Came here after making reservations because we were in the area and were recommended this place from a friend. The inside garden is beautiful and there are many seats in which you can seat yourself. When the food came out, the seafood was definitely fresh and the portions were very large. My only gripe was the slow service. It took forever to ask for anything extra, even the check. Otherwise, a pretty good spot. read more

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Had a dinner here recently and it was as great as the locals said it would be. Very old school homey style Italian place, food and ambience were extremely nostalgic. We had the Greek goddess , tons of flavor!!! Very attentive staff, server was great but the support crew really stood out. Tall curly brunette kid name I think starts with L (but I'm drawing a blank), helped our table consistently. Very sweet boy. We can't wait to come back! read more

We haven't been here in awhile so a little disappointed menu changed.... We had our favorite pasta dish we ordered every time we came in We ordered a pesto chicken with pasta We were so disappointed .... No flavor small pieces of chicken just not the same read more

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! read more

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Came here tonight after having good experience before but hate to say this but the food was horrible, way to much sauce on the half and half and the sauce was the problem. Was like eating a bottle of tomato sauce, wouldn't recommend. Lasagna also tasted terrible flavor was such a disappointment. Chicken piccata was just okay abit to watery not sure if the vegetables was drained. Focaccia was flat bread pizza just be aware. Service 10/10 we got welcomed right away and the service was always checking in with us much appreciated on their part. Venue 10/10 lovely ambiance very high end and cosy. Drinks 10/10 tasty cocktails we had a lovely espresso martini and vodka martini and a glass of Rosé This restaurant needs to look into the food, everything was great but I feel like the chefs are not real chefs and need to take a chef class otherwise this lovely restaurant will get a bad name. I hope this restaurant can improve with the food. But thank you to the servers bartenders and the guy at the front desk he was super friendly and welcoming he makes a warm welcome to everyone that walks through the doors. read more

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. read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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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! read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Organic Arugula Salad with chicken - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Linguine Calvario - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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! read more

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OV use to be one of the most attractive restaurants to attend for many years. Well, after a recent visit, all of that has changed. Service was 'horrible'! Our waitress was 'missing in action' and this was on a Tuesday night when there were only a handfull of customers. After '3' searches for her, found here with a group of waitresses in deep conversation that appeared to nothing to do with serving customers. The food was 'average', not like it use to be.Really disappointed, sorry to see this place go down hill so badly. read more

*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. read more

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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! read more

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My husband and I like to come here for a quick dinner of our favorite wicked Caesar salad with lots of anchovies added. Happy hour prices are $19 with the anchovies for a huge salad for two and we always add the incredible warm Toasted buttery garlic bread for the bargain price of $2.50. The staff here are so friendly and helpful. The music was very loud so I asked if we could sit somewhere quieter so they moved me inside. The door to the bar was wide open letting in lots of noise and they closed the door for me. This enables my husband and me to have a good conversation without shouting. I so appreciate the accommodations they made for us. That says something about!!! This is our favorite local spot for pizza, salad, ambiance, service, and amazing entrees. Keep up the excellence Old Venice!! You are a neighborhood gem read more

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. read more

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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 read more

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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 read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

We went here on a Saturday night and thought we would keep it more casual and sit in the bar. They have tables lining the walls that have servers. It was really loud, which some people were enjoying, but we could barely hear eachother from across the table. Next time we'll sit in the dining room. Our server was nice enough but he was either new, didn't want to be there, or both. After taking our order, we didn't see him again, and someone else helped us the rest of the dinner. We ordered a few apps and a nice Pinot noir, including gnocchi, mushrooms, and brussel sprouts. The food was very good. read more

Everything went well at this restaurant. We were visiting San Diego and have very good friends who live here. They suggested meeting here for an early dinner because they had a party to go to. This place was so fabulous, they never made it to their party. The service was great. The restaurant was packed, but the staff was on top of their game. I know our friends are regulars, but the food was amazing we had multiple appetizers, entrees to share, a couple of desserts and lots of drinks. I can't wait to go back. read more

