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Catania, San Diego, CA
Award-winning

Catania

4.7
4.7
2057 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 26 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-5105
  • Website
    http://www.cataniasd.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Ryan Johnston
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
  • Location
    7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Area
    La Jolla
  • Cross Street
    Girard and Wall
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Antipasti

  • Pizza FocacciaUSD 7.00

    olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, chili flake

    • Green Salad**USD 14.00

      meyer lemon vinaigrette, pistachio, black pepper, pecorino toscano

      • Apple Salad**USD 16.00

        radicchio, arugula, chicory, shaved fennel, gorgonzola, almonds, aged balsamic vinaigrette

        • Kale SaladUSD 15.00

          treviso, chickpeas, celery, parmesan, anchovy vinaigrette

          • AranciniUSD 12.00

            saffron risotto, parmigiano reggiano, tomato sauce

            • Wood Roasted Cauliflower**USD 19.00

              whipped ricotta salata, fresno chili salmoriglio, pomegranate, red onion, pistachio

              • Charred Savoy Cabbage**USD 15.00

                crispy garlic, shallots, mint, basil, calabrian chili, miso mustard vinaigrette

                • Crudo**USD 20.00

                  local yellowfin, beet puree, blood orange, basil, poppy seed, meyer lemon

                  • Crispy Octopus**USD 22.00

                    chickpeas, lamb sausage, chili oil, capers, herbs

                    • Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUSD 15.00

                      golden raisins, currants, dates, almonds, pickled shallot, parsley

                      Secondi

                      • Pan Seared Scallops*USD 41.00

                        honeynut squash caponata, carrot puree, prosciutto, golden raisins, pepitas

                        • Whole Roasted Branzino*USD 44.00

                          clams, garlic butter, white wine, charred broccoli, chili flakes, breadcrumbs

                          • Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUSD 35.00

                            farro salad, roasted apples, charred treviso, shallot vinaigrette

                            • Rotisserie ChickenUSD 33.00

                              honey mustard, baby carrots, almonds, mint, garlic butter

                              • Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUSD 37.00

                                fennel radish gremolata celery root-potato puree, porcini jus

                                Pizza

                                add mushrooms $3 | burrata $3 | egg* $2 | olives $2 | red onion $2 | arugula $2 | sausage $3 | prosciutto $4 | fennel salami $3

                                • Italian MeatUSD 24.00

                                  fontina, pecorino, sausage, soppressata salami, pancetta

                                  • Sicilian PistachioUSD 23.00

                                    burrata, pecorino, pork mortadella, pistachio pesto

                                    • MargheritaUSD 21.00

                                      mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce, garlic

                                      • Wild MushroomUSD 25.00

                                        burrata, fontina, garlic confit, chili flake, sherry vinegar, thyme

                                        • DiavolaUSD 23.00

                                          mozzarella, tomato, spicy calabrese salami

                                          • Pear & GorganzolaUSD 24.00

                                            pancetta, pecorino, rosemary, honey balsamic, arugula

                                            Pasta

                                            Gluten free pasta available

                                            • Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUSD 21.00

                                              spaghetti, evoo, chili flake, parsley, parmigiano reggiano

                                              • Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUSD 24.00

                                                basil pesto, creamy tomato sauce, parmigiano reggiano

                                                • Butternut Squash RavioliUSD 27.00

                                                  hazelnuts, sage, parmesan, brown butter, aged balsamic, brussel sprouts

                                                  • Duck Sugo OrecchietteUSD 29.00

                                                    braised duck, tomato, porcini mushrooms, juniper, parmesan

                                                    • Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUSD 26.00

                                                      pork cheek, tomato, calabrian chili, pecorino sardo

                                                      • Spaghetti & ClamsUSD 27.00

                                                        clams, garlic, white wine, chili flakes, breadcrumbs

                                                        • Shrimp Risotto**USD 28.00

                                                          fennel, tomato, fresno chili, parmigiano reggiano

                                                          Cocktails

                                                          $16

                                                          • Aperol Spritz

                                                            aperol, prosecco, soda, orange - served tall on the rocks

                                                            • Isola

                                                              mezcal, bourbon, pineapple amaro, orange, lime juice, simple syrup - served in a coupe

                                                              • Collina

                                                                vodka, cocchi americano, apple cider, lemon, apple-cinnamon simple - served on the rocks

                                                                • Bacchus

                                                                  vodka, cocchi rossa, lemon, simple, grapes, soda float - served in a collins glass

                                                                  • Verde Colada

                                                                    rum, vanilla liquor, pineapple, matcha, macadamia nut orgeat, lime - served on the rocks

                                                                    • Succosa

                                                                      bourbon, yellow chartreuse, pear & rosemary simple, st. george pear, lemon - served in a coupe

                                                                      • Moncalieri

                                                                        malfy gin, mediterranean fever tree tonic, orange and sage - served on the rocks

                                                                        • Santa Maria

                                                                          fresno chili infused tequila, lime, dimmi, ginger, agave - served on the rocks

                                                                          • Melograno

                                                                            pomegranate, tequila, ancho reyes, lemon, amaro sirene, walnut bitters - served on a large rock

