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    Cafe Milano

    4.3 (639 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed • 2:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Cafe Milano Takeout or Delivery

    Cafe Milano Photos

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    CAFE MILANO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Milano

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    Jennifer A.

    Experience the magic of Milano right here in La Jolla With 25+ years of Northern Italian expertise, Executive Chef Cinzia serves up handcrafted pastas, fresh-baked breads, and irresistible sweets made daily with love. Family-friendly, full of flavor, and pasta-tively unforgettable. Come Ala say "Hi" to Owner Pasquale @cafemilanolajolla Love the Gnocchi, Coco pasta, and for sure the tiramisu

    It was the special of the day and it was fantastic. Squash ravioli. This was my husband's. I didn't think he would like it, but he loved it.
    Crissy H.

    My husband was working across the street and he loves pasta so when we got down there today, he wanted to show me this restaurant but we thought it wasn't open. It had just turned 2 o'clock and they were open so we went in and it was just beautiful and the gentleman that owns the place is just a sweetheart. It kind of feels like he's known you forever and he really takes care of you. It was a really good vibe, very welcoming. The food was very good. The desserts were worth every calorie.

    Ricotta ravioli
    Matthew N.

    As soon as I walked into this place, I knew it would be amazing. The vibe, the setup, the decor, the accents. Everything was perfect. Sabrina was an amazing waitress with excellent service, making us feel comfortable. She pointed out the dishes that were their best, both on and off the menu. The food was incredible. I'll post a pic of my ricotta ravioli but we also had lobster raviolis and some other pastas. Good wine selection and the Italian cheesecake was new to us but was the perfect capstone to a perfect meal on a perfect night. Highly recommend this place.

    Dessert
    Natalie M.

    I had the most amazing time here. The food was so good and the service was amazing. Truly an experience. Thank you Evanna.

    Tortellini Milano
    Hannah G.

    Service was amazing. Food was very authentic. The ambience was great, like a little house. Everyone enjoyed their food and the desserts were very creative

    Ashley G.

    Absolute gem!!!!! Milanos caught my dads eye so we stopped in, it was a little before two so the owner was setting up but he welcomed us in with open arms. The man and his wife are absolutely amazing, he's from Italy! Food was delicious but let me tell you, when the owner came out with a giant bowl of his tiramisu cream he was hand making, I was SOLD! I could never eat another cannoli or tiramisu elsewhere it was the creamiest heaven! He adds TOFFEE pieces! Also all kids meals come with Gelato! My dads been to Italy so it's a plus when he finds a good quality place and he was in love! The environment, the owners, the food, ALL of it! Reminded him of being in Chicago. After eating the owner came out to talk with us about his little red fiatt! It's an original from Italy! The owner puts bears in it! And it says on the license place "Italians don't die they just pasta away" the entire place represents family, good quality food and service, and that's what restaurants should be about!

    Fettuccini Mare e Monte

    Lovely restaurant with great service. We ordered Fettuccine Alfredo which was perfect -not too greasy like some other places. Fettuccini Mare e Monte (salmon) was also very good. The ambiance is very nice room with a pianist and cute decor. The servers were outgoing and friendly.

    Best tiramisu ever.
    kim l.

    Service is great. Best tiramisu ever; it's amazingly delicious. I would drive over an hour for this tiramisu.

    Special of the day : lobster ravioli
    Leslie B.

    My cousin had passed by Cafe Milano numerous times, and so she and I decided to go. We checked the website and learned that the restaurant was open until 10:00 on Tuesdays, so we headed over there around 8:00. The small outdoor area was adoroble and we were greeted by a bright entryway and a sign that said Benvenuti. When we walked in, the interior was colorful and bright as well, and it had a classy, yet quaint ambiance. I liked it already. I would say that the restaurant was about half-full at the time, but most of the customers finishing their meals or on their way out the door. We were promptly and warmly greeted and seated. The staff was all Italian. I asked it it was a family run business, but our server said, "No, just friends". However, it felt like a family. We were informed that they were known for their handmade pasta, and we were provided with a description of the specials for the night. We started with the calamari and a bottle of Chianti Riserva. The wine was great... they had a lot of options. The calami was just OK in my opinion, I felt that it was a bit too breaded and bland for my taste. My cousin chose the lobster ravioli and I chose the Tortellini Milano ( with prosciutto and peas). The pasta courses were excellent, and rather generous. Toward the end of the meal, my cousin had a hankering for dessert. We were then told that they "really" close at 9PM and that our server was leaving, but that we could stay. I was a little taken aback and felt ready to leave, but my cousin pushed on, and we shared a tiramisu. We were the last of the customers that night. The staff member who stayed with us was kind and did not rush us, but I feel that if the website says 10 and your customers want dessert, you should not tell us that the restaurant closes at 9. All in all, a delicious meal and a generally positive experience.

