Italianissimo Trattoria

Excellent authentic Italian food. They are in the revitalized area of Chula Vista, worth visiting. A had eaten there a couple times so we stopped here since we wanted dinner and were in the area. I wish I had a chance to try more of their dishes, so many great things. We tried a couple of their specials and the lamb shank. One of those evenings i really wish I could have eaten more.
Positives
Great selection of dishes
Good service
Good quality of dishes
They do have parking off street but it is very limited
Negatives
Really not much, it may have been the holiday or even us but it was a bit somber and we just didn’t do the dishes justice.
They had blocked off the side exit into the parking lot so it made it hard to exit with my mom’s walker, I went out the front with Q and A had them move everything so he could take my mom from our dining area to the car (instead of bumping past all the other diners to the front exit).
They were very patient with us, we came in for Christmas Eve dinner and we were a party of 3.5… my mother in her walker and our infant, A and I. So it can be hard to seat that kind of group but they treated us very well and didn’t stick us in an awkward corner to keep us out of the way (I wouldn’t have faulted them if they had).
So we ended up taking at least half of our food home as leftovers and the dog ate it, we were so bummed. Just a reason to go again.

Super cute little restaurant with a great menu! I stopped by here for lunch with a coworker and was surprised at how authentic the menu seemed. I only had a salad but my coworker had a chicken alfredo dish that looked delicicious! I’d love to came back for dinner one day to try their extensive menu out.

We were late heading out to dinner, so our regular spots were already crowded. We found ourselves heading south on the 805, not even knowing where we were going to go. Luckily Unilocal listed Italianissimo Trattoria so we decided to throw caution to the wind.
Friendly greeting when we entered. The owner (?) said it would be about 10 minutes for «that table,» a two top near the front. It was going on 9 pm so we were pretty hungry. Apparently, Italianissimo has been around for a long time! This is what happens when you go out of your comfort zone. They have a nice selection of wines and we ordered a very good Malbec. We started with the bruschetta toscana and the warm toasted bread was delicious!
Since this was a new place we were trying, we ordered a pepperoni pizza. I had the the spagetti carbonara and the dining partner had the linguine bolognese. Three staple dishes that can test an Italian restaurant. The pizza crust wasn’t as crisp as I would’ve liked it but the sauce was very good and they use a quality pepperoni. I liked the carbonara, but I compare it to Piacere’s, and the latter is still my favorite. The partner thought the bolognese was delicious and the pasta a perfect al dente.
The service was friendly and when we found out our waiter was from Naples, we asked him a lot of questions about his city. It was a really nice dining experience, especially down in Chula Vista since one wouldn’t think it was an Italian food destination. But I would definitely come back to this warm inviting place if I find myself wandering again.

From start to finish, everything was amazing including our server. I love this restaurant and will be back very soon!

3 ½ stars. Located in downtown Chula Vista, Parking was difficult to locate and I ended up parking in the apartment parking lot behind the restaurant. I got lucky and didn’t get my vehicle towed away!
The interior of the restaurant is beautiful and my waiter greeted me immediately. I ordered a glass of red house wine that paired well with the complimentary bread with olive oil and vinegar.
I began my meal with a organic salad that was freshly good and followed with the lamb shank and pasta entrée. I selected this over the veal and was disappointed I didn’t go with the later. The lamb shank was flat tasting and needed addition of salt seriously.
Overall, my expectations were high but end results — just an average experience, even the waiter didn’t seem to be present consciously and was just going thru the motions.

Stumbled across the amazing Italian restaurant last night with my family. This is now one of my favorite Italian restaurants in San Diego.
When you’re inside, it looks like an authentic Italian restaurant and has a relaxed ambiance. The waiters were phenomenal and delivered excellent service through out the meal. I wish I remembered our waitress’ name, she was very kind, patient, and funny.
Their bread was fresh and clearly home made — it’s a must try. My dad ordered the margarita pizza and I highly recommend trying it because it was one of the best pizzas either of us have tried. I had the linguine with clams and I would definitely get it again. My mom and aunt both had yummy pasta dishes as well.
This restaurant was a pleasant surprise, and I highly recommend if you’re looking for great, authentic Italian food.

A great find in downtown Chula Vista. Great atmosphere for a Christmas Eve dinner with family.
Delightful warm bread. Good products and pricing. Service was outstanding and much of the staff was Italian. Food was excellent. Not on the menu, I ordered veal parmigiana and it was very well executed and presented. Arrabiata sauce was very spicy but so very good.
Definitely going back.

I was really impressed. I am not usually an Italian good person but was really satisfied here. I want to take my family here. The service was awesome. Staff so friendly for the holidays. I am glad my cousin in law told me to meet her here. The desserts melt in your mouth!!! I will definitely be coming here again!

This is my go to Italian spot. As authentic as it gets. My favorite is the clam linguine (sub linguine with angel hair pasta) the clams are fresh and the pasta is made and cooked to perfection. The service is also amazing, they treat you like family and always makes me feel like they appreciate our business (so hard to find now a days) I highly recommend.

We came approximately 1.5 hrs before they closed on a Friday night and they definitely accommodated our group within 10 minutes of arriving. The ambiance of this place is absolutely amazing. Definitely very romantic. Bread is refillable and their service is pretty good. Food takes a while to come out, but the quality is spot on. Highly recommend this place to anyone that’s in the area. Especially if you plan on taking someone special out. Food is absolutely amazing! Best Italian food I have ever had!

This is a cute little romantic spot in DT Chula Vista. People come here to have small intimate meetings. Service is great, constantly making sure you have everything you want.
I really enjoyed the food. The tomato soup was good, but I especially enjoyed the garlic soup. I’ve tried another that I wasn’t such a big fan of. It was some sort of squash pea soup.
Pizzas are perfect! I would come here again just for a pizza. The crust is just the perfect thin and never greasy. I definitely see why this place is usually full. Highly recommended and will be returning.

Such good food and friendly service. Great find in Chula Vista for Italian food, makes me not kiss going to Little Italy.

Looking for authentic Italian food in CV? Psst. Listen up. Yea you. Italianissimo is it! Don’t worry if you can’t spell it. Just GO!
My favorites are the tortellini alla romana and their classic lasagna. *drool* Ohhh the lasagna! You can taste the freshness in every bite! The sauce is not overbearing like other lasagnas I’ve had.
For the quality of food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at their prices. Affordable, affordable, affordable! The service is always outstanding and the servers go out of their way to make your dining experience second to none.
If you prefer quality over quantity, come try this cute little trattoria.

What a pleasant surprise to find a gem in Chula Vista. We ordered the antipasti which had the best marinated/​grilled vegetables ever. The kids shared the Italiansismo pizza which has pepperoni and thinly sliced sausage. My wife had the tortellini which she liked a lot. I ordered the special of the night which was seafood squid ink which was the best I ever had. To end the meal we shared the tiramisu and sauvignon which were both terrific. The only thing that could have been better was the ac but it wasn’t enough to dampen our mood or food.
How could I forget, the service was outstanding. I think one of the owners was our waiter and he suggested the squid ink which again was outstanding.

The service & food were amazing! It was my first time & I would definitely recommend this place to friends & family. If you love pasta, this is the place to be. I had the spaghetti carbonara & my boyfriend had the tortellini alla Romana. Really good dishes!

The second spot we lucked upon that served outstandingly prepared food with exemplary service in an intimate atmosphere was Italianissimo. Here, after I missed the correct turnoff and had to abruptly depart I-​805 South 1 block from the U.S.-Mexico border or else be forced to enter Tijuana without a road map or Mexican auto insurance, smiling staffers were waiting when we finally arrived late for our hastily made dinner reservation, and we were seated immediately. Complimentary crusty bread was a good starter with both oil and balsamic vinegar and butter. And the Chef’s Soup Special of kale, spinach, sausage, carrots, and beans tasted like a refined Pasta Fagioli that was a big cut above traditional Italian peasant fare. As was the rest of our meal!
Speaking of cuts, my chopped Cesare Salad of chopped Romaine was also excellent – enhanced by 4 anchovies for which an upcharge was assessed. A thorough dusting of Parmesan Cheese noticeably enhanced what was already a fine second course.
Then, while Diane savored Tortellini Alla Romana with ham and a cream sauce similar to Alfredo Sauce, I opted for a tummy-​comforting entrée of Vitello Al Mascarpone that was generously bathed in Marsala Sauce. The big portion of large medallions of veal were fork tender, accompanied by perfectly cooked Roasted Potatoes, and smothered with mixed mushrooms. And a side of Spaghetti Carbonara had melting cheese adhering to it, and clinging until it transferred to the throat through eager parted lips.
Our highly competent server Eleonora enhanced our dining experience, and we almost regretted having to depart not long after arriving to head for a fraternity reunion party. Even though the restaurant is situated three towns away from greater San Diego, our meals were memorable enough that we plan to go out of our way to return most times when we are back in the San Diego area. Bön appetito indeed!

