Renzo Noratto

Spectacular! Attentive staff with great communication skills and upbeat attitude. Some of the best seafood pasta I have had in a while. Thank you guys! And a special thank you to our server Ariadna! She was wonderful! Highly recommend the evening special seafood pasta!

Chris Chow

The linguine and clams all day! Their deep friar was down for the count unfortunately so no calamari-charcuterie combo. The coffee was the only real downer. It was luke warm and I told the staff only to fill it halfway to make way for the milk. It went on deaf ears but everything else was stellar.

+1

Kim Moore

Absolutely loved our server, Anna!!! In addition to loving our server, our food and dessert was amazing! Had the Bruschetta and Focaccia bread as an appetizer, indulged in the Gambari Fra Diavolo as my main dish, and topped our dinner off with a Pistachio Canoli and a Chocolate cream puff for dessert.

+3

Sebastian Shakespeare

Love Little Italy in the heart of downtown San Diego! Rivals anything New York City or Toronto has! This atmosphere led us to Nonnas! We were hungry and recognized the name from the movie. We thought, "why not!?". Well, I'm glad we ventured inside to try it! Amazing counter with hand made baked goods, deserts and gelatos! Pastas on display! Nothing held back here! Ambiance was impeccable! Service was first notch! And the food! Amazing! I had to try the appetizer(s), salads, breads, main courses! I left totally full and satisfied, but still wanting to try more! And the Italian sodas!?? Exactly what I remember when I was a kid! I recommend the blood orange! Funny thing, so excited to dig into our meals, consistently forgot photographing the plates as served before eating! That's a super problem! I highly recommend!

Oded Kassirer

In the heart of Little Italy, right next to the overhead sign, you’ll find this beautiful restaurant. Great menu and dishes that are not overly complicated and feel like they were actually made by an Italian mom or grandma, hence the name Nonna! Mauricio, our waiter, was friendly and helpful in explaining and helping us choose and each dish was absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a wonderful dessert to end on a high note, I suggest the Torta de la Nonna. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended!

+5

Rachel Davidson

What a treat it was to eat here. The food was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was so kind to help with recommendations. We enjoyed sitting outside soaking in the ambiance of the city. We would happily eat here again.

+2

Rudy O

Writing this review as I eat. The pesto gnocchi is amazing. The pizza fantastic. Definitely recommend and would patron again

Vita & Vox

This spot is definitely unique — the coffee shop is located right inside the restaurant, which confused me for a moment. There’s just one table specifically for the coffee shop, and the rest belong to the restaurant, but honestly that made the experience more interesting and memorable. They have a huge variety of desserts. I picked one that wasn’t really my taste, but that was just my choice — not a reflection on them. The coffee, though, was excellent. I love Lavazza in general, and they prepared it perfectly. Overall, I’m giving this place five stars for its uniqueness and great coffee. I’ll be back to try more.

We loved this place with open air dining right in Little Italy with amazing food! It wasn't as pricey as some of the others, so I had some concern that the pasta dishes might not be as good. They exceded expectations! We had the short rib pappardelle and the mushroom tortelloni. Both were divine with homemade pasta, interesting and wonderful flavors and plentiful portions. I would order the same dishes if I get to visit SD again.

I started to walk around Little Italy looking for something to eat. A lot of the menus are basically the same but something about Nonna seemed comforting and it definitely was! The staff here is very kind. The interior is welcoming. But the food is just excellent! I would definitely recommend the bolognese! Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

My family and I just had the most wonderful dinner here at Nonna's. Everything was perfect. The building is beautifully decorated and takes advantage of San Diegos weather with outdoor seating. The service was excellent. It felt so welcoming and attentive. The food was scrumptious. My party had the ravioli, lasagna, bolongese, and the misto salad. Everything tasted authentic just like Nonna makes it. For dessert, we had cappuccinos and tiramisu. Everything tasted fresh and rich. I highly recommend this spit if you are in San Diego. Thank you Nonna!

+2

Very good food! Husband and I came here for dinner and was immediately seated! Pizza and pastas were out of this world! Staff was friendly and quick. Will be coming here again!

Felt like I was being welcomed into Nonna’s home for dinner. The staff were so helpful and kind! We had children there as well and they were very accommodating! I had the short ribs—delicious!

After a long day of e-bike riding and exploring San Diego, we decided to head down to Little Italy for an Ice Cream shop. We found ourselves a little hungry and peeked in in several places but they just didn’t feel right which ultimately lead us to here. We set outside near the sidewalk and decided to split a pizza, salad, and appetizer. Both the food and service were excellent and we all commented that we had the best time here. We would certainly return and take advantage of more of their menu items.

The atmosphere and the pasta are wonderful. Staff is super helpful and friendly. The salads and bruschetta could benefit from some higher caliber tomatoes, but that’s really the only criticism for our experience. The open air tables facing the street, protected from the sun are wonderful. Seating is spread out enough you don’t feel jammed in.

