50 Best Italian Restaurants near Spring Valley

“Smells like heaven in there. My nostrils were asulted with the smell as soon as I walked in that building. The staff are all chillers, and that lasagna was soo good! I wished we had dined in because the atmosphere was simply pleasant. I want more. It's worth it for the price.“

“Enjoyed a tasty branzino with lemon caper sauce, Lemoncello cake, and good cocktails. Also enjoyed the personality and getting to know more about the business by talking with one of the owners, Flavio. Recommend and will return. Felt like family.“

“Visited this spot first night in San Diego, my girlfriend and I were seated right away on a Monday night. The ambience gives a modern vibe with chill and slow r&b/classy music. Our server checked in with us multiple times while another server made sure our cups were never empty or close to empty. Customer service A+. When I read the other reviews I expected the food to live up to the hype of the reviews people left, and the food did not disappoint one bit. Authentic Italian food is the perfect way to describe the food. The diavola pizza was spicy, cheese and tomato sauce was cooked perfect, crust and border was light and crisp, salame was tasteful, 10/10. For the calamari and shrimp, they were fried lightly and rated fresh. I would say the marinara different from most places, I don't really know how to describe it but I would prefer other marinaras at other Italian restaurants. For the penne cremosa, I enjoyed the penne pasta itself as it was not too flimsy or soft, instead the penne noodles were a little more rough. The white cream sauce was not over cooked, not too creamy, just right. However, there is a lot of mushroom in the dish so if you are not big on mushroom it will be a bit overwhelming lol. Not pictured which my girlfriend ordered was the tagliatelle with arrabbiata sauce. I'm not a big red sauce guy, but tasting her pasta I would order that myself. It had a little kick of spice in it and the flavor and seasoning in the sauce was just so appetizing. I would 100% come back to this restaurant and I 100% recommend this restaurant to any new comers and visitors like myself. They definitely deserve 5 stars for not only their authentic food but exceptional customer service.“

“Logan Barrio area excellent setting for our dinner, excellent local Gem, location very cozy & relaxing, Mario excellent host checking on the tables thru out the courses, Bread kept coming was excellent, Tuna Tartare , Frito Misto both very good n Tasty, Barley Salad very Fresh , courses my Frutti Di Mare perfectly seasoned, wife really enjoyed the Gnocchi Pesto, Britt & Luis enjoyed Fettuccine course & Lamb Chop special, kids Spaghetti and meatballsKid-friendliness: Very children friendly 11 & 2½ yrs old“

“What a gem! We had a fabulous meal here. There were so many delicious sounding menu items. We chose the special fried dumplings as an app. Came with spicy marinara sauce which was so so good. Then the special ravioli. My partner had a build your own pasta. Plus we shared broccolini as a side. We were too full for dessert. We enjoyed this so much we’re going again tomorrow.“

“This place is one of the best kept secrets in Lakeside. I've lived here for over 15 years and never even knew about this place so when I ate here for the first time, I was floored. The food is amazing and feels so fresh. The service is really nice, plus our waiters and waitresses had really good recommendations. The atmosphere is so nice, feels very comfy yet fancy. Highly recommend eating here.“

“At the end of the lunch, we paid by gift cards,cash, and debit cards. We had the exact amount there. And said no return money all there. Then he says, "You're short $16. We're like, no, it's all there." We looked again recounted and noticed we had no recepiet for cash. But at the same time, one of the girls just gave him her debit card again. What happened was he was supposed to take $16 of the cash ND put in for the bill. Instead, the waiter KEPT ALL OF THE CASH! SO WE OVERPAID $16 DUE TO WAITER KEEPING $16 OF THE BILL WHICH WAS NOT THE TIP!! None of us told the waiter, "So of the bill he got a 40 tip was supposed to be 16 less!"“

“Me and my girlfriend had an amazing experience at Concepto Pizza. The sub I ordered was delicious – the flavors were just perfect. It’s not just food; it’s a taste experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a great meal. A must-try for sure!“