                                                                            • Vestito

                                                                              mezcal, amaro D'arancia rossa, yellow chartreuse, lime, grapefruit soda - on the rocks

                                                                              • Corvo

                                                                                rittenhouse rye, baltamoro coffee amaro, frangelico, crème de banana, bitters, nutmeg - served on a large rock

                                                                                Bianchi

                                                                                • Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | VenezieUSD 13.00

                                                                                  lemon, lime, crisp green apple, and floral honey suckle

                                                                                  • Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUSD 16.00

                                                                                    melon, yellow flowers, and lemon zest with a clean and refreshing finish

                                                                                    • Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUSD 15.00

                                                                                      crisp, refreshing, lemon, pear, and minerals

                                                                                      • Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUSD 15.00

                                                                                        orange blossom hints of citrus, exotic fruit, mineral finish

                                                                                        • Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUSD 20.00

                                                                                          rich aromas toasted oak, tree-ripe pear, and apple with touches of brown sugar

                                                                                          Spumanti / Rosato

                                                                                          • Prosecco | Bisol | NVUSD 12.00

                                                                                            dry, crisp, toasted hazelnuts

                                                                                            • Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUSD 14.00

                                                                                              floral, berries, currants

                                                                                              • Rose | Benanty | SicilyUSD 15.00

                                                                                                pomegranate, rose petals and citrus

                                                                                                • Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUSD 14.00

                                                                                                  dry, red fruits, violet

                                                                                                  Rossi

                                                                                                  • Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUSD 13.00

                                                                                                    red fruit dried herbs, light earth, spice

                                                                                                    • Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUSD 14.00

                                                                                                      purple flower, berry, supple tannins, fresh acidity

                                                                                                      • Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUSD 16.00

                                                                                                        dark berry, cherry, espresso, candied flowers

                                                                                                        • Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUSD 15.00

                                                                                                          violets, cherry, minerals

                                                                                                          • Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUSD 20.00

                                                                                                            ripe raspberries and cranberries, notes of violet and vine-ripened tomatoes

                                                                                                            • Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUSD 25.00

                                                                                                              layers of vanilla, coco powder, juicy cherry, baking spices and signature tobacco

                                                                                                              Birre | 10oz

                                                                                                              • Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%USD 9.00

                                                                                                                balanced palate with mildly bitter with lemon and floral notes

                                                                                                                • Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%USD 9.00

                                                                                                                  pleasant hop flavors, clean, refreshing

                                                                                                                  • Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%USD 9.00

                                                                                                                    dark, yet silky oatmeal stout balanced by a firm hop handshake

                                                                                                                    • Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUSD 9.00

                                                                                                                      balanced citrus rind bitterness and tropical aromas

                                                                                                                      Bottiglia

                                                                                                                      • Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%USD 9.00

                                                                                                                        light with hints of citrus and fruit

                                                                                                                        • Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%USD 9.00

                                                                                                                          malty, hops, citrus

                                                                                                                          • Blonde Ale "Birria Nazionale" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 6.5%USD 14.00

                                                                                                                            chamomile, citrus fruits, and gentle bitterness of Italian hops

                                                                                                                            • IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%USD 14.00

                                                                                                                              citrusy notes of tangerine are complement ed by notes of melon and mango

                                                                                                                              • Witbier "Isacc" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5%USD 14.00

                                                                                                                                citrus, flower, spice

                                                                                                                                • Saison "Wayan" | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.8%USD 14.00

                                                                                                                                  hazy, spice, fresh pepper

                                                                                                                                  • Non-Alcoholic German Lager | Erdinger | GermanyUSD 7.00

                                                                                                                                    lemon, grass, malts

                                                                                                                                    • Hard Seltzer | High Noon | California 4.5%USD 7.00

                                                                                                                                      peach

                                                                                                                                      Analcolica

                                                                                                                                      • PressatoUSD 8.00

                                                                                                                                        fresh grapefruit, thyme, ginger - served on ice in a wine glass

                                                                                                                                        • Italian SodasUSD 8.00

                                                                                                                                          Birreria Baladin | Piedmont. Mela Zen- Apple and Ginger; Agrumata – Citrus and Bergamot

                                                                                                                                          Last updated: 29 August 2023

                                                                                                                                          What 2,057 people are saying

                                                                                                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                                          Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                                          4.7
                                                                                                                                          4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                                          • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                                          • 4.7Service
                                                                                                                                          • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                                                          • 4.5Value

                                                                                                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                                          Review summary

                                                                                                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                                          Catania in La Jolla offers a "fabulous dining experience" with "delicious food" and "superb service." Guests rave about the Italian cuisine, including standout dishes like Duck Sugo Orecchiette and crispy octopus. The "beautiful ocean views" enhance the dining ambiance, making it a "must-visit" for both locals and visitors.

                                                                                                                                          2,057 Reviews

                                                                                                                                          1. Cory

                                                                                                                                            Minneapolis

                                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Incredible meal! Fresh pasta and the service was top notch. My kids 11 & 9 enjoyed their meal as well. Truly one of the best dining experiences we’ve had.

