Arrivederci—You'll fall in love with this charming sidewalk restaurant for its gnocchi with pesto cream and sun-dried tomato sauce. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 3845 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.6282. $$ Map N16

Asti—Northern Italian cuisine with a great bistro feel, featuring fresh seafood and steak specialties. Bustling patio dining area makes for great people-watching. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 728 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.8844. $$ Map Q16

Bella Luna—This “Beautiful Moon” has romantic ambiance, great sidewalk dining and excellent regional Italian dishes. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 748 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.239.3222. $$ Map Q16

Bernini's Bistro—Elegant European decor provides the setting for offerings of Italian and California cuisine, including wild salmon, halibut dishes, steaks and pastas. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards except DS. 7550 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.5013. $$ Map W19

Buca di Beppo—Gluttony at its finest: family platters of, say, ravioli al pomodoro or spaghetti and meatballs served up in a supremely kitschy atmosphere. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 705 Sixth Ave., downtown (Gaslamp area), 619.233.7272, Map Q16 $$

Buon Appetito—Sophisticated Italian food and cozy ambiance meet culture in this lively restaurant. Along with the food, local art is showcased here. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 1609 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.9880. $$ Map P15

Busalacchi’s Ristorante—Located in a lovely old house, this is a longtime local favorite. Serving traditional Sicilian fare, the warm atmosphere reflects the owner/chef, Joe Busalacchi. D nightly. All major credit cards. 3683 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.298.0119. $$ Map N16

Gemelli Italian Grill—Featuring the European flair of a sidewalk café in Italy. Cuisine is Sicilian-inspired, with paninis and salads for lunch and steaks, seafood and pasta dishes for dinner. L Mon.–Fri.; D nightly. All major credit cards except DS. 495 Laurel St., Middletown, 619.234.1050. $$ Map O16

Harry’s Bar and American Grill—The American version of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, made famous by Ernest Hemingway. Northern Italian cuisine and classic Italian cocktails. L Mon.–Fri., D nightly. All major credit cards. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Golden Triangle, 858.373.1252. $$$ Map T21

Manhattan—Excellent Italian specialties, many prepared tableside in this romantic retro-style restaurant. Enjoy fresh fish, aged beef and homemade deserts. L Tues.–Fri., D nightly. All major credit cards. 7766 Fay Ave., Empress Hotel, La Jolla, 858.459.0700. $$$ Map W19

Old Venice—Easy-going, candlelit atmosphere adds to the neighborhood feel of this Point Loma favorite. Italian cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. L Mon.–Sat., D nightly. All major credit cards except DS. 2910 Cañon St., Point Loma, 619.222.5888. $$ Map K8

Osteria del Pescatore—This classy gem in the heart of Del Mar serves Italian seafood specialties with a flair. Specialties include roasted venison loin with winter fruits in a port wine and lasagna tradizionale. L, D Tues.–Sat. All major credit cards except DS. 1201 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.509.9293. $$ Map X22

Osteria Panevino—Arguably the best baked Portobello mushroom in town. Authentic Tuscan cuisine in classic trattoria (sidewalk café) style. L, D daily. All major credit cards except DC. 722 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.595.7959. $$ Map Q16

Piatti—Delicious pastas, such as ravioli al limone o pomodoro, match the excellent decor in this La Jolla Shores Italian restaurant. Gorgeous murals, a quaint patio and warm service. L, D daily; brunch Sat.–Sun. All major credit cards except DS. 2182 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.1589. $$ Map V20

Prego—Fine cuisine and Tuscan–style villa decor make this Mission Valley Italian restaurant a great choice for lunch or dinner. Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and entrées. L Mon.–Fri., D nightly. All major credit cards except DS. 1370 Frazee Road, Hazard Center, Mission Valley, 619.294.4700. $$ Map M16

Primavera Ristorante—A delicious blend of Northern Italian and California cuisine, this local favorite adds to the variety in Coronado. Excellent service. House specialties include braised veal shanks served over risotto. D nightly. All major credit cards. 932 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.0454. $$$ Map L10

Salvatore’s—Near-legend status in downtown, this elegant Italian restaurant boasts the talents of owner Raffaella Gangale-Morelli and chef Sergio Di Casale. Cuisine includes penne alla campagnola and salmon alla Borgia. D nightly. All major credit cards. 750 Front St., downtown, 619.544.1865. $$ Map Q15

Sante—Owner Tony Buonsante and chef Bruno Amato oversee this lovely and romantic La Jolla Italian restaurant, where friendly service and excellent Northern Italian cuisine keep the regulars coming. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 7811 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.1315. $$$ Map W19

Scalini—Upscale Northern Italian overlooking the Del Mar polo grounds. Handmade orecchiette, wood oven-roasted meat. Excellent wine list. Piano bar and live entertainment. D nightly. All major credit cards. 3790 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.259.9944. $$$ Map X22

Trattoria Acqua—Italian with a Mediterranean influence. Inventive homemade pasta dishes, seafood and a terrific wine list in an airy French Riviera–like house. L, D daily; Sat./Sun. brunch. All major credit cards, except DS. Coast Walk, 1298 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.0709. $$ Map W19

Trattoria Fantastica—Popular eatery serving Sicilian fare in a casual, trattoria-style setting. Charming patio in back. Specialties include wood-fired pizza and gnocchi. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 1735 India St., Little Italy, 619.234.1735. $$ Map P15

Trattoria I Trulli—Outstanding pasta and magnificent sauces in a rural Italian setting. The creme brulee shouldn't be missed. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 830 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas. 760.943.6800. $$ Map V22

Trattoria La Strada—Authentic Tuscan Italian fare, such as grilled prawns and lamb chops. Ideal people-watching from the sidewalk dining area. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 702 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.234.6538. $$ Map Q16

Trattoria Positano—Delightful Italian restaurant with an ocean view. Seafood pasta and veal ravioli are signature dishes. The bruschetta tomatoes and basil are nothing but fresh, fresh, fresh. L Mon.–Sat.;D nightly. All major credit cards. 2171 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760.632.0111. $$ Map W22

Tutto Mare—Classy, cutting-edge. Oak-burning oven specialties, such as fresh mesquite-grilled seafood and homemade pastas. L Mon.–Fri., D nightly. All major credit cards. 4365 Executive Drive, Golden Triangle, 858.597.1188. $$ Map T21

Vincenzo Ristorante Italiano—With an emphasis on fresh seafood, this Little Italy darling is unpretentious in décor but boasts a great corner spot and excellent food. L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. All major credit cards. 1702 India St., Little Italy, 619.702.6180. $$ Map P15

Vivace—Chef Bruce Logue, formerly of Babbo in Manhattan, executes marvelous Northern Italian cuisine with a California twist at this gorgeous restaurant in the swanky Four Seasons Resort. D nightly. All major credit cards. 7100 Four Seasons Point, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Carlsbad, 760.603.6999. $$$ Map U22

When in Rome—Romance is alive at this villa-like Encinitas favorite. Owner/chefs Joe and Rosemary Ragone make fresh pasta daily and grow their own vegetables. Extensive wine list. D nightly. AE, MC, V. 1108 S. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.944.1771. $$ Map V22