+6

On vacation in SD. Food was so delicious! You just want to keep eating! Service is also good considering how busy it was.

+5

Visiting this family-owned gem for the first time with my family was an absolute delight, and I must say, it exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we walked in, the warm atmosphere and welcoming smiles from the staff made us feel right at home. The hospitality displayed by everyone, including what appeared to be the manager and our server, was truly commendable. It’s evident that they genuinely care about their guests, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Now, let’s dive into the food, which is undoubtedly the star of the show. We started with two glasses of Chardonnay, although I can’t recall the specific labels, each sip was crisp and refreshing, perfectly complementing our meal. The cherry Italian soda, topped with whipped cream, was a delightful treat—sweet, fizzy, and a fun twist that my family loved. For appetizers, we had calamari served with homemade marinara sauce. The calamari was perfectly cooked—crispy yet tender—with the marinara adding a rich, flavorful punch. Moving on to the main dishes, we indulged in ravioli fungi, lasagna, and meatballs, all paired with the same incredible marinara sauce. Each dish was packed with flavor and clearly prepared with love and attention to detail. The ravioli fungi was a standout for its earthy flavors and delicate texture, while the lasagna was layered to perfection, oozing with cheese and rich meat sauce. The meatballs were hearty and flavorful, making for a comforting classic. We also shared a pepperoni pizza, which was simply divine. The crust was just the right amount of crispy, and the pepperoni was flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients. To finish off our meal, we enjoyed espresso coffee, which was strong and aromatic, and cannelloni for dessert, which was rich and satisfying. The meal was perfectly rounded off with two shots of Limoncello—refreshing and zesty, it was a lovely way to cleanse the palate. Overall, I rarely give 5 out of 5 stars, but this place truly deserves it. The combination of outstanding service and remarkable flavors is something you have to experience for yourself. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting and supporting this beautiful establishment. Here’s to hoping they continue to thrive for many years to come!

This place is nice and located right in Little Italy. I ordered take out and got the margarita Stone Pizza which was really good. When trying to order take out, I was bounced around and the phone even hung up at one point. However, the staff are really nice and helpful

We came for our 20th wedding anniversary. Erin our server was top notch. The food was excellent. I had the lamb special rate 5/5. Mushroom tortellini 5/5 , the calamari was awesome . As you can see they gave us a special dessert plate as well. A truly great night and I wish I had more servers like Erin as she was very sweet with a positive sense of humor and she knew her food menu giving great advice based on our individual tastes.

Our first time , in little Italy we choose this gem. Love the food Justin , the bartender very knowledgeable , help us choose the best. We will definitely 💯 come back .

I went with a group as a gluten-free diner who is highly allergic to gluten. They were attentive to my allergy and the staff were knowledgeable of cross-contamination. I would recommend to others with this allergy!

The desserts were amazing. The deep fried donut and conoli cake is worth parking for.

1st time eating here, I am a very picky eater. I’d have to say this is my #1 best restaurant I have eaten at. The food was fantastic , service was great, atmosphere was perfect. Highly recommend!

This is my new regular Italian restaurant! Price is good and food is amazing. I love the desserts especially and I regularly take out sweets from here. I highly recommend the dessert Sicillian Cassata, Lemon cheesecake, and Lemon Tart I brought friends here several times and they all loved it

+1

One of the top Italian restaurant I have visit in the last 10 years, I came all the way from Canada to eat here . The pasta and pizza were delightful, showcasing authentic flavors. The service was exceptional, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience. The staff's and a specially the owner Mr.Vince so attentiveness and efficiency contributed to a positive impression.

I was a little taken aback or bummed out when we were not offered outdoor seating and then walked right through the main dining area, down a very narrow hallway (and we literally ran into someone exiting the kitchen) and into the back patio area. Wow was I mistaken. We found the area (captured in my photos) to be very nice. It's essentially an outdoor covered seating area with a ton of lights to brighten up the place which is naturally day lite during the daylight period. Our server was Ana who couldn't have done anything better with her super delightful personality and her attention to detail. Warning. There are 2 narrow hallways. One encompasses a unisex restroom, which appeared to be occupied each time we tried the door and the second hallway encompasses 2 dedicated restrooms. Like me you might suspect at first that they only have the one unisex restroom since there is no signage to clue you in. It was funny that during our entire evening I noted how much "press" Nonna was getting ( staff shirts and aprons) but Zucchero was getting nothing. It wasn't until we were leaving that we took note that the pastry case (labeled as fantastic by my wife the extreme foodie) was banded for Zucchero inclusive of outdoor building signage. The acoustics on the back patio was generally okay with a little bit of noise reverberation. The tricked out heavy timbers roof/ceiling treatment must help a ton.

+6

Stopped in for dinner on a Sunday evening while visiting San Diego. Our first visit. Atmosphere was excellent. Food was excellent. Service was excellent, however felt somewhat rushed like they were attempting to turn over tables quickly. In the heart of Little Italy. We will be back! It was that good!!

