Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Old Venice Restaurant

    4.0 (972 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Bars, Pizza
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Old Venice Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    OLD VENICE RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Old Venice Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Old Venice Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Shrimp Caesar salad
    Diane S.

    On a very busy sunny Friday afternoon I stopped in for a quick refresher while waiting for a friend. Omar at the bar has been there years and still makes you feel welcomed and appreciated! Karl runs a superb local favorite restaurant for food and drinks! Appetizers are spot on; so delicious! The baked garlic and brie, steamed mussels, magic mushrooms and stuffed shrimp are a few favorites! My husband gets pizza here once a week!! So crispy and flavorful! The bar is cozy and clean...the dining room side is a bit noisy but fun and charming with white linen table cloths and friendly servers! It's a great night out with the family or on a date! Parking lot behind is free and free street parking!

    Jessica S.

    Old school Italian-American restaurant with a very romantic patio, awarding one with al fresco dining under twinkling lights and greenery. Menu was broken down simply with Apps, Greens, Pasta, Entrees, and Pizza. I wanted pasta which is listed on the menu very generically with the ability to choose from your pasta type (spaghetti, rigatoni, angel hair, penne, or linguine) and sauce (meat, marinara, garlic oil, pesto, pesto cream, roma, bolognese, or alfredo). I chose angel hair with a pesto cream sauce and somehow added chicken as a protein. I think a little simple and not as well developed, but the portion was huge, enough for leftovers and another meal for later. The ambiance was unsurpassed though, perfect for senior age parents to enjoy and marvel at the scenery. Service was interesting especially with the "cute" (albeit ultra young) girl carrying around the a dessert tray to tables, attempting to coerce diners into purchasing her tantalizing treats. It's been in the Point Loma neighborhood for some decades now, so very well loved especially by the locals.

    Organic Arugula Salad with chicken
    Kate W.

    Came here with a group of 4 for a birthday. We sat in the covered outdoor area, such a beautiful space. Our server was so kind and attentive. I really enjoyed the arugula salad, everything we got came in huge portions which is so nice. We live really close and had never tried this place, can't wait to come back!

    Meatballs and sausage
    Ryan M.

    Came on a weekday after work. It seemed rather crowded but we had a reservation. We were walked thru the restaurant to the outside patio in the back. We ordered the baked artichoke which was great. The best thing was the chunks of charred prosciutto on top along with the garlic and herbs which made it very tasty. The bread on the bruschetta was nicely toasted and very crispy. The tomato, basil, onion, balsamic and cheese was also very tasty I thought the cheese should have been melted, but after taking a bite I saw that it was not necessary. The garlic and Brie was very good very gooey and creamy. I suggest eating it with garlic bread. So good. My favorite item of the night was the pizza. We created our own; pepperoni, sausage and jalapeño. The crust was very good crispy but still had a nice chew to it. The sausage was very flavorful, probably the best sausage I've had on pizza. The jalapeños added a nice heat. My friend ordered the La Regina, basically seafood pasta in a white wine marinara sauce. Clams, fish, shrimp, scallops, muscles, garlic, tomato and basil. I had a bite and a piece of scallop. The scallop was cooked nicely and the black pasta had a nice texture. I wasn't too impressed with the flavor of the sauce but I guess the seafood is supposed to stand out. My friend oohed and ahhed over the dish so I guess one bite just wasn't enough to make an impression on me. My other friend got the Austrian lamb. It came with garlic mash, spinach, prosciutto and Brussel sprouts. It was perfectly cooked. I did not have a bite but it seemed like the perfect combination. It's what I'd order next time. Service was friendly and even though some of the items took awhile, we were given heads up on the wait time because they were busy. Parking was all on the street but I easily found parking a block away I could see how it might be difficult on the weekend. We really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend some kind of pizza with sausage.

    Clythie C.

    We have recently had dinner at the bar in Old Venice a couple of times and just loved it. First of all, the ambiance in the restaurant, bar and back patio is all super. The bartenders are all so wonderful. Dinner is easily eaten/shared/enjoyed at the bar and service is very high level and attentive. The food at Old Venice is deeeeeelicious and I have had some delicious glasses of wine there as well as great cocktails. This delightful spot is a Point Loma neighborhood staple that somehow also feels like you're in the best Italian place in New York or Boston. But the twinkling lights and warmth on the patio will always remind you that you're in San Diego!

    Linguine Calvario
    Mikayla G.

    Went here for a Galentines Dinner where they were able to accommodate 14 of us with a reservation on a Wednesday night. This restaurant is so cute! Definitely could be a great romantic spot but was also great for galentines. The food was also great. Many different Italian options that were customizable. The did mess up a couple of our orders but fixed it quickly. The service also got slow at the end. We sat with empty drinks and our food in boxes for 20 minutes before we got the check because our server disappeared.

