Lorna's Italian Kitchen

Love this place! Best pizza! Actually all their food is excellent. And the staff is so nice!

Been coming here for 30 years with my college girlfriend. We make it a reunion destination twice a year. For those of us still in San Diego , we’ve created family traditions here and when our kids come to visit, Lorna’s is always on the itinerary. Best Caesar dressing in the world ( and we’ve traveled to Italy) and Joys Charlie cream sauce is to die for!

I try to do reviews on places I love from the first try, I just dined here, I know the good is made from scratch I can taste how authentic it is, I love the bread and butter, the tag bol was amazing. Desert I got to go, a slice of canoli cake, made in house, so good, want a good Italian meal go here.

I received the best service of my life here! Attentive staff that genuinely wanted to assist you and was happy that you were there. They even took our food to the back and boxed it up for us when I'd only asked for a box. The food was great too! Good portions and tasty flavors. The calzone was huge.

I hadn't been there for about 30 years. Still great! Line of people out the door. The egg Parmesan is great!

Our #1 spot to go for lasagna, meatballs, or the Tag bol👌So delicious 😋 The garlic knots are so good and i always get some Spumoni to wash it down. Would prolly eat it weekly if it were closer to home.

family style italian food in La jolla Lorna’s. portions is huge and delish! rec calamari, garlic knots and Bolognese pasta and tiramisu!

This place is a hidden gem in san Diego, I grew up in San Diego, and I've never been here before, when I went the first time I told myself I have to come back, the food is delicious. The service is great. It's very authentic. The servings are the perfect size, I will be going back for sure. It's good for families, kids, even just a date . I will be coming back.

First off great restaurant, free bread and olive oil so good! Got the tag bol and it was super good, and the tiramisu was fabulous would recommend this place!

Our go to spot whenever we’re in the Clairemont/University City area. Always hits the spot especially when we’re starving! Healthy servings and great taste keeps us coming back.

This place is awesome! It’s a family-run Italian spot with big portions, so bring your appetite! The food is made from scratch and tastes amazing – like your Italian grandma made it herself. We all left with leftovers because the servings are so big, which just means you get to enjoy it twice! The vibe is super relaxed with plastic checkered tablecloths, and you can tell they put a lot of love into their cooking. I looked around at other tables and saw so many good reasons to come back. The meat sauce looks like a must try. If you’re looking for good Italian food and a cozy, laid-back spot, you’ve gotta check this place out!

Our waiter overheard me tell our neighboring table that it was my Bday. The waiters came back after dinner with a cannoli and candle and sang Happy Bday. Very loudly. Brings tears to my eyes as I remember it. Food was fab. As usual.

It takes a hidden gem like this to leave a review, as 5 star reviews are thrown around too easily these days. I have not left food review for a long time and after 5 visits, this place deserves it for consistency in taste, portion and service. I wish I can give 6 stars. Best fried CALAMARI in town. Meaty squid inside which is cooked to perfection, not too firm not too soft. With light bread coating outside. These rings remind onion rings because of size. Huge portions. Picture posted is when I had about last 1/5 left. Marinara sauce was warm and delicious as well. Usually go with seafood pasta for entree which you can’t go wrong but I tried Sicilian pizza this time and it was a delight. Crust baked to perfection. A lot of fresh meat and cheese on top. Service was very timely and staff was very friendly. Different waiters checked on me at different times for needs which provides faster service. Also owner/manager? checked on me too which made me feel valued. Whole atmosphere just feels like you are invited to an authentic Italian family dinner. My only wish is that my picture taking was better as these two pictures do not encapsulate what a fine dining experience this place gives!

new favorite place!! such a romantic and cute atmosphere with delicious food that's worth the price! we got the lasagna and gnocchi :)

Absolutely incredible dinner in a casual atmosphere! We drove from our beach house rental on Mission Beach…more than worth the drive. Under $80 for a family of 4. Thanks for a great meal!