+4

despite being incredibly busy, the food came out fast and was delicious. the ravioli and pizza were both very good

As soon as you enter Little Italy, come to Nonna’s for a nice break and delicious food! We were looking for a restaurant as we were walking around and the staff invited us in (the smell of the food also attracted us lol) The food was so good and the service was beyond amazing! We left satisfied with Nonna’s food 😊

We are vegetarians (no egg, no meat) and we loved the variety offered to us. We ordered a pizza, gnocchi pasta, choco lava and choclate ganache for desert and absolutely loved every bit of it. The food was so much filling for us 2 people. We had to pack most of it. I would give a 10/10 for taste, 10/10 for service and 10/10 for the outdoor seating vibe. Would visit again.

+2

One of the places to sit down and enjoy a nice meal. Our server was excellent. Very nice and kind. Food was good. The atmosphere was nice. Lights were settle, not to dim and not to bright. Very romantic and chill spot. Desserts was so yummy that we even stopped by before our flight to grabs some of those tasty treats. Definitely will have to come back

Food was amazing! So was the service. Loved the alla vodka. Pizza was quite good but the pasta felt so comforting and was delicious!

Nonna-Zucchero, Little Italy San Diego. Solid menu with many Italian dishes. Portions are large, bring an appetite. Menu is not large, always a plus when a restaurant focuses on quality vs quantity of menu items. Friendly service and attentive too. Focaccia bread is a mini pizza! Rigatoni and Eggplant dishes were expertly prepared. Buon appetito!

+1

I am just absolutely speechless at how amazing the food was and friendly our server Peter was! I ordered the shrimp and crab linguini special and my husband ordered the chicken Alfredo. I am part Italian so I’m picky when eating Italian out but this was probably the best Italian food I have ever tasted in my life. And the dessert? Wow. To die for. I will 1000% be back when we visit San Diego and recommend to everyone. I’ll be dreaming about it the rest of my life.

Another fantastic experience and delicious meal at our favorite restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, Nonna + Zucchero. Our server was great and was attentive. Our food was delicious and flavorful as always. Of course, we still ended up buying some items from their bakery. 1. COSTOLETTE Braised short ribs, parmigiano potato puree 2. RIGATONI CONTADINA Eggplant, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Artichokes, Gorgonzola 3. ARANCINI Saffron rice, beef ragu, mozzarella 4. BRUSCHETTA Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, shaved parmigiano, basil, crostini 5. Opera Cake 6. Fruit Tart

+6

Amazing food and service made for the perfect birthday celebration. Loved the food and the staff! We’ll return for certain.

+6

The service was attentive and friendly, but the quality of the food was amazing. The cannoli and lemon cello for dessert just made our meal even more memorable. I had a cesar salad, with pizza. My husband had the pork special and focacia bread. The only negative was it was a busy bar, so the crowd was a bit loud.

I recently visited Nonna/Zucchero Italian Restaurant, and while the food was enjoyable, the overall experience was lacking. The staff were friendly, but not particularly attentive. We had to wait an extended time to be served by a waiter, and there was a miscommunication when we asked for a plate for our cannolies. Despite this, the tableware used was of high quality. The prices were slightly higher than the quality of food merited. For 4 people we payed somewhere around $300 to have meals with a bottle of wine and 1 Italian Soda. I ordered the prime rib, which was tender but lacked flavor. All in all, it is worth a visit for those seeking Italian cuisine, but don't expect anything extraordinary.

+6

Best pizza we have had outside of Italy! The caprese salad is excellent as well. Highly recommended. The entire area of Little Italy is well worth a visit. It's like being in New York's Little Italy. We highly recommend this restaurant! Photo of the Margherita pizza.

+4

OMG THIS PLACE IS HOME! I walked by asked a question to a gentleman & was blessed to meet the actual owner. He told me all about his city as he sat there proudly sharing his love for San Diego. OMG THE ESPRESSO CANNOLI is Heaven!! No joke my husband ate 2 and could have eaten the entire tray. They are delicious & so authentic! They do it right. We are going back for dinner!! Thank you for your kindness & love of food!

Stopped for a birthday dinner with family. Food and dessert were very good. Would definitely come in again.

Loved the arancini , very crunchy and tasty . Pizza was good , not my favorite in the near by location . Had the caprese pizza seemed the crust and prosciutto could have been cooked longer .

