Highlights
- Great wine list
- Sports
oChef » Romanissimo – San Diego
Romanissimo - San Diego
Photo from Romanissimo
Romanissimo at a glance
San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 127 of the guests
#176 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
666
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent service
- Great atmosphere
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Expensive pricing
- Hidden fees
- Loud environment
The restaurant Romanissimo is an authentic Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. When you step inside, you’ll discover a casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
You can expect a great wine list to complement your meal, whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a trendy night out. This spot offers a true taste of Italy right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Romanissimo
Romanissimo often delivers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising the exceptional service and the restaurant’s vibrant ambience. The attentive staff and inviting atmosphere frequently contribute to memorable evenings, creating a welcoming setting.
While the culinary offerings generally receive positive remarks, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value. Occasional issues with prices and certain charges have been mentioned, suggesting a slight inconsistency in perceived worth.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
666
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
109
negative
31
neutral
526
positive
Romanissimo earns a solid overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 79%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 666 customer remarks, with 526 positive observations outweighing 109 negative ones. Diving into specifics, Service shines brightly with an excellent score (8.9), frequently highlighted by guests.
Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.9) also perform well, contributing significantly to positive experiences. However, Value (3.4) is a clear area for improvement, often cited in discussions despite fewer mentions overall.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Inviting Atmosphere
- Delicious Italian Food
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Unexpected Charges
- Noise Level Issues
Romanissimo offers a compelling experience, particularly if you prioritize attentive service and a lively setting. While the culinary execution is generally strong, be mindful of the pricing structure, which some find a bit steep for the overall offering.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, it’s certainly worth considering for a vibrant Italian meal. However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter dining atmosphere, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Romanissimo
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Overall, the food here gets a solid thumbs-up! With a score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 77.3%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 313 comments, a whopping 242 praise dishes like the incredible cheese wheel pasta, authentic Italian cuisine, and delicious fresh pasta.
Many found the food simply divine and fantastic. However, not everyone was completely wowed. There were 54 critical remarks, with some finding certain dishes like lasagna or Carbonara inconsistent, and others noting issues with pizza quality or small portions.
A few mentioned bland flavor, suggesting some room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
313
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
54
negative
17
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheese wheel pasta
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Delicious fresh pasta
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portion sizes
- Bland flavor sometimes
Often praised
- foodWe felt confident entering the restaurant due to its high ratings on Google Maps. Every dish was incredibly delicious and made for a satisfying dinner. We ordered the ARUGULA & ENDIVE SALAD with blood orange vinaigrette and fried goat cheese, the FRITTO MISTO with fried calamari, shrimp, artichokes, parsley, spicy marinara, and Calabrian chili aioli, the MEZZE MANICHE AMATRICIANA with half tube-shaped pasta, fresh tomato sauce, guanciale, and pecorino cheese, and the CHEESE WHEEL PASTA!
- pizzaThe salad, pizza and wine were top notch
- pastaI would drive another 100 miles for that; two pieces simply weren't enough because it was so good. The oxtail meatball dish was just okay, with other meats dominating the flavor, though you could tell it was different, and the pasta was good. Overall, it's a solid choice for Italian food.
- cheese wheel pastaI had the cheese wheel pasta, just wow!!
- FoodFood was phenomenal.
- dessertsend our table a dessert as a gesture of appreciate
- drinksIt made the whole experience feel easy and enjoyable from start to finish. Our drinks flowed effortlessly from Prosecco, to red wine, and, naturally, we wrapped things up with an espresso martini because the night was far from over. A solid five stars from me—excellent food, great atmosphere, I’d come back in a heartbeat.
- Italian cuisinebest Italian cuisine we've enjoyed recently
- artichoke ravioliMaria was incredibly informative about the menu, making our ordering process smooth and enjoyable. We decided to share the sea bass dish and the artichoke ravioli. This was a great combo to share, and the flavors were delicious.
