Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. La Jolla
Catania, San Diego, CA
Award-winning

Catania

4.8
4.8
1759 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
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.)

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-5105
  • Website
    http://www.cataniasd.com/
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Erin Rudolf: (619) 415-7101
  • Location
    7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • 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

What 1,759 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Italian

  • San Diego

    Italian

1,758 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This is a fantastic spot! Not our first time and will certainly return. The restaurant setting is posh, the greeting glamorous, the kitchen delivering an epic culinary experience. Our waiter was busy and perhaps felt like we wanted less attention but the supporting cast of characters were always available. Go here!

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is among the very best restaurants I've dined in. The garden salad with pistachios, Parmesan cheese, and Meyer lemon vinaigrette was great. The branzino was outstanding. And the flourless chocolate cake with creme fraiche was exceptional! Also, try a glass of the Italian Sauvignon Blanc - a really delicious white wine. Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Scott

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing and the service was even better, ask for Valerie. She was very attentive without being overbearing and made great recommendations for drinks and food throughout our time there. If you like sunsets try making a reservation a few weeks ahead of time for around 6 pm, they draw the sun shades at sunset.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kcjs

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food. Excellent service. Beautiful location.

    Is this helpful?

  5. 1942gc

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We live in the Village & Catania’s our Fav! Consistently great. Thanks All, Catherine & Georgr

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every single bite was excellent. It was all obviously very fresh. Every team member was delightful. I have already recommended to friends and will be coming back if I’m back in the area!

    Is this helpful?

  7. EricF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, atmosphere and the food was amazing! Will return, and highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  8. BradB

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner was amazing. Our server gave very helpful wine and dinner suggestions that turned out to be excellent. Would absolutely come back again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. WillowLB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food and wine. It was a little dark at night

    Is this helpful?

  10. SteveV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We were very pleased with the special attention provided us for our combo-birthday celebration dinner. Kevin and crew were professional, friendly and patient. This was our second time dining at Catania - first was our anniversary last year. As before, the food is delicious and we have a tough time resisting the urge to power it down. At some point we must come back with friends so we can enjoy the bar & patio section. And yes, we will never leave our table without offering thanks to the kitchen via brews! Cheers!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Laurie

    Denver

    31 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    You were highly recommended to us by friends. We're visiting and Catania was the worst experience because of the server. He was unfriendly, impatient, and never followed up with us during the entire time after we were served our meals. The guy pouring water spilled over entire table every time.

    Is this helpful?

  12. ShawnH

    Phoenix

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic dinner at Catania. Great food, we had the peach & burrata toast, swordfish and the duck pasta, all great. Service was excellent, the bartender was our waiter and he made me a great spicy margarita, yum! We sat outside and enjoyed the sunset and partial sea view. Can't wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great customer service, the pizza was delicious and dessert is unforgettable.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was delicious. The service was amazing. Our new favorite restaurant in San Diego!

    Is this helpful?

  15. MollyM

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe, service, & food! 💯recommend! Great date night!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely amazing highly recommend!!

    Is this helpful?

  17. WilliamJ

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The meat pizza was excellent. I have the shrimp ravioli-excellent. Also had the crispy octopus legs-quite good but small helping. One other thing they have some dog friendly seats.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service! Two appetizers plus a pasta to share made for a decadent lunch for two.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service, wonderful food, beautiful setting with a fun trendy atmosphere. Will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  20. AudreyB

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love at first bite! Everything about this place is dreamy. The setting truly makes you feel as if you are dining on the Italian coast. The wine list is out of this world, amazing dishes from start to finish. We tried the shrimp ravioli and the swordfish - 10/10 + the nutella semifreddo for dessert. Truly heavenly. Amazing staff and such a gem of a restaurant. We cannot wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  21. VincentG

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Only one small comment…the music selection…but the food and service (valerie) made us forget!

    Is this helpful?