3rd visit: caramali again. the gnocchi pesto (green ones) was too heavy for me, full of cheese. pollo chef also not fit our tastebud. but at least we tried so that we won't order these again 2nd visit: caramali again. the mushroom pasta + creamy sauce with hint of lemon(or lime?) was def fantastic. 1st visit: caramali was great! must try! pasta also good. spacious and comfy place

+5

This was a really fun place to dine. We came here for dinner on our last night in town. Made reservations, no problem. Was seated promptly upon arrival. Got a seat on the patio under the heaters and the night lights. It was very comfortable. Service was very welcoming and warm. Food was served with a short wait and it was very exquisite; very tasty and yummy. Dessert was equally great! So glad we came here. They did a great job! Totally recommend and would come back again! UPDATE (3/25/24): Our family is back in San Diego and Nonna is a must stop for us since we had such a good time here about a couple of years ago. This time it’s a Monday (3/25) evening. We called and made reservations for 5 (we weren’t able to make reservations online). The place is exactly how I remembered it. Service was excellent. Our server (Justin) was very hospitable and did a great job! Food is excellent, all came out tasted great and very delicious. We got the Sea Bass, the Lasagna, the Short Rib Ravioli, and the Chicken Rigatoni. The Cannoli was amazing. So glad we came back here. This place remains one of my top recommended eatery in this area. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food, great service, and quality dining experience. Yes you will pay more to dine here but the value to price ratio is a 5/5. Daylight was longer this time when we went so the dining experience (mood) was not as intimate as previous when it was dark outside but it doesn’t change anything. All still very good. Just keep that in mind when dining here. Nonna still earns the 5/5 rating even a year later! If you find this review and or update helpful, please give the heart or thumbs up emoji reaction below!!

+1

Had a great experience @ Nonna. Everything was on point. Was my 2nd time dining here and once again the service and taste were great. First time trying their dessert options, Wow do they have plenty to offer for that sweet palate. The cannolis are amazing..!!!

+6

The food is good and fresh. Would love a little bigger portion size. The salad was nice and refreshing and the martini and dessert were delicious.

I will say the food was good and had a great recommendation for a glass of wine. Hard to find good food in little italy as some of the restaurants look good but food isn't. So I was glad we picked this one and will be coming back!

My family and I were visiting from Australia and found this place randomly on our walk through Little Italy. I loved the authentic feel so we decided to eat there. We were not disappointed. The pizza and pasta was delicious. My grandparents are Italian and I have been to Italy and that was as authentic as it gets. The service by our waitress was wonderful too. We took home some deserts and they were so delicious too.

Nonna’s Cucina is a cozy spot on Commercial Drive serving homemade Italian comfort food. The pastas—especially the truffle pappardelle—are rich and flavorful, while panini like the Nonna’s Speciale shine with fresh ingredients. Desserts, including cannoli and filled croissants, are a must-try. Seating is limited, so it’s best for a casual bite or takeout, but the friendly service and scratch-made quality make it a neighborhood gem.

+2

I ordered Tortelloni Funghi based on the server recommendation 🤌🏻 deliziosa e saporito! Portion is perfect, quality over quantity. I wished I’m not that full so I can try something else.

Absolutely delicious food. We had a picky eater in our party and he ate a margarita pizza. I had the tortellini (I love tortellini and mushrooms so it was absolute perfection!) and my mom had the rigatoni cantadina (she loved the eggplant in the dish). Their outdoor patio has heaters for cold days.

Cute Italian restaurant, I can’t believe this was my first visit! Good menu selection, I recommend the carbonara it’s really good. They also have a dessert bar that you can order to the table or take to-go. I ordered the strawberry and pistachio cannoli 😋. The staff are very friendly and attentive which is also a plus. The parking is difficult which is normal for this area. Definitely worth the visit and I will be coming back !

My daughter and I had the best experience at NONNA in Little Italy! From the moment we walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming, kind, and attentive. The service was fast, and everyone had such genuine warmth. We ordered the spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, focaccia, and a pistachio cannoli for dessert everything was absolutely delicious! The flavors were rich, comforting, and authentically Italian. I didn’t take many pictures because I wanted to stay present and enjoy this special mother–daughter dinner, but every bite was perfection. A special shoutout to Peter, our server such a kind gentleman! His service was amazing fast, attentive, and professional with a friendly touch. I also enjoyed a lovely glass of classic Italian red wine that paired beautifully with the meal. We’ll definitely be coming back for more of these sweet mother–daughter dinner nights. Thank you, NONA, for the wonderful food and experience! ❤️🇮🇹

The food was beyond amazing! My waiter made the best recommendations!! Even got me to go back a second time for another, yet again, amazingly delicious dinner. Nona’s should be in everyone’s To Do list when in San Diego!!

Had an amazingly delicious spaghetti bolognese with meat balls, very nice, clean and reasonably priced restaurant.

+6

Excellent food. Everything on the menu. Drove from long beach hung out in little Italy. Hand plans to eat at a steak house. This was better and we experienced Great service.