- breadAsk for their bread the door, it was so fresh, light
Frequently criticized
- foodThe service was great, with a perfect score of 5. However, the food was inedible, earning a score of 1. I ordered the Carbonara, which had a weird color, texture, and taste.
- food qualitythe food quality was severely lacking
- lasagnaI didn't like the lasagna
- pastaThe food was just okay. The pasta had an unpleasant thickness, and it took away from the other elements on the plate. The Burrata Caprese did not utilize heirloom tomatoes despite stating that on their menu.
- raviolialmost $40 for 5 ravioli's
- risottoThe risotto was not a risotto, but just some dry yellow rice
- Burrata CapreseThe pasta had an unpleasant thickness, and it took away from the other elements on the plate. The Burrata Caprese did not utilize heirloom tomatoes despite stating that on their menu. Unfortunately, the best thing we ate was the side of broccolini.
- CarbonaraCarbonara has weird color, texture, and taste
- EntreeEntree was $48 and did not come with a starch
- Italian foodVery poor Italian food
If you're looking for a good Italian meal, especially their famous cheese wheel pasta, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many rave about the delicious food, a few experiences suggest some dishes might be inconsistent or portions on the smaller side.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Get ready for some truly stellar service! With an 8.9 score and a solid 88.2% customer satisfaction, its clear that the team here often hits it out of the park. Out of 238 comments, a whopping 210 praised the amazing service, attentive staff, and friendly demeanor, often highlighting great recommendations from the team.
However, its not always perfect. A smaller number of 22 comments mentioned feeling rushed, experiencing waiting time, or sometimes feeling did not feel welcome due to subpar service. While these instances are fewer, they suggest there's still a little room for improvement.
Service
238
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Friendly and welcoming
What people don't like
- Felt rushed
- Long waiting times
- Unwelcoming service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Romanissimo was fantastic, largely thanks to Fabio, who made our meal an experience. He made our evening so enjoyable and guided us through the highlights of the food. The food was great, and we leaned heavily into the pasta dishes, which did not disappoint.
- serverThe pizza was crispy and delicious, with everything seasoned just right, full of rich, balanced flavors. Our server, Alec, was super friendly and made sure we had an amazing dining experience. Overall, it turned into one of my favorite dining experiences ever.
- MariaOur server, Maria, was a breath of fresh air — so friendly and enthusiastic
- recommendationsThe food was incredible, and the service was equally outstanding. Our server, Matt, took great care of us and provided excellent recommendations. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting San Diego.
- FabioThe food was of top quality, and the staff were very kind and qualified. In particular, Fabio was very friendly and gave us excellent recommendations. The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- attentiveThe food was great, and the atmosphere and music were immersive, complemented by the decorum. Francesco, our server, was excellent and very attentive. I highly recommend this place, rating it a 10/10.
- staffThe staffs were very friendly (even for the doggy) and helpful.
- ServiceOur server, Fabio, suggested the Filet
- server MariaThe hostess, Savannah, was an absolute delight with her sweetest energy, and she graciously provided me with the best table outside. My server, Maria, was equally as lovely, tending to my every need and even bringing me a glass of champagne from her own initiative. I will definitely be returning for both the delicious food and the wonderful atmosphere!
- FrancescoThe restaurant offers truly authentic Italian cuisine with fantastic food that was excellent and full of flavor, clearly prepared with great care and love for tradition. I was served by Francesco, who was incredibly kind, helpful, warm, and highly professional, making me feel very welcome. The two amazing Negronis prepared by Matteo, a fantastic bartender who clearly does his job with passion, professionalism, and great skill, were outstanding.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the terrible service. We were seated and then left waiting for 20 minutes without anyone approaching our table to take a drink or food order.
- orderthey had forgotten one of our appetizers which was delivered after the entrees
- serverOur food arrived, and it was very delicious. The service was great, but I couldn't hear the server over the music. Hey, my boyfriend loved it, and that made me happy.
- waiterInitially, we were well received and chose a table near the street. The waiter came to take our order while I was still choosing the wine, and after he left, more than 15 minutes passed before he returned. He only came back as we were about to leave.
- attentionwe didn't get a lot of attention from her
- checkthe waiter also stood by when we had the check so they could see the tip percentage
- coming backWon't be coming back
- did not feel welcomedid not feel welcome at all
- felt rushedOur server seemed to judge us as a young couple, and the waitress was very short and rude. We felt rushed and unwelcome, especially since we didn't even order alcohol. The overall experience was negatively impacted by the unwelcoming service and loud environment, despite the excellent food.
- ownermy fiancé thought the owner was “super hot”
Overall, you can expect a highly positive service experience here, with many guests raving about the attentive and friendly staff. While a few isolated incidents suggest occasional hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment points to a team dedicated to making your visit enjoyable. So, if great service is high on your list, this place is definitely worth a try!
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.9 and earning a 76.1% customer satisfaction. With 70 positive remarks out of 92, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, often calling it perfect for a romantic date or a family dinner. Many felt transported to Italy, enjoying a welcoming and immersive dining experience.
However, not everyone found it perfect, with 15 negative comments. Some found the noise level too high, mentioning the music could be too loud or un-Italian. A few also noted it could get hot inside, which detracted from their comfort during the visit.
Ambience
92
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Immersive Italian vibe
- Perfect for occasions
- Welcoming decor
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Can be hot
Often praised
- atmosphereWe celebrated a friend’s birthday here, and it was exactly the kind of Saturday night you hope for—great energy, a perfect round table for our group of ladies, and an atmosphere that felt lively without being chaotic. The menu hit all my authentic Italian favorites.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is delightful
- ambianceambiance was like being in the heart of Italy
- decorThe decor was phenomenal.
- experienceAbsolutely loved our experience
- restaurantwe had the whole restaurant to ourselves
- Christmas atmospherethe Christmas atmosphere was a nice touch
- ItalyFelt as if we were in Italy!!
- ambienceLovely ambience, well spaced tables
- attention to detailI also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, a truly lovely person. You can really feel that this restaurant is run with love, care, and attention to every detail. As an Italian (and a Roman!), I can strongly recommend Romanissimo and genuinely guarantee its quality.
Frequently criticized
- musicThe food and service were both top-notch. The Christmas atmosphere was a nice touch, though I would suggest softer music. Overall, a wonderful visit.
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- A/CThere was no A/C inside
- MusicMusic was too loud
- cigar smellstrong cigar smell
- floorsthe floors were unusually slippery, be forewarned
- hotit was too hot
If you're looking for a restaurant with a generally good atmosphere that feels like a trip to Italy, especially for a special occasion, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively and loud at times, so if you prefer a very quiet setting, you might want to consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Despite an overall challenging perception, a few guests (4 out of 23 comments) found the prices to be reasonable, feeling they got great value and bang for their buck. Some even described their experience as phenomenal, believing the cost was well worth it for a beautiful evening. However, the general sentiment leans heavily towards dissatisfaction, with 18 comments highlighting concerns.
Many felt the prices were very high and unjustified, often mentioning additional service fees, surcharges, and even charges for bread or refills. This leads to a low overall score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at just 17.4%, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
23
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
What people don't like
- High unjustified prices
- Unexpected service fees
- Billing errors
Often praised
- bang for your buckyou really get your bang for your buck
- costMy experience at the restaurant was phenomenal! The food was so excellent, and while the cost was not far off from what you'd expect nowadays, it was well worth the cost. It was a beautiful evening.
- great valueat a great value
- pricesPrices were more than reasonable
Frequently criticized
- PricesPrices are very high are not justified
- surchargeand a surcharge
- tipNon condivido la scelta della mancia . Vorrei scegliere io quanto .
- billing errorThey billed us wrong
- breadthey charge for bread
- happy hour drink priceDidn't give us happy hour drink price
- overpricedfood is bland and overpriced
- pricecaro
- price pointthis was a disappointing meal for its price point, which was about $170
- pricesconsidering the high prices
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as many guests found the value proposition lacking. While a few felt it was worth the cost, the overwhelming feedback suggests you might encounter unexpected charges and feel the overall experience doesnt justify the expense. Proceed with caution if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Romanissimo?
On average, you’ll spend around 52 per person – from 127 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 52, many guests spend less, often in the $41–$50 range. But there’s also a good number of diners enjoying more premium options, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 127 reviews.
See 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 variety of spending levels we see. It seems to offer options for both a solid mid-range meal and a more special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Romanissimo
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Italian Food and Service!
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was delightful, and the waitresses were so sweet. They even gave us an afogato on the house.
If you're visiting and looking for a delicious Italian spot, I highly recommend trying them out!
- food10
- waitresses10
- afogato10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Experience with Great Food and Service
My experience at the restaurant was outstanding. The food was great, and the atmosphere and music were immersive, complemented by the decorum. Francesco, our server, was excellent and very attentive.
I highly recommend this place, rating it a 10/10.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- music10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Service Great, Food Disappointing
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was great, with a perfect score of 5. However, the food was inedible, earning a score of 1.
I ordered the Carbonara, which had a weird color, texture, and taste. I initially thought they might have used yellow mustard, but was told it was turmeric. I found it unusual to have turmeric in Carbonara.
- service10
- food1
- Carbonara1
- turmeric in Carbonara3
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Dinner Experience
I do not recommend this restaurant. We had dinner yesterday with kids, and it was not a high-quality cuisine. There was a lot of cream in the food, and the tomato pasta was not good.
The music was too loud, impacting the atmosphere.
- cuisine2
- cream in food2
- Tomato pasta2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Dinner Despite Rainy Evening
Arriving in San Diego on December 24, 2025, it rained heavily during the day. Despite the cold evening after the rain, we were greeted warmly and welcomed with smiles at 5 PM. We felt confident entering the restaurant due to its high ratings on Google Maps.
Every dish was incredibly delicious and made for a satisfying dinner. We ordered the ARUGULA & ENDIVE SALAD with blood orange vinaigrette and fried goat cheese, the FRITTO MISTO with fried calamari, shrimp, artichokes, parsley, spicy marinara, and Calabrian chili aioli, the MEZZE MANICHE AMATRICIANA with half tube-shaped pasta, fresh tomato sauce, guanciale, and pecorino cheese, and the CHEESE WHEEL PASTA! PAPPARDELLE with porcini mushrooms, black truffle cream sauce, and parmigiano cheese.
Considering Japanese portion sizes, two pasta dishes were more than enough for three people. The service staff's bright and welcoming demeanor was very pleasing.
- food10
- ARUGULA & ENDIVE SALAD9
- FRITTO MISTO9
What Romanissimo 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
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- 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
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Romanissimo Cucina Italiana?
At Romanissimo Cucina Italiana, you can enjoy a casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere perfect for dinner. You’ll find comfortable seating and table service, with options for dessert to complete your meal. If you prefer dining al fresco, outdoor seating is available, and reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Does Romanissimo Cucina Italiana cater to specific dietary needs or offer family-friendly amenities?
Yes, Romanissimo Cucina Italiana offers a variety of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside organic choices. For families, you’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and the restaurant is generally good for kids. Plus, your furry friends are welcome, as dogs are allowed outside.
How does Romanissimo generally perform?
Romanissimo achieves an overall score of 8.1, driven by excellent Service (8.9), and good scores for Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.9). However, Value (3.4) is an area where guests express concerns.
What do guests particularly enjoy about Romanissimo?
Guests frequently praise the attentive and friendly service, often highlighting specific staff members. The restaurant’s vibrant and authentic Italian ambience also receives high marks.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Romanissimo?
Some patrons have noted that prices can be high, with additional charges for items like bread or surcharges. The noise level can also be a point of contention for some.