Catania

One of my top 3 favorite restaurants in San Diego. Excellent visible kitchen and cozy ambience, low ceilings, dimmed lighting, and 3rd floor ocean view. Central village location and super yummy kitchen. Duck orechiette is their signature dish and simply addicting. Great bar dining experience both inside and outside, and their cocktails are among the best in San Diego.

Our visit got off to a rough start when our reservation was not processed. The hostess could have handled it better but she did find us a table. Our server, Mike, was friendly and knowledgeable. He made very good recommendations. The food was very well prepared and presented. Loved the homemade pasta. I think our server was spread a little thin. Saw him behind the bar too. Still, I'm glad we tried this place.

Got a ton of food and drinks. Staff was a bit off (I get it, my girlfriend and I look younger than we are) so we got a lot of slack about drinks. After we got it all worked out food was amazing, views were fantastic. Only negative is after having one of their mixed drinks we asked to double check our drink because for ordering a double (in the drink) it still didn't smell or taste like anything was in there. Having worked in a bar before I thought maybe they were pulling a fast one (make the drink, put no alcohol in it and then charge us for the full amount). We ordered a shot separate from the drink so we could compare the smell and taste. The shot cost us more than the drink itself. After having some of the shot I challenged the server about the situation. Asked to speak to a manager and they mentioned there was no manager on duty. So we paid our tab and left. However, outside of this situation it was still an amazing menu. May go again, may not. Not sure.

Last night our group of 8 met over a fabulous dining experience at Catania. The service, food and ambiance could not have made for a more delightful evening with family and friends. The roasted cauliflower appetizer was a hit; along with the roasted chicken, individual pizzas, butternut ravioli and shrimp risotto. The complex flavors of all the dishes were applauded by all. Thank you, Catania, for your efforts!

Parking... Is awful! There's a nice little outside seating. Food is delicious! I had the shrimp and octopus grill and it was added on top of some couscous. A very well balanced lunch that was not too heavy. As for appetizers, we had crispy calamari and baked cauliflower; both were amazing!