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                                                                                                                                          2. Andrea

                                                                                                                                            Las Vegas

                                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Fantastic restaurant with a great view of La Jolla! The handmade pasta was to die for, and my husband cannot stop raving about the Rivoltella cocktail (rye whiskey, espresso liqueur, vanilla, mole bitters, hellfire bitters). We will be back soon!

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                                                                                                                                          3. Patricia

                                                                                                                                            New York City

                                                                                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Excellently executed food. But cold even indoors.

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                                                                                                                                          4. Mary Kay

                                                                                                                                            San Diego

                                                                                                                                            4 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            4 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            Catania is a local treasure. The food always delicious and innovative. Lovely wine list. Wonderful staff.

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                                                                                                                                          5. Kami

                                                                                                                                            San Diego

                                                                                                                                            3 reviews

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            3 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 21 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 4
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Service was incredible for a birthday celebration for 6 of us. Duck Crostini and Lamb Ribs were outstanding.

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                                                                                                                                          6. Moonjung

                                                                                                                                            San Francisco

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 18 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Made a reservation for my mom's birthday. Loved the ambience. We were able to sit on the balcony side watching the sunset which was beautiful. It does get chilly when the sun sets; however, they did have heat lamps which helped. The service was absolutely fantastic. Everybody was attentive. The food was AMAZING. My mom and I ordered arancini, mushroom pizza, tagliatelle pasta, and the panna cotta. The higher price value was expected, so no surprises there. The pizza was good, it was the thinner crust style. But what my mom and I really enjoyed was the pasta. It is quite creamy. We liked the nuttiness of the pesto. And the panna cotta was SOO good. Overall great experience.

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                                                                                                                                          7. JC

                                                                                                                                            San Diego

                                                                                                                                            34 reviews

                                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            34 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 16 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            If you really want great modern Italian then Catania is the perfect place! The food is always delicious, the service impeccable and a fun atmosphere!!

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                                                                                                                                          8. Ashish

                                                                                                                                            San Diego

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 14 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 2
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            The restaurant is situated in a prime location, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. However, I was a bit disappointed to find that the vegan options were more limited than I had expected. Before visiting, I had called ahead and was assured there were plenty of vegan choices, but upon reviewing the menu, I found it to be fairly restricted. That said, I was still excited to experience a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Antipasto was a standout — the cauliflower dish in particular seemed to be a crowd favorite, as I noticed several tables ordering it. In terms of flavor, it was one of the better dishes of the meal. Unfortunately, I had to give the overall food experience 2 stars because the dish I ordered was overly salty and oily, which impacted the enjoyment. Despite the initial promise, the balance of flavors in my dish didn’t quite meet the standard I was hoping for.

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                                                                                                                                          9. Patricia

                                                                                                                                            Western NC

                                                                                                                                            40 reviews

                                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            40 reviews

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 10 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                            Excellent food, selections and outstanding service…..we eat here often and have never been disappointed. It’s always the right choice!

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                                                                                                                                          10. Diana

                                                                                                                                            San Francisco

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                                            Dined on 10 November 2024

                                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                            This is a must visit restaurant in La Jolla! We ordered the crispy octopus, duck sugo pasta, mushroom pizza, and dessert trio. Everything was fantastic but the dish that you must order is the crispy octopus!

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                                                                                                                                          FAQs

                                                                                                                                          You can order delivery directly from Catania using the Order Online button.

                                                                                                                                          Catania is rated 4.7 stars by 2057 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                                          Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                                          Make a booking

                                                                                                                                          2 people
                                                                                                                                          7:00 pm
                                                                                                                                          Booked 26 times today

                                                                                                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                                          Google Map for Catania

                                                                                                                                          7863 Girard Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92037

                                                                                                                                          Additional information

                                                                                                                                          • Award-winning
                                                                                                                                            1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
                                                                                                                                          • Cross Street
                                                                                                                                            Girard and Wall
                                                                                                                                          • Area
                                                                                                                                            La Jolla
                                                                                                                                          • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                                            Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                                                                                          • Price
                                                                                                                                            $31 to $50
                                                                                                                                          • Cuisines
                                                                                                                                            Italian, Contemporary Italian
                                                                                                                                          • Dining style
                                                                                                                                            Casual Elegant
                                                                                                                                          • Dress code
                                                                                                                                            Casual Dress
                                                                                                                                          • Parking details
                                                                                                                                            Street Parking
                                                                                                                                          • Payment Options
                                                                                                                                            AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                                          • Executive Chef
                                                                                                                                            Ryan Johnston
                                                                                                                                          • Additional
                                                                                                                                            Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                                          • Website
                                                                                                                                            http://www.cataniasd.com/
                                                                                                                                          • Phone number
                                                                                                                                            (858) 551-5105
                                                                                                                                          • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                                            Whether you’re planning a party or a meeting, enjoy the attentive service and personalized touches that take the average private dining experience to the next level with Whisknladle Hospitality. With four restaurants to choose from & a wide selection of menu options, the possibilities are endless. Email events@wnlhosp.com for more info.
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