Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Sports
oChef » Roman Wolves – San Diego
Roman Wolves - San Diego
Photo from Roman Wolves
Roman Wolves at a glance
San Diego Little Italy
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 115 of the guests
#78 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
749
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Authentic cuisine
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Noise level
The Italian restaurant Roman Wolves in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood offers you an authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience, especially if you have a sweet tooth, as they are renowned for their great dessert selection.
This spot is perfect for an upscale evening out, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. You can expect a trendy atmosphere that complements its delicious offerings.
Overview: Introducting Roman Wolves
Roman Wolves offers a dining experience where attentive service truly shines, with staff often going the extra mile to ensure a memorable visit. Diners consistently rave about the delicious food, finding many dishes to be expertly prepared and satisfying.
However, guests should be aware that while the ambience is generally inviting, the restaurant can get quite lively. Additionally, some find the overall value to be a point of consideration, suggesting it might be on the pricier side for the experience.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
749
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
67
negative
25
neutral
657
positive
Roman Wolves achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.7, placing it firmly in the good to excellent category, supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 87.7%. This positive outlook is built on 749 customer opinions, with a significant majority of 657 positive remarks against only 67 negative ones, reflecting a generally well-received establishment.
Delving into specifics, the Service (9.1) stands out as excellent, frequently earning praise for its attentiveness. The Food (8.9) also receives excellent marks, consistently impressing diners.
While the Ambience (7.6) is rated as good, the Value (5.3) is considered average, suggesting that while the experience is enjoyable, the pricing might be a point of discussion for some.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Delicious Italian food
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Loud dining room
- Hostess experience issues
If you’re seeking a dining spot where both the service and food are consistently praised, Roman Wolves is certainly worth considering. The staff’s dedication and the quality of the Italian dishes contribute significantly to a pleasant experience, making it a strong contender for your next meal out.
However, be prepared for a potentially lively, and at times loud, environment, and factor in the price point. With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.9, it’s a place that generally delivers, especially if you prioritize excellent hospitality and flavorful cuisine over strict budget considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Roman Wolves
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and customer satisfaction soaring at 92.4%. Guests consistently rave about the delicious and authentic Italian food, especially highlighting the gnocchi in the cheese wheel, Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe, and freshly made pasta. With 330 positive remarks out of 357 total, it's clear the culinary experience is a major draw.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 20 negative comments mentioned some dishes lacking flavor, like an overpowered risotto or basic pasta. There were also notes about overcooked gluten-free pasta and a red sauce reminiscent of ketchup, suggesting minor inconsistencies in an otherwise stellar menu.
Food
357
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
330
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cheese wheel pasta
- Fresh, authentic Italian
- Outstanding pasta dishes
What people don't like
- Some dishes lack flavor
- Overcooked gluten-free pasta
- Basic red sauce
Often praised
- foodWe came here last minute and are so happy we did. KYLE is the absolute best, and the food was delicious. Growing up on Italian food, we always get nervous with Italian spots, but this did not disappoint!
- drinksWe had a GREAT time. The drinks and food were incredible, and my mom, who has pretty high standards, was thoroughly impressed by the service provided by every team member we interacted with. Special callout to our waiter, Salvatore (or Toto), who remembered us from our first visit and took exceptional care of our table.
- cheese wheel pastaThe waiter who took our order was incredibly nice and proactively offered excellent recommendations. The food was divine; the cheese wheel pasta was absolute heaven, and the donut for dessert was just amazing. The Bruschetta Trio appetizer was SO good too.
- gnocchithe gnocchi and they were like little pillows in my mouth. Delicious!
- Italian foodThe atmosphere was wonderful, the food was incredible, and the service was outstanding. I'd say it's some of the best Italian food you can find outside of Italy. Luca, in particular, made our night special by guiding us through the menu and providing the best service possible.
- tiramisuThey surprised my husband with a tiramisu with a sparkler
- pastaCocktails and pasta were mind blowing
- FoodWe really appreciate the little espresso moment with dessert at the end of the night. Food was great, get the Flora dĂ Zucca! FIRE!
