Cucina Urbana · Restaurant · San Diego
Italian kitchen and retail wine shop in Bankers Hill since 2009
Cucina Urbana has been part of Bankers Hill at 505 Laurel Street since 2009, and it was one of Southern California's first restaurants built around a retail wine shop. The menu pairs the flavors of Italy with California seasonality and the bounty of local farms, and the room mixes a modern Italian kitchen feel with a bohemian streak, down to vintage finds, most of which are for sale.
The wine model is what makes a reservation here worth it. The shop carries more than 200 labels from around the world, with an emphasis on Italian and California bottles. Pick any bottle at retail price and drink it with dinner for a $12 corkage fee, or take it home at retail. The bar runs a daily happy hour from 4 to 6pm.
On the plate the kitchen works from scratch, with house-made charcuterie, sausage, cheese, artisanal breads and pastas. Tempura-fried squash blossoms come stuffed with goat cheese, pistou and orange blossom honey, the giant meatball sits on mascarpone polenta with spicy tomato sauce, and the pizzas run from a margherita to a bianca finished with Calabrian chili crunch.
Pastas such as rigatoni Bolognese and Royal Ranch beef brasato pappardelle lead into large plates like Jidori chicken fra diavolo, on a menu that holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, the distinction for good quality, good value cooking. The kitchen is overseen by chef Tim Kolanko, and on Sundays a family-style Sunday supper serves a table of four.
Address: 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego
Cucina Urbana 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 - 21:30
- Saturday: 16:00 - 21:30
- Sunday: 16:00 - 20:30
Frequently asked about Cucina Urbana
How do I get a reservation at Cucina Urbana in San Diego?
Tables at Cucina Urbana are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger San Diego plan, our San Diego partner handles the nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Cucina Urbana?
Cucina Urbana 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 Cucina Urbana?
Cucina Urbana 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 Cucina Urbana located?
Cucina Urbana is in San Diego, at 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101. MyRSVP can build it into a full San Diego itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
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