A friend recommended Oltre Mare, and I’m so glad we took their advice — what a fantastic experience! It looks like the restaurant recently expanded into the space next door, and it’s no surprise given how incredible the food is.
We just got back from Italy, and this is the closest we’ve come to that authentic Italian flavor in a long time. Toward the end of our meal, I found out the woman who runs the restaurant is originally from Italy — no wonder it felt so genuine! The mom-and-pop atmosphere made the place feel comfortable and inviting.
We ordered the Pappardelle with Wild Boar and the Pepperoni Pizza, and both were outstanding. We’ll definitely be back!
Such a cozy little spot. The wild boar pappardelle was unreal: rich, flavorful, and clearly homemade. Staff was warm and welcoming, like eating at a friend’s house. Loved the BYOB too. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cassandra Wilson
I thought everyone was exaggerating in the comments about the noise. Years ago, this was my favorite Italian restaurant with a patio and a family-run appeal. It’s been turned into a house that echoes so badly you cannot hear the person across from you unless you scream. The poor servers are extremely over-worked and there’s no bar to speak of. Mostly the noise is just awful and we left early despite it being my birthday.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Payton Thatcher
This is a rare restaurant that makes me wish it was possible to do 6 stars instead of 5. Amazing food, the staff is the nicest family, and it’s always a great time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mr.Anthony V
Excellent dishes and serving size. Bring your own wine. Non Alcoholic beverages available. Could use some more fresh air circulation but will return. Did Walk- in at open . They had many reservations. I can see why. Lots of flavor in all dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
wec4123
Would give it more stars if possible! 10/10 best Italian I’ve had in San Diego. It’s BYOB
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Alla Pescatora
Augusto Burrola-Gomez
Ottre Mare is amazing!! We loved it. The pizza and the panna cotta were fantastic ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Panna Cotta, Ricotta Gnocchi
Nala
Just went to this place the first time for Mother’s Day yesterday and had not only a great time but an amazing meal as well! Our server Sarah was so attentive, sweet, and definitely made the atmosphere that much more enjoyable. She recommended the clam pasta and we also tried the Quattro Stragiano pizza. Both were to die for! Seriously the best meal I’ve had in a long time and you can tell the dishes are freshly prepared and made with quality ingredients. What was even more impressive was the quality of everything despite us coming in closer to closing time. Will definitely be back! 10/10 recommend!
Small family owned restaurant. Very easy to miss when walking along Cass St. It fills like you are visiting somebody's house. By the way, it is off license, so bring your own wine. Very rare option in San Diego, it could save you a significant amount of money.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Pappardelle, Bring Your Own Wine, Spaghetti Alla Pescatora, Salad
Matt Boldys
Cute family run restaurant. Great pasta dishes, however a bit overpriced, although great that you can BYOB. Service is kind, but forgetful about items asked.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Pappardelle, Bring Your Own Wine, Spaghetti Alle Vongole
James Brannen
A qwant little place with authentic Italian cuisine, friendly staff, and great food. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a friendly gathering of friends and family.
Don't forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Webb
I had the octopus special and it was literally the best meal I have had in 40 years of dining out! Subtle and savory. Those at my table had different entrees which were also excellent. I can hardly wait until I can dine here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Doug Heckman
It does feel like dining with friends in a large Italian living room - in the best possible way. Amazing food, especially the seafood-based options. Intimate seating, and could be a bit loud if you want a quieter environment. Bring your wine or drinks makes the check a lot lower. We are going back tonight, since this kind of place is a rare treat these days.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Bolognese, Spaghetti Alla Pescatora, Tuna Tartare, Bring Your Own Wine, Basket of Focaccia
A friend recommended Oltre Mare, and I’m so glad we took their advice — what a fantastic experience! It looks like the restaurant recently expanded into the space next door, and it’s no surprise given how incredible the food is.
We just got back from Italy, and this is the closest we’ve come to that authentic Italian flavor in a long time. Toward the end of our meal, I found out the woman who runs the restaurant is originally from Italy — no wonder it felt so genuine! The mom-and-pop atmosphere made the place feel comfortable and inviting.
We ordered the Pappardelle with Wild Boar and the Pepperoni Pizza, and both were outstanding. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Pappardelle, Tiramisu'
Delicious pasta
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a cozy little spot. The wild boar pappardelle was unreal: rich, flavorful, and clearly homemade. Staff was warm and welcoming, like eating at a friend’s house. Loved the BYOB too. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I thought everyone was exaggerating in the comments about the noise. Years ago, this was my favorite Italian restaurant with a patio and a family-run appeal. It’s been turned into a house that echoes so badly you cannot hear the person across from you unless you scream. The poor servers are extremely over-worked and there’s no bar to speak of. Mostly the noise is just awful and we left early despite it being my birthday.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
This is a rare restaurant that makes me wish it was possible to do 6 stars instead of 5. Amazing food, the staff is the nicest family, and it’s always a great time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent dishes and serving size. Bring your own wine. Non Alcoholic beverages available. Could use some more fresh air circulation but will return. Did Walk- in at open . They had many reservations. I can see why. Lots of flavor in all dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Would give it more stars if possible! 10/10 best Italian I’ve had in San Diego. It’s BYOB
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Alla Pescatora
Ottre Mare is amazing!! We loved it. The pizza and the panna cotta were fantastic ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Panna Cotta, Ricotta Gnocchi
Just went to this place the first time for Mother’s Day yesterday and had not only a great time but an amazing meal as well! Our server Sarah was so attentive, sweet, and definitely made the atmosphere that much more enjoyable. She recommended the clam pasta and we also tried the Quattro Stragiano pizza. Both were to die for! Seriously the best meal I’ve had in a long time and you can tell the dishes are freshly prepared and made with quality ingredients. What was even more impressive was the quality of everything despite us coming in closer to closing time. Will definitely be back! 10/10 recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Italian restaurant I've been to in San Diego
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Small family owned restaurant. Very easy to miss when walking along Cass St. It fills like you are visiting somebody's house. By the way, it is off license, so bring your own wine. Very rare option in San Diego, it could save you a significant amount of money.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Pappardelle, Bring Your Own Wine, Spaghetti Alla Pescatora, Salad
Cute family run restaurant. Great pasta dishes, however a bit overpriced, although great that you can BYOB. Service is kind, but forgetful about items asked.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Pappardelle, Bring Your Own Wine, Spaghetti Alle Vongole
A qwant little place with authentic Italian cuisine, friendly staff, and great food. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a friendly gathering of friends and family.
Don't forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the octopus special and it was literally the best meal I have had in 40 years of dining out! Subtle and savory. Those at my table had different entrees which were also excellent. I can hardly wait until I can dine here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It does feel like dining with friends in a large Italian living room - in the best possible way. Amazing food, especially the seafood-based options. Intimate seating, and could be a bit loud if you want a quieter environment. Bring your wine or drinks makes the check a lot lower. We are going back tonight, since this kind of place is a rare treat these days.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wild Boar Bolognese, Spaghetti Alla Pescatora, Tuna Tartare, Bring Your Own Wine, Basket of Focaccia
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