Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Elvira – San Diego
Elvira - San Diego
Photo from Elvira
Elvira at a glance
San Diego Ocean Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 136 of the guests
#125 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
814
Reviews
83.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
- Quality cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Hidden fees
- Parking issues
The restaurant Elvira is an exquisite Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a truly inviting ambiance here, perfect for a memorable meal.
Imagine enjoying a delicious dinner by a cozy fireplace, or perhaps indulging in one of their great desserts. It’s a spot where you can unwind and savor authentic Italian flavors.
Overview: Introducting Elvira
Elvira presents a charming dining experience, frequently lauded for its inviting ambience and attentive service. While the food generally receives high marks, some guests have expressed reservations about the overall value, citing unexpected charges.
This establishment offers a warm and cozy setting, often highlighted for its thoughtful design. However, potential diners should be aware of feedback regarding pricing and certain additional fees that have impacted the guest experience.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
814
Reviews
83.4%
Satisfaction
102
negative
33
neutral
679
positive
Elvira earns a solid 8.3 overall, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 83.4%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by 679 favorable comments against 102 critical observations across 814 total reviews. The restaurant truly shines in its Service (8.9), where staff often go above and beyond.
The Food (8.2) also garners considerable praise for its quality and taste, while the Ambience (8) creates a welcoming setting. However, the Value (4) aspect presents a notable area for improvement, with some guests finding the pricing structure less appealing.
What people like
- Exceptional, attentive service
- Inviting, cozy ambiance
- High-quality, delicious food
What people don't like
- Concerns about value
- Unexpected additional fees
- Challenging parking situation
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, Elvira is certainly worth considering for those prioritizing exceptional service and a pleasant dining atmosphere. While the food generally impresses, be mindful of the pricing.
If you’re seeking a place where hospitality is a priority and the setting is inviting, Elvira delivers. Just be prepared for the overall cost, as it’s a point of contention for some patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Elvira
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Diners are consistently raving about the food here, with a strong 8.2 score and 83.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 349 positive remarks highlight the homemade fettuccine and high quality of food, praising it as authentic real Roman food. The pasta dishes, in particular, seem to be a standout, often described as delicious and fresh.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as seen in 50 negative comments. Some found the pizza dough reminiscent of frozen varieties or the crust burnt. There were also mentions of food being salty or bland, and some dishes arriving lukewarm, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
418
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
50
negative
19
neutral
349
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta
- Authentic Roman cuisine
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pizza
- Salty/bland dishes
- Preparation issues
Often praised
- foodWe were seated on the patio by the fireplace, which was a truly great spot. The service was great, the food was great, and the vibes were on point. It's also conveniently located not far from the airport.
- pastaWe come from Phoenix to OB twice a year and these two locations have the best Italian Food around. The pasta is always fresh and the staff is top notch! We can't wait to come back!
- pizzaI went gluten-free and ordered the steak, which did not disappoint. My friends shared pizza and pasta and loved everything.
- cocktailsOur server was knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and overall amazing! Our cocktails, appetizer, and dessert were really good, but our entrées were fantastic! We highly recommend Elvira.
- FoodFood reminded me of old Rome
- drinksthe pizza, drinks, staff, and atmosphere are all fantastic
- rigatoni alla norcinaThe food is phenomenal; everything we tried was delicious. We enjoyed the arancini special, rigatoni alla norcina, and the 4 formaggi salsiccia pizza. The cocktails were creative and tasty, and the staff's suggestions were great.
- Italian foodThe staff demonstrated excellent taste, contributing to the overall wonderful experience. I can confidently say this is the best place for Italian food I've encountered. The pasta was delicious!
- SangioveseThe menu was a little difficult to decipher as it was half Italian with some English words strewn about. We decided on a lovely Sangiovese for a wine option and for food I opted for the Rigatoni al Sugo which was superb. I finished the whole plate!
