Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Amalfi Cucina Italiana – San Diego
Amalfi Cucina Italiana - San Diego
Photo from Amalfi Cucina Italiana
Amalfi Cucina Italiana at a glance
San Diego Pacific Highlands Ranch
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#370 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#55 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
676
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Value concerns
- Food quality
The restaurant Amalfi Cucina Italiana, a charming spot in San Diego’s Pacific Highlands Ranch, invites you to savor authentic Italian flavors. This restaurant is celebrated for its great dessert, promising a sweet conclusion to any meal.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a cozy dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious Italian cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Amalfi Cucina Italiana
Amalfi Cucina Italiana offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the authentic food and the inviting atmosphere. The staff often receives commendation for their warm and attentive approach, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly regarding prices and certain service interactions. While many find the value good, others have noted issues with billing or perceived overpricing for some items, and occasional service lapses.
Good
7.4
out of 10
676
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
158
negative
29
neutral
489
positive
Amalfi Cucina Italiana earns a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.3%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 676 customer comments, with 489 positive remarks outweighing 158 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food stands out as a strong point with a score of (8), often described as authentic and delicious.
The Ambience also contributes positively, scoring (7.7) for its inviting setting. Service is rated well at (6.7), though some experiences suggest room for consistency.
The Value score of (5.1) indicates it’s more of an average aspect for many patrons.
What people like
- Authentic Italian Food
- Inviting Ambiance
- Attentive Service Staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service Experience
- Value Concerns
- Occasional Food Quality Issues
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, Amalfi Cucina Italiana generally offers a worthwhile dining experience, particularly if you prioritize authentic Italian flavors and a pleasant setting. It’s a place that often delivers on its culinary promise.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and check the menu carefully for value. If you’re seeking a lively atmosphere with good food and are prepared for occasional minor hiccups, it could be a good choice for your next Italian meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Amalfi Cucina Italiana
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.2%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Based on 251 positive comments out of 309 total, guests consistently rave about the authentic Italian food, especially the pizzas, gnocchi with truffles, and the fresh ingredients that make every dish shine.
Expect delicious, well-prepared meals that truly capture the essence of Italy. However, not every bite is perfect, as noted in 41 negative comments. Some diners have encountered issues like salty lasagna, bland pasta, or mushy shrimp.
There were also concerning reports of bugs in salads and charcoal-coated beef, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in quality and preparation that could leave you disappointed.
Food
309
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
41
negative
17
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Delicious fresh pasta
- Outstanding pizza
What people don't like
- Salty, bland dishes
- Mushy shrimp served
- Bugs in salads
Often praised
- foodWhile Amalfi's dishes might beckon with their enticing aromas and exquisite flavors, the service, especially from the bar, might give you pause. The food promises a heavenly experience, but the service, laden with confusing rules and condescending treatment, could well bring you back down to earth. I would suggest proceeding with caution and perhaps sticking to the dining room where the complex happy hour codes and frosty bar service won't dampen the delightful culinary escape.
- pizzaSalad, pasta, pizza and dessert - all very very good.
- pastaSalad, pasta, pizza and dessert - all very very good.
- Italian foodWe keep coming back to this place! It offers exceptional, fresh Italian food, even better than Rosina's nearby. My husband and I traveled to Italy last month and can attest that this restaurant is authentic.
- Italian restaurantAbsolutely the best Italian restaurant we have ever been to
- mealWe had the opportunity to speak with the manager, Katerina, who was absolutely fantastic. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great meal. Both Katerina and the entire staff were top-notch.
- menuThe menu contains pasta dishes that allow you to pick the pasta you want
- tiramisuribeye tagliata, pappardelle with ragu napoletano with side of mushrooms, and tiramisu. Everything's were delicious.
- BologneseMy entrée was a Bolognese, so delicious
- Chilean sea bassOur table ordered the Chilean sea bass, salmon, burrata, polenta, tiramisu and various cocktails. All were delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodFurthermore, I strongly advise against ordering the beef; it was served as charcoal coated beef. The quality of the food was extremely poor, reflected in the low rating. The chefs should be fired immediately for such an experience.
- lasagnalasagna burnt on two edges and bottom charred
- eggplant parmigianaserved very hot on the outside but the inside was room temperature
- pastasome of the pasta is not fresh homemade
- pizzaThe pizza was just sauce and olives and so watery and extremely salty
- Italian shrimpWhile all the food was generally good, the mixed seafood plate was unsatisfactory. The "fresh" Italian shrimp was far from fresh; it was mushy and not fresh at all. Having worked in a restaurant before, I know the importance of checking food quality.