Rodney Regala

Our go to spot whenever we’re in the Clairemont/University City area. Always hits the spot especially when we’re starving! Healthy servings and great taste keeps us coming back.

Michael Ruso (Mikey)

First off great restaurant, free bread and olive oil so good! Got the tag bol and it was super good, and the tiramisu was fabulous would recommend this place!

Sue Hardman

Our waiter overheard me tell our neighboring table that it was my Bday. The waiters came back after dinner with a cannoli and candle and sang Happy Bday. Very loudly. Brings tears to my eyes as I remember it. Food was fab. As usual.

Jogabonito

It takes a hidden gem like this to leave a review, as 5 star reviews are thrown around too easily these days. I have not left food review for a long time and after 5 visits, this place deserves it for consistency in taste, portion and service. I wish I can give 6 stars. Best fried CALAMARI in town. Meaty squid inside which is cooked to perfection, not too firm not too soft. With light bread coating outside. These rings remind onion rings because of size. Huge portions. Picture posted is when I had about last 1/5 left. Marinara sauce was warm and delicious as well. Usually go with seafood pasta for entree which you can’t go wrong but I tried Sicilian pizza this time and it was a delight. Crust baked to perfection. A lot of fresh meat and cheese on top. Service was very timely and staff was very friendly. Different waiters checked on me at different times for needs which provides faster service. Also owner/manager? checked on me too which made me feel valued. Whole atmosphere just feels like you are invited to an authentic Italian family dinner. My only wish is that my picture taking was better as these two pictures do not encapsulate what a fine dining experience this place gives!

Tonia Shump

This place is awesome! It’s a family-run Italian spot with big portions, so bring your appetite! The food is made from scratch and tastes amazing – like your Italian grandma made it herself. We all left with leftovers because the servings are so big, which just means you get to enjoy it twice! The vibe is super relaxed with plastic checkered tablecloths, and you can tell they put a lot of love into their cooking. I looked around at other tables and saw so many good reasons to come back. The meat sauce looks like a must try. If you’re looking for good Italian food and a cozy, laid-back spot, you’ve gotta check this place out!

Sophi Gamon

new favorite place!! such a romantic and cute atmosphere with delicious food that's worth the price! we got the lasagna and gnocchi :)

Sharon Adato

This place is a hidden gem in san Diego, I grew up in San Diego, and I've never been here before, when I went the first time I told myself I have to come back, the food is delicious. The service is great. It's very authentic. The servings are the perfect size, I will be going back for sure. It's good for families, kids, even just a date . I will be coming back.

Tagliatelle bolognese never disappoints, even after two decades. Pistachio ice cream is made in house and is the perfect dessert.

Traditional Italian and Pizza. Great service, delicious food. They were so patient with our boisterous kiddos. They seated us very quickly on a Friday night. Chicken parmesan, pizza, bruschetta, spaghetti and spinach salad were all wonderful. Kids menu options were great for our one picky eater. We chose indoor seating... it was December, after all... but the outdoor seating arrangement was also very nice, with overhead heaters under a lighted awning. Definitely will be back.

Uyen Ngo

Tagliatelle bolognese never disappoints, even after two decades. Pistachio ice cream is made in house and is the perfect dessert.

Susan Phillips

Traditional Italian and Pizza. Great service, delicious food. They were so patient with our boisterous kiddos. They seated us very quickly on a Friday night. Chicken parmesan, pizza, bruschetta, spaghetti and spinach salad were all wonderful. Kids menu options were great for our one picky eater. We chose indoor seating... it was December, after all... but the outdoor seating arrangement was also very nice, with overhead heaters under a lighted awning. Definitely will be back.

