Award-winning

Catania

4.8

2112 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 33 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
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

Private dining

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 2,112 people are saying

Catania reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Catania, nestled in La Jolla, boasts "amazing food" and "superb service," making it a local favorite. Guests rave about the "stunning ocean views" and dishes like the fresh pasta and crudo. The ambiance is "charming," perfect for special occasions. With "attentive staff" and a "beautiful setting," Catania promises a memorable dining experience.

2,112 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco2 reviews
4.0
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Unfortunately we were seated next to a family with a little girl who was very loud, and had problems staying seated. I was probably about two to three feet from her chair. And after that family left, another group with a small child replaced them. There was a puddle from the rain. Both seemed compelled to play in it, splashing water about. I’m not going to say that the evening was spoiled, but their noise and very young children seemed out of place and unexpected.
Is this helpful?
AB
ABCola
Las Vegas2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our third time at Catania, and each trip a delight.
Is this helpful?
D
Derrick
San Diego19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The dining experience was first class from start to finish! We were celebrating a 25th birthday and the menus were tailored to our event, the staff was super attentive while respecting our conversation and timing. The food was delicious with each dish holding surprising depth of flavor. Atop all of that it was a beautiful sunset that complemented the environment. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you very much to the Catania team!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jerry VIP
San Diego16 reviews
4.0
Dined on 5 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great drinks and food, really enjoyed the Octopus, and Crudo both were 10-10!!
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D
Dennis VIP
Vancouver24 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I forgot how great Catania is. The food was superb and presentation was fantastic. Add the great service we had makes it easy to recommend Catania. I'm looking forward to going back again soon.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Washington DC4 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The service was not particularly good. The server kept forgetting to follow up with the table and it took longer than it should have.
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H
Hoyo
San Francisco24 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our experience overall was disappointing because we have been there multiple times previously. It would’ve been a much better experience if our waiter was not as surly or disinterested as he was. There were many other servers who weren’t attending to us, but was extremely accommodating and pleasant. I wish we had somebody else aside from our server. My Crudo with tuna, blood oranges and beets was excellent. My wife’s fish dish was like a Huatchinango Veracruzana. Kind of a surprise, but it was good overall because the fish was delicate and moist with a nice crisp on it and it was covered by the tomato E cioppino like sauce. The Orchieta pasta with duck Sugo was super disappointing. it was kinda like a mac & cheese type of thing but with like little dots of supposedly duck, but it could’ve been anything. Really disappointing. The wine on the hand was really nice a terrific assortment of Italian wines by the glass as well as a few California wines thrown in.
Is this helpful?
K
Kay
San Diego23 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had such a fun birthday experience and Valerie - our wait person enhanced the experience! Food was delicious as always.
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F
Fauzia
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very great staff and had an amazing experience. Can’t wait to visit again
Is this helpful?
K
Kerri
San Francisco3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s always a great night at Catania: food, service and atmosphere all terrific
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FAQs

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

Catania is rated 4.8 stars by 2112 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 33 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

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Custom inquiry

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