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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in La Mesa

Italian food

You want Italian food that respects the traditions of the kitchen without unnecessary complications.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
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Updated May 2026
01
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 2
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 3
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Restaurant offers loud, lively atmosphere with many TVs showing live sports, creating a friendly, energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the space feels clean and welcoming after recent remodeling. Known for excellent smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also features a wide selection of local draft beers.

Delicious food comes from a casual atmosphere where the owner cooks. The menu offers a variety of dishes that look and taste great, making it a solid spot to enjoy a meal and watch football at the bar.

Burrata pizza stands out with a creamy texture and fresh flavor. The Burrata Margarita offers a delicious twist on a classic. Other dishes include smash sliders and a crisp KAC salad.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection with lots to choose from."

"The food here is delicious, creative, and well-presented."

"I loved the burrata margarita pizza; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 bites available.

2

The happy hour includes options like Brussels sprouts, sliders, and pizza slices.

3

Parking is available onsite but can be limited.

02
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a cozy neighborhood feel and family-friendly dining. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often lively and sometimes noisy. Features include a covered outdoor patio with dense greenery and a large wall mural depicting Italy.

Authentic Italian dishes stand out with excellent flavor and consistent quality. Food feels crafted with passion and care.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like canneloni, chicken marsala, and short rib pasta specials. The veal parmigiana earns praise, and the tiramisu ranks as a notable dessert.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I loved the Italian food; every dish I tried was fantastic."

"It's a great spot for a romantic date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

Happy hour drinks are available before 6pm with $5 wine options.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

03
BMH Italian image 1

Deli space combines clean modern design with cozy lounge areas and a work-in-progress atmosphere. Sandwiches come wrapped in old-school brown paper, evoking classic deli traditions. The place draws people who appreciate authentic Italian ingredients and exceptional house-made bread.

Authentic Italian food shines here with fresh, flavorful sandwiches made on perfectly baked bread. Prices stay great while delivering delicious Italian comfort food served with genuine kindness.

Creamy chicken Parmesan Alfredo pasta and beef ravioli highlight the menu. Bread comes drenched in marinara with melted provolone and meatballs. Cannolis serve as a tasty treat with amazing flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the old-style Italian sandwiches here."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The Italian food's meatballs are so tasty, they'll uplift your soul."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Take-home meals and sandwiches are available for quick dining options.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $41.

04
Aromi Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with heartwarming decor featuring flowers, mirrors, and art creates an inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio and a private dining room offer versatile seating options. The vibe feels authentically Italian with a vibrant, beautiful interior that enhances the dining experience.

Authentic Italian food shines here with consistently great flavors and top-notch service. The menu includes standout items like French fries that many find exceptional.

Freshly made pasta and pizza dough stand out, with dishes like fettuccine with porcini mushroom and truffle and mortadella pizza offering authentic Italian flavors. Desserts such as the superb tiramisu complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is top-shelf, like in Little Italy."

"The tiramisu here is unreal, especially the cream."

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and inspired by classic Italian cuisine."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM Sunday through Thursday.

2

Happy hour cocktails are $7.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events.

05
Frank's Pizza Joint image 1

Restaurant offers family-oriented atmosphere with warm, welcoming vibe and rat pack music playing softly. Booths and bar area create a comfortable setting that feels like a classic New York pizza joint. Space stays generally quiet unless busy, encouraging guests to linger.

Food comes out freshly made and well prepared with a strong Italian influence. Dishes are consistently delicious and flavorful, making it a solid choice for tasty Italian-style meals.

Made Man pizza and Spicy Shrimp Pasta stand out among the Italian options. Spaghetti dishes often come with minimal sauce and sometimes less than a full portion.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"I considered this the best pizza in San Diego."

"The Italian food here, especially the meatball sub, was hot and cheesy."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

Cash payments receive a discount, so bring cash for savings.

3

Pizza orders typically take 15-20 minutes to prepare.

06
D'Amatos Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Takeout-only spot with a tiny space and no seating offers eastern style pizza known for a perfectly balanced sauce and fresh ingredients. The vibe is casual and neighborhood-focused, with pizzas arriving quickly despite a small shop and limited parking. Quality can vary, but prices remain attractive for the area.

Focus stays on the food quality since there is no seating. The dishes consistently deliver great flavor and satisfy with every order.

Lasagna stands out as a favorite dish. Spaghetti dinners come with bread and salad, but delivery often results in spilled orders.

People are saying

"I thought their Pizza was the best in San Diego."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The Italian food here is just fantastic."

Good to know

1

D'Amatos Pizza is a take-out only restaurant with no seating available.

2

They stop taking orders at 9:30 pm, even though they close at 10 pm.

3

Expect a wait time of 20 to 25 minutes for your order.

07
Trolley StopDeli image 1

Deli offers classic and specialty sandwiches with generous portions and a varied drink selection. Atmosphere feels welcoming and casual, suitable for quick lunches. Catering services provide an affordable option for groups.

Food arrives hot and fresh, with good quality and occasional rare treats. Hot food deals offer variety alongside consistently solid flavors.

Pasta salad features a mesquite taste and comes in a generous one-cup serving. Ingredients listed on the menu sometimes differ from what is actually in the salad, and salt levels can vary widely.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"I thought the pasta salad was the best in town."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Ask about pasta salad ingredients to avoid allergy issues.

2

The deli has a punch card for a free sandwich after ten purchases.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

08
Centifonti's Bar & Restaurant image 1

Comfortable homey vibe blends with an old school atmosphere creating a welcoming environment. Multiple football screens show relevant sports games, attracting a lively crowd. Family-friendly touches like crayons and coloring sheets add to the relaxed, casual setting.

Food arrives quickly and tastes really good. Tomato bisque and vegetable soups stand out as consistently delicious. Meals at both breakfast and dinner are very satisfying.

Lasagna stands out with its rich layers and hearty flavor. Pesto dishes feature a creamy sauce and dried tomatoes that add depth, while the build your own pasta option lets you mix meats and sauces for variety.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be very worth it and delicious."

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"I've never had better Italian food, especially the lasagna."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Saturday from 3-7pm and all day Sunday.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but no personal checks.

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La Mesa, California

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