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Interior - Catania, San Diego, CA

Catania

4.8 (2452)
$31 to $50
Italian
7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

Make a reservation

A photo of Catania restaurant

Catania

4.8
$31 to $50
Italian
La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Johnston
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Cross street
    Girard and Wall
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    bethanylearmont

    Catania is a chic, third-floor rooftop restaurant in La Jolla, CA that offers panoramic ocean views and delicious coastal Italian cuisine 🍸 #lajollacove #sandiegofoodie #catania #lajollashores #sandiegoitalianfood

  • Profile image

    comedinewithchar

    @cataniasd @michelinguide -Arancini saffron risotto, parmigiano reggiano, tomato sauce -Meatballs lamb, creamy polenta, tomatoes, mint, parmesan -Ricotta Mezzalune lemon, fava beans, ramp pesto, parmigiano reggiano -Lucia chamomile infused pisco, crème de violette, absinthe blackberry syrup, lemon, honey -Capri white rum, aged rum, crème de banana blueberry, lime, demerara #sandiego #restaurant #lajolla #italian #italy #italianfood #food #pasta #meatball #meatballs #arancini

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Catania.

4.8

4.8
(2452)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Catania in La Jolla offers an exceptional dining experience with "unbelievable Italian food" and "outstanding service." Guests enjoy a "stunning rooftop ambiance" with ocean views, perfect for special occasions. The menu, praised for its variety and quality, includes standout dishes like the "crispy octopus" and "duck pasta."
2,452 Reviews
  1. Greg Gold

    Toronto16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was a great experience. The short rib pasta dish we had was great. The Waygu steak overpriced for what you get. After the fat is removed there isn’t a lot of beef left so I would avoid it. The surcharge they try and slip in is questionable. So much so they agreed to remove it. Our waiter was amazing and overall a 6.5-7 out of 10.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Joan Gold

    Houston10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Waiter lacked enthusiasm and forgot much of our order.

    Is this helpful?

  3. sheryin

    San Diego5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, service and ambience on lovely patio with views of Pacific Ocean!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Annie Gold

    San Diego22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Isabella was a great hostess. I requested a standard table and we sat right at the front in a booth. Our server Kevin remembered my dessert order! I tried the corn saccetti and had my favorite - the Tagliatelle alla Portofino. It was divine. Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  5. kharman Gold

    San Diego8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our fav restaurant . They have the best focasia bread and pasta and wine

    Is this helpful?

  6. David Gold

    San Diego27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 24, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Good wine and food, wonderful location up on the open covered deck outside.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Ricardo

    San Diego4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We celebrated a Birthday and the food and the service were amazing! The view was also nice considering the sunset hour!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Beth

    Tampa3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My favorite restaurant in LaJolla! Always great food and tremendous atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Matt

    San Diego5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 17, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food. The service was great. The ambiance was perfect for a Saturday lunch with friends. Will definitely be coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Teresa

    San Francisco24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 17, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was spot on and Russ our server was fantastic. The cauliflower appetizer was amazing to start our meal!

    1 person found this helpful

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Johnston
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Cross street
    Girard and Wall
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Guests commonly describe the portions as generous, salads and many mains feel plentiful, and shared plates still leave everyone satisfied.

Catania feels casual‑elegant and coastal, a third‑floor, rooftop spot with ocean views, warm lighting, and a welcoming staff that many guests praise.

Yes, Catania is a lovely date-night choice, with sunset ocean views from the heated patio and many guests celebrating anniversaries there.

Yes, the menu includes clear vegetarian dishes (for example, Margherita pizza and Butternut Squash Ravioli), and staff have been willing to make adjustments when requested (a guest had the Whole Roasted Branzino served without clams).

Weekends are the go-to for brunch, Saturday and Sunday lunch service (11:30 am–3:30 pm) is a guest favorite.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal attire is appropriate for dining at Catania.

Yes, Catania offers outdoor seating: guests frequently mention the heated patio/balcony with ocean views, especially enjoyed at sunset.

Yes, families dine here comfortably; while there’s no dedicated kids menu, guests report staff happily accommodating children (sharing pizzas, simple substitutions) and successful family visits with teens and younger kids.

Catania is lovely at sunset, guests consistently recommend sitting on the heated outdoor patio or balcony to enjoy spectacular ocean views as the sun goes down.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. La Jolla

Make a reservation

A photo of Catania restaurant

Catania

4.8
$31 to $50
Italian
La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today
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