Cucina Urbana
505 Laurel St. (5th Ave.) 
Send to Phone
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2222 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
cucinaurbana.com
Cucina Urbana Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
| Top 10 San Diego Italian Restaurants
|
 Cucina Urbana Restaurant Review: The space formerly occupied by Laurel has been reinvented into an informal cucina which hosts a pizza bar, communal tables, a wine shop, energetic bar scene and buzzing restaurant. The bohemian setting boasts a giant, colorful grafitti-esque centerpiece painting, and reclaimed metal lighting fixtures. Chef Joe Magnanelli creates a playful menu of savory Italian fare with a California farm-to-table twist, succeeding on many fronts. Bruschetta, salumi and formaggi and polenta boards rotate nightly with savory nibbles to start your culinary journey. Lightly-battered squash blossoms stuffed with herb ricotta stir the palate with their purple basil pesto and cured lemon dressing. Pillowy burrata rests in an artful landscape of rocket, heirlooms and prosciutto. Tender short rib meat dots al dente pappardelle with nuggets of cremini mushrooms for an added earthy hint. A pistachio-caper crust envelops delicate braised black cod, and a pork chop Milanese comes alive with marinated artichokes and the slightly bitter flick of arugula. Artisan pizzas arrive still steaming from the stone oven. The smiling waitstaff provides efficient service. A bottle shop favors affordable Italian and California wines ranging in price from $14 to $50, plus a $7 corkage fee. Infusions like red beet and cucumber vodka make for unique cocktails. |
- Find the Best Restaurants for Breakfast Near You
- 2013 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.
- Shop Amazon Memorial Day Event: Supplies and More!
What's Hot
RESTAURANT AWARDS 2013
Check out the 2013 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., Rising Chefs and more.
