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Top picks in Hillcrest

Italian food

When you crave Italian food, you want a place that respects the traditions of the kitchen.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated April 2026
01
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers fresh pasta made daily with simple, high-quality ingredients and authentic sauces like pesto and bolognese. Casual, cozy vibe suits al fresco dining and casual date nights. Parking challenges exist due to limited spots and plaza congestion.

Food here is homemade and clearly made with care. The cook, likely the owner, is humble and welcoming, showing genuine attention to both the dishes and the people served.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out with a chewy, savory texture and subtle flavor. Sauces like the bright pesto and light, well-rounded bolognese complement the dishes perfectly.

People are saying

"I found the homemade pasta here to be so fresh and flavorful."

"The fresh, homemade Italian pasta here is simply delicious and flavorful."

"This food is so fresh and homemade, it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking in the plaza is often difficult due to limited spaces.

2

The prices are surprisingly affordable, making it a great value.

3

They offer a lunch special on weekends for a better deal.

02
Massachusetts Mike's Pizzeria image 1

Small pizza restaurant with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mural and a charming urban kitchen feel. Atmosphere is welcoming and upbeat, energized by lively staff and nostalgic 70s dance music. Seating includes small tables and benches, supporting both dine-in and pick-up.

Food features great taste and incredible quality. Service includes personal delivery ensuring timely arrival.

White sauce and pesto shine on the pizza, especially the Alfredo-based White Pie. Marinara sauce bursts with bold flavor that invites extra servings.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"Their gluten-free food options felt safe and tasted delicious."

"These garlic knots are decadent, soaked in garlic butter."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Dinner and comedy shows are available on select nights; check the schedule.

3

Parking costs $8 for two hours in the rear lot.

03
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate seating and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Small indoor space complements a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Italian charm.

Offers authentic Italian cuisine with high-quality ingredients. Food matches the taste and quality found in Italy.

Squid Ink pasta appears as a rare special. Lasagna, tortellini, and shrimp and chicken fettuccine with vodka sauce deliver amazing flavors. Pesto and tiramisu stand out as exceptional dishes with rich, authentic taste.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The food here is phenomenal, packed with flavor and passion."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours to secure a table.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 30% off a bottle of wine with dinner.

3

The Tuesday date night menu offers great value for couples.

04
Bronx Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Classic New York-style pizzeria with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor creates an authentic, old-school family business atmosphere. Space includes takeout window and modest dine-in seating, with a lively, no-frills energy. Cash-only policy and a small step at the entrance are notable features.

Food offers an authentic New York City atmosphere with great quality at reasonable prices. Staff serve straightforward, satisfying dishes that make the experience feel like being back in NYC.

Pizza features an airy crust with a tangy yet sweet sauce and rich mozzarella. Pesto pizzas stand out, especially those with spinach or chili pepperoni, and ricotta replaces Alfredo sauce on some pies.

People are saying

"I found the New York style pizza to be authentic and amazing."

"The pesto food here is vibrant, garlicky, and unforgettable."

"This Italian food is the closest to legit NYC style pizza I've had."

Good to know

1

Bronx Pizza only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

The entrance has a half-step, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

05
Amore Caffe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, welcoming atmosphere offers indoor seating with Wi-Fi and outlets. The vibe feels cute and homemade, creating a relaxing space for small groups. Unique features include an interactive post-it note wall and dog-friendly policy.

Food features top quality ingredients and real food options. Dishes consistently taste great and delicious.

Italian sandwiches feature creamy burrata and balsamic glaze on good bread. Options include a burrata and prosciutto sandwich and a spicy turkey sandwich with focaccia.

People are saying

"I had the best vanilla latte I've ever had."

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

"The Italian sandwich here has the right balance of flavors."

Good to know

1

You can park in the back of the cafe with 15 minutes of free parking.

2

The Latte costs $10.50, totaling over $12 with tip.

3

Alternative milk options incur an extra $1 charge.

06
Alfredo's Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pay-by-the-slice pizza shop with thin crust pizza and affordable combo deals creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from top 10 hits to opera, adding variety to the dining experience. Chalkboard art and mascots add a charming, casual touch to the space.

Food comes fresh and full of flavor with consistently delicious and wonderful dishes. Service matches the quality, making the overall experience excellent.

Chicken Alfredo and BBQ chicken pizzas stand out with rich flavors. Pasta dishes like Chicken Ala Rosa come with chef's salad and garlic bread, while spaghetti features perfectly cooked noodles in meat sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely amazing."

"This late night spot is perfect for satisfying your pizza craving."

"The Italian food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

You can get two slices of pizza and a soda for $8.99.

2

A lunch special offers any pasta for $12.

3

They have a deal for 2 slices and a beer for $11.

07
Urban MO's Bar & Grill image 1

Open space with an outdoor bar and patio creates a bright, colorful setting. Energetic vibe features top-notch drag shows and burlesque performances that entertain throughout the day. The atmosphere feels friendly and safe, welcoming the LGBT community with modern, next-level decor.

Food here is consistently excellent with a solid reputation for being awesome and great.

Spaghetti nights happen regularly with unlimited spaghetti priced at $7.50. Events like spaghetti dinner nights mix Italian food with lively gatherings.

People are saying

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

"I had a blast at the drag show with amazing queens."

"The Italian Food here is fantastic, especially the fettuccine Alfredo."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30pm during the week.

3

Free street parking is available after 6PM.

08
Fioriโ€™s Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with few stools offers clean, refreshed atmosphere and free parking behind the building. Thin crust pizza leans toward Napoleon style, cooked with long fermentation dough and balanced seasoning. Family-owned for decades, it serves affordable, well-crafted pizzas with a focus on quality over hype.

Food stays true to its roots with a consistent great taste maintained for over 35 years. Simple, amazing Italian dishes like pizza deliver excellent flavor every time.

Lasagna stands out as rich and memorable, often compared favorably to homemade versions. Pizzas also get strong mentions, while pastas and hot sandwiches add variety. Parmesan cheese comes only when requested.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes the same as it did 35 years ago."

"It's a family owned local pizzeria that I found delicious."

"I thought my father's lasagna was the best until I tried Fioriโ€™s."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and easy to access.

2

Two slices of pizza cost $7, making it affordable.

3

You can buy pizza by the slice, which is convenient.

09
Cellar Hand image 1
Restaurant

Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with a beautiful patio that welcomes dogs and enhances the setting. The atmosphere stays lively but low key, featuring live jazz and vinyl DJ sets during brunch. Warm lighting and cozy seating create an intimate, romantic vibe ideal for relaxed dining.

Food features super fresh local ingredients and farm to table sourcing with clear care, especially in proteins. Dishes come out top-notch and consistently delicious.

Artichoke pasta and chicken liver pate stand out among the Italian dishes. The artichoke ravioli also impresses, though the pasta sometimes arrives cold.

People are saying

"I found the wine here to be fantastic."

"The food here is amazing and fresh with great flavors."

"The Italian Food here is delicious, especially the pasta."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price wines by the glass.

2

Reservations are recommended for the three-course bar dinners on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

3

The happy hour extends into dinner service, providing great value.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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