- dessertOur server was knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and overall amazing! Our cocktails, appetizer, and dessert were really good, but our entrées were fantastic! We highly recommend Elvira.
Frequently criticized
- sauceThe food was bland and not flavorful. The sauce was plain. Nothing special.
- chickenchicken was 1/2 of a chicken or nothing
- foodobviously they heated the food up!
- food qualityThe fish special was subpar and way over priced for the quality of food. I spend my money eating out and I enjoy high-quality food; this was anything but. The food was bland and not flavorful.
- menuWe were greeted by a busser who brought water for the table, followed by our server who promptly explained the specials to us. The menu was a little difficult to decipher as it was half Italian with some English words strewn about. We decided on a lovely Sangiovese for a wine option and for food I opted for the Rigatoni al Sugo which was superb.
- pastaThe rigatoni carbonara had such a thick cream and cheese flavor it was hard to eat
- pizzapizza here is in the top 5 worse pizzas I’ve ever had
- Sunday lasagna specialwe should have sent it back! ... it was so terribly salty!
- Super Arrabiata Pizzahusband ordered the Super Arrabiata Pizza. He found it a bit over spicy
- allergic reactionMy whole face broke out in a rash because of this.
If you're craving authentic Italian flavors, especially pasta, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes like pizza, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a delightful culinary experience awaits. Just manage expectations for some of the less-praised items.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 89.1%, it's clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 238 comments, a whopping 212 praise the attentive staff, excellent service, and wonderful recommendations, making you feel right at home.
However, a few of the 19 negative remarks mention occasional slow service, particularly with drink orders, and some experiences with an unwelcoming hostess. There were also instances where guests felt a bit rushed, suggesting a focus on turning tables rather than a relaxed pace.
Service
238
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
212
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Highly accommodating
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Unwelcoming hostess
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceFrom the moment I walked in, I was struck by the cozy and intimate atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and rustic decor. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who were happy to answer questions and make recommendations. But the real star of the show was the food - oh, the food!
- staffFrom the moment I walked in, I was struck by the cozy and intimate atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and rustic decor. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who were happy to answer questions and make recommendations. But the real star of the show was the food - oh, the food!
- serverThe assortment of focaccia bread with a vodka-like dipping sauce was a great start. I then discussed salad options with my very knowledgeable server and chose the radicchio y carciofi. Initially, it seemed ordinary, but after mixing it thoroughly, the artichoke cream truly elevated the dish.
- ServiceRequest Sole. She will make your night.
- hospitalityThe food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. However, the service was truly special; they were unreasonably hospitable and genuinely went above and beyond. For instance, we ordered the special, which was amazing but very generous in portion.
- recommendationsWe had a reservation for a graduation celebration with a party of 6. I particularly want to commend our waitress; she was super nice, provided excellent service, and offered great recommendations. The atmosphere was rated 5/5, service 5/5, and food 5/5.
- reservationsDefinitely would recommend, and we will be returning! Also, I would say reservations are highly recommended. 😁
- server Andreeaour server Andreea helped him choose the one that would suit his pallet best
- wait timeWait time: Up to 10 min
- waiterOur waiter was also fantastic and was incredibly knowledgeable
Frequently criticized
- reservation16 minutes late for our 6:45pm reservation
- serviceElvira needs A LOT of work… returned 3/5 dishes ordered
- drinksWe loved Cesarina and were very excited to try their new restaurant, but we were so disappointed. We shared a pizza and pasta, which came out quicker than our drinks did, and made it seem like they cared more about turning tables than anything else. The rigatoni carbonara had such a thick cream and cheese flavor it was hard to eat, and the arrabbiata pizza was overly salty.
- feeling welcomeHowever, the service was a significant letdown. The servers were very rude and snarky, and they did not make us feel welcome at all.
- hostThere were several open tables so we emphasized that we were okay to wait for one, even if it was on the patio. The host was not nice whatsoever and refused to seat us until after 9pm. We instead dined at Eddie V’s and had a great evening.
