an outstanding Italian cuisine experience. Conveniently located near a mall and theater, the restaurant is praised for its exceptional service, great ambiance, and a variety of authentic Italian dishes. Customers consistently commend their appetizers like the California Caprese and the Focaccia stuffed with cheese and honey, as well as their mains such as the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Cioppino. The restaurant also offers brunch options with a mix of Italian and classic dishes. Whether it's for a date night, family gathering, or business meeting, Davanti Del Mar is highly recommended for its consistent quality and wide selection of delicious Italian food.

A photo of Ambrogio15 Del Mar restaurant

5. Ambrogio15 Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(205)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carmel Valley

Booked 7 times today

Ambrogio15 Del Mar has established itself as a staple in authentic Italian cuisine. Patrons rave about the incredible dining experience, citing not only the exceptional food but also the exemplary service. Described as "the best pizza this side of Italy" and worth every penny, it's evident that the quality is top-notch. Reviewers have also noted the versatility of the menu, which offers something for everyone, from risotto with filet mignon to vegetarian tasting menus paired with superb wine selections. Many have stated that the ingredients are sourced directly from Italy, enhancing the authenticity of the dishes. Overall, Ambrogio15 Del Mar's high standards and commitment to an excellent dining experience make it a place that is highly recommended by its customers.

6. Firenze Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(1730)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 13 times today

Firenze Trattoria is a gem of a restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine. The extensive menu includes mouth-watering options from delicious appetizers to main courses and delectable desserts, perfectly paired with an incredible array of Italian wines. Many customers describe the food as flavorful with perfectly cooked pasta, praising the unique Italian dishes and impeccable service. Reviews frequently mention the authentic Italian ambiance, making it a perfect venue for special occasions. Notably, the restaurant has been a beloved community staple for over 20 years, captivating patrons with its consistency in delivering outstanding culinary experiences. One reviewer even declared it their 'all-time favorite Italian restaurant.'

A photo of Nick & G's Restaurant restaurant

7. Nick & G's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(921)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Rancho Santa Fe

Booked 6 times today

Nick & G's Restaurant is widely recognized as a shining star of American cuisine. The high praise it receives in customer reviews reflects its dedication to quality food and service. As one customer enthused, "The food was amazing, the ambiance beautiful, the service impeccable!" Another reviewer labeled the dining experience as "outstanding," with "excellent" wait staff and "top notch" food. Many commentators commend the prime rib dinner and Parmesan chicken, staples of American cuisine. One review even reflected on the professionalism of the staff, "always helping each other out". Nick & G's embodies the essence of excellent American cuisine and service.

A photo of Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana restaurant

8. Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana

4.5

Awesome(1300)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 10 times today

Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana stands out as an exceptional Seafood cuisine restaurant. According to the reviews, this place is lauded for its amazing Branzino dishes, superb seafood mixed platters, and outstanding services. Visitors frequently praised their seafood dishes, such as the Seafood Benedict, Spaghetti with Clams, and Healthy Seafood Mix. They also value the variety of seafood options available in both appetizers and entrées, with recommendations for the risotto with scallops and the octopus appetizer. The culinary journey is enhanced with a fantastic view and freshly-prepared food served hot. With a beautiful view from either indoors or the balcony, Aqua Mare is said to offer a peaceful dining experience along with its excellent food.

9. Piatti - La Jolla

4.7

Exceptional(4963)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 65 times today

Centrally located in La Jolla, Piatti offers a remarkable culinary experience, with customers often praising its authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. The restaurant's popularity is evident in the 35-year patronage of some diners, who find the service efficient and dining atmosphere cozy. Reviews highlight Piatti’s solid good old-fashioned Italian fare, offering excellent value for money. Dishes such as the signature lemon sauce ravioli, grilled romaine salad wrapped in prosciutto, and Penne Bolognese have been frequently described as “the best outside of Italy.” Customers also commend the thoughtful service, consistent food quality, and the pleasant ambiance of their garden area. Despite minor critiques such as parking issues and a 4% surcharge, Piatti remains a beloved choice for both locals and tourists, earning its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego.

A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant

10. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(257)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 52 times today

The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.

‘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.

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