Jessica Crosthwaite

Our #1 spot to go for lasagna, meatballs, or the Tag bol👌So delicious 😋 The garlic knots are so good and i always get some Spumoni to wash it down. Would prolly eat it weekly if it were closer to home.

sheabutterlovee

I try to do reviews on places I love from the first try, I just dined here, I know the good is made from scratch I can taste how authentic it is, I love the bread and butter, the tag bol was amazing. Desert I got to go, a slice of canoli cake, made in house, so good, want a good Italian meal go here.

I've only been here once when we were visiting my child. The "Tag Bol" is definitely the best.

Pizza is light and fluffy, veggies are crisp and fresh not over cooked, a good change to other pizza places

You certainly get your money's worth because the portions are fantastic. As well as delicious.

Solid 4 stars. Cute mom and pops place in university city! Food is pretty good reasonably priced! Service is fast.

Caesar salad was just ok. The taste of olive oil was too strong and the salad was over dressed. Garlic knots were very good. Meat ball was delicious. Small place but very nice and friendly wait staff

Make sure to check in and get on the list right away. We were celebrating Mother's Day early, the Friday night before to beat the crowds. We didn't have reservations. It was a packed house, about an hour after happy hour. First they brought out warm bread, butter, and plates for the oil and balsamic vinegar. Great bread! Then we ordered the Minestrone soup which came out steaming hot and was loaded with veggies, beans, noodles, but the broth was bland. The meat lasagna was great as well, but not as hot in the center as I like it. My dad tried the salmon special and I tried it and wasn't a fan, but he liked it. It looked like they have amazing desserts, but we were too stuffed by then to even share one. We'll have to come again during their Happy Hour. Lorna's has been one of our favorite places, the wait staff is friendly and fast.

I'm from NY and grew up with my Italian great grandmother making family dinners - Lorna's really tasted so nostalgic and comforting! The ambiance is very casual and cozy, and the service is very attentive. The portions are very big so be careful not to over-order!

our family go-to spot for yummy italian food. comes pretty close to NY/NJ flavors. we’ll definitely keep on coming a few times a month.

Ok I was a bit apprehensive about this spot, because when you pull into the parking lot the restaurant comes off as a end cap corner cafe spot. But as we walked up to the establishment it is far from that. The dining area is larger than what it looks like inside then from standing outside. Over all lay out, has outside dining with heater units above the tables, inside is what makes the experience very inviting, warm, and cozy. The floor lay out is tight, tables are fairly close to each other but just enough space between other parties and yourself to enjoy. Music is played softly over head to drown out conversations going on. Although a full house and every table has seat occupied the vibe inside is still relaxing. The waiters are very attentive, calm and reassuring that your experience will be well worth it. The portion amount served per, anti pasta, main courses have a satisfying amount of food maybe even enough to share. The dessert menu has just enough choices to choose from that it makes a bit tough to pick one. The serving sizes are fairly big enough to possibly share as well. I ordered a slice of New York cheese cake with Italian ice cream. Between the two desserts the taste was okay, but nothing over the top. The cheese cake was whippy, and the ice cream was a bit creamy, but non the less still enjoyable. Over all experience was pleasant and I would come back.

A nice American Italian restaurant! I reccomend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys a classic Italian experience! The food was simple but delicious! The only negative about the menu was the limiting vegetarian options, the menu didnt offer many vegetarian options and no vegan options. The complimentary bread was great as well! I highly recommend the garlic knots! The service was good. The wait time for the food took a normal amount. The place is pretty packed during dinner hours so keep that in mind if you are visiting with a group of people. I reccomend making reservations if visiting with 3 or more people. The pictures below: complimentary bread, alfredo pasta, and garlic knots!

Steph Marco

our family go-to spot for yummy italian food. comes pretty close to NY/NJ flavors. we’ll definitely keep on coming a few times a month.

