Awesome service and the food was above par. My boys devoured the bread baskets and the butter is to die for. We had the stuffed meatballs and a chicken pesto pizza. The prices are very reasonable and we will definitely be back. read more

Worst meal of the year. Came here for a birthday. Two people ordered the lobster ravioli and I had the lobster risotto. No no and NO. The risotto was a gelatinous rice pudding texture drowned in a goo of broth. Mixed with what looked like a can of peas and some asparagus. The ravioli was undercooked and terrible, again served in a gooey slop. Hands down the worst meal I've had in a long time and certainly the worst of the year. I will never come here again. read more

Our waiter, Mario, was great! He helped me with my wine selection which I was very happy with. I really loved the olive plate they provided as an hors d'oeuvre. I ordered the Fruit from the Sea Tagliatelle for dinner. This was a pasta dish which included mussels, shrimp, scallops, and clams in a white wine garlic sauce. The portion size was perfect...just enough. I felt full but not uncomfortable. The restaurant had a nice ambience and friendly staff. We had a party of four and there was no wait to be seated. I would like to see them add rice pasta to their menu as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. read more

Julissa was the Hostess when our friends invited us for an Italian dinner at Barona Casino last night. We were pleasantly surprised to see her as she was the Hostess at the Barona Steak House when we ate there for the first time in May 2016. She is so nice and friendly and we told her at the Steak House we live in Alpine, CA. And frequent Viejas Casino often. She told my husband and I " you are going to like our Steak House Best .... " and it is delicious. So much so that we are going back to Barona Steak House tonight !!! We thoroughly enjoyed our Italian cuisine last night and we had the pleasure of Ragde serving us. We were with our friends and their son. The Italian restaurant is their favorite place to eat. They live in Ramona and couldn't wait to take us there. We were celebrating their Anniversary. Needless to say, we have found a new hang out. I would highly suggest you to try the restaurants at Barona Casino. Both the Steak House and Italian Cucina are worth the visit ... Bring your appetite ! Bon Appetite C. Lovejoy June 4, 2016 read more

Italian Cucina - Italian Near Me - Lakeside, California

Late post I was out of the town but yes agreed !! Outstanding service our waitress Monica was amazing. We had a party of 10 for my son's 18th b-day, they allowed us to bring in a cake and they served it for us. Food was really good and portions are huge! We had reservatins since it was a Saturday and they sat us immediately. The bread is so so so good!! read more

Awesome experience all around! I came for dinner last Friday night. It was pretty busy, but our waitress didn't miss a beat!! The food was beyond my expectation, great service, great drinks. I'll be back without a doubt read more

The service is excellent. Mariner is a super waitress with prompt and friendly service. The food is superb which complements the wine selected. I look forward to returning and requesting we be seated in MArifer's section. read more

I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. The food, the staff, and the atmosphere are all amazing. We come here with family every chance we get and no one is ever disappointed. The lobster ravioli is incredible and topped with a huge amount of lobster pieces. The tiramisu is amazing as well and definitely large enough to share. I love that you can order off the Steakhouse menu because their Chilean sea bass dish is seriously one of the best things I've ever had. Quick shout out to one of our favorite servers, Brooke, she's always delightful and makes our experience that much better. read more

I have nothing but great a review of this restaurant, our dinner was excellent. Both my husband and I started with the Black mussels and clams appetizer, it was big enough to be shared with 4 people and had plenty of garlic and sauce with tons of mussels and clams. Our main dish was the spaghetti with meat balls and again the amount of food per plate are huge, we shared one dish. But most of all the service was excellent! Our server Ragde, went above and beyond to make sure that we had everything that we needed, he kept coming to our table to make sure that we had enough bread, water, and to check to see if we needed anything else. We had such a great dinner, the food was great, the service was excellent and the restaurant is very clean and it has a laid back feeling. I give Italian Cucina 5 Stars! I would without a thought come back again. read more

