Lorna's Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in San Diego

Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass.

We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego (Yes, I’ve been to Italy and I’ve had lots of Italian food in SD). They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected Based on the reviews, I was excited to try this restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good experience. They sat us in the back in the corner by the kitchen. We ordered a glass of wine and it was in a water glass? That’s first time drinking wine from a water glass.

We ordered a bruschetta. It was very garlicky and way too much balsamic vinaigrette. We also ordered several pasta dishes. My son didn’t even eat his linguine with meat sauce after one bite. I got clam with linguine. The texture was hard and no flavor at all. Clams were from a can which obviously wasn’t fresh. I told the waiter about it. He took my pasta to the kitchen and modified it. It turned out to be salty, spicy and a bit sour. I couldn’t eat it at all. By far, that’s the worst Italian food I’ve had in San Diego. They seem pretty busy though so maybe we ordered wrong dishes? I expected more for the price of the dishes.

I’m giving a star for the waiter’s service trying to make my pasta...

Ok I was a bit apprehensive about this spot, because when you pull into the parking lot the restaurant comes off as a end cap corner cafe spot. But as we walked up to the establishment it is far from that. The dining area is larger than what it looks like inside then from standing outside. Over all lay out, has outside dining with heater units above the tables, inside is what makes the experience very inviting, warm, and cozy. The floor lay out is tight, tables are fairly close to each other but just enough space between other parties and yourself to enjoy. Music is played softly over head to drown out conversations going on. Although a full house and every table has seat occupied the vibe inside is still relaxing. The waiters are very attentive, calm and reassuring that your experience will be well worth it. The portion amount served per, anti pasta, main courses have a satisfying amount of food maybe even enough to share. The dessert menu has just enough choices to choose from that it makes a bit tough to pick one. The serving sizes are fairly big enough to possibly share as well. I ordered a slice of New York cheese cake with Italian ice cream. Between the two desserts the taste was okay, but nothing over the top. The cheese cake was whippy, and the ice cream was a bit creamy, but non the less still enjoyable. Over all experience was pleasant and I...

It takes a hidden gem like this to leave a review, as 5 star reviews are thrown around too easily these days. I have not left food review for a long time and after 5 visits, this place deserves it for consistency in taste, portion and service. I wish I can give 6 stars. Best fried CALAMARI in town. Meaty squid inside which is cooked to perfection, not too firm not too soft. With light bread coating outside. These rings remind onion rings because of size. Huge portions. Picture posted is when I had about last 1/5 left. Marinara sauce was warm and delicious as well. Usually go with seafood pasta for entree which you can’t go wrong but I tried Sicilian pizza this time and it was a delight. Crust baked to perfection. A lot of fresh meat and cheese on top. Service was very timely and staff was very friendly. Different waiters checked on me at different times for needs which provides faster service. Also owner/manager? checked on me too which made me feel valued. Whole atmosphere just feels like you are invited to an authentic Italian family dinner. My only wish is that my picture taking was better as these two pictures do not encapsulate what a fine dining experience this...