Teddy Blanco

Ok I was a bit apprehensive about this spot, because when you pull into the parking lot the restaurant comes off as a end cap corner cafe spot. But as we walked up to the establishment it is far from that. The dining area is larger than what it looks like inside then from standing outside. Over all lay out, has outside dining with heater units above the tables, inside is what makes the experience very inviting, warm, and cozy. The floor lay out is tight, tables are fairly close to each other but just enough space between other parties and yourself to enjoy. Music is played softly over head to drown out conversations going on. Although a full house and every table has seat occupied the vibe inside is still relaxing. The waiters are very attentive, calm and reassuring that your experience will be well worth it. The portion amount served per, anti pasta, main courses have a satisfying amount of food maybe even enough to share. The dessert menu has just enough choices to choose from that it makes a bit tough to pick one. The serving sizes are fairly big enough to possibly share as well. I ordered a slice of New York cheese cake with Italian ice cream. Between the two desserts the taste was okay, but nothing over the top. The cheese cake was whippy, and the ice cream was a bit creamy, but non the less still enjoyable. Over all experience was pleasant and I would come back.

Elka

Make sure to check in and get on the list right away. We were celebrating Mother's Day early, the Friday night before to beat the crowds. We didn't have reservations. It was a packed house, about an hour after happy hour. First they brought out warm bread, butter, and plates for the oil and balsamic vinegar. Great bread! Then we ordered the Minestrone soup which came out steaming hot and was loaded with veggies, beans, noodles, but the broth was bland. The meat lasagna was great as well, but not as hot in the center as I like it. My dad tried the salmon special and I tried it and wasn't a fan, but he liked it. It looked like they have amazing desserts, but we were too stuffed by then to even share one. We'll have to come again during their Happy Hour. Lorna's has been one of our favorite places, the wait staff is friendly and fast.

Ashley LeBourveau-Truong

I'm from NY and grew up with my Italian great grandmother making family dinners - Lorna's really tasted so nostalgic and comforting! The ambiance is very casual and cozy, and the service is very attentive. The portions are very big so be careful not to over-order!

Decent Italian. Not the friendliest staff. Stood at the register for a to go order and the waiter provided zero greeting or eye contact. Surprising in fact when you are about a foot away from each other. Expensive prices. 2 spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread totaled $53 before tip. Spaghetti was mostly sauce and garlic knots not that garlicky. Was also given linguine and not spaghetti.. 😩

Had dinner and ordered their special, spaghetti in white sauce with garlic butter, spinach and mushrooms. When I received the plate, what was supposed to be white sauce/ alfredo or bechamel was very liquid, hardly had any spinach, the small mushrooms looked like they were from a can, the sundried tomatoes were nowhere to be found and most of all the pasta was not home made, and it was not cooked. I took a few bites and that was it. I was expecting a delicious plate of food, and this one was a fail for me. I did take a to go container. Thought let's see if it tastes different when reheated leftover. Had some today and there was absolutely no white sauce. When reheating all I saw was tons of olive oil. Leftovers got tossed. Don't order. Sorry Lorna's.

Food has always been good. This time we came, we had to walk up to the counter to order. That was different, but ok. Then we got our food one person at a time, and it was served in to go containers and plastic utensils. They gave us two small pieces of bread wrapped in tin foil. They said they didn't have butter. It wasn't the atmosphere of a sit down restaurant. It was disappointing.

$20 for some mid pasta and a drink. I got the tortellini- a few pieces of pasta covered in a bland tomato meat sauce

I used to live down the street and came every week. I loved the food. It has been 10 years since my late visit and I cannot believe how far the food has slipped. None of the table's food was noteworthy. Lasagna, for example, used to have a rich meaty sauce with beef and chunks sausage. Evidently no longer. Not a bit of sausage in lasagne and I thought the beef a bit skimpy. I went at lunch, so maybe a less meaty sauce is normal but less flavor seemed to be indicative of every dish. At lunch the service is much more casual, order at the counter and food delivered to your table. It worked well, once the table next informed us about the procedure.

