Catania sits atop La Plaza in La Jolla, drawing crowds with coastal Italian fare and sweeping ocean views.
Since opening in 2015, the restaurant has earned a Zagat’s nod as one of the hottest new spots in the U.S., blending wood-fired mastery with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Locals return again and again for the relaxed yet elevated vibe—like a sun-kissed Italian escape tucked into San Diego.
How Catania won locals’ hearts
Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem where the aroma of a wood-fired oven pulls you upstairs like a siren’s call.
Catania captured La Jolla’s devotion early, landing on Zagat’s list of the Zagat’s 15 hottest new U.S. spots in its debut year.
Diners rave about bold flavors in every house-made pasta and crisp, blistered pizza, often calling it a must-visit for authentic coastal Italian—without the pretension.
At the heart of the kitchen is Beatrice, a 5,000-pound wood-burning oven that transforms simple ingredients into crave-worthy hits, keeping tables booked year-round.
Panoramic ocean views pair effortlessly with standout dishes like tender octopus, fueling steady word-of-mouth buzz across San Diego.
Flawless execution and warm, heartfelt service make every visit feel like coming home to Italy—no passport required.
Food Highlights
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Pizza Focaccia: Olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, and chili flakes create a crispy starter; locals love it as an addictive shareable kickoff to meals.
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Wood Roasted Cauliflower: Whipped ricotta salata, Fresno chili salmoriglio, pomegranate, red onion, pistachio. A vegetarian standout praised for its bold, charred perfection.
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Crispy Octopus: Chickpeas, lamb sausage, chili oil, capers, herbs. Perfectly charred and tender—one of the menu’s most talked-about favorites.
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Duck Sugo Orecchiette: Braised duck, tomato, porcini mushrooms, juniper, parmesan. A rich, hearty pasta that wins over comfort-food lovers.
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Margherita Pizza: Mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce, garlic. Thin crust, simple ingredients, pure bliss for pizza purists.
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Whole Roasted Branzino: Clams, garlic butter, white wine, charred broccoli, chili flakes, breadcrumbs. Fresh seafood at its finest—and a true showstopper.
Atmosphere
Perched on the top floor, Catania delivers panoramic ocean views that steal the show at sunset, with automatic shades rising like theater curtains.
Sunny Mediterranean hues, ceramic tiles, and plush seating set a casually upscale, dinner-party vibe.
The spacious terrace buzzes with lively conversation, making it ideal for date nights or group gatherings—balancing cozy indoor charm with breezy outdoor magic.
Bottom Line
Come for Zagat-hyped Italian, wood-fired standouts, ocean sunsets, bold flavors, and exceptional service—it’s pure La Jolla bliss.
Address: 7863 Girard Ave #301 F3, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
📞 858-551-5105
🕔 Mon–Thu: 4–8:30 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM | Sun: 11:30 AM–8:30 PM