- hostessmet with a super rude and unaccommodating hostess
- open tablesI have been a host myself and understand that late reservations may have to wait to be accommodated. There were several open tables so we emphasized that we were okay to wait for one, even if it was on the patio. The host was not nice whatsoever and refused to seat us until after 9pm.
- second drinkAsked for a second drink and never got it
- serversservers were very rude and snarky
- servers / bussers6 different servers / bussers that attended to our table. It was very distracting
Overall, you can expect a truly exceptional service experience here, with staff often going above and beyond. While there are rare mentions of minor hiccups like slow drink service or a less-than-welcoming initial greeting, these seem to be isolated incidents. It's definitely worth trying for the attentive and friendly team alone!
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre likely to be charmed! The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and leaving 80.4% of customers feeling satisfied. With 115 positive remarks out of 143 total comments, guests frequently rave about the "cozy environment, " "meticulously curated vibe, " and "family-feel atmosphere, " often highlighting the beautiful design and decorations that transport them straight to Italy.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 22 negative observations. Some patrons found the noise levels to be a bit much, making conversation difficult. There were also comments about the seating area feeling cramped or the seats themselves being not comfy, and a few mentions of flies in the outdoor seating area.
Ambience
143
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Beautiful, curated design
- Vibrant, family vibe
What people don't like
- High noise levels
- Cramped seating area
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food and service were outstanding. I was particularly impressed by the fabulous atmosphere and decor. If you're in the area and seeking the best Italian cuisine and the area's best table service, this is the place to go.
- vibeThe vibe reminds you of a family home that's cozy and warm
- ambianceEach seems to have a different ambiance to it. ... creating a mom/pop feel
- ambiencebeautiful dining destination - from ambience
- vibesWe were seated on the patio by the fireplace, which was a truly great spot. The service was great, the food was great, and the vibes were on point. It's also conveniently located not far from the airport.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- aestheticTheir aesthetic is so thoughtful, cozy, colorful
- designThis is a very cool spot for food and drinks, featuring a very well designed interior and good service. It feels like many visitors come here for Instagram posts due to its perfect photographable setting.
- fireplaceMy friends and I visited Elvira this past Saturday night. We easily made a reservation for 5: 30 PM online and arrived to find our table nestled in the back room with a beautiful (although blasting on full) fireplace. The room was really heated!
- gemThis is a sublime gem
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking space: Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereThe restaurant was busy, which suggests many people do enjoy it. My food rating was a 3 out of 5, and the atmosphere was a 1 out of 5.
- ParkingParking is challenging
- ambianceLacking a bit in ambiance compared to cesarina.
- bathroomsthe bathrooms could use more charm
- chairshow uncomfortable they were
- conversationno poder conversar o escuchar a mi pareja
- film on menusThere was some sort of film on them
- fliesMy only small gripe is the flies for outdoor seating.
- menusHowever, the fried risotto was burnt on the bottom, and I pulled a hair out of one of them. For a place that's been open for about 6 months, the menus needed a good wiping down; there was some sort of film on them, maybe from greasy fingers? I have no idea, but that was icky.
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly enchanting and authentic Italian atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially lively (and sometimes noisy) environment, and perhaps check the seating arrangements if comfort is a top priority for you.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are some genuinely heartwarming moments. Guests have praised the generous portions and even mentioned instances where items were removed from the bill due to perceived dissatisfaction, even when insisted upon. Some feel the food is truly worth the price, especially at a lower price point.
With 3 positive remarks out of 15 total, these experiences contribute to an average score of 4, though customer satisfaction sits at a poor 20%. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment. Many find the offerings way over priced for quality of food, with numerous complaints about the high prices and the amount of money spent not matching the experience.