Great food! If you want real Italian, Nonna's is awesome. Small family feel with friendly staff. Anna was so informative and happy to answer all our questions. desserts were to die for. Make sure y…

Great food! If you want real Italian, Nonna's is awesome. Small family feel with friendly staff. Anna was so informative and happy to answer all our questions. desserts were to die for. Make sure…

Great food! If you want real Italian, Nonna's is awesome. Small family feel with friendly staff. Anna was so informative and happy to answer all our questions. Desserts were to die for. Make sure y…

We got seated super fast on a Saturday night. \nGot our food fast as well. \nWe shared a pizza and the vodka fussili pasta. It was delicious. pasta could've been a little saucier but overall …

We got seated super fast on a Saturday night. \nGot our food fast as well. \nWe shared a pizza and the vodka fussili pasta. It was delicious. Pasta could've been a little saucier but overall 10/10.…

We got seated super fast on a Saturday night. \nGot our food fast as well. \nWe shared a pizza and the vodka fussili pasta. It was delicious. pasta could've been a little saucier but overall 10/1…

We got seated super fast on a Saturday night. \nGot our food fast as well. \nWe shared a pizza and the vodka fussili pasta. It was delicious. Pasta could've been a little saucier but overall 10/10.…

This place was so close to my hotel, we had reservations and got sat immediately. We started off with the focaccia bread which was so good. I got myself an espresso martini also amazing. For our en…

Never been to Little Italy before but decided to come here. Amazing desserts. Great service. I wish I live in San Diego :(

The food was amazing. Service was quick. Not much of an ambiance but it wasn't loud. A nice place to have dinner with friendly conversation.

Awesome food and service, best pepperoni pizza! We had chicken piccata, short rib pappardelle, carpaccio and tiramisu. Will be back.

Excellent!! Loved sitting out on the sidewalk under an umbrella. Food and drinks were over the top! Server was very pleasant and helpful with the menu selections. The sidewalk eating area was super…

Our Uber driver, who grew up and currently lives in Little Italy, gave us a few of restaurant recommendations, and this was one of them. We went text during our stay. Delicious entrees and desserts-d…

This is the best pick if you want an authentic Italian prepared menu. The food and service was excellent. Pastries are baked on site. Highly recommend.

This is the best pick if you want an authentic Italian prepared menu. The food and service was excellent. Pastries are baked on site. Highly recommend.

This is the best pick if you want an authentic Italian prepared menu. The food and service was excellent. Pastries are baked on site. Highly recommend.

Went into this busy place on a midweek evening. Peter our server was really friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our food, I had Lasagne and it was one of the best I've had. Very busy, fast moving…

Went into this busy place on a midweek evening. Peter our server was really friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our food, I had Lasagne and it was one of the best I've had. Very busy, fast moving…

Delicious, rich flavors and interesting menu items. The short ribs with pasta and butter sauce are out of this world- we savored every bite! The bakery is exceptional and has traditional Italian i…

Excellent place for food and drinks. Stopped in (ate outside). Apps and dessert along with drinks. Great service and food

Excellent place for food and drinks. Stopped in (ate outside). Apps and dessert along with drinks. Great service and food

Six of us went for dinner. The welcome was very friendly. The food was excellent and the service very friendly and very good. Extremely good value for money. I would wholeheartedly recommend this r…

Picked this place because of a gift card. It was fantastic. Food portions were great and a couple of glasses of wine hit the spot. We had the arugula salad and the gamberra shrimp meal hit the s…

Stopped to rest had a nice glass of wine with carpaccio. The menu looked great and the dessert counter outstanding. Would definitely go back for a full meal.

Stopped to rest had a nice glass of wine with carpaccio. The menu looked great and the dessert counter outstanding. Would definitely go back for a full meal.

The Rigatoni Boscaiola with the vodka rossa sauce is a must try! It is ridiculously good! The special for the evening was a seafood pasta and was also delicious. We will be back soon!

Lovely Italian food, very fresh and all of our choices were excellent and well priced. Staff were very friendly.

Went for dessert after too loud meal down the street. Nonna was what a San Diego Little Italy should be. Canollis were outstanding, price reasonable, and service great.

Let's face it no reservation in Little Italy means an hour or 2 wait, fortunately on this night my friends and I were able to walk into Nonna's without a reservation and what a great choice that …

Their saltimbocca was especially good. Make a reservation to ensure getting in during this pandemic time.

Maan Kyeso

This Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy is a great spot for a morning dessert or a relaxed dinner. The pizza was delicious, and both the chicken piccata and chicken parmigiana were excellent. Portion sizes were reasonable. Although the place was quite busy and the line outside sometimes blocked the view, the service remained friendly and efficient.

+6

Rumi Arakawa

We decided to try this place because they had patio and weather was gorgeous. Antipasto misto was amazing. Presentation was good and calamari and caprese were so yummy. All the mains we ordered were also good but it was a little too much so we couldn’t finish. But we had to have dessert so we got cream buree for here and tiramisu to go. Service was a little slow, no water refill offered but it’s vacation, we were ok with it. Only thing that disappointed me was that person sitting behind me was smoking and smell came while I was eating. Probably not the restaurant’s fault but I hate smoke smell so that’s a big no for me. Otherwise, it’s good.

+2

First time eating at this place and the food was delicious we had caprese salad, I had papardelle it was very good and very tasteful, my husband had salmon, both were delicious. The service was very good and the atmosphere nice as well. Definitely going back.

