Zagarella
A Little Italy institution since 1993, Zagarella is ideally situated between the Convention Center and airport. The restaurant has outdoor patio seating in the front and back as well as an indoor dining room. Try to get a table in the outdoor patio garden lined with twinkling lights for a meal with ambiance. The cuisine, which is Sicilian and Northern Italian, includes appetizers like escargot with polenta, steamed clams and shrimp scampi served over shoestring potatoes. Risotto and pasta dishes include gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce and linguine tutto mare with fresh fish, clams and shrimp in a wine broth. If you're in the mood for more than pasta, try a steak, one of several veal entrees or the special fish of the day. Italian cuisine pairs perfectly with wine, and here you'll find Italian, Spanish and California labels.
Zagarella
1655 India St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-8764
zagarella.signonsandiego.com
Sogno di Vino
Dreaming of a fine glass of Italian wine? Look no further than this Little Italy cafe, whose name translates to "the dream of divine wine." In fact, you'll find many types of red, white, port and dessert wine to pair with the fresh bistro food. Favorites include the "celestial" salads such as strawberry and brie salad and turkey avocado. You may choose from interesting paninis such as the smoked yellowtail or the Sur'prese--prosciutto, mozarella and blueberry jam. If you're feeling creative, customize your own panini from their selection of 20 cheeses and 11 meats. Be sure to finish your meal with a piece of strawberry tiramisu.
Sogno di Vino
1607 India St.
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 531-8887
sogno-divino.com
Trattoria La Strada
Any food lover's visit to San Diego should include a dining experience in the historic Gaslamp District. La Strada, nestled in the heart of this dining, shopping and entertainment mecca, has won numerous awards for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant has outdoor patio seating allowing guests to enjoy the festive atmosphere on the street and a softly lit romantic dining room. Award-winning favorites include the calamari and antipasto plate appetizers, filet meatballs with spaghetti, penne with jumbo prawns in vodka sauce, filet mignon, sea bass and sole. One dessert not to be missed is the Vulcano, a gooey dark chocolate souffle cake served warm with vanilla bean ice cream.
Trattoria La Strada
702 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-3400
trattorialastrada.com
The Venetian
If you love restaurants that are off the beaten track, reserve a table at The Venetian. In the heart of Point Loma, it was established in 1965 by Vince Giacolone, who dreamed of delighting patrons with his own family's authentic recipes. Today the family business thrives and locals rave about this tiny restaurant, which has been featured in the Zagat Guide and San Diego Magazine. Three dining options include a country-style dining room, an outdoor garden patio with sparkly lights hanging overhead and a rustic cellar for private parties. The menu includes signature pizzas, seafood pasta, several veal and chicken entrees and old-style dishes such as ravioli and spaghetti Bolognese. They serve a wide range of Italian, European and California wines.
The Venetian
3663 Voltaire St.
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-8197
venetian1965.com