    Kaitlyn W.

    We love eating here. Do your best to make a reservation to avoid a wait but the bar area sometimes has open seating and we were able to grab a table when we got there. Our server was attentive and gave good recommendations. The inside is nice but the patio is amazing!

    Magic Mushrooms
    Michelle P.

    *awesome customer service * date night vibes * great food * great for cocktails *outside area They have a bar area where they play live music. Cute cozy spot. We arrived and the hostess was friendly as they walk us to our table was greeted by other team members. Overall serve ice was great. We had cocktails appetizers and shared entree and pizza. The old Venice pizza was good loved the onions on it pizza was not greasy very tasty. We had meat lasagna the cheese was flavorful perfect portion to share didn't disappoint we also had the garlic bread tasty this was a bit on the hard crunch end but still tasty. The Brouwer stouts were super tasty the bacon made it even better. The magic mushrooms were not my favorite but everyone else loved them so won't knock them down. Last but not least the garlic and Brie this is a must try if you love cheese. Definitely recommend this spot can't wait to be back.

    Steamed Clams
    Kaecelyn R.

    We tried Old Venice on Sunday and was blown away! The place felt very soft and romantic. We enjoyed dining in their garden/outdoor area. Our friends recommended their Wicked Ceasar and Pesto Burrata. I'm really not a salad person but I am a garlic lover lol If a recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, I toss in the whole bulb. They tossed in the whole bulb and more! I would be lying if I said I would go back there just for the salad, though. I have never had the creamiest burrata until I had theirs. The smoke on the tomatoes and the garlic bread that came with it is making my mouth watery just thinking and writing about it lol They have a decent wine selection and very good bar service! I personally enjoyed their De Loach Merlot but I'm hoping when they read this review, they would add more Old Vine Zinfandels lol For our meals, my husband got their Osso Bucco, which wasn't a surprise. He loves Osso Bucco. But this one... Oh! I took a bite and instantly regretted not getting one for myself. Falls off the bone and melts in your mouth! The explosion of flavors is something I have never experienced before. They have a lot of great food to choose from but if you don't know what to get, get this one and thank me later. On their menu, they have Steamed Mussels. I, for whatever reason, requested steamed clams instead. The steamed clams were great, but I have a feeling that the mussels would've been way better. I like my steamed mussels/clams a bit on the bitter side from the white wines but there's something about their broth that makes me think the mussels would've been a better choice. I cannot wait to go back and try that instead. These people know what they are doing. You know who else knows what he's doing? Our server, Ryan. Ryan was very well-spoken! He explained everything in great detail. He was very friendly and professional BUT not overbearing and we appreciated that very much. We can't wait to go back there and try their entire menu! This place is officially now our favorite Italian spot!

    Chicken Florentine
    Jeffrey E.

    We've had a couple really great experiences here. We normally prefer to sit at the bar. Our bartender/server both times have been really great. The Caesar salad was huge and delicious. The chicken breast was stuffed with the chicken Florentine. Great wine selection too. Felt like very homey vibes. We'll be back for another special occasion.

    Cover outdoor garden patio.
    Jerry R.

    Old Venice was recommended to us by several of the people in the marina we live in on Harbor Island. We went with high expectations because of the recommendations from friends. This place did not disappoint in any respect! We sat outside under the covered section of the outdoor garden patio seating. Nice music playing in the background, candlelit tables with white linen settings, water features, lighting accents in the trees, and a sconce on the wall above our table with real candles also. The setting was very chill and romantic, great place for a first date or special occasion. Our server RYAN absolutely rocked! I couldn't decide which Chianti to have so Ryan asked what I planned for my main course. He gave me a Chianti that was off the menu and it was one of the best I had ever had! We started with cocktails, my wife a Manhattan, and myself an Old Fashion. Fast bar service, and there are two things I recommend for starters, the burrata with hand kneaded mozzarella, fresh pesto, tomatoes, and fresh basil, amazing! Next, get the Wicked Caesar! This salad and the burrata are enough for four people. The Wicked Caesar has a huge amount of garlic, we are garlic lovers, so if you don't like a ton of garlic get something else. Then on to the wine and main course. The wine selection is good, especially the Italian varietals. My wife had the house Merlot, love it, and I had the already mentioned Chianti. My wife had the steamed mussels, very on point. I had the Osso Buco, the absolute best I have ever had! The Osso Buco literally fell off the shank bone, juicy, full of seasoning, over house made risotto. I ordered a side of angel hair pasta with EVOO over it and we both shared dipping the pasta in the Osso Buco and the muscle broth. One of the best things of this meal was the service. The restaurant got very busy, the table servers kept everyone informed about the progress the kitchen staff was making on our meal. Ryan's wine selections were impeccable, he boxed and bagged up our take home leftover, and was really a professional server. When someone serves you in the manner Ryan did, you have to give them the credit they are do and make sure they know they are appreica

    Alexys -.