This Italian restaurant is nestled in the lower level of Barona Casino. Although I frequent Barona's buffet, this was my first visit here with my family. My Mom had a Birthday coupon she wanted to use before it expired. Once we arrived, we were seated right away. The host placed us in the first open table near the entrance. We asked for a booth, but there were no booths available. We settled with the table provided. We were served olives and bread sticks to start filling our bellies, then came a family style salad to share, prior to receiving our entrees. As appetizers, we ordered the Caprese (mozarella, vine pesto ripened red and green tomatoes, basil and balsamic drizzle) and Crispy Fried Calamari with Aioli & Spicy Marinara dipping sauces. Their meals are big portions that can feed two people. After asking our server about the portion size of their entrees, she mentioned that the Maine Lobster Raviolis are portioned for one person. My Mom ordered the Port Glazed Grilled Shrimp that consisted of house cured pancetta, eggplant, zucchini, carrot and butternut squash puree. My Dad ordered their Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and Hearth Roasted Sea Bass. I shared Shrimp Capellini (artichoke hearts, asparagus, tomato,with garlic cream sauce) with my friend. As the evening progressed, we requested a couple of items from our server, who either did not hear what we asked for or just forgot to get it for us. We had to ask another server for assistance. Other than that, our meals were delicious! My Mom received two pieces of Torta Di Cioccolato (triple chocolate layered cake) to go. We were so full, it was time to play! You will definitely bring home leftovers. read more

Italian Cucina - Caprese appetizer - Italian Near Me - Lakeside, California

The food itself was 4 star quality. I recommend the baked macaroni and cheese, and Oinko Bucco. We ordered 2 dishes of the Braised Short Rib because a friends recommendation but both came out dry and tough. The restaurant itself is known for it's food, but I must say if your looking for great service this is not the place for you. I must share our experience with all of you so you know what to expect from the management and service. Went there for my boyfriends birthday on a Monday night. There was only 1 other table present so it was a great atmosphere for a party of 9. We ordered many dishes, bottle of wine and beer. We all received salads when my friend pointed out a green worm on her plate (the kind you find in apples). We immediately called over the waitress and informed her of the worm. The waitress ubruptly took the plate and left, never returning to apologize, or even replace the salad. We decided to enjoy the rest of our meal, assuming the manager would come over to apologize. Then we received our main entrees, and then we had problems with the Braised Short Ribs (which we ordered 2 of), we told them it was not edible and to exchange it for something else. The took it, once again no apology and changed it out for veal and a pasta. We went on eating our meal hoping to just finish in peace and walk out. Until, what really tipped me over the edge is they charged my credit card, I signed the receipt and everything and the waitress comes back to me and says that they have to charge it again because the computer lost my credit card number. This did not make any sense to me, so finally the manager comes over and says "Sometimes this happens, you just have to charge it again". I didnt' want to argue so I asked for his business card and signed it again. This is when one of our friends walks over there to talk to him and asks him "are you aware that there was a worm in her salad and the short ribs were returned because they were cold and you never once apologized to us?" the managers response "It wasn't a worm it was a fruit fly".... we were apalled. We left the restaurant, I wrote an email to the Barona Casino director of restaurants, and he sincerely apolgoized. So, like I said, good food, yes! Service, horrible. You could find a way better, closer, cheaper eat near home I'm sure. So Don't waste your time! read more

Disgusting. Bread cold, pasta hard, salty, meatballs undercooked, pizza pathetic, salad soggy. The service was just as awful. Hostess was extremely unwelcoming. Waiters ignored our table and attended to other guest they seemed to like better. An overall disaster. Hopefully they get it together and set better standards for themselves but as of now, avoid, read more

I don't know what all of you guys are talking about but the place was beautiful. It was a bingo hall and they turned it into this masterpiece. They have TV's in the restaurant showing the chefs cook, so you know that its clean. I had the Veal. Barona did it again. First it was the Buffet, then it was Ho Wan, the Fry Bread at Sage and now the delicious Veal from the Italian Cucina. Go there with no expectations and just see for yourself. It's mind-blowing. I will go back there. read more

The best Italian I've had. The server was so accommodating too, we had 3 kids under 5 and he was as so patient. I highly recommend the grilled shrimp with mango puree and port sauce it was so good I had dreams bout it :) read more

