Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » The Venetian – San Diego
The Venetian - San Diego
Photo from The Venetian
The Venetian at a glance
San Diego Point Loma
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#237 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#12 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
410
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Outdated decor
- Loud environment
The restaurant, an Italian restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Point Loma neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly memorable meal. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or an intimate dinner.
With its great wine list, The Venetian promises an authentic taste of Italy right here in Southern California, ensuring a delightful culinary journey for you.
Overview: Introducting The Venetian
The Venetian offers a culinary experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Guests frequently praise the delicious food and generous portions, often highlighting authentic flavors.
The attentive service also stands out, with staff generally described as friendly and efficient, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, the establishment isn’t without its areas for improvement.
Some find the interior to be an outdated interior, suggesting a need for refreshment. More notably, concerns about pricing and unexpected fees, like a hidden surcharge, have been raised, impacting the overall perception of value.
Good
7.9
out of 10
410
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
60
negative
25
neutral
325
positive
The Venetian generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall score of 7.9. Customer satisfaction is also quite good at 79.3%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is largely driven by strong feedback on the Food (8.2) and Service (8.6), which are frequently highlighted as key strengths. Digging deeper into the feedback from 410 customer comments, with 325 positive and 60 negative, reveals a more nuanced picture.
While the Ambience (7) is generally considered acceptable, the Value (4.6) receives a more mixed reception. This suggests that while the culinary and service aspects are well-regarded, the pricing structure might be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Questionable pricing practices
- Outdated interior decor
- Noise level concerns
If you prioritize well-prepared, authentic Italian dishes and appreciate attentive staff, The Venetian is certainly worth considering. The focus here is clearly on the culinary experience and guest care, making it a strong contender for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and the interior might not appeal to those seeking a modern aesthetic. With a recommendation score of 8.1, it’s a place many enjoy, but managing expectations regarding value and ambiance will ensure a better visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Venetian
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rating of 85%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 240 remarks, a whopping 204 were positive, praising delicious pizza, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, especially for their Italian classics.
However, not every dish is a home run. There were 27 negative remarks, with some mentioning issues like bland food, greasy pizza, or a perceived decline in quality over time. Specific concerns included veal dishes not being tenderized and some sauces being overly acidic, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
240
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
27
negative
9
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Italian classics
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Greasy pizza
- Bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of, making it one of the best restaurant experiences of my life. We enjoyed generous portions of delicious food, including the perfectly prepared Chicken Parmigiana and Seafood Pasta. The Tiramisu was a delightful finish to the meal.
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food. The pizza is one of our favorites, so much so that we will go past other local shops just for theirs. The food quality received a perfect score of 5, and the service was also rated highly at 5.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was centered around truly authentic Italian food. The meals were delicious and served in large portions, which was a pleasant surprise. Considering the generous portion sizes and the quality of the meals, the price was better than reasonable.
- Italian foodIt smelled great walking in and taste even better. The freshness of the clams and flavor is some of the best Italian food I have have in a while. Definitely will be coming back every time I visit San Diego.
- garlic breadfresh garlic bread brought for the table; very fluffy yet toasted bread
- lasagnathe lasagna and my husband had the chicken marsala, both entrees were amazing
- menua solid menu with traditional pasta and seafood choices
- cannelloniTheir lasagne and cannelloni are not to be missed
- Tiramisugigantic Tiramisu is totally on the diet menu
- calamariThe calamari was the best I have ever eaten anywhere
Frequently criticized
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The pizza was the worst I have ever had, described as just a glob of cheese and grease. However, the pasta dishes were excellent.
- foodWe have been coming here on and off for the past 12 years, and unfortunately, we've seen a slow decline in quality while the prices have increased over that time. While the staff, Pepe, are friendly, the food has become mediocre. We believe there are many better options available, and as a result, we won't be returning.
- qualityWe have been coming here on and off for the past 12 years, and unfortunately, we've seen a slow decline in quality while the prices have increased over that time. While the staff, Pepe, are friendly, the food has become mediocre.
- sauceThe sauce was excessively acidic.
- Calamari FrittiCalamari Fritti you get these over those really thin rings
- Mediterranean chicken saladsmall mediterranean chicken salad and it was terrible
- Shrimp ArrabiataAll meals were good except the Shrimp Arrabiata.
- Shrimp Arrabiata spiceThe menu said it was spicy, and I commented I like it spicy. The dish had a lot of garlic.
- Veal MarsalaThe Veal Marsala was somewhat disappointing
- calamaricalamari was always fantastic now it tastes like it came frozen in a bag
If you're craving classic Italian with generous portions and fresh flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a few inconsistent dishes, the overall consensus points to a satisfying meal, especially if you stick to their popular pizzas and pasta dishes.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a great score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 89.1%, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers. Many highlight individuals like Quinn and Mike for their outstanding service, making for a memorable dining experience, based on 82 positive remarks.