    Love Mike at the bar!! Service is always on point and consistent. Love how cozy the bar area is. The patio and main dining room are cozy and cute too. Happy hour every day. Everything on their menu is amazing. Favorites: Focaccia bread with spicy shrimp, pesto burrata, wicked Caesar , walnut Gorgonzola, chicken Florentine, spicy Roma shrimp... literally the whole menu. Love love love

    Garlic Bulb and Brie

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elise S.
    76
    98
    42

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark R.
    20
    62
    2

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn R.
    566
    395
    1765

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leonard S.
    196
    43
    38

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Best happy hour menu. The Wicked Caesar is the best in town. Pair this with an order of meatballs and some vino and you're set.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark C.
    62
    28
    1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    What a great find on our trip. The food was amazing, service was excellent (thanks again, Ken) and the vibes were immaculate.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 25

    Old Venice Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Old Venice Restaurant

    Are there any vegan options!?

    Yes. My cousin is Vegan and she enjoys a salad at Old Venice of kale and Brussels sprouts and other goodies. They even added ingredients she requested!

    What is the noise level like at 600 pm on a typical Saturday night?

    Whole restaurant is quiet at all hours for the most part.

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 58,499 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Cesarina

    Cesarina

    4.7(3.6k reviews)
    1.5 miOcean Beach, Point Loma
    $$$

    I've been trying to score a reservation the last 2 times we've been in San Diego and I was finally…read moreable to get a seat on a Sunday afternoon at 4pm. And now I get why they've been consistently booked, great service, good food and reasonable price point. We were seated outside on the patio which was really cute but be warned there are flies because they don't use pesticides. Decor was super cute and reminiscent of Tuscany, very colorful, bright and vibrant. Service a was amazing, shoutout to Josh for making our experience that much better. He was attentive, really sweet and thought of things before I even asked. For example, he brought to go boxes before I had to say anything, love that attention to detail! I recorded the octopus, it was soft not chewy at all with a slight honey flavor. The burrata with eggplant was also really good, simple but executed perfectly. All the pastas as cooked in house and you can choose they type you want for your dish. Also, have to get the tiramisu which they make table side. The mascarpone was authentic and overall the dessert was not sweet at all, we finished every bite. My only criticism is that some of the plates were chipped on the edges. Change them if possible.

    Originally opened in 2019 this is by far the best Italian restaurant in Point Loma as well as all…read moreof San Diego in general. They have another terrific sister restaurant close by in Ocean Beach called Elvira so if you're a fan of this place, I would highly suggest them as well. Parking in this area is fairly easy. They offer valet in front, otherwise it's easy to find a free street spot, we were able to find one right across the street. The restaurant is not very large, but it's very quaint and feels like you are dining in someone's house. They have an indoor area as well as a heated outdoor area that is very pretty and feels like a garden. We sat outside and it was a really pleasant summer evening dinner. Our server was very polite and everything that we ordered came out very fast. I started off with the Carpaccio and thought it was absolutely fantastic. Everything about it was perfect and the flavors were just top-notch. For my entrée, I chose the Paccheri Vodka and Scampi because I'm a huge fan of langoustines and creamy vodka sauce so this combo was perfect for me. I absolutely loved every part of this dish and would highly recommend. I would go back specifically for this. We finished with with the Tiramisu and that was a great end to the meal. Pricing is also fair and it's very romantic so it would be a great decision for a date. I would highly recommend and will be back many times in the future.

    Photos
    Cesarina - Dining room

    Dining room

    Cesarina - The signature chicken pitcher with their soft delish breads

    The signature chicken pitcher with their soft delish breads

    Cesarina - Birthday dessert!

    See all

    Birthday dessert!

    Rusticucina

    Rusticucina

    4.6(1.7k reviews)
    5.3 miNorth Park
    $$$
    Happy hour specials
    Locally owned & operated

    While on vacation me and my Husband chose to celebrate our anniversary here! And what a great…read morechoice that was!! We ordered the Polpette della Nonn, Duo Bruschetta, and Crispy Burrata for appetizers and everything was so tasty! The Crispy Burrata was my favorite out of the three but I'm a cheeseaholic! For our entrees my husband got the Rigatoni Ragu Della Nonna and I got the Cheese Wheel Pasta special which this week had sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. It was all divine! We decided on no dessert but our server brought over the Lemoncillo Cake to wish us a Happy Anniversary. I never turn down food This was one of the best cakes I've ever had! I'm so glad he brought it over. I'm kicking myself for forgetting his name! Wish I could give him a shout out! But anyways.... This place is truly a gem!

