Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » RoVino – San Diego
RoVino - San Diego
Photo from RoVino
RoVino at a glance
San Diego Banker’s Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#144 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
765
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant RoVino is a delightful Italian Restaurant located in the vibrant Banker’s Hill neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a culinary gem known for its exceptional dining experience, especially if you have a sweet tooth, as it boasts great dessert options.
This spot invites you to savor authentic Italian flavors in a setting that perfectly blends casual comfort with an upscale touch, making it ideal for various occasions.
Overview: Introducting RoVino
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
765
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
102
negative
19
neutral
644
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on RoVino
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Diners are generally thrilled with the food here, giving it a strong 8.6 score and an impressive 88.1% customer satisfaction. With 386 positive comments out of 438 total, many rave about the delicious food, amazing food, and homemade pasta. The large servings and gluten-free options also receive high praise, ensuring a satisfying meal for many.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 40 negative comments noting issues like salty or bland flavors in some pastas. Concerns also arose regarding burned dishes, previously frozen steak, and overall mediocre food, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in quality and preparation.
Food
438
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
40
negative
12
neutral
386
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, amazing food
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Salty or bland dishes
- Preparation issues
Often praised
- foodThe portion was huge, so much so that I ended up sharing it with someone at my table. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, I did wish they had provided bread for the table. The bathroom situation was quite interesting; it's located down the street, past some bushes and shrubs, and requires a door combination, which I believe is 6055.
- cocktailssome cocktails with passion fruit and orange juice
- drinksAs someone with Celiac, dining out can be challenging, but I always feel 100% at ease here. The drinks are delicious, the service is consistently on point, and the chef's culinary creations are incredible. The flatbreads are so tasty, and the entrées are mouth-watering.
- lasagnaIt was sooooooo delicious! All of my friends enjoyed their meals and are still talking about how wonderful they were: lasagna, prosciutto flatbread, truffle flatbread, extra spicy chicken Alfredo, and my GF bolognese. I can’t thank the chef enough for his individual care and concern for the dishes!
- Brussels sproutsRose was super helpful in planning our menu and ensuring that we were having a lovely time. The food was outstanding — especially the Brussels sprouts, arancini, lasagna, ravioli, and roasted chicken! Molte grazie to Frank, Rose, and the wonderful waitstaff — we highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
- BologneseI explained I needed something quick to help with a hangover. Frank went above and beyond, making me some absolutely delicious Bolognese and a paloma. It was exactly what I needed.
- aranciniSome friends and I visited Rovino in Little Italy this weekend and absolutely loved it. The food was exquisite - from the ciabatta, to the pear and prosciutto flatbread to the fresh Rovino salad to the arancini - it was delectable. Frank, the owner, was available to discuss the details of the dishes.
- delicious foodThis was my first time visiting Rovino for a friend's birthday, and it did not disappoint! We had a lovely evening of tasty drinks, delicious food, and excellent service. I have a dairy allergy, so I called beforehand to double-check they could accommodate me.
- Caesar saladEvery dish we tried was delicious. The standouts for me were the bolognese, Caesar salad, caprese salad, and arancini. The outdoor area was lovely, providing a pleasant atmosphere.
- bruschettaThe bruschetta was a highlight with bold and bright flavors
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at RoVino was one of low quality service and mediocre food.
- chickenchicken like from Wholefoods
- dishes" The music was too loud, forcing us to yell all night. Furthermore, the restaurant was out of beer and some of the dishes the waiter had specifically highlighted, which was surprising for a Thursday night dinner at 8 PM. We also experienced a significant wait of nearly 40 minutes between appetizers and main meals.
- lasagnamy lasagna looked like a Lean cuisine box meal
- pastasWhile the food was decent, it was nothing special. Our pastas lacked flavor, to the point where I had to season my leftovers when I got home. Considering the quality, it felt overpriced for what we received.
- ribeyeThe sidewalk and patio dining area reeks of urine, and the odor unfortunately wafts into the indoor dining area, creating an unpleasant ambience. For my meal, I ordered the ribeye blue rare, but it arrived medium and burned on the outside, indicating issues with food quality and preparation. Adding to the inconvenience, there is no restroom in the restaurant.
- Bella DonnaBella Donna, touted as one of the restaurant's specialties, fell short
- BologneseBolognese was pretty bland, and the meat was dry
- Calamarithe Calamari and one of the pastas and they were both too salty
- Italian foodWe chose this restaurant hoping for good Italian food but were honestly very disappointed. Of the five Italian white wines listed on the menu, none were available.
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious Italian fare, generous portions, and great gluten-free choices, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in flavor and preparation, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, Rovino truly shines, earning a good score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.6%. Based on 188 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the exceptional hospitality, attentive staff, and personal recommendations. Many felt treated like family, highlighting the owners genuine care and the servers dedication to creating a fantastic dining experience.
However, out of 217 total comments, 28 negative opinions point to occasional hiccups. Some guests experienced long waiting times for food or seating, slow service, and a few isolated incidents of less-than-ideal waiter behavior. While not widespread, these suggest there's still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
217
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
28
negative
1
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff offers hospitality
- Service is attentive
- Owners show care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Service can be slow
- Occasional waiter issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible from start to finish. I enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner in a lovely atmosphere, complemented by the friendliest service. It's a perfect little spot!
- staffI HIGHLY recommend it. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the food was INCREDIBLE. For those who don't drink, like myself, I highly recommend the virgin margaritas; I kid you not, they were the best I've ever had.
- serverTo put it simply, my experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the best food I’ve had in years, and the server was the best. The overall experience was fantastic, with top marks for food, service, and atmosphere.
- waiterAll the staff we encountered were friendly and so accommodating. Luis, our waiter, was very attentive and provided excellent service. Evan, the bartender was great, too!
- chefThe chef came out and brought us our Arrancini and chatted with us
- customer servicewhat really distinguishes the restaurant is the customer service
- great serviceThanks Brandon for great service all night!
- Chef FrankI have a dairy allergy, so I called beforehand to double-check they could accommodate me. To my surprise, the woman I spoke to was very kind and had Chef Frank speak to me directly. Once at the restaurant, he even came out to chat with me!
- EddieEddie was our waiter and was very friendly, professional and caring
- MarcoMy server for the evening was Marco who is professional
Frequently criticized
- service3 stars for service, just for the reason that our waiter chose to ask us about not tipping
- waiterour waiter chose to ask us about not tipping at the end of the meal
- waiting timeWe were seated right along the sidewalk with high traffic from random passersby, including disruptive dogs, and every server trying to access their areas. We also waited an inordinate amount of time for our food. BUT our server saved the day!
- employee behaviora restaurant allows someone to behave this way
- food delayUpon request, he was able to switch our table to a more private one, which spared us frequent dog exchanges. He also apologized for the food delay before we even mentioned it and treated us to dessert on the house to make up for it! The recommended dish was the Goat Cheese Bruschetta Rovino.
- hostThe host (owner?) sat at the bar with some regulars pretty much all night
- hostessthe hostess said the cocktails were happy hour 10$ price. The hostess said any of those would be happy hour.
- long time for our appetizers and main course dishes to be servedMy experience at RoVino Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego was excellent! Although it took a very long time for our appetizers and main course dishes to be served, it was worth the wait🙏. We enjoyed large servings and perfectly prepared food.
- parkingThe only drawback I would mention is that the food prices are very high. The parking was a problem; I had to park about four blocks away to get to the restaurant.
- reservationHad a reservation for 7:30 but weren't sat until 7:50
Overall, the service at Rovino is a major highlight, with staff often going above and beyond. While there might be an occasional wait or minor service inconsistency, the overwhelmingly positive experiences, especially the personal touch from owners and staff, make it well worth a visit.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.6%, many found the atmosphere, vibe, and intimate setting truly inviting. With 64 positive opinions out of 92, guests frequently praised the cozy inside seating and lovely outdoor options, making it a great choice for a special dinner or a fun night out.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. About 25 opinions highlighted some drawbacks, particularly concerning the noise level, problematic bathroom situations, and uncomfortable seating. Some found it too hot or loud inside, and issues like unpleasant outdoor odors or crowded tables were noted, suggesting theres room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
92
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Inviting vibe
- Nice outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Problematic restrooms
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe portion was huge, so much so that I ended up sharing it with someone at my table. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, I did wish they had provided bread for the table. The bathroom situation was quite interesting; it's located down the street, past some bushes and shrubs, and requires a door combination, which I believe is 6055.
- ambiancethe ambiance and service were commendable
- locationvery walkable to the rest of Little Italy
- restaurantThis is a nice cozy restaurant, but I don’t recommend it for a family with kids. It was too loud, especially due to the bar next door, and there were no restrooms available.
- heat lampstheir heat lamps were clutch and kept us warm
- vibeReally enjoyed the vibe
- awesome atmosphereAtmosphere was awesome
- bathroomthe restroom is a short walk outside the restaurant... a very clean little walk
- calm atmospherenot busy and calm
- cool spotreal cool spot to go to
Frequently criticized
- musicit was SUPER loud. ... crank up the Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles.
- noise levelMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing due to the uncomfortable atmosphere and cleanliness issues. It was so stinking hot inside and loud, making it difficult to enjoy the meal. To make matters worse, my plate and utensils were dirty, the table was wobbly, and the chairs are uncomfortable.
- restroomThe restroom is down around the corner but it's a small/slight downside
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were terrible
- bathroomThe bathroom was down the street
- chairschairs are uncomfortable
- disruptive dogsWe brought our dog, as we saw they are pet-friendly. We were seated right along the sidewalk with high traffic from random passersby, including disruptive dogs, and every server trying to access their areas. We also waited an inordinate amount of time for our food.
- fire hose connectionI was also disappointed by the very few vegetarian options, which is surprising for an Italian restaurant. The ambiance on the patio was marred by a fire hose connection sticking out over our table and the presence of people smoking nearby, which was a drag. The service and overall food quality were rated a 4 out of 5, but the vegetarian options and ambiance detracted from the experience.
- noisy outsideCan get a bit noisy outside
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a great vibe, especially for a date or a quiet evening, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and the restroom situation might be a minor inconvenience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for the best experience.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found delightful surprises! Many appreciated the generous portions and felt they received good food at a fair price, with some even calling the food and drink options an amazing value. Based on 18 customer remarks, with 6 positive opinions, there's a sense that good deals can be found here.
However, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.3, and customer satisfaction is quite poor at 33.3%. With 9 negative comments, many felt the opposite. Several patrons found certain items and the overall price to be overpriced, with particular disappointment regarding cocktails that ended up costing more than expected.
High food prices were a recurring concern.
Value
18
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Fair pricing
- Amazing value options
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu items
- Poor overall value
- Misleading cocktail pricing
Often praised
- pricesTo top it off, the ricotta/pistachio cheesecake was a perfect dessert, and the Cappuccino was hands down the best I've ever tasted. The service was terrific, and the prices were very reasonable. Even the wine selection, the Super Tuscan and Pinot Grigio, was spot on.
- fair pricegood food at a fair price
- food and drink optionsfood and drink options were an AMAZING value
- portionsHUGE portions for the price
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious and truly well worth the price. We thoroughly enjoyed the Blueberry Bourbon Smash cocktails.
Frequently criticized
- pricenot at all worth the $58 they wanted to charge for it
- billthe dish was added to the bill
- cocktailscocktails were happy hour 10$ price. We ordered 2 and they ended being full price
- food pricesEverything was excellent. The only drawback I would mention is that the food prices are very high. The parking was a problem; I had to park about four blocks away to get to the restaurant.
- itemsthe items were overpriced
- overpricedMeal was overpriced as well
- pricingfood at RoVino Restaurant + Bar is quite expensive
If you're looking for consistent value, this spot might be a gamble. While some find great deals and generous portions, many others feel the prices are too high for what you get. Proceed with caution, especially regarding drinks and specific menu items.
How are the prices at RoVino?
On average, you’ll spend around $54 per person – based on what 103 guests reported. That places this Italian spot in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a bit on the higher side.
Whats interesting is that while the average is $54, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests actually spend less, with a good number falling into the $41–$50 and $21–$30 ranges, while others opt for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant, especially since there’s a good range of options to fit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about RoVino
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I started with the Brussel sprouts, which were absolutely delicious. For my main course, my husband ordered the chicken parm and declared it the best he's ever had.
I enjoyed the chicken tortellini, which was also delicious. We finished our meal with the tiramisu for dessert, and it was the best! The service was excellent, with Eddie providing great attention.
The bartender also made a delicious Negroni and old fashioned.
- Brussel sprouts10
- chicken parm10
- chicken tortellini10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Gluten-Free Pasta and Top-Notch Service
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. They provided excellent celiac-safe, gluten options. The pasta was so good, I didn’t even notice it was gluten-free.
The service was top notch and made me feel really comfortable about the whole dining experience. Special shoutout to our server Marco for answering all our questions with grace and care.
- gluten-free options10
- pasta10
- service10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Rovino's Catering: Amazing Holiday Party Experience
We had an amazing experience with Rovino’s catering for our intimate holiday party and can’t recommend them enough. The team made everything seamless and stress free from start to finish. Chef Francis was incredibly kind, attentive, and truly invested in making our event a success.
Rose was equally wonderful, checking in throughout the evening and even offering to help arrange desserts. Every detail felt thoughtfully handled. The food was outstanding.
From focaccia and arancini (my personal fave) to perfectly cooked chicken and crowd favorite meatballs, every dish was a hit. Evan’s old fashioned was the cherry on top. A team that genuinely cares makes all the difference.
We’ll absolutely be using Rovino again.
- team10
- Chef Francis10
- Rose9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Experience, Highly Recommend!
My experience at the restaurant was overall amazing. The service was exceptional, with the chef personally coming to our table to reassure my gluten-free friend that she could order her desired dish without any issues. I thoroughly enjoyed my Caesar salad, especially being able to have it without anchovies.
The focaccia bread was next-level good. We will definitely be returning.
- service10
- Caesar salad9
- focaccia bread10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Exceptional Service and Delicious Bolognese
This afternoon, I was in Little Italy for a meeting and decided to visit Rovino. After a disappointing 35-minute wait at Mona Lisa for a sandwich, I was relieved to find Rovino open. I had missed their new ordering kiosk, but Frank was there, prepping fresh pasta.
When I asked if they were open, he confirmed they were and then asked what I was in the mood for. I explained I needed something quick to help with a hangover. Frank went above and beyond, making me some absolutely delicious Bolognese and a paloma.
It was exactly what I needed. Thank you again, Frank!
- Bolognese10
- paloma9
- Frank10
What RoVino offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at RoVino in San Diego?
At RoVino, you can anticipate a versatile dining experience. The atmosphere ranges from casual to upscale, cozy, trendy, and romantic, perfect for any mood. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or just dessert with table service, and outdoor seating is available for a refreshing meal. Planning ahead is easy, as they accept reservations, with dinner reservations recommended.
Does RoVino cater to specific dietary needs or offer family-friendly options?
Absolutely! RoVino is committed to offering diverse choices, including healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes to suit various dietary preferences. For families, a kids’ menu is available, and the restaurant is good for kids, providing high chairs. Plus, the venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all guests.