- carbonarathe ravioli, the carbonara amazing
- CarbonaraThe Carbonara was a standout — perfectly cooked with fresh ingredients
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was extremely overpriced and underwhelming
- Suppli appetizerSuppli appetizer was unremarkable
- artichokeswhat arrived appeared to be hummus. The waiter was also confused and left with the "hummus". He then returned and informed us that the "hummus" was artichokes all along.
- burrataThe burrata could have been made better in my own house
- carciofini alla giudiafell a little flat for us
- flavorThere was no depth to the flavor
- gluten free pastathe gluten free pasta was overcooked and falling apart
- hummaswhat arrived appeared to be hummas. The waiter was also confused and left with the "hummas". He then returned and informed us that the "hummas" was artichokes all along.
- ice teaThe ice tea tasted like an instant tea made with tap water
- noodlesnoodles are boxed
If you're seeking delicious, authentic Italian cuisine with standout pasta dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. Despite a few minor flavor inconsistencies noted by a small number of diners, the overwhelming majority agree the food is a highlight, promising an excellent meal.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to service, Roman Wolves truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 91.8%, guests consistently rave about the attentive and friendly staff. Many of the 236 positive comments highlight exceptional recommendations and excellent allergy handling, making for a truly welcoming experience.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. A handful of the 20 negative comments mention occasional hostess experience issues, slow service, or longer wait times. While these instances are few among 257 total opinions, they suggest theres still a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Service
257
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent recommendations
- Accommodates allergies well
What people don't like
- Hostess seating issues
- Occasional slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceWe had a GREAT time. The drinks and food were incredible, and my mom, who has pretty high standards, was thoroughly impressed by the service provided by every team member we interacted with. Special callout to our waiter, Salvatore (or Toto), who remembered us from our first visit and took exceptional care of our table.
- serverWe finished every last bite! The ambiance was great for date night, and Jason was the best server! He even talked us off the ledge from ordering too much food!
- staffThe boys absolutely smashed their margarita pizza. The staff did an incredible job accommodating five young boys, which is no small feat. My old lady had the broccoli Alfredo, and her exact words were that it was “like an O in the mouth, ” which I believe signifies it was very good.
- JasonJason took care of us and he treated me and my party very well
- recommendationsI had the Lucious Spritz, which was spot-on — well-balanced and refreshing. Jorge’s recommendations were spot-on, and his passion for his craft really added to the experience. If you’re looking for great food and even better drinks, Roman Wolves is a must-visit.
- server JasonI had an amazing dinner here and would 10 out of 10 recommend. The pasta was incredible, the vibes were fun, and our server Jason gave great recommendations for what to order. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5.
- ServiceNot because it didn’t look good, but because pasta is filling and I have limits… kind of. Service was friendly, if a little “blink and you’ll miss them, ” but they did remember to tell us to flip the menu over for a bit of strange Roman folklore. The receipt arrives tucked into a book you can sign like a yearbook—because apparently, carbs and nostalgia pair well together.
- experienceThe food was great, and the place itself is beautiful. Our server, Kyle, was a true pleasure and made our experience so nice. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- menuhe guided us through the menu; he made us want to savor every single dish
- server KyleIt was an amazing experience all the staff was extremely nice. Our server Kyle took really good care of us. I told him my bf has tree nut and shellfish allergy and when we ordered our appetizer he went to check if it's fried in the same oil and the shrimp, which it was, so we changed our order.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was painfully slow
- VinceVince ghost us unexpectedly
- breadWhen asked for bread it never came
- doors were still closeddoors were still closed
- drink refillsSat without drink refills for a solid 30 min
- excuseslame excuses that didn’t add up
- hostessdon’t appreciate the hostess seating me and my date at the bar
- hostess experienceUnfortunately, I wasn’t able to provide a detailed review of food and service as I couldn’t make it past the hostess experience on May 29th. While I looked forward to my first restaurant in SD’s Little Italy, I was too humiliated to stay after I was sat at a table where I couldn’t fit.
- hostessesthe hostesses need to find a job stocking shelves
- nobody came out to greetnobody came out to greet
If you're looking for a restaurant where the staff goes above and beyond, Roman Wolves is definitely worth a visit. Expect attentive, friendly service and helpful recommendations that enhance your meal. Just be prepared for a potential wait or minor hostess issues during peak times, though these seem to be rare exceptions.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 and leaving 73.5% of customers satisfied. With 86 positive comments out of 117 total, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, vibe, and decor, often describing the beautiful interior as lively, stylish, and perfect for a date night or girls night out. It truly offers an upscale yet cozy and authentic feel.
