Catania

Catania in La Jolla was a great experience all around. I really appreciated that they had veggie options that were easy to make vegan. The kitchen was happy to work with me and put together a spicy veggie vegan pasta using in season vegetables, and it tasted great. Fresh, well balanced, and exactly what I was hoping for. The rosé was fine, and the wine and drink selection overall was strong with plenty of good choices. My date ordered the duck ragu and said it was awesome, rich and full of flavor. The atmosphere really stood out. Very inviting, romantic, and just a great place to settle in and enjoy the evening. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made everything feel smooth and unhurried. Between the food, drinks, service, and vibe, this place checks a lot of boxes. I would definitely

Fantastic dinner experience with my parents, husband and friends. I was able to make a reservation for a party of 7. We all enjoyed appetizers and desserts along with dinner. Tried the branzino, duck orichiette, tagliatelle, and rabbit gnocchi. Panna cotta, Nutella mousse pie, chocolate cake. Not photographed, appetizers: meatballs, crispy octopus.

What an absolutely fabulous meal! Came here with my foodie friends and they said I hit it out of the ballpark with this find. The ambiance was great, food was BEYOND delicious and the service was extra awesome. If only we could have servers like Russ everywhere we dined, life would be perfect. Definitely need to come back with I visit.

This place is a true old gem in La Jolla. It’s been around for a reason — the food is consistently good every single time. The service is solid and reliable, and it’s the kind of spot you choose when you simply don’t want to be disappointed. The pasta is absolutely amazing, from the perfect texture to the rich, balanced flavor.

I grew up in La Jolla and my family has been in the Windansea area of LJ since the late 1980s and I would say that Catania is one of my favorite restaurants that’s been in town over the decades. I dined here 6 years ago and had a wonderful dinner and did again this past weekend when I was in town for Thanksgiving and I, as well as the rest of my party, all had a fabulous dinner. It’s right in the middle of The Village (also known as downtown La Jolla) on the top of a small shopping center where World Core and Bessel surfboards used to be. It has great views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown La Jolla. It’s especially nice if you go at sunset. They offer indoor seating and heated outdoor, plus a bar. Our server was extremely polite and everything that we ordered came out very fast. We also d