Cucina Urbana

Recommends

ciscodan

Joined 2 years ago

My favorite place to eat in San Diego. Yes folks, here we go again. If I wrote about this place each time I ate here, I would be writing two or three reviews a week! This restaurant remains my favorite spot to eat in San Diego. I am sure after you go, it will be your favorite too.

Here are some quick tips for a good time...

1. Be sure to get a bottle of wine from the great wine selection on site. They are priced at about the same cost as you would pay at the grocery store. Just pay $7 to open it.

2. All of the food is good, from pizza to polenta boards, beef ribs to fish dishes, everything is mouthwatering good.

3. If you want to have a lot of fun people watching, sit BEHIND the bar. That's right, sit behind the bar, near the kitchen. There are seats for 4 people behind the bar, in front of you will be 4 seats facing you. You can choose to have your friend sit across from you, or get ready to meet some strangers. Fun, fun, fun. Share a pizza, a glass of wine, or maybe just some good stories.

Recommends

fidafy

Joined 3 years ago

Great Italian with a smile. After Laurel disappeared on us, we were thrilled to see Cucina Urbana take its place, but we had no idea just how thrilled we would be.

A small plate concept as well as a retail wine shop makes this a reasonable option for dinner or a late night bite. Another plus is that not only is it a wine bar and retail shop, they also offer a full bar.

The menu is basic; food is authentic Italian as well as a great variety of appetizers, cheese plates, etc.

If you don't want to sit at the bar (which is fabulous), make your reservations early as this place gets booked up way in advance.

Doesn't Recommend

Erin Chambers

Joined 7 years ago

Cozy-but-modern Italian spot in Banker's Hill. Cozy-but-modern Italian spot in Banker's Hill serves up fresh pastas made in house, plus light, interesting pizzas (pancetta with egg, potato and scallions!) and an affordable, retail-based wine program with just $5 corkage fees. Oh, and did we mention that the dining room looks like a modern take on a Tuscan villa (very Anthropologie-meets-Urban Outfitters-meets Smith & Hawkin) and nothing on the menu is over $20? Sound like it would be popular? It is, indeed. Call a day ahead (at least) for reservations. Other can't-miss menu picks: Polenta board served tableside with veal cheeks, papardelle with short-rib ragu, and the Laurel burger (yes, they kept it ont he menu!).