- Pollo ParmigianaThe chicken parmigiana was tough and difficult to cut
- Steak and Fries sidesThe Steak and Fries needed something else other than just fries on the side
- appetizers and main dishesappetizers and main dishes came out at the same time
- beefI encountered a significant issue with bugs in my salads, which is a serious concern for hygiene. Furthermore, I strongly advise against ordering the beef; it was served as charcoal coated beef. The quality of the food was extremely poor, reflected in the low rating.
If you're craving authentic Italian flavors and fresh pasta, this spot is definitely worth a try, as most experiences are overwhelmingly positive. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with seasoning or specific seafood dishes, and perhaps double-check your salad for any unwelcome guests.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Many guests rave about the friendly, attentive staff, often mentioning personalized recommendations and warm hospitality. With 146 positive comments out of 234 total, theres definitely a lot of love for the team, including specific shout-outs to servers like Mattia and Giuseppe for their enthusiasm and genuine care.
However, the 82 negative comments reveal some inconsistencies, contributing to the 62.4% mixed customer satisfaction. Guests occasionally faced long waiting times, unresponsive staff, and even unprofessional behavior. Issues like ignored customers, forgotten orders, and a lack of attention to basic needs like water refills suggest that while the 6.7 score is good, there's room for improvement.
Service
234
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
82
negative
6
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized recommendations
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unresponsive staff
- Unprofessional attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe owner and floor manager, Elias, provided a warm welcome. Previous visits consistently exceeded expectations with authentic Italian dishes, excellent taste, and service with a smile. The outdoor seating was comfortable with social distancing, and the weekend performers added to the overall quality and value.
- staffI reserved a large party table for my birthday celebration and the service was outstanding. The staff was stellar; their service was top notch. The staff was pleasant and very accommodating.
- serverask for Alessandro (the server) when you place your order at the table, he is 100% Italian, friendly and fun!
- bartenderVictoria, the bartender was amazing
- Alessandroask for Alessandro (the server) when you place your order at the table, he is 100% Italian, friendly and fun!
- MateoGiuseppe and Vincenzo take care of you and make you feel at home. And Mateo is an incredible host, who keeps the restaurant running smooth while also taking time out to make us feel like part of the Amalfi family.
- ServiceThe Service is top notch
- ownerThere was a melted butter served on the side that I think had a touch of garlic in it. On our way out, the owner gave us two mini panettone cakes. It was a perfect meal.
- waiterWe received our appetizer at 7: 55 PM. The food was good, but the service was terrible, even though the waiter was apologetic and sincere about recognizing the poor service. Sadly, the evening was a disappointment, particularly because management didn’t seem interested in our experience.
- Joseall the black uniform staff (Jose) who cleared plates and refilled water. They were amazing!
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile Amalfi's dishes might beckon with their enticing aromas and exquisite flavors, the service, especially from the bar, might give you pause. The food promises a heavenly experience, but the service, laden with confusing rules and condescending treatment, could well bring you back down to earth. I would suggest proceeding with caution and perhaps sticking to the dining room where the complex happy hour codes and frosty bar service won't dampen the delightful culinary escape.
- waiting timewaiting 50 minutes after ordering to get my food
- attitudehis attitude towards us, a 55+ crowd, treating us as though we were scrimping college students
- bartenderthe bartender, who seems to have taken a page from the episode of Seinfeld
- hostessaddressed concern with female hostess who listened, but never returned
- serverOur server was, well, professional, but not talkative or very friendly.
- unprofessional" This is absolutely not how a customer should be treated, especially when arriving well before closing. Locking the door early and ignoring a customer outside for several minutes is both unprofessional and disrespectful. I sincerely hope they address this issue and improve their service, as this experience was unacceptable.
- wait staffThe wait staff continued to come back to the table to clear more dishes and asked if we wanted anything else.
- waiterthe waiter was very distinct and non engaging
- Food taking 1.25 hoursFood taking 1.25 hours for 4 people is unacceptable
If youre looking for a place with potentially excellent, attentive service, its worth a try. Just be prepared that during busy times, you might encounter some inconsistencies or longer waits.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Diners generally find the atmosphere quite appealing, with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.2%. Many of the 81 positive comments praise the vibrant live music, friendly atmosphere, and charming Italian feel. The beautiful lake view and outdoor dining options also frequently receive high marks, making for a delightful experience.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled. About 20 comments point out issues like uncomfortable seating and tables that feel too crammed. Some also found the overhead music too loud, making conversation difficult, and a few felt the overall ambiance lacked charm or could be noisy at times.
Ambience
101
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music
- Friendly atmosphere
- Beautiful design
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seating
- Crammed tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food is authentic, flavorful, and delicious, truly reminiscent of our time in Italy. The service is excellent, with many staff members hailing from Italy, which contributes to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's especially appreciated that Emiliano, one of the owners, often walks around to personally greet guests and ensure everyone is having a great time.
- ambianceThe ambiance was incredible, with grand chandeliers, vibrant wall art, and beautiful furniture
- live musicThe atmosphere was fantastic, rated a 5 out of 5, and they offered a wide selection of wine and drinks. We were also treated to a great live music performance. However, I felt the food was pricey compared to the portion size and how it was served.
- outdoor patioOur table was set on their outdoor patio which included plenty of heating so we were all comfortable.
- restaurantthis restaurant is authentic
- live entertainmentEspecially loved to live entrainment by Jennifer Klein
- placeI celebrated a dear friend's birthday with lunch here. It wasn't busy at the time, and if you're not in a rush, this is the place to be. It was our first time visiting, and the food was delicious.
- singera top notch singer named Kristi Krause who had an amazing voice
- spaceThe space itself was beautiful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- ambiancethe overall quality, ambiance and bar service has dropped
- musicthe music is reminiscent of a cheesy Italian restaurant
- tablestoo many crammed in tables
- atmosphereno charm or atmosphere
- bread and butterUnfortunately, the butter comes in packets. For a place with such high prices, they really shouldn't be serving them in packets
- conversationcouldn't converse with our party of 6 at all
- distanceMy entrée, a Bolognese, was so delicious. My only complaint is that it is too far away for me to walk.
- eveningthe evening was a disappointment
- flower vasesflower vases on the tables were filled with fibrous, mold-like residue
- noisea bit noisy at times
If you're seeking a lively spot with great live music and a charming outdoor setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seating can sometimes be an issue, and the music might be a bit loud for quiet conversations.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found real gems here! Many appreciated the great value and reasonable prices for certain items, especially the Monday family deal. Out of 32 total opinions, 11 were positive, noting that some experiences were worth every penny.
Despite these bright spots, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.1, suggesting a mixed experience for many. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. A significant number of guests, 15 to be exact, felt things were overpriced, particularly the wine and some appetizers.
Concerns also arose around bread charges and even billing mistakes'. This contributes to a rather low customer satisfaction of just 34.4%, indicating significant room for improvement and a clear contrast with the average score.
Value
32
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value deals
- Reasonable prices
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Expensive wine/fees
- Billing issues occur
Often praised
- priceit came to just over $30 per person, which is quite reasonable
- Flora pizza priceAt 15 dollars, it was a reasonable price
- Monday family dealMonday family deal is awesome.
- fixed price per bottleWhy not just a fixed price per bottle
- gift cardgave her a $15 gift card.
- great valueOverall a great value
- moneyspent a little more money than you might spend other places, but it is absolutely worth every penny
- pricesWe observed at least two other couples facing a similar situation. In contrast, a review from last year described this place as an absolute gem with great service, excellent food at unbelievable prices. The owner and floor manager, Elias, provided a warm welcome.
- reasonable pricesAt reasonable prices too!
- valueIt's a great place to eat, suitable for small groups or even a party of two. The food was delicious and offered good value. I also enjoyed the fun atmosphere and the friendly service.
Frequently criticized
- breaddidn’t comp us for the $3 bread
- overpricedit was over priced for tough, bland food
- appetizerappetizer to serve 4 but should be sold as serving 6 or more at the tune of $65.00
- billhow we were over charged
- billing mistakeInstead of rectifying the mistake professionally, he gave us $3 cash from his own wallet and then told us we were "not welcome at the restaurant anymore. " His attitude throughout the meal had already been rude, and this was an unprofessional and unacceptable way to handle a billing mistake. This experience left us feeling very uncomfortable and unwelcome.
- bread chargeremoved a $3 bread charge that was never ordered
- corkage feesConsequently, the restaurant receives 4 stars instead of 5. To me, this progressive financial punishment for bringing your own champagne just isn't right. I believe a fixed price per bottle, like most other establishments, would be more appropriate.
