Osteria Romantica
A cozy Italian eatery transporting you to Italy with rustic charm and authentic, flavorful cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Osteria Romantica
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Italian eatery transporting you to Italy with rustic charm and authentic, flavorful cuisine.
"This place is a real gem – we'll definitely be coming back!"
Reserve Ahead
Securing a table, especially on busy evenings, is recommended by making reservations in advance.
Try Recommended Dishes
Don't miss the artichoke appetizer or the highly praised Osso Buco dish.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(858) 551-1221
Address
2151 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Website
osteriaromantica.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Ambiance
Experience cozy, rustic Italian charm with checkered tablecloths and classic decor, making you feel like you're in Italy.
Signature Osso Buco
Indulge in the highly recommended Osso Buco, a slow-braised veal shank dish praised for its tender meat and rich flavor.
Homemade Pasta Perfection
Savor expertly crafted homemade pastas like Pappardelle with braised lamb and Linguine with pesto, a true taste of Italy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Securing a table, especially on busy evenings, is recommended by making reservations in advance.
Try Recommended Dishes
Don't miss the artichoke appetizer or the highly praised Osso Buco dish.
Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider utilizing street parking nearby.
Birthday Treat
Enjoy a complimentary tiramisu if you are celebrating a birthday.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Securing a table, especially on busy evenings, is recommended by making reservations in advance.
Try Recommended Dishes
Don't miss the artichoke appetizer or the highly praised Osso Buco dish.
Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider utilizing street parking nearby.
Birthday Treat
Enjoy a complimentary tiramisu if you are celebrating a birthday.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Osteria Romantica offers a delightful taste of authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting, making diners feel like they've stepped into Italy. While the food, particularly the homemade pastas and signature Osso Buco, receives high praise for its deliciousness and flavor, some guests have noted issues with slow service during non-busy times. The charming atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a positive dining experience, though parking can be a challenge.
"We loved this place. The food was super delicious. Probably the best lasagna I ever had. The meat and cheese seemed really high quality. The beet salad was also super fresh and perfect. Really charming ambiance here, it has homey rustic decor going on and felt very authentic. Would 100% recommend this place and look for the next I'm visiting SD"
username
"The food was really good.
Service was not great. I had to ask if there were any specials, he pointed to board behind me and said they are on there, well... I don't have eyes in the back of my head so he asked if I'd like to hear them. (I didn't ask for the specials and be like nah nevermind, was just wondering) He went over them and I was interested in the black ink noodles with shrimp, clams and lobster.
After we were delivered our food, he never came back over to check on us until after we were done eating and still didn't ask how the food was. He just asked if we wanted dessert or the check. We said we'll take the check, this took another 5 plus minutes for him to bring us the check. Keep in mind, they were not busy.
As we were waiting for the check three people were seated next to us with two smaller dogs, one was on a leash and kinda roaming around the other was in the lady's arms pretty much on top of the table. I don't mind dogs but in a restaurant seems to be a little much and the pugs were not service dogs. Plus the one dog on the leash jumped on the server when he was taking their drink order. There is a time and place for dogs and a restaurant isn't one"
Jason Koerner
"Food was pretty good at this restaurant and tastes like authentic Italian food.
Everyone who works there seems to be Italian too which really adds to the charm of the place. We were a big group of 10 and we all had a great meal. All the dishes look delicious, especially my friend's Oso bucco dish. I'll need to come back for that dish next time.
Parking was an issue. We had to park blocks away and it wasn't even a busy weekend. We were there on a week night.
Complimentary tiramisu for birthdays was a nice touch."
Sharon B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteria Romantica is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine, homemade pastas, and cozy, romantic ambiance that makes diners feel like they are in Italy. The Osso Buco is a highly recommended dish.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during busy evenings, to ensure you secure a table.
Parking can be challenging in the area, so consider utilizing street parking nearby.
Yes, the restaurant offers complimentary tiramisu for birthday celebrations.
Popular dishes include the Osso Buco, homemade pastas like Pappardelle and Linguine al Pesto, and the Lasagna.
Yes, the restaurant offers outdoor seating on a patio, which is particularly enjoyable in nice weather.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Restaurants in La Jolla
Between music by Pavarotti, the checkered tablecloths, and the sight of homemade pasta and free-flowing vino, you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to Italy. At this cozy La Jolla Shores eatery, northern and southwestern Italian flavors have fused into culinary magic—house-made breads, sauces, gnocchi, and pastas like pappardelle with braised lamb, and linguine with mussels—since 2004. The breaded veal and lobster ravioli are both exceptional.
La Jolla Utc Restaurants | San Diego
Osteria Romantica provides a chic, casual, and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying wonderful company, cuisine, and drink. This restaurant was designed to reflect the osterias of Italy, where locals commune around fresh food and good wine; indeed, La Jolla Shores locals and visitors alike raise their glasses—and forks—to the common goal of enjoying authentic cuisine and company. As the likes of Pavarotti and other legends woo you with their crooning, Romantica’s sophisticated décor invites you into an intimate setting punctuated by nostalgic accent pieces and mementos.
Top 10 Italian Restaurants in la Jolla: The ‘Pesto’ Is Yet To Come
Rustic coziness abounds at Osteria Romantica, along with fresh bread and pastas. All the treasures of Italy are available here, from minestrone soup and linguine with pesto to a cioppino of seafood lovers’ dreams. Generous veal, chicken and fish entrees (and the truly terrific ossobuco) will make you almost want to skip the limoncello mascarpone cake.
LA Jolla San Diego's Best Lunch [Updated 2025]
Walking into Osteria Romantica, I immediately felt like I was transported to a charming trattoria in the heart of Italy. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and rustic decor that made me want to settle in for a long and leisurely lunch. The staff at Osteria Romantica were not only personable but also incredibly attentive.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in San Diego, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (440 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2151 Avenida de La Playa, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-3215- Read more on Tripadvisor
Best Italian food in San Diego
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (436 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 2151 Avenida de La Playa, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-3215– Read more on Tripadvisor
Wine Bars In La Jolla - Half Priced Wine
This La Jolla Shores restaurant is running a special where walk-in customers get 30% off all wine. We like to sit on the patio here when the weather is nice. Osteria Romantica does a nice job with larger parties and will reserve the entire.
Discover the Romance of La Jolla: Date Night Guide
For those of us who believe that Italy is the ultimate language of love, Osteria Romantica awaits. This homegrown Italian restaurant is brimming with candlelit tables, soft music, and grandma’s recipes just waiting to be enjoyed.
Italian Restaurants in La Jolla in September 2025
A post shared by Osteria Romantica (@osteriaromanticalajolla). Osteria Romantica is just that, romantic. It is perfect when you’re looking for Italian restaurants by La Jolla Shores.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit