LAVO Italian Restaurant

"LOVEEEE this place!!! Best Italian food. I came here for my birthday dinner and the whole experience was great. The dinner, the dessert, and the drinks. I would go once at least once a week if I could. It is on 5th Ave so parking is a little annoying, but the food is worth the struggle. I feel the aesthetic of the restaurant fits UTC more than downtown. They also have a location in Vegas! It is best to make a reservation, otherwise it may be booked for the night and you’ll have to be seated at the bar."

"I recently had the opportunity to dine at LAVO Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego and overall, it was a decent experience. The restaurant is conveniently located in a prime area, easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. The ambience of the place is truly remarkable, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. As for the food, there were hits and misses. One standout dish that deserves recognition is their arancini balls. These crispy, golden rice balls stuffed with cheesy goodness were simply delectable. The flavors were well-balanced and the texture was spot-on. The bread served at LAVO is also worth mentioning. It was fresh, warm, and accompanied by a tasty olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. The bread alone set a promising tone for the meal. Unfortunately, the mushroom pasta fell short of expectations. The flavors lacked depth and the mushrooms seemed bland. It was truly a disappointment, especially considering the reputation of Italian cuisine and the prices charged at LAVO. Similarly, the eggplant parmigiano failed to impress. The dish lacked the rich flavors and cheesy goodness that one would expect. It felt rather ordinary and uninspired. On a positive note, the service at LAVO was quick and efficient. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring a smooth dining experience. Additionally, the presentation of the dishes was impeccable, adding a touch of elegance to the overall dining experience. While LAVO Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego has its ups and downs, the delightful ambience, quick service, and appealing presentation make it a decent choice for an evening out. Just be cautious when ordering the mushroom pasta or the eggplant parmigiano, and you'll appreciate the highlights of this establishment."

"Great Italian food! You can have fine dining late at night, fresh pasta and great service…don’t leave without trying the cannoli! Worth spending time finding parking"

"Food and drinks were great, especially the spaghetti and cheesecake. Service was hit or miss on whether they got your order correct (or forgot certain things) but everyone was friendly."

"Dined here on a Saturday night with friends. The ambiance is nice, and the noise level is loud. It's hard to have a conversation with people across the table. Service was good. I can't remember his name, but he checked up on us and made sure we were good. Food: 8 oz Filet with mushrooms My friends had the salmon, Reginette Seafood Alfredo, Rigatoni Alla Nona, Parpadelle Bolognese, Tiramisu, and Cannoli. Everyone enjoyed their dish, but for me, the steak was ok. I should've ordered something else. It was tender, though. Overall, I'd return when I visit SD again."