Neda

Great great food. Very yummy. I loved the girl who found us a table outside even tho it’s was crowded. We had our dog so needed to be outside but also didn’t want to sit at the crowded sidewalk . We got a seat after 10 minutes. We were there for lunch on Friday. The only complain was that we were expecting bread before food, as we always get complementary bread but they didn’t do it. So we were going to ask the waiter to bring us the food, but he kinda was in a rush, he brought the food very fast and left. The portion is not big. By the time he was back it was too late for us to order bread. The wine was ok. The marinara sauce I got as a side was perfect. Another reason we really wanted bread.

+1

Josh Baltazar

Wanted to check out this place so we had a reservation on Sunday evening. Lots of the 2 tops were busy so nice we had a reservation. We started off ordering the Focaccia Bread (Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, herbs & extra virgin olive oil), Spinaci Insalate (Baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, toasted almonds & vinaigrette). Then for pasta we ordered Rigatoni Palermitana (Sausage, pomodoro, capers, olives, calabrian chili) and Pappardelle (Short rib, tomatoes, butter herb sauce and shaved parmigiano). I really liked the Rigatoni Palermitana, that is really recommended! The Focaccia Bread was ok.

+4

The pollo Parmesan was tender and had a great crunchy texture but we weren’t overly blown away by the bolognese. Overall we had a good meal

There being so many Italian food restaurants Nonna was an excellent choice for us! We got seated right away in the back patio which looked beautiful. The food tasted freshly made by Nonna. We recommend the Salsiccia pizza, Short Rib pasta, and Pollo Piccata. The desserts were also delicious. The affogato not in the pictures and lemon cheesecake stole the show followed by the pistachio cannoli. Can’t wait to try more menu items next time we go back!

Great place with a good street side vibe. Erin was a pleasure, very much enjoyed her service. Food was very good but the Lasagna Special was the best thing we had. Definately a great place to sit street side, eat, and drink a bottle of wine. Lots of choices in Little Italy and this is certainly a choice to consider.

+3

it was pretty good, the pasta was cooked perfectly. the focaccia was quite fluffy and well seasoned- you had to pay extra for it though, no complementary bread here. i'm no italian expert but i enjoyed it! the prices were definitely very high, in my opinion too high, and you don't get that much food. 2 people who don't eat much might get away with splitting one dish but maybe not.

The pasta was really good but the calamari was nothing special. The arancini balls were my favourite, they were nice a cheesy with a tomato sauce. The staff was very kind and friendly. I had the espresso martini and I really enjoyed it.

Stopped by the farmer's market, and decided to try Nonna on a whim. We were quoted a 15 min wait, so we were walking around, but ended up getting a text 2-3 min. FOH definitely a bit unorganized when it gets hectic. Two of us ordered: -italian soda $6 -focaccia bread $9 -carpaccio $15.95 -IPA on tap $8 -rucola salad $10.95 -ravioli short rib $21.95 Focaccia was definitely the highlight of the meal. Wish it was a bit crispier, but the flavor was there! All the other food was good. Value wise, a bit on the pricier end for what you actually get. Open to coming back in the future!

+4

Everything was phenomenal! Service was great & the food was exquisite! Our server constantly came to check in on us and gave us some great recommendations. The ambiance was great we where seated outside there was a nice breeze out so it wasn’t that bad. We ordered the Caprese Pizza which was delicious I complaints. Both the Shrimp & Clam linguine where delicious. Tastes so fresh and homemade. Only one thing the shrimp linguine came with only (4) pieces of Jumbo Shrimp & The Clam linguine only came with (11) clams and 2 where empty. Regardless it was exquisite and I would order again the food harmony was great. I would definitely come back again. The price matches the quality of food and service you are receiving.

+3

The restaurant is nice, clean, and the service is great. I didn’t like that they serve tap water, but the other drinks are good. Food was ok, the portions were perfect. They also have pastries which I didn’t try, but it looked better than other places where the pastries were old and did not taste fresh

Lovely Italian spot in little Italy. The pizza was really really good. Fresh stuff like mushrooms added. 4.5 stars because the pizza dough could be a bit thinner. The rest is awesome. Thanks for the lovely service.

The service was great. The restaurant was packed for Father's Day, but our food still came out quickly. The food was good, wish the pasta was a bit more seasoned, but overall good. I had the seafood linguini, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. The focaccia bread was delicious! Overall, good food and great service!

In the heart of Little Italy, nice atmosphere, outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful weather. Flavorful dishes.

We recently dined at nonna and ordered a margarita pizza with mushrooms, ravioli fungi, and gnocchi with pesto and pistachios cannoli. Each dish was a delightful culinary experience. The margarita pizza was perfectly baked with a crispy crust, the mushrooms added a wonderful earthy flavor. The ravioli fungi were rich and creamy, filled with a delicious mushroom mixture that was simply mouth-watering. The gnocchi with pesto was equally impressive, with light, fluffy gnocchi and a vibrant, flavorful pesto sauce. Service was excellent, with attentive and friendly staff ensuring we had a great dining experience from start to finish. The only downside was the price, which we found to be on the higher side. However, given the quality of the food and the exceptional service, it was a worthwhile indulgence. Overall, we had a fantastic time and would recommend nonna for a special night out.