The Cucina is my favorite place at Barona , and the coffee place. As a former employee , I have visited the Cucina many times for fantastic lunches and dinners. The cappelinni pomodoro is my favorite thing on the menu, and the chicken Alfredo. Do yourself a favor and devour the whole bowl of olives you get , because you will miss them when they are gone. I'm pregnant and had to drive to Barona simply because I craved their olives and the delicious butter they give with the focaccia. I'm sad they no longer have the regular caprese but I did try the calamari instead last visit and it was amazing! The basil aioli that came with it was yummy. My husband had the chicken Parm and really enjoyed it. Next time we will try the lasagna ! read more

This used to be my favorite Italian Restaurant! We've been going there for many years...My family and I had dinner there on Friday and we ordered a variety of different dishes. First, I was disappointed to find that my favorite dish, the Spaghetti Carbonara was no longer on the menu!. So, I reluctantly ordered the Capellini Pomadoro and was beyond disappointed. I'm not an overly picky person but it literally had zero flavor. I know there isn't much to that recipe but it honestly tasted like plain noodles with bland boiled tomato's!! I had to splash on lots of the table balsamic vinegar to make it edible. Our waiter with the plugs in his ears also wasn't worth raving about. He forgot some of my parties drinks and we had to remind him politely several times about certain things...Hopefully they will either change the recipe or take it off the menu altogether!!...I'll still go there again as I know they are capable of amazing food. Hopefully this was just an off night for them! read more

Excellent food and service! I had the shrimp capellini which was very good. A little greasy but other than that good. Prices are reasonable. Good wine and beer selection. Our waiter Jose was excellent! read more

I diiiiiie for Italian. The wait was minimal, and we went on a Saturday I believe. I was very impressed with the price. Such good food for what felt like a steal! The atmosphere feels very intimate, although it doesn't seem you need to be dressed up to eat here. Will definitely be back and recommend over the buffet. read more

This place is located downstairs in the Barona Casino. The prices are beyond reasonable, especially for the amount of food they give you. The portions here are quite large. Unfortunately for us we must've hit them on an off day because our service was horrible. We sat for 15 minutes before our waiter came to us and that was after we asked where they were. It took over an hour for us to get our entrees which was disappointing. The price is great but it seemed to us that they need a lot off work in the customer service area. read more

Food is good, large portion. Service is fair.

Had a great experience! We were planning on visiting the buffet but decided that the two hour wait was just too long. The food and portions were great as well as the cost. Our waiter, Juan, was phenomenal. We look forward to returning! read more

Great little Italian place. Very fair prices. Great atmosphere. Excellent wait staff. Just don't order pasta. Everything else is beautifully presented. Pasta carbonara tasted like day old, burnt, panda express chow mein. read more

I'll make this simple. The food here is outstanding. I've been here with my girlfriend 3 times and each time the food just seems better. This last visit we had the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli and brick oven pizza, both were better than some of the nicer Italian restaurants Ive been to in San Diego. The fettuccine was nice and well cooked, the Alfredo sauce was rich and flavorful, and the chicken was very good. The pizza was excellent, the sauce tasted fresh and it was cooked perfectly. The portions are generous so I wouldn't get an appatizer unless your really hungry. The deserts look incredible but I always come out too full to try them. Maybe next time. Pros: PRICE!!, freshness and quality of food, great service, relaxed ambiance, everything. cons: The slot machines are too tight. I highly recommend this place. read more

We love this place! Great if you wanna bring your kids because they can color on the table. Also great for a night out alone with your spouse. Love the decor and atmosphere. Prices are extremely reasonable. I love the Pasta bolognese and my hubby likes the Italian sausage meatballs. The give you garlic coated olives and two kinds of bread when you arrive. Then comes the delicious salad. We get the House salad. Try it, you wont be disappointed. :) read more

This is one of our favorite places to eat. Its just over the hill from us. I would recommend making reservations or the wait can get kinda long. The service has always been awesome and the food is delish!!! I think they may have raised their prices but nothing outrageous. read more