Old Venice has been our favorite Italian restaurant hands down for the last 25 years and the Chicken Florentine is the best thing on the menu. For starters the crusty bread is awesome with the shrimp and artichoke hearts and the walnut Gorgonzola is our absolute favorite! The ambience here is wonderful and you can't go wrong sitting in any part of the restaurant! We highly recommend Old Venice to anyone who is looking for a great Italian dinner! read more

We had not been here in a long time and decided to go back for dinner on Valentine's Day. As we expected, it was a busy night but the service was still great. The main dining room was full but the room wasn't too noisy and we were still able to have a nice conversation. Food was very good and the portions were generous. (We were super hungry and talking so I didn't get pics.). We had the magic mushroom appetizer, Caesar salad and two pasta dishes as well as wine and were very happy. Definitely recommend. read more

I came here with my husband for our anniversary dinner, and it felt like we were in Europe for a few hours. I've always loved Old Venice, but I've never sat on the patio. It was so elegant and romantic. I loved the lights, plants, and music. We got the arugula salad, the bulb and Brie, a create your own pizza with arugula, pepperoni, and prosciutto, and the lava cake for dessert. We definitely had enough leftovers for dinner for the next night. The service was amazing. The kind hostess took our photo and congratulated us on our anniversary, and our waitress was super sweet and attentive. read more

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Ambiance on the patio was nice. Service was good. Food was good but unlike any Italian food I've had in USA and Italy. I would need to try different entrees to know what is best on the menu. read more

I love this place.. atmosphere is always good. Lots of families dining , laughing, having good food and drinks. I like to sit on the patio but it is often crowded so the bar is a good option as well. The pizza is good , the lasagna excellent . I like the focaccia appetizer, It's like a pizza with herbs and spices I add shrimp to it. It is so delicious. The staff is so friendly I definitely recommend this place read more

I have celebrated so many amazing events at this gorgeous restaurant and outdoor patio that feels like you're in Paris. The help is impeccable, friendly, kind, and highly efficient. The cuisine is absolutely exquisite.. I have been going for over 20 years. Tried most of the menu of course have my favorites.. I've taken friends in from New York and from Europe, who say it's on a five star level the prices are extremely reasonable. The environment is all white with beautiful Campbells and topiary trees. You can dress up or dress down. It's going to be an incredible experience.. it's not just eating. It is truly a place to feel beautiful, romantic and calm. You're never rush and they accommodate all your needs friendly and a quiet environment that has a wonderful atmosphere of cheer wellness and joy inside this place is elegant. The patio is done with top is an all white beautiful French rot iron chairs.. I have had birthdays, weddings, anniversaries huge party small parties. We are treated with the finest of care. Thank you for such a beautiful and elegant place that makes you feel warm and invited and of course want to come back over and over. There is also a complementary PARKING, which makes it lovely for Point Loma area. I highly recommend this beautiful restaurant a five star experience. read more

Half decent Italian spot in Point Loma. I enjoyed the ambiance but the food was just okay. The rustica pizza was disappointing and tasted similar to a frozen pizza! My boyfriend used to make pizzas at an Italian restaurant and he was shocked at how poor the quality of the dough tasted. It was edible and not horrible by any means but just shocking for the price. The pasta was also nothing to rave about. The flavors of the ingredients did not taste coherent and I thought the crispy prosicutto was a random touch to the dish that I did not enjoy. Maybe I ordered the wrong things on the menu? The best thing I had was the garlic bread and house salad! Not sure if I would be back. Nice ambiance though. read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Linguine Calvario and Rustica Pizza - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is so cute! Tight conditions inside speak to its authentic Italian routes. Seems family owned and all the staff spoke Italian! Good service and even better food my son got the kids spaghetti and I fell in love, I got the mushroom raviolis and my husband got the lasagne which is a hefty portion and delicious! read more

Food was ok. Service was ok. Ambiance was ok. Loved the fireplace spot!! If the music complimented the atmosphere, could totally elevate the experience! read more

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.

I have been here a few times and it has never disappointed; from date, to happy hour, to family celebration. The patio is perfect for a date, very romantic atmosphere, the bar is great for happy hour vibe and the restaurant is elegant. Service is wonderful, everyone is friendly and attentive. All the food I have had was delicious, flavorful and shareable. There is a great drink menu, lots of good wines and beer. A definite favorite place in Point Loma! read more

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I went there with a buddy and was told we couldn't be seated without a reservation but plenty of empty tables everywhere. I was told to go next door to the bar which wasn't what I wanted. Rude little front host but pizza spot across the street was better and more friendly read more

So good here ! 1st time here and we enjoyed our dinner here tonight The food was delicious generous portion all made to order Def must order the osso Gucci so good Service was very friendly and accommodating shout out to our server KEN he was so nice to us Ambiance is very nice life the aesthetic... Simple and rustic Def coming back here again read more

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Best margherita pizza I've ever had. Closest thing to New York pizza! They add feta to the cheese mixture, which just makes every bite pop with flavor. The burrata cheese with cherry tomatoes and pesto was out of this world. The tomatoes were perfectly soft, and the balsamic vinegar design everywhere was beautiful. read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Margherita pizza - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food, service, ambience, was absolutely perfect. Small, quaint and lovely. We did not have reservations and were seated immediately. OsoBuco was memorable. Kudos to the entire team. read more

Old Venice Restaurant - Seating area! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I give this one star for service and management. We called and were told it was a $20 cork fee. They charged us $30. They did not tell us about the pretty open patio in the back which was disappointing. The server took 20 minutes to open our wine bottle and take our order. The manager came to talk to us and said what do you want a dessert or something. We were unhappy about the service and not telling us about the patio. We didn't want anything for free, we were just stating our concerns. Then the bill came with the wrong cork fee and we asked about it. The server said it went up A few weeks ago. I can get the manager again to talk about the cork fee. We said forget it and just paid the $30 cork fee. After we left the bar area we popped in next door into the restaurant and the hostess said it was $20 cork fee. Pretentious servers and manager running this place. Maybe they don't like tourists and only cater to locals. read more

Last evening I ordered takeout, a pizza, salad and a couple of sides. When I arrived I asked the young lady for some garlic bread after she had rung me up. The bill was 94 dollars, she shook her head and I realized that they must have started charging for bread. I told her that it was no problem I would do without. When I went to pay the bill there was a tip screen that defaults to 22% for putting food in a bag.....wow really! I did give a customer tip. She then handed me the food and said that she had put a couple pieces of bread in the order. Nice young server but what has happened to that restaurant? The food is good but not that good, sorry. This is the same place I came home with a pizza a couple of years ago and when I bit into a slice a chewed down on a hard metal object. I almost swallowed it but thought the better of it. When I fished it out it was a piercing with a sharpened fish hook end. This could have and would have caused me to have emergency surgery. I called the restaurant and met the manager a day or two later and I showed it to him and his comment was," stuff like this happens in the restaurant business ". He gave me a 50 Dollar gift card and called it good. Hopefully there will be more competition in the area in the future. Think I am done with that place. read more

Favorite restaurant for 20+ years! I go for birthdays, holidays and date nights! The ambience feels like you're in Italy! Service and food above expectations!! I usually get the filet and shrimp with side salad- house dressing ridiculously good! Bread sooo good! Have had pastas and pizzas as well. Stuffed mushrooms.. great martinis!! Highly recommend this hidden gem!! read more

I've been coming to Old Venice since the late 90's and they knock it out of the park every single time!! Their Greek Goddess pizza and Cesar salad are absolute perfection. All of their food is fresh with top quality ingredients. Don't forget to get their cookie a la mode which is a classic. They are the most consistent restaurant I have ever been to and will continue to be a patron for life! As a matter of fact, this coming Saturday I am having our cousins annual Christmas dinner there too! read more

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