The recurring mention of a 4% cost of living fee or charges also leaves a sour taste, making the dining experience much more expensive than anticipated, as noted in 11 negative comments.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Bill adjustments
- Food worth price
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Cost of living fee
- High prices
Often praised
- billFor instance, we ordered the special, which was amazing but very generous in portion. Noticing we left a half portion, they assumed we didn't like it and removed it from the bill, though we insisted on paying. It's a really cool, family-feel atmosphere with great food and service.
- priceFood is worth the price!
- price pointwith a lower price point
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service was excellent, the food was not really my thing, and it was VERY expensive. The restaurant was busy, which suggests many people do enjoy it.
- 4% cost of living feesurprised by the 4% cost of living fee
- cost of living chargesDone with 4% ‘cost of living’ charges.
- cost of living feecost of living fee that's stated on an inconspicuous spot
- money spentcan’t believe we spent that amount of money on such poor quality food.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- pricesthe prices are extremely expensive
- wineends up being much more expensive than ordering by the glass or bottle
If youre seeking exceptional generosity and dont mind potentially high costs, you might find some pleasant surprises. However, be prepared for a significant investment, as many feel the overall value doesn't quite match the price tag, especially with added fees.
How are the prices at Elvira?
On average, you’ll spend around 55 per person – from 136 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 55, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $31–$40 and $41–$50 ranges. But dont be surprised to see some diners going for a more premium experience, with prices stretching into the $91–$100 and even $100+ categories. Its a nice spread!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 136 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant, offering a good balance for different budgets. Its a place where you can enjoy a quality meal without feeling overcharged, whether youre going for a mid-range option or a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Elvira
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Dinner at Elvira!
I had a fantastic dinner at Elvira tonight. The homemade pasta was delicious, the service was great, and the interior design was the cutest. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- homemade pasta9
- service9
- interior design9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Comedy, Wine, and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I came for the food, but I stayed for the pure comedy Nick was serving, which might have been enhanced by the two glasses of wine. The service was excellent and very attentive.
I will definitely be coming back with friends and requesting Nick's section.
- food10
- comedy Nick10
- wine8
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Mushy Meatballs and Lukewarm Pasta
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The meatballs were mushy, and the pasta dish was only just warm. On the positive side, the service was OK, and the restaurant ambience was good.
- service5
- restaurant ambience7
- meatballs2
- pasta dish3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Authentic Food, Busy but Worth It
My experience at this restaurant was marked by very good food. It's a very popular place, so the servers can get super busy. I recommend going with good company and enjoying the atmosphere while you wait.
The food is authentic and very good.
- food9
- popular place6
- servers5
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Limited Options, Salty Salad, Bad Shrimp
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to limited menu options. I was very hungry and don't eat pork or lamb. The only chicken option was half a chicken or nothing, so I ended up eating a salad with no protein, which was very salty.
My husband shared two of his shrimp from his pasta, but they were also very bad and not tasty at all. This was my last time here.
- menu options2
- chicken3
- salad3
What Elvira offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect when you visit Elvira?
When you step into Elvira, you’ll find a delightful blend of atmospheres. It’s known for being romantic and cozy, making it ideal for a special evening. Yet, it also maintains a casual and trendy vibe, perfect for a relaxed gathering with friends.
Does Elvira offer outdoor seating and what are the parking options available?
Yes, Elvira provides comfortable outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Diego weather. For your convenience, there’s usually plenty of parking available, including free street parking and a free parking lot nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit.
How does Elvira rate overall?
Elvira holds a strong overall score of 8.3. Its Service (8.9), Food (8.2), and Ambience (8) are highly rated, though Value (4) is an area where some guests express concerns.
What is the atmosphere like at Elvira?
Elvira is often described as having a cozy, warm, and intimate atmosphere with thoughtful design. Many enjoy the family-feel vibe, with some seating options featuring a fireplace.
Are there any common concerns about value at Elvira?
Some guests have noted that Elvira can be expensive, with specific mentions of a ‘cost of living fee’ and overall price points being higher than expected for the experience.