That said, its not without its minor bumps. A small number of guests, 7 to be precise, have encountered issues like rude employees or frustrating waiting times, particularly with takeout orders not being ready. While these instances are infrequent, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Service
92
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Outstanding service
- Personalized care
What people don't like
- Rude employees
- Takeout order delays
Often praised
- serviceI made a reservation in advance online, and we were seated right away in a comfy booth. It was pretty busy on a Friday night, but the service was quick and friendly. We started off with free garlic bread which tasted homemade.
- staffAmazing staff! I can't say enough about the staff
- ServiceService was very friendly and timely
- waiterI hope you change it back to how it was originally! Besides that, we enjoyed our dinner; the service was great, and our waiter took very good care of us.
- serverHe was attentive, friendly and took great care of us.
- serversthe service and the servers are amazing
- QuinnThe food tasted truly homemade, reminiscent of grandma's cooking. The vibes were super chill, and the service was great, with a special shoutout to Quinn for being awesome. It's an all-around solid spot to grab a bite.
- bartenderBartender was also our initial waiter. Good guy.
- great serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good food and great service. The atmosphere felt like a family atmosphere, rather than a trendy or dressy place.
- wait timeWait time:10-30 min
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the terrible service. The employees were rude, and considering the number of other options available, I don't understand why anyone would tolerate such staff for the food.
- employeesRude employees
- orderWhile the food was absolutely delicious, the service was a significant letdown. We ordered hours ahead for takeout, but it made no difference as the order wasn't ready when we arrived, and therefore we waited 20 minutes for it to be put together. The food is delicious but the service stinks.
- servicesWas declined services bcus supposedly they were closed
- staffdeal with that staff
- waiting timeWhile the food was absolutely delicious, the service was a significant letdown. We ordered hours ahead for takeout, but it made no difference as the order wasn't ready when we arrived, and therefore we waited 20 minutes for it to be put together. The food is delicious but the service stinks.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely good service, this restaurant is a strong contender. The staff is largely friendly and attentive, though a rare hiccup with rude employees or takeout delays might occur. Expect a pleasant and well-cared-for dining experience.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The atmosphere here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63%. Many guests appreciate the welcoming family atmosphere and super chill vibes, often finding a comfy booth or a quiet dining room for their meal. Based on 34 positive remarks out of 54 total, it's clear that many enjoy the overall experience and the family feel of the establishment.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 14 negative comments pointing to some areas needing attention. Some find the decor to be outdated and the Interior in need of a refresh. Issues like a loud table or a crowded/loud bar area can detract from the experience, and there are mentions of the abysmal restroom and the place needing a good cleaning.
Ambience
54
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family atmosphere
- Comfortable booths
- Welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Outdated decor
- Loud bar area
- Needs cleaning
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was enjoyable, scoring a 4
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceThe ambiance is lovely
- ambienceloved the ambience
- bar sidea noiser, friendly bar side where you can watch a game
- comfy boothseated right away in a comfy booth
- dining rooma quiet dining room with booths
- establishmentWhile it wasn't the prettiest, it was delicious 😋. The restaurant itself isn't the most beautiful place, yet it's one of the best Italian restaurants with reasonable prices and a welcoming establishment. We will definitely come back.
- experiencehad an amazing experience
Frequently criticized
- bar areashocked to see the change of the bar area.😞 It was so cold and not presentable!
- noiseApologized for the noise.
- InteriorInterior is outdated and definitely needs touching up.
- atmosphereVERY unruly, loud woman and crowd at the bar.
- bar area styleThis new style for the bar area is NOT welcoming!
- bathroomsJust redo the bathrooms already
- cleaningit needs a good cleaning
- decorDecor is drab
- loud tableMy experience at the restaurant was significantly impacted by a very very loud table of 4. I wish the staff had intervened and asked them to quiet down so that the rest of the customers could enjoy their meal.
- placeThe whole place needs a remodel
If youre seeking a comfortable, family-friendly spot with a generally welcoming vibe and dont mind some potentially outdated decor or a lively bar scene, this place could be a good fit. However, if a pristine, quiet environment is your top priority, you might find some aspects disappointing.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to appreciate. About 5 positive opinions highlighted that the price and prices were quite affordable and reasonable price for the quality and generous portions, especially for delicious Italian fare. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.6, these guests felt they got good bang for their buck.
However, the majority of feedback, with 12 negative opinions out of 24 total, points to significant concerns. Many felt the prices were too high for the quality or venue, with complaints about unexpected surcharge and hidden surcharge leading to accusations of deceptive practices. This sentiment is reflected in the rather poor customer satisfaction of just 20.8%, indicating that many felt the value proposition was lacking.
