Catania · Restaurant · San Diego
Top-floor coastal Italian with Pacific views above La Jolla village
Catania sits on the top floor of the La Plaza center, on the historic La Jolla corner of Wall and Girard, with panoramic views over the village to the Pacific. It is a relaxed but polished setting that opened in 2015, was named one of Zagat's 15 hottest new restaurants in the country, and is now listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
The kitchen cooks authentic coastal Italian, drawn from a two-week, 1,400-mile road trip the founders took across Italy and anchored in the idea that simpler is better. At the center sits Beatrice, a 5,000-pound wood-burning oven that turns out the pizzas: a Sicilian Pistachio with burrata, pork mortadella and pistachio pesto, a Wild Mushroom with burrata, fontina, garlic confit and thyme, and an Italian Meat with sausage, soppressata and pancetta.
The pastas are made in house, from a duck sugo orecchiette braised with porcini and juniper to ziti alla Genovese with braised beef and caramelized onions. The crudo rotates with the seasons, lately local tuna with melon yogurt gazpacho, avocado and cucumber granita. For seafood, look to the whole roasted branzino with clams and garlic butter, the grilled swordfish puttanesca, or the crispy octopus with chickpeas and lamb sausage.
The cocktail list leans Italian, from a Hugo Spritz to an Italian Mule made with Amaro Montenegro. Dinner starts at 4 p.m. daily and runs until 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with lunch served on weekends from 11:30 a.m.
Address: 7863 Girard Ave., (Third Floor), La Jolla, CA 92037, San Diego
Catania takes reservations through OpenTable. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in San Diego; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: 16:00 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 16:00 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 16:00 - 20:30
- Thursday: 16:00 - 20:30
- Friday: 16:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 11:30 - 21:00
- Sunday: 11:30 - 20:30
Frequently asked about Catania
How do I get a reservation at Catania in San Diego?
Tables at Catania are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger San Diego plan, our San Diego partner handles the beach clubs and nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Catania?
Catania is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Catania?
Catania keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Catania located?
Catania is in San Diego, at 7863 Girard Ave., (Third Floor), La Jolla, CA 92037. MyRSVP can build it into a full San Diego itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
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