Award-winning

Catania

Name: Catania
Address: 7863 Girard Ave Suite 301, San Diego, CA, United States, 92037
Telephone: (858) 551-5105
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2082 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

10 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 63 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Great for scenic views

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

Popular dishes

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

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

What 2,082 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Catania, nestled in La Jolla, is a vibrant Italian gem offering "delicious food, smart and warm service." Known for its creative dishes like duck sugo pasta and crispy octopus, it boasts a "fantastic view" from its terrace. Patrons appreciate the "wonderful service" and ambiance, making it a local favorite.

2,082 Reviews

J
Joe
Los Angeles
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, service, and drinks were exceptional. At the end, the chef came and introduced himself and brought us an extra dessert which was a real treat. I could not be happier with the experience and meal. Will definitely be sharing with my friends and family. Hope to be back again in the future.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter Linda
VIP
Los Angeles
45 reviews
4.0
45 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice experience, large portions, couldn’t finish it all. Enjoyed the patio w heater on cool night. I had the lobster- uni pasta, husband the rabbit ragout w gnocchi. Both v. good. Great service from Jared.
Is this helpful?
A
Aldine
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I enjoy service and the food. Great ambience and very friendly staff
Is this helpful?
D
Daniella
VIP
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food is majorly good … i’ve been here a few times and I cannot rave enough about the food go the food is great however, the service is sketchy just to say this the hostess didn’t even great us didn’t even say hello. It was very weird. It was very awkward. she needs to go. I don’t know what the deal with that was, but I found that very rude … nobody wants to go drop $200 plus on a dinner and not even be greeted by the 2 feet tall hostess
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
San Francisco
104 reviews
5.0
104 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every time in town, we make sure to visit Catania at least once!
Is this helpful?
L
Lesley
VIP
San Diego
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite San Diego restaurant!The food was delicious and the staff were efficient and friendly. We were made to feel very welcome and will return soon.
Is this helpful?
C
Char
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious meal and wonderful service! An authentic Italian meal in beautiful San Diego!
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
VIP
San Diego
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Steve and his crew are always amazing. Food is spot on and so well prepared.
Is this helpful?
E
Erin
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Catania checked all of the boxes....excellent food, ambiance, service for our NYE dinner!
Is this helpful?
J
Jen
VIP
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fresh and absolutely delicious. They really went above and beyond to make me feel special and I won’t forget it.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 2082 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

10 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 63 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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.

Catania

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Duck Sugo Orecchiette

Crispy Octopus

Pizza Focaccia

Antipasti

Pizza FocacciaUSD 7.00

Green Salad**USD 14.00

Apple Salad**USD 16.00

Kale SaladUSD 15.00

AranciniUSD 12.00

Wood Roasted Cauliflower**USD 19.00

Charred Savoy Cabbage**USD 15.00

Crudo**USD 20.00

Crispy Octopus**USD 22.00

Smoked Duck Liver CrostiniUSD 15.00

Secondi

Pan Seared Scallops*USD 41.00

Whole Roasted Branzino*USD 44.00

Grilled Mary's Duck BreastUSD 35.00

Rotisserie ChickenUSD 33.00

Abita Ranch Wagyu Beef ShankUSD 37.00

Pizza

Italian MeatUSD 24.00

Sicilian PistachioUSD 23.00

MargheritaUSD 21.00

Wild MushroomUSD 25.00

DiavolaUSD 23.00

Pear & GorganzolaUSD 24.00

Pasta

Aglio e Olio PeperonciniUSD 21.00

Tagliatelle alla PortofinoUSD 24.00

Butternut Squash RavioliUSD 27.00

Duck Sugo OrecchietteUSD 29.00

Bucatini alla'AmatricianaUSD 26.00

Spaghetti & ClamsUSD 27.00

Shrimp Risotto**USD 28.00

Cocktails

Aperol Spritz

Isola

Collina

Bacchus

Verde Colada

Succosa

Moncalieri

Santa Maria

Melograno

Vestito

Corvo

Bianchi

Pinot Grigio | Fasoli Gino | VenezieUSD 13.00

Sauvignon Blanc | Scarbolo | Friuli Venezia-GiuliUSD 16.00

Gavi di Gavi | Villa Sparina | PiedmontUSD 15.00

Zibibbo | Donna Fugata Lighea | SiciliaUSD 15.00

Chardonnay | Talbott | Santa Lucia HighlandsUSD 20.00

Spumanti / Rosato

Prosecco | Bisol | NVUSD 12.00

Rose Brut | Bisol | VenetoUSD 14.00

Rose | Benanty | SicilyUSD 15.00

Lambrusco | Bruno Zanasi | Emilia RomagniaUSD 14.00

Rossi

Schiava | Kaltererse | Alto AdigeUSD 13.00

Barbera d'Asti | Michele Chiarlo | PiedmontUSD 14.00

Pinot Noir | Siduri | Santa LuciaUSD 16.00

Sangiovese | Nunzi | ChiantiUSD 15.00

Super Tuscan | Le Difese | TuscanyUSD 20.00

Cabernet Sauvignon | Austin Hope | Paso RoblesUSD 25.00

Birre | 10oz

Pilsner | Modern Times 4.8%USD 9.00

Blonde | Gravity Heights 5.2%USD 9.00

Oatmeal Stout | Fremont 8%USD 9.00

Hazy IPA | Gravity Heights 6.8% ABVUSD 9.00

Bottiglia

Lager Bionda | Menabrea | Piedmont 4.8%USD 9.00

Amber | Menabrea | Piedmont 5%USD 9.00

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

IPA | Birreria Baladin | Piedmont 5.5%USD 14.00

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