“Celebrated my birthday on Saturday and truly enjoyed everything about the experience. I ordered a special pasta from Italy with prawns which I hadn't seen on the menu before and was wonderful. The dish was messy because I got into those prawn shells to get every last bite and waiter provided fresh hot towels to clean me up. Love the eggplant appetizer and bread which I get every time. The restaurant gave me an exquisite dessert as a birthday surprise. A lovely meal and my companions enjoyed their meals as well.“

“I recommend!! Definitely a hidden gem! ?The food and service were great! Our server Sam was very attentive and kind.We got the Gnocchi Urbino which is gnocchi with white sauce, sausage, mushroom in a thick bread bowl. It was delicious and flavorful !! Rosemary was a nice touch. Perfect for sharing ?We also got the wings for happy hour and they were soooo yummy!Love the concept and unique combinations :)“

“Let’s be honest. There’s a LOT of places in San Diego to get Italian food. But Alexander’s is the best.I don’t make the rules. But I’ll explain why.Alexander’s consistently has very tasty dishes (and, admittedly, we’ve eaten here way too many times and have tried a lot of them).The service is always great. Whoever is the hiring manager here, clearly has a magic touch. Every member of staff here is personable, approachable, efficient, and great at what they do.And the vibe here, is really just perfect. We enjoy the back patio most. It’s elegant but not so over the top—and honestly, in a city where every place is trying to be a flashy, in your face “aesthetic,” Alexanders just delivers a beautiful tasteful atmosphere that can honestly handle anything.Need a place to take a date? It’s a great spot for that. Taking a client to dinner? Also great for that. Maybe you’re just wanting to enjoy a nice meal with friends and you want to eat someplace nice but not feel obligated to bust out the formal shoes. Alexanders. Perfect.We’ve been here so many times, the food and service is always consistently great. The selection of movies they have playing in black and white is also a favorite added touch. We absolutely adore this place.And everyone we’ve ever brought here has too.“

“I'm in town for a couple of days. Decided to check out Yelp to see if anything stood out. Multiple posts listed this place as a Hidden Gem. They were right. The meal I ate was not what you would expect from a small place in a strip mall. The place was nice inside. The service was quick. A gentleman came up and asked us if we have been there before. When we said no, he explained how the menu worked. The pasta is made fresh and they had several different varieties. You can pick one of their many family recipe sauces and a pasta and then add a protein or you can pick a signature dish. I went with the Pescatore which is mix of seafood with their homemade squid ink pasta. It was outstanding. Loaded with flavor, the fish, calamari, shrimp, and shellfish all seemed fresh with good texture and flavor. They recommend a tasty wine for pairing. It was a pleasant surprise and made you feel like you were in a high-end restaurant. The prices were reasonable and again, the service was great. No complaints here. If you're in the area, I would check it out!“

“The food is amazing and without a doubt could easily contend with the top Italian restaurant businesses within all of San Diego. The staff are all very friendly and make you feel at home. They hustle and by the time I finish my salad my main course is already on its way. The Owner, named Pietro is a very kind and generous man and regularly comes out of the kitchen to visit with the guests. Luciano, the owner’s son also is very outgoing and super friendly. He is also very handsome, nice, and has a shine to his smile ??. All and all. The overall restaurant has a great environment and is enjoyable for a date night, after a long day at work, or even coming straight from the beach.“

“Lucca's Pizzeria and Market is a culinary gem! I recently savored their Margarita pizza, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, meatball calzone, Lucca's special pizza, and desserts – each dish was a masterpiece. From the tangy Margarita pizza to the comforting lasagna, every bite was a delight. The service was impeccable, and the staff went above and beyond. Lucca's is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine. Highly recommended!“

“New, small place in Rancho San Diego. Haven't had the pizza (I'm a pizza snob) yet but the Italian Torpedo was great. Thickish cuts of meat, shredded lettuce which is great and the key was the good Italian roll which was toasted the right way. You can get mayo on it which I did but I also put their Italian dressing on it. The dressing is really good and DIFFERENT. A refreshing change of pace to dressing. I'm curious to try the calzone.Parking: Busy in afternoons with a Habit Burger right there.Kid-friendliness: Kids love pizza.“