If I could give a Zero stars, I would... We had reservations for a party of 15. They sat us in the private room, where you would think you would be assigned your own server, not the case. We had to remind them we were even in the room to get helped! Do not order the bottle of Rosè, it's a half size bottle, the waitress did not mention that, even after asking for 4 glasses. If you like a bowl of romain lettuce with no dressing or croutons, order the Cesar. I asked for fresh shredded Parmesan on top...felt like I was eating wet lettuce with cheese stuck to it. I would have asked for dressing, if the waitress ever came back.... After being half way done with my meal, I found a LARGE fly in my food. When the manager came in to get my plate, he was extremely rude!! As if I was lying about it! He never apologized and offered me a free drink.... I used to come here often and it was a great place, over the last year there must have been a change in management or chefs, not good at all. Save yourself and go to Olive Garden. read more

This place is nice and the food is good. I actually like the appetizer and desert more than the pastas. I recommend their mussels and clams for appetizer. Their Tiramisu is awesome and huge. It comes in a large cocktail like cup, very creamy and tasty. It fed 5 people and we still couldn't finish it. Probably my favorite thing there. Their baked macaroni and cheese is good for pasta. read more

Came in tonight for a birthday party of 16 people and had JACKIE as our server. The food was great but our server was extremely slow!! Food took forever to come out and even after telling her in the begging we wanted split checks, took her 45 minuets to bring them to us and most of them were wrong and already had gratuity added. Manager came over to help us with one of the biggest checks and he didn't even understand what Jackie did to mess it up so bad. Very disappointed, sorry we will not be coming back. read more

Amazing Food , Great Service . Not Only That But Amazing Atmosphere. Jackie Our Server Was Amazing At Customer Service .

Our server Jose was incredible. My my friend had the ribeye and loved it. I had the lobster risotto not so happy. All the lobster was from claws it was all still formed from the claw. Tasted so fishy risotto had strange taste. Not what I was expecting. read more

I was really surprised with this restaurant, was expecting some what decent food n service, looks beautiful inside. Very disappointed!!! The service was bad it took over 20 mins to get water n i had to flag a random waiter to get it. Service was real slown not attentive in any way n the food just as bad!! The food was very bland!!! I ordered a rib eye steak, it was just a piece of meat no flavor what so ever.. rib eye on its own has flavor, well not this one no flavor. Baked potatoe not cooked enough, salad just plane, sour dough bread was good, bread sticks hard. We asked for more sour bread but never got it. We also ordered lobster tail n it came with pasta with pesto sauce, the lobster tail was pretty burned n very dry with no seasoning of any kind, pasta very bland no flavor at all. Water n beverages were served in plastic glasses, really!!! Waiter never came around to ask if needed anything n if our food was good not once...just bad all around..dont waste ur money..dont let the looks of the restaurant fool you!!! read more

Really good Italian American food for very low cost. It beats going to the buffet at Barona which in my opinion is just so so these days. Very attentive waitstaff and good service overall. The food is delicious and plentiful! The atmosphere is very soothing and enjoyable and it's worth the drive to Lakeside even if you don't gamble. Only bad part is that you have to walk through the smoke-filled casino to get to the restaurant. read more

I was very pleasantly surprised by this place. Most specialty restaurants within casinos are pretty expensive and pretty medicore...they know they've got a captive audience, so they don't try hard. That's not the case here by any means. The service was really great. Prompt, everything brought out at the right time, and the server was quite friendly. The value was seriously awesome. You get a plate of olives, a jar of breadsticks, as well as a basket of bread and plate of olive oil and balsamic. And that's all free and before you order. You can get a small or larger order of the pastas. I ordered the small and found it to be plenty of food...I took leftovers home. My husband got pizza, and for $9.95 he got to pick as many toppings as he wanted! The prices were less than most Italian places in the city, by a good chunk. When you add the low prices to the awesome service and very nice ambiance, you have a winner. We will make the drive out here again. read more

Bread is good olives excellent. Brought my father memories of when he went to Italy!! Service was amazing. I recommend Amy. She is a excellent waitress very polite sweet and down to earth. Had patience with my parents!!! Alfredo sauce is delicious!!!! Great service!! read more

Ami and Jose wonderful Waiters make you feel like royalty love to come there every time

Love this place. Except for the waiter, who was a bit unfamiliar with the menu, everything else was exceptional. I will be back to try some other entree, but the rib eye was phenomenal. Highly recommend for a nice evening out. read more