Loved Nonna! Cozy atmosphere, amazing cocktails, and a super friendly bartender. The salmon with sweet potato and silky cream sauce was outstanding. Feels like a little piece of Italy in San Diego

WOW! Amazing authentic freshItalian food. I ordered the traditional spaghetti with meat sauce and added meatballs. My wife ordered a chicken dish that came with a cream sauce that had mushrooms and melted Parmesan cheese with fresh carrots and broccoli. The employees all speak Italian, pretty neat experience. The line was never ending for their dessert bar. Beautiful establishment and very very busy. However once you get their attention you quickly become part of their family.

+3

I enjoyed my pesto Yoki a lot. My spinach salad was drenched in dressing. My friend‘s carbonara and calamari got four star reviews. Tiramisu was a bit frozen in the middle. Service was impeccable and the environment is enjoyable, although the seating could be a bit more comfortable. Would definitely go back.

+1

We were walking by and decided to eat at sn Italian place. So we go into Nonna. I ordered a Coke with lite ice. They brought me one that was completely flat. Tasted just like sugar water. I asked wai…

We were walking by and decided to eat at sn Italian place. So we go into Nonna. I ordered a coke with lite ice. They brought me one that was completely flat. Tasted just like sugar water. I asked…

The food was okay for the prices definitely had higher expectations but dessert was definitely 8/10 food 8/10 , service was good okay too.

The food was okay for the prices definitely had higher expectations but dessert was definitely 8/10 food 8/10 , service was good okay too.

Tried Nonna for the first time after hearing that it was good. We found the food was just "okay". The service was not great. They weren't too busy but I feel like everything was rushed and unorgani…

We were greeted and sat down right away which was really nice. We ordered the carbona, tortellini pasta, and the focaccia bread. They were pretty good portions to share with a few people. The ambia…

I'm only reviewing the pizza since this was the primary dish we had. This is located in Little Italy in San Diego. Just not good. The crust was not crispy but had a dense texture. Should be lighter…

We drove quite a distance from east San Diego County hoping to have a nice Italian dinner. We had been there years ago and had a very good experience. We arrived before the dinner rush hoping to find…

There are so many restaurants to choose from in Little Italy, but Nonna appealed to us both. I very seldom order a pasta dish when out, as I can make this at home. However, I chose the gluten fr…

My hubby and i tried this place the other night. We were promptly seated even if we didn’t have any reservations. We ordered calamari for appetizers and it was yummy, we especially likes their dipp…

This weekend I happen to go to California and I am in San Diego Little's Italy, I went to this restaurant called Nonna and we ate there. The flavors were Hi everyone I'm really sorry I haven't being updating our page lately, but life's happen and back. This weekend, I went to California and I'm in San Diego's Little Italy. I went to a restaurant called Nonna, and we ate there. The flavors were great; I ate the creamy pesto gnocchi. It was good, and the flavor was soft. I personally would like more pesto flavor. The portions were small, and the prices were high, but I always say I recommend you try it. I personally won't come back; I'm a big-portion kind of guy, and because of that, I give them three gnocchi out of five. Remember that every experience is always better when you share. See you next time.

+5

Alice Renee Pierceall

Was very disappointed in the flavors and the quality of the pasta. The lava cake was very delicious. The coffee was good, but the size was very small. Service was good, but at one point, our server disappeared without letting us know she was taking a break. Very strange! Prices were high for the quality of the product. I will try a different place next time.

+1

Kateryna

This morning we visited Nonna restaurant. We ordered two pasta dishes. I had a mimosa and an Americano with cream, and my boyfriend ordered a cappuccino. I want to start with the coffee - it was genuinely very good. I truly enjoyed my Americano, and the cappuccino was also excellent. The coffee was definitely the highlight of our visit. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the presentation of the mimosa. The glass it was served in was covered in black lint particles - both inside and outside. It seemed like it had been wiped with a cloth that left visible fibers behind. It was unpleasant to receive a drink in that condition. As for the food, the pasta was very oily. The oil was visibly pooling on top and gathering on the plate, which made the dishes feel heavy and unbalanced. The presentation overall could have been more refined and attentive to detail. The server came across so strict in her tone that I didn’t feel comfortable asking additional questions. At one point, I felt more like I was in school than in a restaurant, which made the atmosphere less relaxed than expected. It was interesting to get acquainted with this restaurant, but unfortunately, we do not plan to return.

Quaint restaurant…as expected busy on weekends. Therefore service was mediocre. Dishes were OK. They do have a more innovative menu compared to the rest of little Italy. But the flavoring taste were nothing extraordinary based on the price.

