Barbusa — Restaurant in San Diego

One of my favorite Italian restaurants in all of San Diego. They specialize in Sicilian cuisine and they are located in the busiest part of the Little Italy right on India Street. This area is extremely lively so it can be quite fun to sit outside and watch all the people walking by, which is where we sat for our Saturday dinner. Inside is also quite large and well done and it can get quite noisy and very lively. The dress code is casual, but I would go more with a business casual. The crowd here tends to skew on the younger side, and I would classify it as a hip and trendy spot. Parking is probably the most difficult part of dining here, they have a valet in front, but sometimes that can get full. There are paid garages and paid street parking in the area, but we were actually able to find a space right on the street a block away in front of Mona Lisa so we got very lucky. Just plan to come early and circle the block and if you can’t find anything after two trips, then just do valet or a pay lot. Our server was very polite however it took quite some time for him to come over and get our drink order when we first sat down. Aside from that everything that we ordered came out very fast.

We were a party of four so we ordered many different things for the table. One of the starters that we chose was the Polenta which was very good. The ragu with it really added to the flavors and was a light and tasty start to the meal. My second favorite was the Beef Carpaccio, which was very light and refreshing and perfectly thin like I like it. My favorite appetizer was the Roasted Bone Marrow and thought it was great with the peppers that they put on the bread that came with it. For my dinner I chose the Bolognese Al Forno and thought it was wonderful. It’s a very dense pasta with heavy meat flavors and you certainly won’t be hungry after finishing it. I wish there would’ve been a lighter component with it as it kind of started tasting the same once I got halfway through it, but still enjoyed it. We also ordered the Gnocchi for the table and it was a real hit. They were perfectly soft and the pesto flavor was wonderful with it.

Overall, a fantastic Sicilian option in San Diego in one of the most fun parts of the city. I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area or to anyone visiting San Diego. I have already been a few times and plan to be back many more...

Barbusa in San Diego is a culinary gem that never fails to impress. The Carpaccio, a delicate dish of thinly sliced beef, is an absolute delight. The meat is tender, almost melting in your mouth, while the accompanying flavors of lemon, capers, and Parmesan add a zesty and tangy dimension. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that leaves you wanting more.

As for the Campanelline with truffles, it's a pasta dish that elevates simplicity to perfection. The campanelline pasta, shaped like little bells, is cooked to a perfect al dente consistency. The truffle-infused sauce is rich and earthy, coating each pasta bell with a luxurious flavor. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan, adding a salty and nutty note. Every bite is a symphony of indulgence.

What sets Barbusa apart is not just the exceptional quality of the dishes but also the attention to detail in presentation. Each plate is a work of art, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients. The ambiance of the restaurant is inviting, with a warm and contemporary decor that adds to the overall dining experience.

The service at Barbusa is impeccable, with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the menu. They are more than willing to offer recommendations and provide insights into the culinary creations. The staff's enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring a memorable dining experience truly sets Barbusa apart.

If you're a food lover in San Diego, Barbusa is a must-visit. Whether you're a fan of the Carpaccio's delicate flavors or the Campanelline with truffles' decadence, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of culinary excellence. Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors, the ambiance, and the impeccable service. Barbusa is a true gem in San Diego's...

It was a perfect ensemble of food, drinks and ambience.

First, I loved how everything was so fast-paced. Serving was super fast(one of the fastest I’ve experienced here in the US) and our server Caitlin was very professional, checking on us frequently.

The food was undoubtedly amazing. We got their signature Granchio pasta. The sauce had a rich blue crab flavor and pasta was cooked to perfection. I scraped all the sauce and every bite was enjoyable with great texture. Big chunks of crab meat and large portion. We also got the Chicken Scarpariello just because it was Thanksgiving. It’s not their ‘main’ dish but still was pretty good. The chicken was very juicy and went really well with the gravy and mashed potato sauce. The Carpaccio Di Tonno (ahi tuna) was very fresh and its sweet & spicy sauce with jalapeños boosted our appetite. Lots of people ordered the pesto gnocchi and short ribs lasagna. Def would come back to try those out.

Great drinks too. We got ‘Smell the Roses’ (bourbon) and ‘Busa-Likey’ (tequila). Both were very flavorful and tasty.

It says ‘business casual’ on OpenTable but it was more of a chill casual vibe than being super fancy. I saw several people with hoodies and T-shirts. Music was a little loud but I think that’s how they want it to keep the place casual. I personally think it could also have a very elegant vibe with calm music. Probably not like a quiet/gentle date night vibe.

Cute Christmas decors, reasonable price for the quality of food and service, located in the center of Little Italy, all these made us wanna come back again soon. Street parking around the block, not too hard to...