4 Best Restaurants in Old Town and Uptown, San Diego

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With some notable exceptions, historic Old Town celebrates Mexican dining. Nearby, Uptown’s diverse communities offers many bars, bistros, and gastropubs, along with ethnic restaurants ranging from Afghan and Indian to Russian and Vietnamese.

Buona Forchetta

$ | South Park Fodor's Choice

A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio tables at this kid-friendly Italian restaurant in South Park. Pizzas make a meal or can be shared, but don’t miss the equally delicious appetizers, heaping salads, or fresh pastas, and be sure to save room for some dolci.

Cardellino

$$$$ | Mission Hills Fodor's Choice

What do you get when you mix the magic of wood-fired steak with innovative Tuscan-inspired cuisine? You get this Italian chophouse experience from chef Brad Wise where each meal feels like a journey through the Italian countryside, but with five-star execution. Filet mignon carpaccio and charred lamb "lollipops" whet appetites before a parade of pastas—spicy rigatoni, tagliatelle carbonara, and more cater to any shape, any preference. Wood-fired delights follow, from marbled New York strips to lemon-zested swordfish and melt-in-your-mouth filet mignons. Equal attention is heaped on sides and desserts, from crispy pillows of fingerling potatoes to a perfectly balanced affogato. When in doubt, put yourself in the chef's hands for the four-person Tuscan experience, a prix-fixe selection of menu favorites.

4033 Goldfinch St., San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
619-600--5311
Known For
  • Tuscan Experience chophouse prix-fixe
  • Happy hour from 5--6 pm
  • Excellent wine pairings and selection
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch

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Caffè Calabria

$ | North Park

This long-standing North Park coffee roaster and café expands its evening offerings to include local beer, wine, and Italian-style cocktails.

3933 30th St., San Diego, CA, 92104, USA
619-683--7787
Known For
  • Neapolitan pizzas
  • House-roasted espresso
  • Campari cocktails
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. evening

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Piacere Mio

$$ | South Park

Fresh homemade pasta served as the diner wants it is the mantra at this cozy Italian restaurant. Opt for indoor seating, which offers a charming, old-world feel, with warm lighting, wood beam ceilings, and exposed brick.

1947 Fern St., San Diego, CA, 92102, USA
619-794–2543
Known For
  • Make-it-your-own pasta menu
  • Sizable portions
  • Traditional antipasti plates
Restaurant Details
No lunch Mon.–Thurs.

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