Food was okay, I prefer barbusa their sister restaurant. Not many non pasta options, the chicken and aubergine main was a plate of cheese. The need capaccio starter was very good though. Their unshackled red wine was also nice.

+3

Made a reservation for a birthday dinner. The pasta and chicken piccata were tasty however the foccacia was a let down. It was definitely not focaccia and more like cheesy bread. Food came out way too quick and service was subpar. Felt like they just want to get you in and out. Prices are fair for the area.

Carbonara was very oniony. Ambiance was nice. I sat outside by the little Italy sign.

Carbonara was very oniony. ambiance was nice. I sat outside by the little Italy sign.

This morning we visited Nonna restaurant.\n\nWe ordered two pasta dishes. I had a mimosa and an Americano with cream, and my boyfriend ordered a cappuccino.\n\nI want to start with the coffee - it …

The restaurant itself is really nice -- beautiful atmosphere and great service. However, the food didn't quite meet our expectations. I ordered the ravioli, and unfortunately, it wasn't as good as …

I was super excited to see an authentic italian restaurant with history, we went for dinner on a Friday night, got sat right away. Restaurant was busy, we had a few Italian sodas which were sweet …

What a disappointment, nothing like my Nonna used to make. My linguini was very salty and overpriced. I came here for fresh pasta and mine was definitely from a box. Also, the bathrooms were very d…

Chris Pagoria

Don’t be fooled by the other reviews. This place was “ok” at best. The Caesar salad was weirdly sweet. The pesto gnocchi has raw dry sun dried tomatoes on it. The food was bland and our waitress was boarder-line rude “why aren’t you ready to order yet?”….”I don’t understand why you haven’t picked yet” Save your money and go somewhere else in little Italy

Food is completely tasteless. So bland and overpriced. TOURIST TRAP. Very disappointed we paid over $60 for two people to not like our food

Female server was very rude ,she never offered us the specials, I just heard after almost done she offered to the table next to me. She served me a flat beer and asked her to please check on ot so she took it and brought back the same , and arguing with me. She needs to be re trained. Food is ok Poor service from Olga S

Came here with my dog and accidentally forgot his harness for the leash. It was busy so I was a single diner. The 2 hostess were absolutely friendly. My server who has curly hair and about 5”4 told me she can’t serve me outside because he wasn’t on a leash. I told her I would hold my dog and she made up a blatant lie about it being similar to no shirt and no shoes service. Love the food but this server has no hospitality in her blood. She has no passion for the restaurant industry

I'm very sad to leave this review, but I have to be honest. I'm very disappointed in the pizza I had yesterday. The darker pictures show the great pizza I had a couple of years ago here. Since then this restaurant was one of my favorites when visiting San Diego. The brighter pictures are from my latest visit there. The pizza used to be authentic Italian, Neapolitan style, now it's terrible. The dough seems like it was bought in bulk and frozen kind of like the cheap frozen pizzas from a grocery store. The mozzarella was excessive like an American pizza. The pizza was extremely salty and greasy. The olives seem to come from a cheap can. The sausage was ok. I also ordered arancini and they were ok, hence 2 stars instead of 1. Nothing against service or the look or cleanliness of the restaurant, everyone was really nice, but that pizza was such a huge disappointment. I also noticed in the menu they use cream in their carbonara, that's a big red flag. I am not sure if they always did and never noticed or if they changed.

Just don't... unless you just want cocktails. The hostess was snarky but our waiter was very pleasant so the service rating is hard to pin down for us. The food, however, is hands down NOT authentic Italian. Bruschetta had a ton of raw garlic that made it literally inedible....and I am a an Italian that leans toward being heavy handed with garlic when I cook. The arancini itself was passable but the sauce they served with it tasted almost exactly like Campbell's tomato soup with added dry basil....and it sadly covered the plate so impacted the overall taste. We had planned to order more but the appetizers we ordered are basics and were significant fails so we bailed. Italian food is about fresh flavors and subtle seasonings but there was none of that here. I will say the bloody Mary and aperol spritz we had were VERY well made. By all means...grab a cocktail and enjoy...then pick another place to eat.

Deplorable service, they serve in front of our heads, they serve starters as well as main courses. In addition, the waiters are unpleasant and refuse to allow us to pay separately. We suspect the p…

Even if the morning coffee today was not too bad, we showed up tonight and got a much different and very negative customer experience. The two laddies at the front door have no intension to work nor to respect customers, passive aggressive, not interested and pushing back on any questions, very unpleasant situation when you show with a five persons table.

Long story short the owner/manager is rude and money hungry. We ordered drinks and a lot of desserts about 150$ worth then told us we needed to leave because it's lunch time and he needs his seats for new customers. We were really confused and it pretty much sucked because we've always liked the place. But once he said "it's not ny problem " that showed us he only cares about making money and once he has made money off of you, you're worthless now. Please give your money to a different Italian place, this one sucks only because of the manager/owner. Also we asked to sit in the bacn since it was empty then and just wanted to eat the dessert before it melted and they said not their problem again