- foodfood was pricey compared to the portion
- gift cardstook the gift cards, and gave us back the empty ones
- moneystole over $50 from us by giving us back blank cards
If youre looking for specific deals like the Monday family special, you might find good value. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on wine and other items, and double-check your bill carefully. Its a mixed bag, so go in with your eyes open.
How are the prices at Amalfi Cucina Italiana?
You’re looking at roughly 52 per person – reported by 91 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 52, its interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with the most common spend being in the $31–$40 range. But dont be surprised if some folks opt for a more premium experience, as a good number also spend upwards of 70 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the variety in spending, we think the pricing here offers flexibility. It seems fair for a general Restaurant in San Diego, allowing for both a more casual meal and a slightly more indulgent one.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Amalfi Cucina Italiana
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Wonderful Pizza and Service, Bland Pasta
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While I didn't particularly enjoy their pappardelle mushroom pasta, finding it a little bland, their pizza was absolutely wonderful! I also enjoyed their lychee mocktail.
The service was wonderful and helpful, contributing positively to the overall experience.
- pizza10
- lychee mocktail8
- service10
- pappardelle mushroom pasta3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Our Favorite Italian Spot!
This is a long overdue review as we’ve been coming here regularly for years. Amalfi Cucina Carmel Valley is our favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego. The food is authentic and delicious.
And if you’re craving a real Neapolitan style pizza, this is definitely the place. The Service is top notch. Giuseppe and Vincenzo take care of you and make you feel at home.
And Mateo is an incredible host, who keeps the restaurant running smooth while also taking time out to make us feel like part of the Amalfi family.
- food10
- Neapolitan style pizza10
- Service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Delicious Italian, but hygiene concerns
Whenever we think about having Italian food, Amalfi is always the first place that comes to mind. This might be our fifth or sixth time dining here, and the food has been consistently delicious, as always. However, I do want to point out one thing.
The flower vases on the tables were filled with fibrous, mold-like residue, which was quite unpleasant to look at and clearly a sign that the water hadn’t been changed for a long time. When the manager came over to ask about our experience, I mentioned this to him. His first response was, “It’s just decoration.
” Yes, it is decoration, but in a rather ill-suited way. And the answer itself is not professional at all.
- food10
- flower vases2
- manager2
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Ribeye and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I came with my workmates for dinner, and the food was incredible. The ribeye was cooked to perfection, a melt-in-your-mouth medium-rare gold.
All the other dishes were great too! Our server was a lovely chap and truly enhanced the experience. We had a great time and would definitely recommend this place.
- ribeye10
- food9
- server9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Italian Dining Experience!
My experience at Amalfi Cucina Italiana in Carmel Valley was absolutely outstanding! From the moment we entered, it was clear this place is a gem. The food was nothing short of extraordinary, with each dish bursting with authentic Italian flavors that truly transported my taste buds to Italy.
Every bite was a delight, showcasing the use of fresh ingredients and evident love in every plate. Our waiter, Giuseppe, was simply fantastic – friendly, funny, and attentive, making our dining experience even more enjoyable with his warmth and humor. A huge shoutout to the wonderful manager, Matteo, who went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience; he was truly attentive, helpful, and genuinely caring.
Overall, Amalfi Cucina Italiana is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, delicious Italian cuisine served with exceptional service.
- food10
- authentic Italian flavors10
- fresh ingredients10
What Amalfi Cucina Italiana offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Amalfi Cucina Italiana in San Diego?
At Amalfi Cucina Italiana, you can anticipate a dining experience that is both romantic and cozy, yet casual enough for any occasion. You can enjoy table service for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and be sure to save room for their great dessert. Outdoor seating is also available for a delightful meal.
Does Amalfi Cucina Italiana accommodate families and offer convenient parking?
Yes, Amalfi Cucina Italiana is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for younger guests. When you visit, you’ll find convenient parking options including free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available.
What is the overall dining experience like at Amalfi Cucina Italiana?
Amalfi Cucina Italiana holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.4** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **72.3%**. Guests generally appreciate the **Food** (8) and **Ambience** (7.7), while **Service** (6.7) is good but can be inconsistent, and **Value** (5.1) is considered average.
Is the food at Amalfi Cucina Italiana authentic?
Many patrons describe the food as authentic Italian, with positive comments on dishes like pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. However, some isolated negative opinions mention issues with specific items like beef or shrimp quality.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere?
The service staff is often praised for being outstanding and attentive, with some specific individuals receiving commendation. The ambiance is frequently highlighted for its incredible decor and live music, though some find it can be noisy or have crammed tables.