    Having a bear of a  time in traffic, let's get Cafe Milano delivered!
    Carol F.

    Just so delicious, the bread, yes even the bread is so good! This place is the real deal. When I order lunch I'm unable to get a glass of wine because I am working. I'm hoping to stop by after work to relax and have a glass, will update on that later.

    Eggplant Lasagna

    Just found this place and we are so glad that we did. We were seated and served by Pasquale, the owner. Huge menu with great descriptions. We had the Mozarella Caprese as an appetizer, along with bread, made daily, onsite. They had several specials to offer. My husband went for the Eggplant Lasagna and I went with the Pollo Francese. My husband's was gone in no time and playfully, Pasquale asked what happened . Dessert was Tiramisu, Cannoli's and cheesecake. We had a glass of Moscato with our dessert and definitely plan to return

    tiramisu

    4th times a charm i love it here! the staff care , truly , authentic italian food handmade in the back kitchen del bosco is my favorite salad the balsamic vinegrette is the best for the warm bread comfortable homey atmosphere with live piano and yellow walls , such a pleasure

    This is the cioppino special
    Enrique G.

    Gotta this place... Feel @ home being taken care of as if your Nana was. The food is Homey, the service is amazing and the prices are from Last decade. That is why it is Always full! Keep it up

    Cannolis and limoncello flute

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    2 months ago

    The cafe was great we will go back often. Can't say enough good things about food great staff great ambiance great

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    Server was bad, food was worse! Don't let the cute ambiance fool you this place is bad Italian!

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    Page 1 of 16

    Ask the Community - Cafe Milano

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    This was more than dinner. It was an experience…read more We sat tucked away in a little corner that honestly felt like we were having dinner in someone's grandmother's house, and I mean that in the BEST way possible. Cozy, warm, intimate and welcoming. And the FOOD?! I was convinced somebody's Italian grandmother had to be downstairs hand making that pasta because there was no other explanation. I had the lobster ravioli and started with the bruschetta tostada. Everything was absolutely chef's kiss. Fresh, flavorful and tasted like it was made with love. But what made the experience even better was our waiter, Mauricio! He was simply amazing. He genuinely took care of us, shared the story of the restaurant and talked about how much he enjoyed working there. And you could tell. It showed in the way he treated us and the attention he gave throughout the entire meal. Great food is one thing. Great food paired with genuine hospitality is something completely different. I will DEFINITELY be back the next time I'm in San Diego. If you're looking for homemade pasta, amazing food and that warm family feel, put this place on your list. You will not be disappointed.

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    This restaurant will forever hold a special place in my heart as it's where we ate the night we got…read moreengaged on the beach in Ocean Beach. The original plan was to go to the beach for sunset, get engaged and celebrate at Cesarina but the parking gods were not in our favor and we had to go to dinner first. I thought my now-husband was acting strange, especially when we asked at the end of dinner if I wanted to go to the beach in the dark still. But first, we enjoyed a delicious dinner here and have been back several times since. I loved the lumache (curved tube) pasta with tartufona (mascarpone and truffle sauce) and my soon-to-fiance loved the pappardelle with the norma sauce and added burrata. The complimentary bread was a perfect starter and a great way to soak up the sauce. For me, as a light eater, it was plenty of 2 meals, which makes the $30+ price tag per dish slightly more reasonable. This is definitely a special occasion and not a regular night our kind of restaurant but it will be staying in our rotation indefinitely.

    Food is good , owner / Management Not so much . At least…read morethey are upfront and print it on the menu On top of your check they will impose a 5% FEE for wages but it is optional and you have to request it to be removed. This is a business where you set the price for what you're selling and wages are figured into that price. So I ask the wait staff should I request the 5% to be removed and tip the normal 18% plus or leave the 5% the restaurant added for your competive wage and NO TIP . Tips are marit based and not assumed , wait staff are hired to take orders , bring orders when ready and drinks that is not above and beyond that's the job they accepted.

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    SiAmo Napoli makes you feel like you're in an Italian restaurant in Naples! Owners Flavio and…read moreGiovanni Piromallo are welcoming, and ensure outstanding service and a wonderful experience! I have come back many times, and have been delighted each time! SiAmo Napoli is a Michelin Guide restaurant that features special selections from Italian Chef Alfonso and family recipes of traditional food from Napoli, including homemade pastas, and daily specials! Flavio can handmake personal-favorite, off-menu Italian cuisine on request (tip: ask for Grigliata di pesce - grilled seafood platter, Osso Buco - tender and flavorful, Fettuccine Carbonara, Lobster ravioli in pink sauce, or Fettuccini Alfredo with scallops and shrimp). Superb! Very delicious Lasagna della Nonna, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina or Campagnola, Cioppino di Positano - salmon, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a light tomato broth, Salmone allo Zafferano - fresh salmon filet, Spigola dello Chef - very light fresh Branzino/Sea Bass, Pappardelle con il Ragù d'Agnello - flavorful, Cabernet-infused pasta with mild, slow-braised lamb, and Bistecca. SiAmo Napoli specializes in scrumptious Neapolitan Pizza and Calzone from their wood-fired oven, such as Margherita, spicy Piccante, and Contadina with homemade fennel sausage. Antipasti are all tasty, especially Calamari - cooked perfectly and Carciofi Saltati - Artichokes. Fresh Italian bread, and a nice selection of wines. Refreshing traditional Aperol Spritz, Limoncello, Port, coffee drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails, such as: passionfruit, lime, mint, and soda. Very delicious homemade desserts, including: Tiramisu, Cannoli, Nutella Cheesecake, Pistacchio Cheesecake, Limoncello Cake, and Tartufo - Hazelnut and Chocolate Gelato! Inside and outside seating. Friendly, attentive staff and service - tell your server how quickly you'd like your main course served! On-street parking, and free garage parking in back using a QR code at the hostess check-in. Their motto is well-chosen: "Come as guests, leave as family." Delightful!

    Great date night spot! Will be back again!…read more Food: 5/5 everything single bit was delicious. Incredibly fresh, unique flavors while highlighting traditional Napoli cuisine. One of the better meals I've had in a long time. Service: 5/5 very welcoming, attentive and placed our courses perfectly. Got a complimentary cheesecake as we're celebrating our anniversary. Ambiance: 5/5 so very Italian in the best way. Clean, well ventilated and airy while also being romantic.

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    One of the best Italian places in San Diego I've tried so far! I've noticed this place is always…read morevery popular, and it lives up to the hype. Service is good; the servers are very enthusiastic about recommendations. They seem to tend to make small talk in case that's not your style. They are very attentive with checking in and clearing plates. Food: 1. Artichoke special - Delicious, super rich and a little sour. Comes with 3 big hearts/stems, olives, and parm. 2. Caprese - They use an excellent quality burrata. Rich and milky and paired great with their heirloom tomatoes. 3. Squid ink pasta - Lots of fresh seafood. Light tomato sauce for those who aren't into cream sauce. 4. Pumpkin mushroom lasagna special - Don't be discouraged by the pumpkin, the flavor is very mild. Adds the barest hint of sweetness. Very cheesy, overall a solid lasagna. 5. Ear pasta with sausage - Came highly recommended as one of their most popular items. I loved it! It's like a combo sausage pizza in pasta form, and I say this very positively. I love the crunchy broccoli pieces which add a different texture and some sweetness. The cream sauce is super savory and not terribly heavy. The sausage has a fennel flavor which some might not be for everyone but I was a fan. 6. Osobucco with mushroom tagliatelle - Well executed. the osobucco is just slightly on the milder side. The tagliatelle was also delicious, a nice light cream sauce with lots of umami mushroom flavor. The only negative to me was the bread. A little dry, not served very hot. They make all their pasta fresh in house which is a nice plus. Overall a great meal. Definitely recommend as a nice date night place, and you can watch the gorgeous sunset views or walk around the streets of South Park after.

    Tried it again after a couple years went by and it's still pretty good…read more The gnocchi again I we good but not the best but one of the better ones in San Diego. Their carbonara is good as well. Went here for a birthday and it was nice. They have a corkage fee is $18 for the first two bottles and then it does up to $23 I think they said. But it's nice. Definetly worth trying out. Small little place but nice.

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    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!

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    Cafe Milano - italian - Updated October 2026

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