“Traveling from out of state and found this lovely small owned restaurant. Wonderful customer service, good is all cooked fresh and it’s such a welcoming environment! Definitely recommendParking: Lots of parking spots!Kid-friendliness: Has a highchair, very interactive with them“

“Second visit - glad we went back! Just as great as the first visit. Had a wonderful time last night during restaurant week. Excellent option!s! We chose the restaurant week menu - one veal, and upgraded one meal to try the seafood special - sea bass. Delicious. Rice ball appetizers and meatballs. The almond tort for dessert was amazing. Service was excellent even though restaurant was full. Food timing perfect and servers were friendly and fun.“

“This is a cute Italian restaurant, the food is very good and the service was great at the beginning but once they serve you it's like then you become invisible. Waitress didn't come to refill our drinks, ask if we wanted desert. She was very friendly but missing that extra step to get a 5 star rating.Not a lot of street parkingParking: It's only street parking, we went during the day and had to park around the corner (street parking) area a bit isolated.I don't think I would feel comfortable at night.“

“Michelle, our server was super cool and suggested dishes that tuened out to be delicious. We ordered the classic Benedict’s, ricotta corn cakes (gf), and sausage & eggs. Overall, a positive dining experience with friendly service and tasty food.“

“Hannah's Gourmet in San Diego, California, deserves a solid 5 stars! Their vanilla lattes are superb, striking a perfect balance of coffee and vanilla. The green chilaquiles are an absolute delight—crispy tortilla chips, vibrant green sauce, and fresh ingredients create an unforgettable Mexican-inspired experience. The cozy ambiance and attentive staff complete the fantastic dining experience. Don't miss it for an authentic culinary journey!“

“April 16, 2024/ TuesdayI went to Bambinos on Federal blvd. The owner of the place arrived 15 minutes before it opens. He was a nice young man. He took my order . He was very friendly, service with a smile. My co-workers recommended this place. They said the food was excellent and owners were nice. The prices were great. They had alot combo specials. I got my order which was ready pretty quick. I took my order to work. The Philly Steak combo which comes with a huge sandwich ,French fries,salad and a can soda was really good. The price was great about $13,00 tax included. It was like home cooking. I would recommend Bambinos to everyone!!!! ?❤️❤️❤️❤️.Sandra“

“This is my fave pizza place. The pizza is amazing and the customer service is second to none! It keeps me coming back. Now they offer wine and cheese. You can buy cheese to go also and I did. I ordered a lb of divine creamy blue cheese and they gave me way more than that. I am not saying to expect that but what great service. I very much appreciate a place that makes you feel welcome, every time! While waiting for my friend, the owner made me a plate of cheese with cucumber and wine. Seriously, go there right now!“

“This place is good food at a good price served by good people. Bring your family enjoy the food and tip well they deserve it. The only reason I gave them less than five stars all the way down is because, sure there are places with better food. But they're not trying to be fine dining, they're a family restaurant who makes great food. The Camholts chicken sandwich is my new favorite, it's just the right amount of tender chicken meat topped with bacon and basically a salad between two halves of a toasted sesame torpedo roll... Mmmmm yummy!“

“One of my all time favorite restaurants in Chula Vista! The service is great, staff is friendly, food is reasonably priced and so delicious! Out of the two locations, this is the one to go to if you're looking for a more lively night. Everyone must try the buffalo gorganzola bites!“

“Outstanding waitress . She was by herself and still managed to keep her cool. Definitely liking this place one thing, the. Chicago beef gravy is way too salty and you guys need to roast the green peppers . pizza was outstanding. Thank you.“

“Drove by this place dozens of times and never thought anything. I then came across great reviews online from a san diego food page so decided to try it out. Ordered a small “works” which comes with pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, and onions. Picked up the pizza and drove under 10 mins to get home. The pizza was hot and fresh with tons of flavor. I really didn’t need to use the cheese and peppers that I received on the side as every bite burst with flavor. The dough has great taste and a nice crunch. Sauce and all ingredients used hit the mark. I will recommend and also be back to try a different pizza!!“