  22. sherryp

    Houston

    96 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Honestly the best I pasta and pizza we have ever had! Had reservations at different restaurants every night of our trip. Ended up canceling elsewhere so we could eat here again before we went home! We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  23. Redcedar

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and ambience, paired with great service. So much more than pizza. A must for anyone visiting San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  24. SherlynnK

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and service. The only thing I am surprised is the 4.25% service charge on top of tip/tax. Be aware.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was delicious & well worth coming back. I highly recommend trying this restaurant, but suggest having reservations for a Friday/Saturday visit!

    Is this helpful?

  26. nitzer

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service! Pretty close to authentic Italian food. Pizza reminded me if being in Italy. Not really typical Italian desserts, but they seemed original and tasted good!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Foodsnobi

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend the mushroom pizza, best pizza in the west coast. The pasta dish our waiter recommended was delicious, it was cooked perfect, Al dente. We went there for Ku daughters 20th birthday and they surprised her with a complimentary flourless chocolate cate with crème fraiche , it was divine. We will definitely come back and try other items on the menu

    Is this helpful?

  28. Lovegoodfood

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is very popular, and we can see why. The food is delicious, the servers are very professional and friendly, and the restaurant is attractive. We highly recommend trying some of the appetizers - they were interesting and very flavorful. Ask your server for recommendations. The 4 of us were seated in a booth, which was nice and quiet. The outdoor tables were a bit noisier, but we might try them next time because they overlooked the town, and some tables have an ocean view. We definitely will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Elviral

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We truly enjoyed our entire evening. The service was impeccable and so friendly and thoughtful. The food was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  30. BrianM

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Catania has some of the best food in San Diego County and last night did not disappoint for any of the three of us. We enjoyed two appetizers and three excellent entrees. Kudos to the kitchen! Service was mixed; after we received our appetizers there was a healthy gap before we received our entrees. Wine refills were requested, not asked. The first three times we went to Catania we were seated outside, but the past 3 times we have ended up inside. Food is still great, but outside is experience is much better.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Sarah

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always so tasty here! It is our favorite girls night dinner spot

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great! The food was delicious. Service was excellent. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Catania is hands-down, a favorite! It is a great place to treat your friends, family and yourself! It’s perfect for celebrating intimate occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries, and a perfect place to catch the sunset! The staff really doesn’t miss a beat!  The service is seamless in refills , taking dirty plates and checking in. We came to celebrate my friends birthday, and they even customized the menu to say happy birthday! They sent out the octopus as a special treat we werent expecting- and if you have never tried it, it is a must! The octopus is perfectly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside without being chewy, comes with a lamb sausage that is to die for with capers and chickpeas. It is definitely a favorite! Thank you for making our night so special. :)

    Is this helpful?

  34. Carryll

    Phoenix

    71 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Jared was our server and set the tone. He was friendly, communicative and informative. We enjoyed our meal very much.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All the food was prepared perfectly; crudo, branzino, lamb chops, and dessert. Decent wine list, keeping prices under control. Plus a great view of the ocean, sunset, and for people watching from the balcony. Relatively quiet with limited slow traffic below.

    Is this helpful?

  36. CarlosC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Increible food, incredible service. Amazing experience!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Looking for a new restaurant to celebrate my birthday and we choose Catania. We have passed it a number of times and thought we should try it. So glad we did. The service was great, food was awesome, and we caught a sunset over the Pacific from the terrace as the icing on the cake.

    Is this helpful?

  38. TerriF

    Orange County

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful meal! We had the Peach bread, squash, Corn Tortelli, Focaccia bread and the best lamb chops I’ve ever had! Dessert was the Semi-Freddo and the Strawberry shortcake! Every single bite was delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  39. AlexanderG

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was probably some of the best I've had. Amazing service by Kevin would recommend

    Is this helpful?

  40. ShellyW

    Las Vegas

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious. We never regret the 30 minute drive to eat at this gem of a restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Catania using the Order Online button.

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 1759 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Catania

7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Girard and Wall
  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Johnston
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.cataniasd.com/
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-5105
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Erin Rudolf: (619) 415-7101
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo