Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge Reviews

Wonderful experience. We had a four course dinner and dessert that was fabulous. The antipasto was yummy. The eggplant creamy soup was delicious. The steak was tender and cooked perfectly. The selection of 3 pastas was delicious. The creme brulee was superb. Also, the wine was delicious. Overall, a fantastic experience with family and the bridal couple.

Wonderful food, good service, pleasant and quiet surroundings -- would definitely go back. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I almost never do that -- I'm fighting grade inflation.

We were a party of 5 who dined to celebrate my son's birthday. Serviced by Scott who performed a very nice job. He was attentive, but not too much so, and took the time to explain the menu items. Enjoyed the meat ball appetizer, comes with 5. Also has the antipasto which was good enough there simply was not much off it. Each of us ordered something different for our mains and we all enjoyed. In particular my wife raved about her pasta with crab (forgot the fancy Italian name). We were asked whether we were there for a special occasion, and we related the birthday celebration. As a result, offered a desert as no charge and son took advantage of the pana cotta which we really enjoyed. Other side of the table shared the creme brulee and they loved it as well. My wife did remarked that she preferred Rao's just a little more though. All-in-all we had a great meal with excellent service and highly recommend.

The service was friendly and attentive, the food was excellent, the piano player was wonderful and the music added to the ambiance !

This has always been our favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego.. the Papa Sisto was my favorite when I was younger and now I love the Saltimboca and Angel Hair with olive oil and roma tomatoes. Excellent service, warm formal atmosphere and Rafaela and Caterina are gracious hosts. Perfect location for a private event as well. True Italian flavor in the heart of downtown. Highly reccomended for a special night in San Diego.

This place had great food AND service. Good variety in choices. We went on a quiet weekday evening and enjoyed it very much. Would definitely recommend!

I had reservations so I was quickly seated. I loved the vibe of the restaurant. The staff were helpful and accommodating. I enjoyed the fried gnocchi. My chicken parmigiana was a little dry, but I also enjoyed it.

Great service, excellent wine recommendations within our budget, and perfectly prepared food! What more could you ask for!

David greeted me and told me that Rafaela, owner, had taken the 4th of July off. The seafood dinner consisted of sea bass with my favorite pasta, angle hair. The female bartender knows how to make an excellent martini. The food is excellent and the setting is great, worth the $$ price.

We sat outside on a warm night at about 60F on a Wednesday. Wine was good but expensive. Our $50 Chardonnay was about as low as you could go. Watermelon salad was a real surprise topped with a chili balsamic reduction that gave it a spice flavor moderated by the watermelon. I ordered gnocchi and grilled octopus appetizers as my dinner and my wife ordered seafood pasta. The gnocchi were different from anything I have experienced. They were about the size of large grapes and had a crispy crust. The Octopus was perfect, flavorful and beautifully presented. My wife was disappointed with her pasta dish. The sauce was good but it was a bit short on seafood with the exception of mussels. The chocolate cake for desert was beautiful. Service was great.

A high quality Italian restaurant with a menu which includes many clasical italian dishes. The veal scalopini was very good and so were other dishes ordered by my partners to the meal. I tried the spritz - nice drink.

I cannot believe it took me ten years to find this excellent Italian restaurant. We travel to Italy almost yearly and the menu here is authentic Italian. My wife and I shared two antipasti dishes -- the mixed bruschetta and the grilled seafood, both fantastic! Our entrees were spaghetti, one with Bolognese sauce and one with shrimp and clams. Wines by the glass were perfect and the staff gave us good tips on some Italian reds we were not familiar with. The tiramisu dessert was the best I have ever had. We will definitely be returning. We met the chef/owner who was extremely friendly.

We had pizza and cocktails to start the night before venturing into the Gaslamp area for the BIO evening events. Pizzas were not really a meal, but more like oven baked flatbread with a sprinkling of topping and herbs. Cocktails were fine. A 3.5 rating would be accurate.

Looked at this place in one of our visits to San Diego and my wife and I said; we got to have romantic dinner here sometime soon. The time came and we went to Salvatore's. It is a very fancy restaurant with a very elegant decor. There is a pianist there which made the evening an awesome one. Prices were NOT prohibited. The only thing that made some noise in our experience was the service. It was not bad or terrible, but I feel the place deserves a better performance from their waiters to close a perfect circle.

Had a private event here and everything was perfect. Waitstaff was friendly & attentive and kept everyone served. Food was delicious! The fried olives were amazing and a new experience for me. Fried gnocchi were fantastic and different as well. We were all very happy with our evening here!

I have been to this restaurant three times now, and each time it has been just great. The little Italian lady that owns it is in the kitchen and is very particular about what comes out. The Caprese salad I had last night may be the best I've had anywhere.

This upscale Italian serves authentic dishes with a nice modern light hand. Good wine list as well. Service was nice.

This place isn't for you if you don't want to spend. That being said, the service was excellent. Our waiter knew the menu & the wines without needing to check. His manners were exquisite. Music was played on the grand piano while the lighting was very low. The food was very good. I had a special salad with apples and I ordered the Papa Sisto which was perfect.

Salvatore’s is a fine Italian restaurant slightly away from the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego. The main dining area is large, with many tables, but not placed too close to each other. A more intimate area is on a raised level where fewer tables are located but which provides views of the outside. Our server promptly arrived after we were seated and just as promptly delivered the wine we ordered. The menu is extensive. My choice was the Veal Limone which was perhaps the best I had ever tasted. Throughout the meal the service was responsive yet unobtrusive. Prices were reasonable. Salvatore’s is a gem of a restaurant.

we used to live nearby. now we only visit the area a couple times a year. we try and eat here when in town, as it has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years. still rate it very high, and we went two nights in a row. Our friends lib=ve nearby and eat here often.

Excellent, great service, food was superb, the evening was a great success, as my granddaughter loves pasta of any kind. The restaurant is all that we had anticipated. The dining room decor was elegant and yet very comfortable. It is as fabulous as being in Italy at a Trattoria in Rome. Thanks Salvatore's. We will be back.

I enjoyed the triangiolo pasta stuffed with shrimp, asparagus and ricotta. The panna cotta dessert was delicious.

Amazing Pizza. Just fantastic. Beautiful atmosphere excellent presentation and service! Everyone was enjoying themselves.

While visiting San Diego we got lucky when we got this reservation on Open Table! Because we were a party of five and weren't sure where we could get in and this was close and looked good we thought we'd try it, and we are so glad we did. When we arrived and saw the white table cloths and harp payer it was more Elec]gant the we anticipated, but we asked the hostess if we were dressed appropriately and we were assured we were fine, so we were promptly seated and treated to a wonderful dinner! Everything was great! The lasagna was amazing and the cannelloni was fantastic! The service was excellent! The next time in San Diego Salvatore's will be a must!

Beautiful restaurant full of ambiance and lovely staff. The food is amazing. I had the house special salad for the day....a taste sensation with all fresh ingredients ... too many too mention topped with a raspberry balsamic dressing. The meatball appetizer was also delicious. I had the best cannelloni I've ever tasted and the portion was just right. Others at the table had the Chicken scarpariello (spelling?) special and it was also delicious. The desserts were wonderful with a chocolate mouse cake to die for and a vanilla pane cotta that I finished in 5 minutes. Great wine list. Wonderful restaurant....go!

From beginning to end everything was excellent in this beautiful downtown restaurant. The service was friendly and efficient but not overbearing. The appetizer was plentiful and tasty. The lasagna and special pasta dishes were both wonderful. Can't wait until we can come back again.

Unfortunately, our Reservation seems to have been forgotten. Besides, we didn't sit pretty. The ambience is beautiful, though. The food was good but there is still room for improvement. The wine on the menu was unfortunately not available. Service was very good and nice.

Had trouble finding a restaurant in downtown San Diego, so our concierge sent us here. The chef is a first generation Italian with some phenomenal recipe she has been cooking for 26 years or more. The selections were good. The wine list was extensive -- but with a higher mark up than I would like. The coup de grace was a superb harpist who played the harp with one hand and the keyboard with the other. The ambience was really special. This is a nice place, worth the visit.

Food was great, service was a little slow, we were there during a convention. The wine list endless, recommend it highly.

Our family has so many memories at this restaurant because it used to be my grandmother's favorite place to eat. We unfortunately lost her recently and decided to eat at Salvatores in remembrance of her. Sadly we were treated poorly by the manager who was cold about her passing, and frankly treated us with no class. I will not say that the owner or the food is poor since have some many fond moments of the restaurant. Only the manager should be ashamed of his action to a family grieving over the loss of one of their best patrons and a woman we so dearly loved.

Quite a different menu. Of course there was the regular Italian dishes but the Veal Chop was wonderful. Each person in our group (4) had something different so we sampled all the fare and they all passed the "delicious" taste test.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Salvatore's! The service was very attentive and knowledgable as well as engaging. The meal was delightful from start to finish and the wine selection is good, a bit pricey though. The decor is very pretty yet comfortable. I highly recommend a visit to Salvatore's!

Salvatore’s osso buco was SO good, rich and fork tender. They have a nice wine list to pair with meals, a nice mix of salads, pastas, and meat dishes. Our server was also pleasantly knowledgeable. Good choice!

We went here for dinner when we had an event downtown because we've eaten and stayed at the B&B in Tuscany that is owned and operated by the namesake of this restaurant. Everything was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive. The wine list was extensive (Italian wines were, perhaps, marked up too much). The location and atmosphere were delightful. But... most importantly, the food was extraordinary. Impeccable, really. I had the "Sisto" pasta dish and my companion had the lasagna. Each was fantastic. I would definately go again, the next time that I'm downtown, and will definately order the "Sisto".

Delightful, quiet Cucina. Warm and inviting decor. Host was extremely friendly. Staff was attentive. We went based on other TripAdvisor reviews. Did not disappoint. Lasagna, Ravioli and Osso Bucco were superb. We shared the Papa Sisto as an app. Everything was fresh and seasoned well. We'll go back next time we're in SD.

I was in charge of a Banquet in San Diego. David the head person was an absolute pleasure to work with for the evening. I don't live in San Diego and he made it so easy to have our evening at the restaurant. They have a side area that is very separate from the restaurant. It has a great ambience and was actually very romantic...so if you are celebrating a special evening I highly suggest this restaurant. The food was excellent and the evening was perfect. David took excellent care of my group.it was also walking distance from the hotels near the Convention Center which was an additional bonus.

I first started going to Salvatore's in 1998 when I first moved to San Diego and had the pleasure of living in a high-rise directly above it. We would eat (or drink) there at least 2 times a week. Great food and superb service. Unfortunately, the restaurant operation has changed dramatically since then. When they started charging a $30 corkage fee (highest in San Diego County) we, along with a substantial number of other neighbor residents, simply stopped coming in. The fact that they have not had ANY happy hour prices EVER also prevents locals from coming here. I mean - virtually EVERY restaurant/bar, no matter where they are or whether a "0" star or 5 star restaurant or bar offers some type of Happy Hour - but this entity refuses to participate. I can personally affirm that they have lost a tremendous amount of local business because of their intransigent attitude. It is too bad because a large number of our friends and neighbors would love to start frequenting this place again.

The arrival was fantastic! We were greeted at the door by a host, that looked like the owner or a manager. He welcomed us with a very nice and pleasant conversation. The ambience of the place is very nice, with candles and a pianist that played all night long without stopping. The service was good and professional. Now the downside…They did not have the drinks we asked (international recognized brands) and the food was not that great, except for the starter, a nicely presented, tasteful and creative Caprese.

We had a very nice meal here on a Saturday night with well prepared and tasty pastas, good wine, and excellent service. Within walking distance of the convention center, and amenable to dinner time conversation as much quieter environment than many gaslight district establishments. Would definitely return.

Was looking for a decent steak restaurant, and unable to book a table at Ruth's, so thought we'd give Salvatore's a go. What a lucky break. Had the filet mignon. Really can't fault it. One of the best steaks I've ever had. Prepared to perfection. The pasta was excellent too. $60 for a bottle of average to good wine was perhaps a little steep, but all other aspects (decor, service, cleanliness etc) can't be faulted. If you don't like the grubby gas lamp district, you'll find this excellent restaurant just a five minute walk away.

If you're looking for a mostly quiet place with good food to entertain clients, and are willing to wait a long time for shoddy service, this is your place.

I have been coming to Salvatore's for years. The food, quality and taste are second to none. Rafaela, the owner, always visits from the kitchen and makes me feel at home. If you like Osso Bucco, don't order it here, because there is no place that comes close to Rafalea's Osso Bucco. This is a great place for a romantic dinner; family outing or any occasion!

Great Resturant, great Food. As soon as we arrived, David said "happy anniversary" and situated my wife and i in a great area of the resturant. The food is pricey but it is worth it. Great ambient and music. Romantic!

Friday night with a party of 7. We had reservations and 2 of our military friends could join last minute. Salvatore staff were gracious to add 2 more to the reservation with an hour to spare. Great meal, great wines, great laughs.

We were very disappointed in the service. Waiter thought he was funny, but he wasn't. We had reservation and arrived around 7:20. Seated right away. Ordered drinks, salads and entrees within a normal time frame. We had to ask when salads were coming. Then when we had been there for close to 2 hours, had to ask for the entrees and were told by the waiter, "2 minutes". It was probably another 12 mins. My dish was not what I expected, but that happens. The waiter gave the excuse of "the kitchen being slammed". There were very few diners there; less than half full.

My wife googled good Italian restaurants San Diego. Salvatore’s. Wow what a find. The food, the service & the ambience was first class. A young lady playing the harp made our anniversary dinner very special. Our waiter Patrick was top class. Very professional and friendly. Would thoroughly recommend this restaurant.

My daughter in law made a reservation for this restaurant last Friday, while we were visiting San Diego for the weekend. We were a big party, adults and kids, so they put us in a private room, which was an excellent decision. The restaurant is definitely high-end. Very luxury, unique and beautiful design. To my opinion, it is an amazing restaurant to go on special occasions, celebrations etc. Kind of expensive, with a decent menu. The food we ordered was good, but not many options in the menu. Loud music, great vibe. I really think this is not the right place to go with kids (although we did it). Will we come back? Yes, definitely, but next time, without the kids .

I am always searching for good Italian cuisine when I travel. For me the word "good" does not translate to volume, but quality of ingredients and attention to preparation, the hallmark of true Italian cuisine. In previous trips to San Diego, I have been regularly disappointed by the Italian restaurants that seem to dominate the Gaslamp. Salvatore's was a great find (recommended by the concierge at the Hyatt). An elegant space, that was inviting. The service was excellent and it was a pleasant change to find a server that actually knows the wine list. We all started with their spin on a Caprese salad that included local avocados and moved on to small pasta courses, with all of the pastas made in house. The cheese ravioli in a butter sauce was light and satisfying and the Bolognese was spot on with a depth of flavor that can only come from hours of cook time. The entrees ranged from locally sourced fish to stuffed veal chops, all cooked to perfection and well presented. This was dining, not just eating and what could be better than great wine, excellent service and honest food?

Salvatore’s is the last word in Italian cuisine in a great Italian town. Suggest you read their menu online before arrival or it will take you forever to choose from the many delicious offerings. The appetizer Frutti di Mare alla Griglia has scallops wrapped in speck (they call it speck, I call it lean bacon) over a bed of quick grilled asparagus and grilled potatoes sliced thin as chips. It makes a wonderful taste treat. The lasagna comes advertised as light and fluffy, and surprisingly, it fits this billing perfectly. Salvatore’s offers small plates of many dishes and it is possible to combine two to form a full meal. An extensive wine list will hold your attention for a while. Finish with a selection from a 5-star dessert tray. Note that live entertainment is available some nights with harp music expertly played on the harp previously belong to Harpo Marx.

We were a big group (party of 12) for a birthday dinner on a weeknight. Everything was superb, especially some of the main courses sampled among us, like the amazingly thinly-pounded veal in a delicate and velvety lemon sauce, the hearty veal chop, and the tasty osso buco on a bed of risotto. Cannelloni made a good appetizer to split. Service was relaxed, not obtrusive. The decor is perhaps best described as elegant updated classical but not at all stuffy, making for a setting that feels fresh and stylish. Desserts were great. A very nice experience and delicious meal all around.

We had approximately 40 people in our group. We were seated promptly and offered a pre-selected 4 course meal options. Everything was great 1) delightful appraisers fruit, olives, cheese 2) excellent salad with pears, lettuce, excellent balsamic vinaigrette 3) pasta selection 4) I had the creme brulae. The service was very attentive and courteous. Very pleased with the entire experience.

We were greeted by the owner when we arrived. He was very personable and gave us lots of special attention, especially when he learned it was our anniversary. The food was delicious and the musician added to our romantic dinner. You are transported to a different world.

My fiancé brought me here to celebrate my birthday and we had a wonderful time. When we arrived we were greeted warmly and brought to our table. I will say the bus boy that brought us water and bread seemed super stoned. He was so awkward and spilled water and vinegar all over the white table clothe. It didn't by any means ruin the night, it was just entertaining. After that no one came to our table for a good 25 minutes. My fiancé finally got up and let that be known. They were very apologetic, and things happen. So now that we finally had menus we were able to order and let me tell you this place is all about the food! The food is so homemade and some of the best Italian food we have every had. I had the Papa Sisto and my fiancé had the Lasagna (hands down best lasagna ever!!). We also had a cesar salad and the creme brulee and both were amazing! I seriously couldn't stop eating that dessert! The ambiance is very romantic. Dimly lit, all white with grey accents. And a harpist was playing which made for an even more amazing night. We will definitely be back here!

My husband and I went to Salvatores's for the first time. Walking to the restaurant you can smile the aroma of the food, beautiful setting and great music with the pianist. The food was delicious this will not be the last time I go.

Very good food and Great service. Best lasagna we have in a while. Meatball calzone was big enough to share.

It was a very pleasant experience overall. The decor and ambiance, some might call slightly old school, but it was exactly what we wanted - quiet, elegant, comfortable. The service was great - very knowledgeable and attentive; really knew his wine pretty well. The food was prepared very nicely - one dish was as perfect as could be.

Great service, great drinks and delicious food. Will definitely have to come back. Great place to talke someone on a date night.

We ate here recently while visiting SD as it was close to our hotel on a rainy cold night. What a lovely experience--very romantic! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and our meal was so delicious! We shared a scrumptious salad and the lasagna was surely the best we have ever tasted. There are many restaurants in SD, but we will definitely have to return here on our next visit! for dessert, I got some kind of cherry cheesecake and it was to die for. I can't remember what my husband got for dessert because I was so enraptured by mine!

Another conference setting but had a great meal. Have in house entertainment including singer some evenings which added to the nice ambience. Location is just off gaslight district of San Diego so locale is easy access. The dinner was authentic Italian so after appetizers which included Saffron Risotto Balls, Prosciutto wrapped Scallops and Bruschetta, salad with mixed greens, tomatoes and Portobello mushrooms with vinaigrette was served. Next we had a separate pasta dish of spinach and mushroom ravioli in a creamy sage sauce. Entrée was mustard crusted lamb chops although I sampled the filet mignon with balsamic vinegar. Both were excellent and accompanied by assorted vegetables and potato. Wines were good but NOT excellent which was a little disappointing for such an upscale dinner. However, the 3 layer chocolate cake desert was decadent. After dinner Port was right accompaniment. Expect to pay a lot for this place. Service was attentive.

Great quality Italian food that offers some good choices and options for vegans. The chef and staff worked hard to adapt existing dishes and make them vegan. The egg plant/aubergine dish was great without the shrimp. The dishes were all freshly prepared and well received by everyone.

Friendly staff, great seevice. The saladas and pasta were delicious. Everything well prepared an very tasry.

Went here on a Friday night to celebrate a special occasion. The service from all the employees was spot on and very good. We even were offered a complimentary proseco, which was very nice. This is not a cheap place and has been around for quite awhile - but I was a bit disappointed by the food, though my spouse really enjoyed his filet and it was cooked perfect to his liking. I had the shrimp scampi, which was good, but not great. 4 shrimp for approx $32? They weren't huge ones either, though they were tasty. It was served on a bed of pasta with tomatoe sauce, that was just simply average. I had expected much better pasta/sauce from an Italian restaurant. The appetizer selection is nice and the salad we had was very good. The bread was also good. Apparently no wine list by the glass, which I found a bit off putting. I"d like to know if I'm ordering a $20 glass of wine or an $8 glass of wine.

Started with a delicious glass of Prosecco and Angus Meatbals and followed with a Salad and Papa Sixtus and creme brûlée ....everything was delicious, the Papa Sixtus was rich and creamy and the creme brûlée is possibly the best I've ever had! Service was attentive and on point!

My co-worker and I landed here after driving around the area for a while. Yelped it and it had good reviews. Once we got there, we were offered wine. I don't usually drink and my colleague is pregnant. We both ordered water, at which point, the waiter's demeanor changed. We waited forever for our chicken parm. The table ordering 4 bottles of wine definiely got all of the attention. We waited 15-20 minutes just for the check. the food was good, but not enough to ever go back.

We were last in San Diego six years ago. Our review of the restaurant remains the same. This is a fabulous restaurant with outstanding food, excellent service, and management that knows how to create a gala dinner for a large group. Cocktails and canapes were just what the group wanted. The pastas, main courses, and desserts were great. The wines were perfect, and the service to perfection. In summation, when in San Diego, this is the place to dine.

Salvatore 's is a small Italian restaurant close to the gaslight district. They offer a variety of dishes with a few vegetarian options. We were warmly greeted at the door. Service was prompt and courteous. The meal was wonderful - the ossobuco (veal shank) with risotto was so tender it almost fell apart. My wife had the salmon which was quite good as well. Only downside was the restaurant was a bit pricey - expect to pay about $60 - 70 pp, more if you get alcohol. Overall, I would visit again.

We just spent our first anniversary at Salvatores and it was very memorable. We came in from Reno and took a chance on a good review. I knew the minute that I made the reservation that we were in for a special evening. They took the time to get to know me on the phone and it didn't stop. The food was great, the service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was spectacular! I couldn't recommend it more and with free parking so close... you'd be wise to try it!

I cannot express enough how good my meal was at Salvatores! I searched for reviews on Italian restaurants and was at first hesitant to try something outside of San Diego's famed Little Italy but my gamble totally paid off. The ambiance was perfect, a dimly lit dining room which immediately makes you feel relaxed after a long day of meetings. The restaurant is elegantly decorated and the service was very good. Please go in knowing that each course is made to order and this takes time so do not go here if your are are short on it! I started with the Insalata di Cesare followed by the Zuppa Maritata and finally the Scaloppine Al Limone. Served with a side of freshly made warm bread and homemade butter...it was phenomenal! No room for dessert! Another bonus was it was walking distance (5 minutes) from the Hotel Bristol and not a long Uber drive from Little Italy!

While being seated, we were told we only had the table for 90 minutes and if not done, we would have to find a seat at the bar. We then ordered the octopus appetizer and it was rubbery and chewy. We then order the market fish which was very small in portion and a side of brussel sprouts which were hard and undercooked. All of this while a DJ was playing music so loud we had to yell at one another. We eat out very often and this was the worst ever.

Was recommended by a work colleague, and so pleased we took the advice. Really lovely ambience, excellent food, really friendly but not intrusive waiting, warm welcome from the Maitre'D and the skilled bar tender can mix a really fantastic Manhattan. Seriously good food, there is much more on the menu I want to try. Did a bottle of Montepulciano at $60 which was very nice, but to be honest the price range of wines was on the high side, leaving us to 'pitch low', which always feels slightly odd. A lady played the harp all evening, contributing to the warm ambience and, like all good Italian eateries, the 'hub-bub' was just the right amount of noise! It's in the business district, so at weekends (when we went) the local streets are a bit deserted, but I'm sure it comes alive during office days. Very nice, I'll be back.

Saturday evening, reservations at 8:00 for party of three, arrived to a restaurant 25% of capacity. Seated by the window, as were most all the other patrons. Core of the place blocked, so when they fill the window seating, it looks full. Then the waiting began. Menus in 8-10 minutes, drink order filled in about 15 minutes. Ordered two appetizers, which took another 15 minutes, one of which was wrong. Replacement came out in 6-7 minutes. Dinner wasn't served for 1.5 hours after being seated. No excuses, just poor service and nothing coming out of the kitchen. Dinner arrives. My guests split the meat lasagna. What arrived looked like a little puddle of burnt melted cheese, standing no higher than one half of an inch. (Imagine micro waving a 1 inch slab of Velveeta on high for three minutes). That was the better of the two dinners. Mine was supposed to be Mussels, claims and scallops over pasta. For starters, the meal looked so overcooked that I would have been embarrassed to let it leave the kitchen. The mussels were dried like little raisins. The scallops were dry and rubbery and the clams went missing all together. The meal was inedible, even for our starving crowd that had waited for 1.5 hours. We finally escaped at about the two hour mark. I waited at the hotel concierge to make sure no other victims were lured into the "Little House of Horrors" know as Salvatores. John C. 1/23/2011 referred from the Hyatt.

Wish i lived in San Diego just to be able to eat here more often. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The owner and also the chef came out to greet us and explain a little about the menu. She then offered to make us a sample plate of pasta to start and what a great choice that was! The Lasagna was to die for. I had a stuffed Veal chop for my main and it was truly the best veal I have ever had in my life. I cannot say enough about this place! If you like Italian food, then there is no way you want to miss this place!

Simply put, one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever eaten. If you miss this gem then sorry! The food is great right down to the select fruit they serve to the homemade Italian dishes they make. The same cook has been there for 30 years and she is simple a master Italian chef. I had the Papa Sisto and the wife the Lasagna. We both were very pleased. I also peered at the table next to us and the lamb chop was absolutely alluring. The bread was very hot and fresh. The Antipasto had select fruit on it that was very fresh and sweet. Everything was perfect.

Some people from my company were attending a convention in San Diego - we needed to host a dinner within walking distance of the Manchester Grand Hyatt and we chose Salvatore's.....so glad we did! I booked a private room for 17 guests and David (the GM) was so helpful in planning the menu as well as helping me choose wines that would fit our budget and compliment the meal. When my guests returned from their trip they were raving about this place. They said the service was amazing and the food was spectacular....some even said Salvatore's is the best Italian restaurant they've ever been to.

Beautifully appointed downtown restaurant serving traditional northern Italian food. The Frontoia vegetable soup is always different and always great. Most others dishes are always good without being exceptional or memorable.

The food was amazing. Everything was made fresh. According to the manager/owner, they buy their food fresh every morning from local markets and import food from other locations. Tony was our waiter. He was always available to get us anything we needed. Would definitely go back!

The experience was awful with extremely loud music. The worst experience with the restaurant and server charging us full price for mock tails (drinks didn’t even have alcohol, complete bs). Also, when we were paying the bill, the server hovered over us like a hawk to give tip and sign. He was quicker on this than the actual service. Appetizer and main course came out extremely slow. Do not go here unless you want to be tricked. There are much better restaurants in the area that answer phone calls! Salvatore does not care for the customer!

Came in with my Girlfriend for our anniversary dinner and it was outstanding! this quite little restaurant had an amazing setting in downtown and was stunning. The had a harpist in the restaurant which made for a very romantic dinner. The Lasagna was to die for lived up to all the reviews. The server was very professional and took great care of us. Will be back!

Where to start.... The food was savory and tasty. The antipasta dishes were amazing. The meat balls, flavorful and a wonderful texture. The platter of Bruschette was a feast! Seasonal artisan meats,cheeses, and olives. To die for. I had the Halibut special, someone lamb, another clams. All of us loved our dishes and had bites from the others. They have gluten free pasta. Superior service! The staff was very helpful and had the best suggestions. Triamisu, oh so yummy!! PanaCotta, loved it. They have a grand piano and a harpist who plays on Saturdays. They have a huge room in the back that would be great for a Holiday party or special event. They are a fairly new business, so I highly recommend them for a fine dining experience. Within walking distance from the the Marriott and Westin. "Each dish is much more than a combination of flavors. It is a reflection of Italy's history, culture, and inherited memories." Raffaella Morelli, founder and Executive Chef.

My family took me here for my birthday dinner..they know I love Italian, and my heritage is Italian. The food was excellent..and the atmosphere was upscale and lovely. Good service as well.

It would have been 5 stars if our waiter hadn't been completely clueless. The maître d' was fantastic - very warm and welcoming. The food was amazing - there was nothing we didn't like about it. It was a little warm inside, because I believe the air-conditioner was having some problems. The waiter was nice, he just really didn't seem to have any idea what he was doing. The rest of the waitstaff was very good and much more attentive than our waiter.

This is as good as it gets for Italian food anywhere! The service was excellent and the food is so good. I had the Italian wedding soup that was superb! The cannelloni was exceptional, even the bread is great here! They use all local organic vegetables. The mosco di asti paired perfectly with my meal!!

We just landed on a very rainy evening and found this beautiful gem in a quiet neighborhood. The wine selection is excellent, we shared a great salad, triangle pasta with rose sauce (divine) and the special fish. Grappa is available here, we chose the one aged in port barrel.

The Lasagne house special is out of this world and the fish just amazing. Service exceptional but quite pricey. Lovely ambience and nicely decorated.

This restaurant is clearly NOT THE BEST ITAILIAN restaurant in San Diego or any city for that matter. Food was just average service was novice.

When we arrived half an hour after Happy Hour had supposedly started, there was nobody in the restaurant or behind the bar. The place was attractive in a sort of Godfather way. The bartender appeared after a few minutes, as did a few more patrons. Happy Hour is only served at the bar on stools.Although premium liquors are served at $6, our vodka tonics etc. were disappointingly un-frosty. The Happy Hour food offerings were also disappointing. There are only a few offerings, one of which was not available. The beef sliders, requested medium rare, were overcooked and dry. The shrimp appetizer, according to a friend who ordered it, was flavorless. The creamy mushroom appetizer was good but featured more bread than mushrooms. I hope they do better with their dinner service. But I won't be going back to try it out.

Very nice, quaint restaurant italiano. Food was excellent. The lasagna was not doused in too much cheese---there was ample meat and the noodles were light so you did not have an overstuffed feeling upon completion. That being said, the meal could be split to share if desired. Would go again.

From the moment you walk in, you feel like family. The restaurant is small and elegant. The service is attentive but not obtrusive. The food is fresh and delicious. Highly recommended.

My husband and I ate at Salvatore's for an anniversary dinner. The restaurant is lovely inside, the service was great, and the food was delicious. We were able to easily walk to the location from the Manchester Grand Hyatt. There was some lovely harp music (live), but it was still easy to hear each other during normal conversation. I highly recommend this restaurant.

In order for a restaurant to reach perfection, it has to have three things; great food, great service and great location. The place is right in downtown, blocks from the water and a lovely room, not too big and elegantly done. The maitre was charming from the moment we arrived and the waitstaff was informed and wonderful. Most importantly, the food was amazing beginning to end; the osso bucco is to die for. The wine list is great, mostly italians, if a little pricey but I can put up with that when everything else was so perfect.

This restaurant came recommended from a friend whose parent's owned an Italian restaurant in NY and has never steered me wrong. My husband and I were visiting San Diego and decided to try it. We did not have a reservation (highly recommend making one) but it was early enough on a Monday night that they graciously seated us. Steve was our waiter and he provided excellent, professional, friendly service. We started our dinner with a coctail and by sharing the mussels which were delicious, and asked for additional bread to enjoy the sauce to the last drop. I had a homemade triangle pasta with shrimp, asparaugus with a rose sauce which was outstanding. My husband had the lasagna and he loved his entree too. We did not have room for desssert but ended our meal with a decaf cappucchino.

This is a solid Italian restaurant, with a nice private room, very close to the San Diego convention center. The pasta was truly home made and serve al dente. I ordered the hearty red gravy with meat balls and both tasted truly home made. They have a nice selection of appetizers (great cured meat plate) and solid offerings in fish and meat. Dessert was traditional Italian favorites. The wine list was good by the glass as well as bottle. Ambiance was fine dining. Highly recommended for good Italian food, close to convention center!

We were new to the area and was looking for a good restaurant to have dinner. Great location from downtown. Nice atmosphere. Service was great and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend.

My wife and I recently dined at Salvatore's Cucina during a visit to San Diego. This was a great find. The charm and the ambiance are apparent immediately upon entering the restaurant. It is a beautiful establishment inside. We were lucky to be seated near a window at a table for two. My wife had the New York strip rare and it was perfect. I tried the veal Osso Bucco. It literally fell apart. So tender and flavorful! If you find yourself in San Diego looking for a great authentic Italian restaurant, try Salvatore's. Ciao.

We were looking for a good place with a late Happy Hour since we had been checking out a bunch of places in the area and didn't need a full meal. Salvatore's HH ended at 7 so we came around 6:30. It was empty of diners except for a large group of women at the bar, so we took a table next to the bar. The wine choices were much better than the average HH ones. We ordered a meat and cheese plate for $12. We got salami, ham, 2 cheeses, toasted hazelnuts, grapes, orange figs and honey. It was served beautifully and was delicious. We were surprised that the dining room was so empty, but it was starting to fill up as we were leaving around 7.

We were visiting San Diego for a conference and found this place on a recommendation from some attendees. We weren't disappointed. The atmosphere was great, the service top-notch, and the food was just amazing. We both had lobster ravioli - best food I've had in years. I would recommend this place to anyone. The two of us had salad, entree and dessert for less than $100. I was impressed.

This restaurant was top notch. The bar was lovely, food was amazing, and staff was great! I would come back again!

It was a big group of us (30 pax), and we opted for a 3 course set. The Caesar salad was average. My main of meatballs with pasta had tasty meatballs and undercooked pasta. The dessert was just cut strawberries with whipped cream, in a glass. Service was ok and I think let down by the uninspiring food. Our guests decided beforehand to make a presentation and we ended up with a $400 bill for the projector and screen rental. I thought they should have at least told us beforehand, rather than at the end, and tell us this was rented and out of their control. Not after such average food

A friend of mine, a harpist at Salvatore's, suggested I bring my sister who was visiting me at this time in San Diego, to dine there. I had a number of other friends who expressed an interest in joining us as well. We all chose genuine Italian dishes which were prepared by the owner, Raffaella, a native of Italy. We all thoroughly enjoyed the food, the atmosphere (i.e., the live music by harpist, Vickie) and very informative conversation with Raffaella. My sister had been to Italy in her earlier years and was pleased to discuss her memories with Raffaella. It was a very enjoyable occasion all told.

A diamond in the city explains my opinion of this wonderful evening. As authentic as it could be the flavors of Italy couldn't have been more portrayed in the food selection. My Wife had lasagna which was amazing and I had the chicken parmigiana which is the best I have had in all my travels. Hats off to the owner, chef and staff for a remarkable evening. Oh I can't say enough to for the amazing harp player to enhance the ambience of this fine establishment.

We had a wonderful & romantic dinner for two. From the moment we arrived we were greeted by the friendly host and our waiter gave us great suggestions and the food was fantastic!

On a visit to San Diego we decided to go to Salvatore's for dinner due to the great reviews that were posted. It was about 8 p.m. when we entered the restaurant. We were asked if we had reservations (we did not) and the owner made a big deal to see if he could accommodate the two of us. In the meantime a party of six arrived also without reservations, they seemed to know the owner and they were seated before us. When we were seated we noted that the restaurant was about a fourth full. The owner told us that the restaurant had been in business for 27 years and it was a relaxed, take your time type of place. This turned out to be code for "very slow service." We were also told that there was a private party in the back room that they were tending to. After being seated for 15 minutes or so we were given our menus (why don't they give you your menus at the time of seating?). Our server was alright, a bit aloof. We weren't too hungry at the time of ordering so we ordered a salad to share, I ordered a small portion of cannelloni and my husband ordered a full order of pasta. After another 10 minutes we were given a bread basket but it was taken away (we only ate about three slices total) along with our bread plates. We thought that this was due to our meals about to be served, not the case. 40 minutes after ordering our salad came. If was good but nothing we haven't had at other places. It took about two and a half hours for our pasta to arrive. My serving was one piece of cannelloni and it wasn't that big a piece. Worst was my husband's portion, so small, it looked like a kid's serving! I had to ask the server if he was given the smaller portion, no he had the full portion which they charged $27 for, my meal, the smaller portion was $16. The food was good but certainly not worth the two and a half hour wait or the cost. The servers kept on making excuses about having a private party of 45 (we heard other servers tell other patrons this) so we felt a bit sorry for them. However, I heard a women who was with another party say, "Big deal, I own a restaurant, 45 people is nothing!" When you think about this her statement it's true, if this restaurant has been in business for 27 years they should be able to handle a big private party. My experience here might have occurred on a off night but a restaurant in business for 27 years should have it together and not make patrons wait two and a half hours for good, not outstanding food that is overpriced. The room itself was very nice but a impression that we got from this experience was that the restaurant was doing you a big favor by allowing you to eat there.

Food was interesting and delicious. Traditional Italian courses with some unique ingredients. Very friendly and accommodating staff. And a lovely atmosphere!

My colleague had been there more than 20 years ago - and to this day considers Salvatores to be the best Italian restaurant in the US - and he's been to Italy many times. I was intrigued, three of us went for dinner. The service was warm, welcoming, with impeccable timing. When Mama was told the story of my friend's first visit, she came out to welcome us, with a complementary toast of prosecco. The appetizer of proscuitto and fresh figs was immaculate in presentation. We had the special: duck ragu on tagliatelle. It was divine: the pasta was perfect, and the duck meltingly, subtly, divinely wonderful. The waiter's recommended wine went superbly with the dish. We completed our dinner with profiteroles and espresso. If I'm ever in San Diego again, I will go back!

I had the "Papa Sisto" plate which was amazing! Staff was great and a great atmosphere. It's a little pricey but worth the money. Would definitely return.

I enjoyed the Italian dinner and the great salad. The waiter assisted in the selection of the wine. I drank the martini's and others drank beer. The ladies drank the wine. Love the bread and the olive oil.

Worst food, atmosphere, service than any place we have been to in San Diego. Better food at the mess hall in the Marines. Understand this place has just changed ownership but that is no excuse. Stay away. Would rather eat at Chucky Cheese.

We dined here on a Thurs. evening with another couple when the restaurant was not very busy. (we had eaten here once before a couple of years ago) The waiter was very attentive & helpful with the menu. Our food was delicious! One person in our party said he had the best caesar salad he's ever had. The pasta dishes were prepared perfectly and my husband said his veal chop was the #2 best he's ever had. *other than our hometown favorite :) As we left the owner/or manager came over to thank us for dining with them. When does that ever happen?

What more can be said. The food is made with great quality ingredients and the service was excellent. Had a party of 9 and our group was served hand and feet. Lasagna was the groups favorite. Can't go wrong here.

Remarkably delicious! We had a great wine, great food and very good service. The panna cotta with chocolate sauce is amazing!

My review is long overdue..... My wife and I had dinner here 3 times during the Comic Con Convention of 2013. (We're writing and publishing professionals). The food was great, the atmosphere restful after full days on the convention floor. The location is also excellent, a short walk from the convention center and well worth it. We look forward to visiting again this summer....

Went there recently with a girlfriend to eat and drink at the bar. Good happy hour wine prices and food prices. Bar tender and wait staff very friendly. Restaurant not over crowed on a Tuesday night. All the food from the kitchen had a real homemade quality. Unique and tasty.

We had a group for dinner, and the service couldn't have been nicer. The manager was most accommodating, and the food was memorable. the service was perfect.

We were in the area for a business meeting and decided to find someplace close to have supper. This place is gorgeous! The food was excellent! Atmosphere elegant (but you don’t have to dress in a suit/tie). They had live music on Friday & Saturday night. 👍🏻

Stayed I San Diego for six days. Did not find a lot of great restaurants, but had dinner at Salvatore's Cucina Italiana one night and it was a pleasure. When we first arrived we were welcomed by the owner (Italian). It was a warm welcome and a good start. Services during the dinner was a little bit shaky but the food was really great. It actually tasted like Italy. If you’re looking to eat good Italian food in San Diego – go to Salvatore's Cucina Italiana.

My boyfriend and I visited Salvatores on Halloween weekend 2010 and really enjoyed our dining experience. The restaurant is beautiful inside, with tall ceilings, gorgeous moldings, and white table linens. It's very elegant, and I would recommend dressing up a bit for this place. The food was excellent from start to finish. I would highly recommend trying some risotto. The only thing about Salvatores that was less than fantastic was the service. It wasn't "bad" service, but our server was quite forgetful and had no idea how to pour a proper glass of wine. Whenever he would pour some more wine for us, he would fill it only to a point at which it looked like it needed to be filled. I would literally take three sips and it would be empty again. He was constantly having to come by and refill my glass because he didn't seem to understand that wine should be poured to the widest part of the glass. It was annoying. Also, we were without forks at one point and he brought us our dishes but forgot to bring us the forks we had requested. So we were sitting there with our food in front of us with no utensils until we flagged him down. Fortunately, we weren't waiting for too long. Overall, this is a fantastic restaurant. Visit Salvatores when you're in San Diego. You will truly enjoy this delightful dining experience.

Someone on the plane next to us, told us that we had to go to Salvatore's Cucina! Best pasta and Italian dishes, he told us! He was not wrong. I ordered raviolis. They were the best raviolis I've had for years. If we had time I would have come back the next night!! The others who ordered different Italian food and yet, they loved their choice also. The service was wonderful. The wines and dessert wines were also a good compliment to the dinner. Next time we are in San Diego, we'll run out to get our fix of Salvatore's Cecina Italiana Italian Food!

I hosted a corporate dinner in Salvatore's private dining room. My guests were impressed with the elegance of the restaurant from the moment they entered the front door. The staff immediately greeted us and took us to the private dining room. Service all evening was outstanding. We simply could not have asked for a better experience. I am very happy to recommend this restaurant for corporate activities or personal dining.

I was told this is the oldest Italian restaurant in San Diego. It sure tasted like it. The food was authentic and delicious. I had spaghetti with shrimp, clams and scallops topped with a spicy marinara. My son had a pasta Alfredo with artichokes and he completely ate it. My daughter had a mixture of seafood (bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp, Fish with a side of potatoes. My wife had regular spaghetti with a meat sauce. We started off with freshly baked bread and butter and meatballs as an appetizer. There was a pianist playing music the whole time we were in there. The atmosphere is really nice and romantic. The owner was old school and takes pride in his business. Overall a real nice authentic and expensive Italian restaurant.

i assume a great place i accidently reviewed the wrong salvators cucina. sorry about that. i think this place is good according to all the nice reviews

Went here for a date night…on a Friday night. Made reservations, and we were excited about trying it! It had good online reviews. Food was ok. Biggest issue was rude staff, we felt like they were rushing us out.

We were visiting friends in San Diego who frequent Salvatore's often and are well known to the staff. We had excellent food and wine and outstanding service.

From the first welcoming by the staff and bartenders this restaurant is a comfortable place striving toward excellence in all aspects. Our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly, open, and as it turns out honest. The food for all eight of us was excellent from all perspectives. Make this place you downtown home, and say "Hello" to the staff.

Very pretty Italian restaurant in San Diego's Gaslamp district. The food was very good. My husband had the Ossobuco con Risotto. Very delicious; and the meat was quite tender. I had Spaghetti alla Bolognese con Porcini with was very yummy. Our waiter, Michael, was fun and knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend this restaurant.

What a surprise! This place was a cross between fancy and casual. The interior has the atmosphere of being on a terrace. The food was great. The veal was some of the best! Pasta was perfectly cooked. A yummy experience.

Great Italian food in the heart of San Diego's tourist area. Beautiful decor, amazing service, delicious food!

They had on their menu everything I would have wanted at an Italian restaurant, including some I've not seen before. I had the Papa Sisto, a fettucini dish with white sauce and sausage bites, and it was great. The bread served before the meal was delicious, along with the butter, olive oil and vinegar. The waiter recommended the zupa maritata (traditional wedding soup), and it was delicious. I chose this restaurant because they had creme brulee on their dessert menu (i LOVE creme brulee - I've enjoyed it hundreds of times), and it was the best I've had - at least that I can remember. Service was excellent, the background music very pleasant, the overall ambiance great for visiting, romance, or just reflecting. I heartily recommend this place!

This place had a great atmosphere. We received a nice glass of champagne for mentioning that we chose them from Yelp. The service was nice the bread was fantastic. I love a good warm focaccia bread any day. We were in a bit of a time constraint and they were able to accommodate that. The food was good but not the best Italian food I had during my trip. Little Italy far surpassed this place. But it was tasty and a very romantic.

I love Italian Food. I have visited and lived in the San Diego area for over 20 years. How did I not know about this wonderful restaurant? The music and service was superb. And the food was exceptional. The pasta, which they told me is made daily at the restaurant, was some of the best I have ever eaten. We had 3 different pastas at the table and after sampling all, I can not pick the best for they were all excellent. The salads, meat and desert also past the test. I truly wonderful experience. We will be returning on a regular basis.

My experience at Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge was nothing short of exceptional. From the warm hospitality to the unforgettable flavors, every aspect surpassed my expectations. Whether you're a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Qatar, Salvatore's is a must-visit destination.

We have gone to Salvatores two years in a row our anniversary. Each time, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was very nice. Also, the service was friendly and attentive. If you are looking for good Italian food made with good ingredients in a romantic setting, this is the place for you. If you are looking for a family restaurant that serves big portions, such as you would get at the Olive Garden, this is not the place for you. We hope to be able to make it back here more often.

Nice ambiance, great service and good. Trip Advisor listing includes that it is a pub or gastropub, it is neither. But a very nice place to eat all the same.

Returned to this great spot after a visit +/- 5 years ago, and it did not disappoint. Welcoming and friendly service. Lots of locals, so that should tell you something.

We had a nice time at Salvatore's Restaurant on a Monday night. All the staff were friendly and attentive, The food was excellent as was the wine, I would suggest that the restaurant is probably busier at Lunch time being in the commercial area, but still worth a visit.

If your in downtown San Diego and want Italian be sure and check out Salvatore’s. Great food and excellent service. Justin was very attentive and knowledgeable

Salvatore's restaurant is definitely the best place to go when decide to give some pleasure to the stomach. The osso buco is the best ever... Raffaella the owner and chef, she really knows her business about food... Thanks for the great night. We will go back soon!

Tripadvisor didn't hit the money on this one. Despite being highly rated, we were disappointed. The food wasn't bad, but, for the price, it should have been fabulous, and it wasn't. The halibut was a very small portion with a fairly typical citrus sauce. It seemed to me that it had been frozen, since the texture was a bit mealy. The lasagna and cannelloni, were better, but comparable to what one could get a local Italian neighborhood restaurant. The service was superb and the atmosphere and setting were exceptional: too bad the food didn't match. The complementary glass of Proseco (if you mention Yelp) held lots of promise, but unfortunately, the food and value were lacking.

Had dinner here on Friday night . Was welcomed at the door with a friendly greeting. We a had a drink , at the very friendly bar and than escorted to our table . Food was fantastic as was the service . Wine menu a little pricey but good choices . Overall a great dinner spot for a night out .

Beautiful restaurant. Most hospitable staff. We were greeted with glasses of prosecco as we looked over the menu. The Ceasar Salad and Lasagna were out of this world!

I was exhausted from a tough travel week and didn't want to search hard for a spot near my hotel the Westin Horton plaza. I stumbled upon Salvatore's. I made a reservation and really didn't need one as I approached a very big restaurant saw only one table occupied. I almost didn't go in but said to myself what the heck. I am glad I did. I was met by the maître' d who addressed me by name and said he was waiting for me. Then I was escorted to a table by the window and soon after greeted by together my waiter and assistant by name. Service was impeccable and properly spaced. The best part was my meal. The food much to my surprise in an empty restaurant was fantastic. I had the brasola to start followed by the lobster ravioli and finally the veal lemon scaloppini. All were prepared perfectly. They have a wine by the glass menu as well as the full list. All in all very reasonably priced. Goes to show sometimes one shouldn't judge a 27 year old book by its cover.

We booked this for the last night of our holidays and did not wish to be disappointed with the meal....we certainly were not!! We both had the Caprese salad, my husband had lasagne and I had ravioli and I finished with Tiramisu. It was all perfect, great flavours and just delicious. Service was excellent and the host David was great. It feels grown up and elegant probably, not one for children in the evening. If you have one night and you are staying in San Diego, wanting some lovely Italian food, go to this place....wonderful.!!!!!

Here are a few things I liked about this Resturant. 1) excellent service 2) walking distance from most downtown hotels 3) is really homemade Italian food. Some resturants say " homemade" and pasta is really not. It is here! 4) good for business or a nice quiet dinner.

The first thing you notice about this restaurant is that it’s sparking clean. It’s located near the Gaslamp District which has some very sketchy restaurants but this place is much different than those bar/restaurants in the Gaslamp. Food was great. Service is excellent. My only complaint is that the patio is quite noisy. There is a large exhaust fan for the building right above the patio, plus it’s located on a pretty busy street making the patio pretty noisy.

The owner, Dave, greeted us upon arrival, made us feel welcome and showed us to a lovely table for ten. The bread was delicious but the main dishes were inconsistent and took well over an hour to appear on a quiet Sunday evening with only a few other diners. My lasagna was delicious but my husbands's Papa Misto was really bad....so salty he couldn't eat it. The Oysters Rockefeller were a big hit but we could only get one order because they ran out. They were also out of the pasta dish my mother wanted and she had to order something else. My dad ordered the penne special and his pasta was so undercooked that the penne had actual crunch. Not al dente, I'm down for that, crunchy. They were apologetic and took it off the bill, along with his wine, but we were into the meal for an hour and half at that point and he chose not to order anything else. My uncle's capellini was also great but our overall experience was so scattershot that I don't think I'd go back or recommend this place to anyone else. They tried, they just didn't deliver consistently.

From the moment we entered the restaurant to the moment we departed, the staff of Salvatore catered to our very need. We went to Salvatore to celebrate our son's wedding. We were greeted with champagne to toast the newlyweds. The antipasto we shared could have been a meal in itself. All the entree's were delicious. The piano playing singer provided a lovely background without being so loud as to hamper conversation. Be sure save room for the tiramisu for dessert. Great location, validated free parking, delicious food, and superb service....what more sold you ask for? We will be back the next time we are in San Diego.

My dad and I decided to try out Salvatore’s for our daddy/daughter date. We really enjoyed our experience! We started out the meal by mentioning that we found this restaurant on Yelp. When we searched for Italian in San Diego, they were #6! They brought 2 complimentary glasses of Prosecco. The decor was beautiful and the staff was super friendly. Shoutout to Josh and and Phillip. My dad ordered the mussels and LOVED them. He couldn’t stop raving about them and ate the whole plate. That was just the appetizer. I had the spicy crab pasta. It was fiery and delicious. My dad got the breaded veal. He also loved it! We finished off the meal with tiramisu. This is a very upscale restaurant. I highly recommend dressing up. It’s a great vibe and apparently the restaurant has been around since the 80s. I can’t believe we just discovered this place!

This is the one to go to for authentic cuisine. Always book they get very busy. Went twice first visit great second time even better can honestly say had the best cannelloni I've ever had in a restaurant! Silky smooth pasta perfect amount of filling. Service is very attentive but not intrusive. Mid range price with top quality food and ambiance. Would def recommend.

Great Service, Great Atmosphere and Great Food ! We were visiting from the Bahamas and my niece discovered this gem on TickTock and decided that it was a ‘must stop’ for a prebirthday dinner ie almost 60 for my sister. We thoroughly enjoyed, most especially the octopus and bone in ribeye #delicious. The only negative element was that we were alarmingly surprised and totally disappointed post an amazing meal in this upscale restaurant, when our waiter attempted to light a single birthday candle on an empty Martin cocktail glass as a Happy Birthday gesture from the restaurant. We viewed this as extremely tacky and unacceptable for a high end restaurant where we had experienced such a high end dining experience. It cheapened an otherwise amazing evening.

The pasta here was top notch. Very similar to the pasta I have in Italy. The restaurant is lit with candlelight and was very quiet except for the soft music. The service was excellent . The tiramisu dessert was great and was big enough to share. This restaurant exceeded our expectations and cannot wait to visit again.

A really nice variety of italian food with a good wine selection. We went with a group of 10 and overall the dishes were really good. I have the salmon with a risotto base and it was good. For one of my friends the veal was undercooked and it had to be returned. Other than this everybody had a great time.

Super friendly staff! We went in after an exhausting travel day and felt better right away. We shared some small plates. The fennel sausage pizza was tasty. I especially enjoyed the watermelon salad. I’m glad we stumbled upon this place.

Dinner at Salvatore's Cucina Italiana is an experience not to be missed. I can't praise them enough. The food was the best Italian food I've ever had (don't miss the osso bucco). From the time you enter the restaurant you know you are in a special place. The service was excellent. Their wine list was extensive. Salvatore's is a real gem and I can't wait to go back.

We arrived as tourists and needed a nice meal after a long day of flying. The concierge gave us a tip so we walked down the street and wandered in for dinner. The food was delicious, the service was good, and the atmosphere was romantic. San Diego is lucky!

Came across this restaurant by chance. The food was very good bordering on excellent. The service was impeccable. Good wine list even if there are not half bottles--wines by the glass were good with plenty of choice.

Food was incredibly tasty and flavorful. Cozze Marinate and Primi Piatti was just amazing. Service was fast and unbeatable. Atmosphere was great and everyone was enjoying their meals.

I had the Filet Mignon special, tasted my friend's lamb dish and my wife's gnocchi. What amazing dishes! The wine our server picked out was also fantastic and the atmosphere was terrific. It's my new favorite Italian place in San Diego!!

We were greeted and served by Josh who was especially accommodating, knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. Josh went our of his way to explain the dishes by being descriptive and willing to repeat it. I mistakenly ordered the wrong side salad, which he replaced for me. I've never had such a delicious lasagna, normally it is soaked in sauce. The Cabernet and signature drink were perfect. Loved the sense of humor by Philip, who gave us his card and stayed on the floor to help the staff. I will return soon.

What a beautiful resteraunt in San Diego. We had struggled to find somewhere to eat for a middle school party of 20 after the FCCLA conference opening night. This place opened up to us as if we were family. The host and servers were very welcoming. Food was served quickly and delicious. Big serving sizes. Don’t miss the mocktails for your teen that was a memorable experience for them when the drink arrives at the table. The price of food is higher but the experience here is worth it. It is authentic. We were not rushed and could spend time talking throughout the evening. Lots of photo ops in the place as it’s so pretty. A special thank you from the resteraunt was unexpected and appreciated. Definitely a place to return to on our next visit. A wonderful night.

Had dinner with 3 others and we were all impressed. Lovely upscale atmosphere, white linens,muted lighting etc. our waiter was most accommodating and was very familiar with the menu. We ordered an anti pasta appetizer, spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and a veal dish. We were all very pleased and would return!

A newly renovated restaurant just a few blocks from tourist hell. After an HVAC decided to ruin the floor and tables, everything has been cast anew and it's all very well done. This is the dining room every Italian grandmother would call " Middling Italian bread - could have been served anywhere. Had to order the MASI Costasera Amarone '10 to set up the meal. It's an amazing bottle given appropriate time to open up. Half serving of an amazing lasagna with fresh sheets of noodles, a bolognese sauce to die for and the exact application of cheese. Very simple combination of two extraordinarily difficult components come together in a great course. Breaded and thinly pounded veal with a heavily truffled sauce. Large and typically Italian portions. At the same time crispy and tender with the accent of truffles made for a great course. Can't ignore the firm yet tender eggplant slices to the side - very, very good. Don't pass up the berry panna cotta - it's wonderful and firm and everything good about Italian desserts when you've had such a heavy meal. An excellent meal that would hold up to scrutiny in Italy any day. Kyle was a great help on selection and knew his grapes well. Definitely worth a return visit.

Ate at Salvatore's with co-workers on a recent trip and really enjoyed the food. Very tasty lamb chops and delicious sauce. Very nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. Our server David was newly hired from out of town and did an excellent job taking care of our table.

Conveniently located corner on front street, parking isn't really an issue either street or valley parking. Restaurant is huge it's perfect to accommodate large parties. Food is good wasn't that impressed but service was great.

Possibly the best Italian restaurant in downtown SD. Upscale decor with a sophisticated atmosphere despite a modern building, plus attentive service from Josh. Struggled to finish the expansive Antipasta Italienne served on a huge wooden board and including several excellent meats and aged cheeses. Followed by sublime melt-in-the-mouth Veal de Re and an excellent Pasta Vongole. Gorgeous Calfornian and Italian wines list. Try the excellent Sequoia Grove Napa Chardonnay and assume around $100 per head including gin & tonic aperitifs at $12 each. Worth every penny for that special "occassion" or date night.

We found out about this wonderful Italian restaurant after receiving the recommendation from Salvatore himself in Italy (the former owner who now runs a B&B Hotel in Tuscany, Castello delle Serre, which we Highly recommend not to miss while in Italy). It was top on our list to try when we visited San Diego after hearing how great of a chef they have present. The food was fantastic, almost like we were back in Italy! You can really taste the hand of a native Italian chef in the kitchen. We were very impressed with the service and Raffaela's kindness. Timeless, elegant, and sophisticated yet not overpriced...definitely returning!

We wanted to avoid a loud restaurant - found Salvatore's- and couldn't have been happier with our fantastic meal! The caesar and caprese salads were perfect, sauce for the mussels appetizer was beautifully simple, and the spicy Crab pasta was delicious and enough for us to share. Really a fantastic dinner! We will be back soon!