“This restaurant was a perfectly cozy place to bring our extended family (including two toddlers) to during the Thanksgiving weekend. Reservations were easy to make, the waiter was knowledgeable, prompt, and kind, and the food was delicious from appetizers to their spritzes and main course. Parking was easy, the restrooms were clean and we left happily full and well-served within 90 minutes, which is pretty awesome for a full restaurant!“

“This is STRICTLY about the food. As a pizza connoisseur hailing from the nyc/nj area. I can say the best description for this pizza is a cross between Costco and Chuckie Cheese. Not bad just nothing to rave about. It's like you buy it to Shut your kids up about pizza, not because you're craving it and want it yourself. The Garlic bread was also an interesting take. It was just buttered toast not the traditional Italian bread you'd expect as an actual Italian pizza spot.Sincerely an East Coast Pizza Connoisseur.“

“We dined here with close friends of ours and had the best time in quite a while! There were 8 of us in our party and we’re fortunate to be able to book their private room towards the rear of the restaurant. We ordered a few Old Fashioned cocktails to start the night, and had also brought two of our favorite wines to be opened during dinner. We started with their Calamari Fritti appetizer and their Cheese & Charcuterie Board. The restaurant’s ambiance was excellent, service couldn’t have been better, and the food (every bit of it was delicious)! Two of us ordered their Steak Siciliano, three of us ordered their Chilean Seabass, and two had their Pappardelle Ragu. One of us also tried their Lobster Bisque. Definite hits of the night were the Steak Siciliano and Chilean Seabass! The ribeye prepared was one of the best steaks offered in an Italian restaurant, and the Seabass cut was a very generous portion! No leftovers remained from either of these dishes. Karina, the owner, came and spoke to us and she was very friendly and hospitable. We loved the decor, the attention to detail, and the genuine service we received the entire evening. While you might not think Lemon Grove would be your first choice for delicious Italian food, you’d be quite surprised as Giardino’s will blow you away with their overall food & service quality. We couldn’t have been impressed any more…“

“I was so excited to try a family owned small restaurant and I was not disappointed! I ordered the lasagna, tortellini carbonara, tiramisu, and cheesecake. Every dish was delicious. Service was kind, friendly, and attentive. Looking forward to trying the pizza next time!“

“Impeccable service. I love this place for date night & I always recommend it to friends and family for a nice night out. Last time I was here I got the lamb shank (incredible). Honorable mention to Tony who helped me with a special occasion!“

“Great food, efficient service. Worth the stop for pizza or sandwiches. Excellent Gyro Plate. The fries are hot n crispy, the meat tender, the soft roll stuffed full of lettuce, tomato and a creamy dill sauce. The wait was not overly long as busy as they were.“

“2 weeks ago had eggplant parm. Amazing. Today had manicotti. Gooey inside and crispy top. Good Shared mushrooms and garlic bread appetizer. Enough for 6 people. Carole was very attentive and fun, again. Sooo much food in dinner portions. Even lunch specials have some leftovers!“

“Had a perfectly cooked Filet over mashed potatoes and asparagus. My wife had tableside pasta made from the wheel. Delicious!Sicilian Spritzers to start the experience, which were perfect.Nino, our server, is consumed with ensuring a perfect experience, which we did infact have.May be our new weekly go-to.Can't wait to go back.“

“Comfortable and pleasant dining area, courteous staff. Pizza is delicious! It has a tasty crust, fresh ingredients.They do not offer pizza by the slice, so I ordered the Rolling Hills as a 12” thinking I would eat some there and take the rest home. I ended up eating the whole pie, it was great!“

“We are becoming regulars at this place! We’re from Chicago so it’s so nice to have lefties here in San Diego. We usually get the Chicago stuffed pizza. Their Italian beefs are great. I also like the onion rings and fried mushrooms. Love the Chicago memorabilia all over the restaurant, has a really nice atmosphere and outdoor seating area, and the employees are always friendly and helpful Lauren comes by and says hi. She owns the place she’s there every day doing quality control you can’t go wrong with Lefty’s.“

“Pros: Customer service was great, even got a history of the restaurant from the son of the founder, who came over from Naples and started the restaurant 50 years ago. The pizzas were great. Authentic italian. Cons: (2) two topping, large pizzas were $50. Felt like that was a bit much.“