However, 20 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around the noise level, with some finding it too loud for conversation. A few also mentioned lighting being too dark and outdoor seating being uncomfortable or poorly located, like a table' near a trashcan.
These issues can sometimes detract from the otherwise positive experience.
Ambience
117
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, stylish atmosphere
- Beautiful interior decor
- Great for date night
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Dark lighting
- Uncomfortable outdoor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere felt both stylish and welcoming
- ambianceEverything from the food to the service to the ambiance was stellar
- AtmosphereIf you like your dinner with a side of barely audible conversation, Roman Wolves is the place. The dining room is packed and buzzing—mostly with couples who may or may not be thrilled that they can’t actually hear each other. The Trio of Bruschetta is a solid icebreaker: everyone picks a favorite and judges each other accordingly (mine was the tomato—classic, no regrets).
- vibesThe waiter also brought us tiramisu for my husband’s birthday, which was so sweet and delicious. I loved the vibes of the inside of the restaurant, almost making me a little sad we didn’t sit inside, but it was too nice outside! I highly recommend you eat here if you’re looking for a good place in Little Italy!
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great pasta and the awesome vibe. The excellent services made the meal even better, and our waiter, Kyle, was particularly kind and generous.
- decorNice vibes and good decor
- environmentJason and his colleague were such kind and thoughtful bartenders. The environment was so intimate and interesting, very authentic European inspired. My only complaint was that the lighting was a little too dark, making it hard to read the menu or take pictures, but it was no big deal and the overall experience was great.
- experienceHe even told my bf "don't move a muscle, we'll get everything for you guys. " The food was great but the experience made it even better. It was such a perfect relaxing dinner for date night.
- interiorsuch a lovely interior
Frequently criticized
- noise levelso incredibly loud that it was hard to have normal dinner conversation
- tableUnfortunately, I wasn’t able to provide a detailed review of food and service as I couldn’t make it past the hostess experience on May 29th. While I looked forward to my first restaurant in SD’s Little Italy, I was too humiliated to stay after I was sat at a table where I couldn’t fit. The chair’s armrests wouldn’t clear the table, and the chair was slamming into the back wall window.
- Noise levelIf you like your dinner with a side of barely audible conversation, Roman Wolves is the place. The dining room is packed and buzzing—mostly with couples who may or may not be thrilled that they can’t actually hear each other.
- ParkingThe receipt arrives tucked into a book you can sign like a yearbook—because apparently, carbs and nostalgia pair well together. Parking in Little Italy is, as always, a contact sport. Valet a block away worked for us, but judging by the number of late arrivals on Saturday night, it’s a good idea to budget extra time unless you enjoy apologizing to the hostess.
- acoustic treatmentsDue to the fact that there are no acoustic treatments in the room
- atmosphereVery loud and cold atmosphere
- back roomThe back room of the restaurant is narrow with hard surfaces
- cocktail napkinsIf you go to this restaurant and they try to seat you in the back, say NO or ask if they've fixed the acoustics. Additionally, placing cocktail napkins in the restroom because you ran out of paper towels is lame; they are as absorbent as bar coasters. They should borrow some from the neighbors.
- dinner conversationhard to have normal dinner conversation
- lightingThe environment was so intimate and interesting, very authentic European inspired. My only complaint was that the lighting was a little too dark, making it hard to read the menu or take pictures, but it was no big deal and the overall experience was great. I appreciate everyone and would love to go back!
If you're looking for a lively, stylish spot with a great interior vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get quite loud, and outdoor seating might not always be ideal, so consider requesting an inside table.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Looking at the bright side, some guests really appreciate the drink deals and Happy Hour offerings. With 5 positive sentiments, many found great drink deals and a really nice happy hour! Its a bit of a mixed bag overall, with a score of 5.3, but these specific deals definitely hit the mark for some.
However, the value proposition isnt always so rosy. With 7 negative sentiments out of 18 total, many felt the place was overpriced or even overcharged, especially concerning the fixed menu. Comments like food was extremely overpriced and they overcharged us by over $30 highlight significant concerns, leading to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 27.8%.