Value
24
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
12
negative
7
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High prices
- Hidden surcharges
- Declining quality
Often praised
- priceThe Italian food was superb, particularly the chicken marsala. While most meals are in the $30 range, they are well worth the price. I promise you will not leave disappointed.
- affordableaffordable!
- pricesprices are reasonable enough
- reasonable priceWhile it wasn't the prettiest, it was delicious 😋. The restaurant itself isn't the most beautiful place, yet it's one of the best Italian restaurants with reasonable prices and a welcoming establishment. We will definitely come back.
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe service, while neighborly, was average. Prices are a bit high for the venue, but I keep going back!
- PricesWhen you ask for Calamari Fritti, you get these overcooked, really thin rings. Prices have gone up and the quality is gone down every since they sold it to the new owners.
- priceit may be a bit overpriced
- Price for foodthe price for the food was way above what it should be
- deceptive practicescannot support deceptive practices
- hidden surchargehaving a hidden surcharge
- price per personit ended up being over $30 per person
- surchargegot a 5% surcharge for god knows what
So, whats the scoop on value? While a few diners found the prices reasonable for the quality, the overall sentiment suggests a mixed bag, leaning towards disappointment. If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially higher costs and keep an eye out for unexpected surcharges, as many felt the value wasn't quite there.
How are the prices at The Venetian?
On average, you’ll spend around $41 per person – based on 82 guests. That puts this Italian Restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian spot in San Diego, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide mix. While the average is $41, a good chunk of diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. But there are also quite a few who go for a more premium experience, spending upwards of $80.
So, it seems theres something for different budgets here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Diego, especially given the range of options available. It seems you can tailor your experience to your budget, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Venetian
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Mixed Feelings on Food, Great Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. While the atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming, with a perfect service score of 5, the food had its ups and downs. The Chicken Parm was a great comfort food, but another diner was not impressed with their seafood linguine, finding the sauce disappointing.
However, the zucchini was great! Overall, the food received a decent score of 4, and the wait time was non-existent.
- Chicken Parm9
- zucchini8
- atmosphere10
- seafood linguine3
- sauce3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food quality. The veal in the veal piccata was not tenderized, and the sauce was excessively acidic. I doubt the cook has ever eaten his creation.
Additionally, the pepperoni pizza was too salty. From the comments, it sounds like the original owners sold out 5 or 6 years ago, which might explain the problem.
- veal piccata2
- sauce2
- pepperoni pizza3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Birthday Dinner Experience!
I had my birthday dinner here with my boyfriend, and it was my first time visiting. The calamari was absolutely the best I've ever eaten anywhere. I ordered a pizza based on previous reviews, and I was blown away by how delicious it was.
My boyfriend had the chicken piccata, which was just as amazing. I'm definitely planning another visit because there were other dishes I really want to try.
- calamari10
- pizza10
- chicken piccata9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Salad, Okay Pizza
As loyal customers for years, our recent experience was disappointing. We ordered a small Mediterranean chicken salad, and it was terrible. The chicken was cold and rubbery, and it was missing the candied walnuts.
The pizza was just okay, not great but not a huge disappointment. Point Loma deserves better. We miss Frank and Joe!
- pizza5
- Mediterranean chicken salad2
- chicken1
- candied walnuts1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
10
Best Pizza in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pizza was the best in San Diego, and Dave himself would give it a nine. It's an easy top secret that everyone should try.
The restaurant is reservation only, which makes it way better than any other pizza place you'll find in San Diego. The food was a perfect 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. The service was excellent, rated a 5, and the wait time was a reasonable 10-30 minutes.
For the price, it was $20-30 per person.
- pizza10
- food10
- atmosphere10
What The Venetian offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- 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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at The Venetian?
You’ll find convenient parking at The Venetian, including free street parking and a free parking lot. There’s usually plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
Can you make reservations at The Venetian, and is it suitable for families?
Yes, The Venetian accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended, especially for popular times. It’s also good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones.
How does The Venetian generally rate among diners?
The Venetian holds a good overall score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 79.3%. Its strengths lie in Service (8.6) and Food (8.2), while Ambience (7) is acceptable, and Value (4.6) is an area where opinions are more divided.
What can I expect from the food quality at The Venetian?
You can generally expect delicious and authentic Italian food, often served in generous portions. Many praise specific dishes like lasagna and cannelloni. While most food receives high marks, some opinions note a decline in quality for certain items or specific dishes.
Is The Venetian considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices reasonable, especially given the portion sizes, others feel the restaurant is overpriced and have noted concerns about hidden surcharges. It’s advisable to review the menu carefully.