“Food is really great but yeah service was slow. My daughter had the seafood spaghetti, my husband had the lasagna, i had the build your own pesto pasta. Their pesto pasta was really good. The dried tomatoes on it was so good. Pesto sauce was creamy. I had shrimp and meatballs on it. Chicken and shrimp would have been better. The build your own pasta is good for two especially if you're having 2 kinds of meat. Their meatballs was big and good, that would be great with the spaghetti not pesto.“

“Love this place! The pizza is always loaded with toppings and cheese. Everything else in the menu is great too, including my personal favorite the ham and provolone sandwich. Ask for it dry with a side of Italian dressing, and it's amazing! The staff is always friendly and happy to help as well!“

“Incredible!!! The staff was amazing!! The food was 100% on point! We had a large party so we ordered a bit of everything, the pizza was simply delicious, the lasagna…perfect! The zucchini was the best I’ve ever had!! Can’t say enough, if I’m ever in town again this will be my go to pizza place!!“

“The BEST pizza in town. Was going to snap a photo of the pizza I ordered but it was too good not to eat in the moment. Ordered a half pesto half margarita pizza and it was amazing. Pizza was thin, crust had the perfect crunch, and the best part was that it wasn’t greasy and you feel light after eating it.“

“We aren't from San Diego but met up with some friends for a birthday party and we loved everything about this place. The food was delicious and hot! Also, the amount of food that came out for the price was amazing. Kids had fun playing playing all the games, too! We definitely will stop again when in San “

“Excellent espresso, excellent everything. The woodfire Italian pizzas are a must, especially during their happy hour. Very friendly and welcoming staff. They carry one of our favorite Italian beers there, Peroni. Love this place so damn much.“

“The atmosphere of this place is amazing. Sitting outside with my family to enjoy all the kool rides that pass by during the car show was priceless to me. And the meat lovers pizza we ordered was GREAT!! My family and I have found another restaurant to enjoy.?“

“Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted about a cool and unique or super good place Do you like old school delis that are super freaking good? Do you like not spending an arm and a leg for a meal in and around San Diego. If you’re like me then you need some BMH in your life!!!Had the Baja Spice today!As always on the Portnoy Scale of Sangweech I dub the Baja Spice a solid 8.3 !!!Literally everything I needed in my life today!!! Unfortunately I neglected to take a pic of the Sando. Luckily I’ll be back soon!Amazing experience like always!“

“A delightful experience. The spacious setting, adorned with chic and stylish decor, set the stage for a fantastic evening. Despite the bustling crowd, the atmosphere buzzed with energy, creating a lively and enjoyable ambiance that added to the celebratory mood. The extensive space allowed for a comfortable dining experience, even amidst the large number of patrons. The service was commendable, ensuring a seamless and pleasant celebration. The culinary offerings were a gastronomic delight, with an array of Italian dishes that tantalized the taste buds. Overall, this restaurant provides not just delicious food but also an inviting and celebratory atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to mark special occasions or simply indulge in a vibrant dining experience.“

“This pizza place knocked Dominoes out of the saddle. Lately I've been unable to handle pizza , but that wasn't the case here . It was delicious . It didn't hurt my stomach . And they delivered . Great choice with not too much more in costs. Try it you'll like it!!“

“I have purchased pizzas from this restaurant for years & never had a bad experience. Have treated friends & business associates & everyone loved it. Friend even had it at his credit union meeting along with wings & salad. Owner is a hard worker & always amiable. A place does not have to be fancy to have good food & an enjoyable atmosphere.“

“The food was good and tasty, but the shining star goes to Cori! She was nothing short of amazing! She treated us better than any server ever has. We were coming from out of town, so it was nice to eat some real Italian food. I suggest to try everything but my personal fav was the ceaser salad and canoli dessert. But the meatball was flavorful and the manicotti is something I'll get again next time we go, and I assure you there will be a next time! Thanks again to the cook and staff for making our experience a very memorable one!“

“You better be hungry when arriving 'cuz it's a lot of delicious food! Chose the linguine and clam sauce that could easily feed three people. Hubs selected the eggplant parm that was also delicious. Atmosphere was very loud but nice.“