Value
18
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great drink deals
- Nice happy hour
What people don't like
- High fixed menu
- Often overpriced
- Risk of overcharging
Often praised
- happy hourReally nice happy hour!
- Happy HourToday we went for Happy hour
- drink dealsgreat drink deals
- pricefor the price, was truly divine
Frequently criticized
- Price per person$250.00
- discountessentially no discount for ordering off of the restaurant week menu
- fixed menupay $50/person + 20% gratuity for a fixed menu
- overchargedthey overcharged us by over $30
- overpricedfood was extremely overpriced
- priceIt’s definitely a little on the pricey side
- pricesHoly overpriced though
If youre after a good deal, aim for their happy hour and drink specials. Otherwise, be cautious, as many find the regular pricing, especially for fixed menus, to be quite steep and even feel overcharged. Its a spot where value really depends on when and what you order.
How are the prices at Roman Wolves?
On average, you’ll spend around 53 per person – from 115 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a pretty wide spread in what people spend. There are quite a few guests enjoying meals in the $31–$50 range, but also a significant number going for more premium options, even above $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 115 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the average and the spread of spending, we feel the pricing is quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Diego. It suggests they offer value across different price points, from a casual bite to a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Roman Wolves
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Gnocchi and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing. I had the gnocchi, which literally melts in your mouth and was the best I've ever had.
The service was also great. Our server, Jason, was awesome and had a great sense of humor.
- gnocchi10
- food10
- service9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Gnocchi and Vegetarian Pasta!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The gnocchi was the best we’ve ever had, and the vegetarian pasta options were great. Additionally, Jason provided hilarious entertainment, and I can't wait to see his comedy show.
- gnocchi10
- vegetarian pasta options8
- Jason9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Service and Menu Breakdown
My experience at the restaurant was excellent, largely due to the outstanding service provided by Jason. He gave us a great breakdown of the menu and had plenty of jokes to keep us entertained throughout our meal. The atmosphere was enjoyable with a moderate noise level, and there was no wait time.
- menu breakdown9
- jokes9
- wait time10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Mind-blowing Cocktails and Pasta!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The cocktails and pasta were absolutely mind-blowing. Our server, Jason, was exceptional and truly made sure we had a great time.
The service and food were top-notch, both receiving a perfect score of 5. The atmosphere was also rated a 5, with a moderate noise level.
- cocktails10
- pasta10
- Jason10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Stellar Food, Service, and Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fabulous. From the moment we arrived, everything from the food to the service to the ambiance was stellar. Our server, Jason, was incredibly welcoming and provided all the good recommendations.
Each dish we ordered exceeded expectations, and for the price, it was truly divine. We enjoyed the zucchini blossoms, calamari, and the mussels for starters. For mains, we had the margarita pizza, cheese wheel pasta (pesto gnocchi), cioppino with spaghetti, and the pappardelle.
The truffle fries are also a must-try! I would return in a heartbeat!
- food10
- service10
- ambiance10
What Roman Wolves offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Roman Wolves?
At Roman Wolves, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening. It’s a trendy spot where you can enjoy dinner with table service, and they even have a bar onsite for your convenience. You can also opt for outdoor seating to enhance your dining experience.
Does Roman Wolves cater to specific dietary needs or offer special amenities?
Yes, Roman Wolves offers vegetarian options and organic dishes to accommodate your preferences. You can enjoy a wide selection of beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. For your convenience, they provide free Wi-Fi and are fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms.
Q: How does Roman Wolves generally score with diners?
A: Roman Wolves earns a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.7, indicating a good overall dining experience. Its Service (9.1) and Food (8.9) are particularly strong, while Ambience (7.6) is good, and Value (5.3) is considered average.
Q: What aspects do customers appreciate most at Roman Wolves?
A: Diners frequently highlight the exceptional service, often mentioning specific servers like Jason and Kyle for their attentiveness. The delicious food, with dishes like cheese wheel pasta and carbonara receiving praise, is also a major draw.
Q: Are there any common drawbacks or concerns mentioned by guests?
A: Some guests note that the restaurant can be on the pricey side, and the noise level in the dining room can be quite high, potentially making conversation challenging. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent hostess experience.