Mike Smith

I used to live down the street and came every week. I loved the food. It has been 10 years since my late visit and I cannot believe how far the food has slipped. None of the table's food was noteworthy. Lasagna, for example, used to have a rich meaty sauce with beef and chunks sausage. Evidently no longer. Not a bit of sausage in lasagne and I thought the beef a bit skimpy. I went at lunch, so maybe a less meaty sauce is normal but less flavor seemed to be indicative of every dish. At lunch the service is much more casual, order at the counter and food delivered to your table. It worked well, once the table next informed us about the procedure.

I heard good things about this restaurant so I decided to give it a try. The food was okay, but the big guy with the giant afro was rude as heck. He had a bad attitude written all over his face. I will never go back here again.

Absolutely terrible customer service. I simply asked if I was in the correct restaurant I was ansered with did you read the sign, while abrasivly rushing me out of the dinning room. I then waited in line 10 mins to find that they had not even started my order yet. They then request another 20min and when I returned they ignored me while at there front counter clearly seeing all 10 of them 5 ft away from me. When they finally spoke to me they asked for another 10 min Delivery is no better as drivers must wait behind guest so caution when ordering delivery as my customer had to wait an hour for his order

Came here for pickup like normal, however, never again. When I arrived at the given ETA, I was told that the "pizza guy" was running behind and it would be 20 min more. I took my two young kids outside to wait. After 20 minutes I went back inside and it was still not ready. This is where the 1 star service rating came in to play, there was no urgency or concern for my issue. After a few minutes, the pizza was ready, but now the rest of my order was not. I was really struggling at this point and again, no apologies or anything. The food there is fine, but after this past experience, I will never return again.

We used to love this place. Went here for lunch recently and the guy at the front was so rude! We walked out rightaway. Fix your service if you want people to continue supporting you! Definitely not coming back here again!

Not sure what happened to our favorite little Italian restaurant. Bread was stale and cold. The server looked like he would rather be doing his taxes. The new remodel was strange, the wall felt like it was going to fall on us. Not sure we will be back

I have NEVER been to a restaurant that REFUSED to sit me inside because I was one person. The guy who was in “charge” was very rude and asked me to sit outside by the parked cars since I was only one person and when I asked him to separate one of the MANY EMPTY tables they had to accommodate me, he just looked at me dumb-founded!! I just walked out. This is to the owner: GREAT JOB RUNNING A BUSINESS AND MAKING CUSTOMERS FEEL WELCOMED/HUMILIATED!!!!

Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass. We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego (Yes, I’ve been to Italy and I’ve had lots of Italian food in SD). They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass. We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego. They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected more for the price of the dishes. I’m giving a star for the waiter’s service trying to make my pasta taste better.

Bonnie Ye

Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass. We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego (Yes, I’ve been to Italy and I’ve had lots of Italian food in SD). They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass. We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego. They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected more for the price of the dishes. I’m giving a star for the waiter’s service trying to make my pasta taste better.

The experience was affected by the attitude of the person at the register. A calm and polite explanation about the policy regarding pets would have been sufficient. Courtesy and professionalism always make a difference.

Silvina Savage

Not sure what happened to our favorite little Italian restaurant. Bread was stale and cold. The server looked like he would rather be doing his taxes. The new remodel was strange, the wall felt like it was going to fall on us. Not sure we will be back

Bulbul Rath

We used to love this place. Went here for lunch recently and the guy at the front was so rude! We walked out rightaway. Fix your service if you want people to continue supporting you! Definitely not coming back here again!

Tulip

I have NEVER been to a restaurant that REFUSED to sit me inside because I was one person. The guy who was in “charge” was very rude and asked me to sit outside by the parked cars since I was only one person and when I asked him to separate one of the MANY EMPTY tables they had to accommodate me, he just looked at me dumb-founded!! I just walked out. This is to the owner: GREAT JOB RUNNING A BUSINESS AND MAKING CUSTOMERS FEEL WELCOMED/HUMILIATED!!!!