    They know what they're doing and their client service was perfection. My older friend had a…read moresignificant birthday this year with the passing of her husband nearly a year ago exactly, It was a special birthday considering her failing health and I gave the restaurant a heads up we would be celebrating. Nathan, Sabrina and Johan were a primo team and outstanding on all counts. They made extra sure my guest was comfortable and most importantly, appreciated. The fried burrata was a star as was their caprese salad. Their spinach ravioli was delicious and despite how full we were, it was gobbled up. Their pizza was great as well as their arancini. The New Zealand Sauvignon blanc was delicious with a spicy finish. We ordered two bottles. The vibe is very communal and it got lively around 7pm on a Saturday. It was quiet and intimate when we arrived around 4:45pm so come a little earlier if you typically would like a quieter meal with fabulous food. Again, can't thank Nathan. Sabrina and Johan enough. The entire team was fabulous and humored us with our questions in regard to Sicily. I will be back and will bring others: thanks again!

    Photos
    Rusticucina
    Rusticucina
    Rusticucina

    See all

    Cucina Urbana - rigatoni bolognese

    Cucina Urbana

    4.4(4.9k reviews)
    4.2 miBanker's Hill
    $$$

    Cucina Urbana's Sunday offering is great. It feels like an excellent home cooked meal without the…read morework. The meal includes *Family chopped salad - light and fresh * Focaccia + herbed butter - nice and warm bread with flavorful butter * Bucatini amatriciana - perfect seasoning; al dente * Polenta - rich and creamy * Seasonal roasted vegetables - very good side; lovely char on the veggies. * Spatchcock chicken - moist inside but crispy skin. Not a lot of flavor but if you add the pesto and the lemon & with the bed of arugula- I think it's wonderful. * Tiramisu/dessert- they have peaches and added hazelnuts on top- a good variation. We also had Lavender lemonade which was a bit sour for me but the other people at the table liked. Service and food were great. The restaurant is very clean and modern. Overall, highly recommended.

    We've been wanting to try this Italian spot in Bankers Hill for a while, and I'm glad we finally…read moredid! The layout is super cool and unique -- the restaurant sits below street level, which gives it such a different atmosphere and vibe. It was pretty busy when we went, but the staff was great. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and took their time explaining the menu and answering our questions. The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed everything we ordered. It's definitely on the pricier side, so I'd consider it more of a nice night-out or special occasion type of place, but overall we felt like the food, service, and experience made it worth it. Definitely glad we finally got to try it!

    Photos
    Cucina Urbana - Inside

    Inside

    Cucina Urbana - Grilled octopus

    Grilled octopus

    Cucina Urbana - Squash blossoms with goat cheese

    See all

    Squash blossoms with goat cheese

    Parma Cucina Italiana - Lasagna

    Parma Cucina Italiana

    4.6(1.3k reviews)
    4.5 miHillcrest
    $$

    Here's a polished version you can post:…read more What a fantastic find! We stopped here after spending the day at the zoo, and it was one of the best meals my family and I have had in a long time. The service was absolutely outstanding--friendly, attentive, and made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in. The food was some of the most authentic Italian cuisine we've ever had, and every dish was delicious. The desserts were just as incredible and were the perfect way to end the meal. If you're looking for amazing Italian food with exceptional service, I can't recommend this place enough. We'll definitely be back before we head home!

    I walked into this little Italian restaurant and found it completely packed. I asked the gentleman…read moreat the front how long the wait would be for a table for one. Without hesitation, he poured me a glass of Prosecco, invited me to wait outside, and assured me he'd have a seat for me in just a few minutes. Sure enough, about two minutes later, he came out and seated me. This restaurant made you feel like you were in Italy with the ambiance and vibe. I had done my research beforehand, so I already knew what I wanted. I ordered the lasagna, and it was absolutely incredible. The portion was generous, and my server let me know it would take a little extra time to prepare, which was perfectly fine. It didn't take long for me to realize that the man who seated me was also the owner. As I watched him greet guests throughout the evening, it was obvious that he genuinely loves what he does. We had a great conversation, and he was warm, welcoming, and personable. After finishing my meal, I ordered a double espresso and tiramisu for dessert. The tiramisu was easily one of the best I've ever had. Exceptional food, outstanding hospitality, and a memorable experience from start to finish. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in town.

    Photos
    Parma Cucina Italiana - Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

    Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

    Parma Cucina Italiana
    Parma Cucina Italiana - Seafood Risotto

    See all

    Seafood Risotto

    Old Venice Restaurant - italian - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...