Love it here! I was craving authentic Italian and decided to try this place based on the reviews. I went with my boyfriend for an early dinner around 5:30 pm and we were the only customers there.
I ordered the Fettuccine Carmelina and it was so delicious! It was creamy and you can tell how fresh the seafood was! The pepper in the pasta gave the dish a kick. My boyfriend ordered the lamb shank and it was so tender and delicious! The meat literally fell off the bone when he took a slice.
The restaurant started to become busy around 6pm. The waiters were very attentive and provided great service. Also, the restaurant is small, but I love how intimate it is. I’m definitely going back again!

My aunt hosted her career celebration here and we all got to enjoy the back patio during the late afternoon with some drinks and light appetizers.
Sangria. The sangria here comes layered, which you can then mix together. It is definitely a strong mix here and I was feeling the alcoholic effects, even after nursing it for a whole hour. The sangria is also not too sweet, which was very refreshing.
Bruschetta. The bread looked a little burnt when it initially came out, but it was so delicious. The bread was soft, yet sturdy enough to supper the tomatoes. I’ve never had bruschetta without balsamic vinegar, but they somehow succeeded in making this entire dish work.
Pepperoni Pizza. The pizza was just okay. I’ve definitely had better, but it was a good appetizer. I liked that they served the pizza with red pepper flakes to add some spice.
Overall, I would come back to Italianissimo Trattoria if I was in the area. I definitely want to try their pasta dishes sometime.

Class, class, class! Who know there were so many awesome restaurants were in Chula Vista?!
So I show up with Indira, without reservations I must say, and get seated immediately. It was pretty empty for how incredible this place is. The owner and waiters are all Italian which adds to the authenticity of this place. We decided both to stick to water, although they had an extensive wine list. We split a caesar salad (Cesare, $ 7.95) and it was definitely enough for the both of us. Of course bread comes with the meal and was awesome too! Especially with the basaltic vinegar and oil it comes with.
For the main course I ordered the Mafalde Ai Profumi Di Bosco $ 16.50, I have no clue what the name means, just that it tasted wonderful and was a great choice. Indira’s was even better, she ordered the Risotto Marr Monti $ 19.95. There was a plethora of clams and mussels on top of rice and other stuff. Definitely worth the price!
For desert we split the Zabaglione, and each had a cappuccino. The desert was the best thing I’ve had in at least 5 years! I think Indira was having an orgasm across the table but I can’t be sure.
Overall, for a large amount of food and some perfect service, our bill was $ 63.61. One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to and definitely the best service. Be back there next week for sure!

Amazing Italian food found in this little hidden gem in Downtown Chula Vista. I love everything about Italianissimo Trattoria from the ambiance to of course the food. It’s laid-​back and upscale at the same time… quiet, unassuming and cozy. The service is impeccable. I wish I remembered our waitresses name… she was SO sweet, attentive, and informative.
The bread. Ok I know it’s just bread, but it was so damn delicious. We must have shared 3 – 4 baskets. Fresh out of the oven and dipped in olive oil/​balsamic. Omg I could eat that bread all day.
Their menu is extensive. Everything from your ordinary to not so ordinary Italian dishes… they have it! Luckily one of the specials caught my attention right away otherwise it would have taken me forever to order. Everything sounded soooo delicious.
I ordered one of the specials of the day which was tufoli (large tube pasta) stuffed with crab and lobster and topped with marinara and fresh parm. Every bite was like heaven in my mouthhhhhhhhh. SO GOOD!!! Every piece of it was cooked perfectly and the cherry on top was the marinara. So flavorful and fresh. Perfection. My friend ordered the lasagna and he said it was the best lasagna he’s had in a while.
I’ll definitely be back :)