Our Expert's Take
Fortuna Ristorante Italiano stands out in San Diego’s bustling dining scene, offering an authentic Italian experience that is both comforting and exquisite. The warm welcome from Giuseppe sets the tone for an evening filled with culinary delights, making it a perfect spot for both special occasions and casual outings.
The menu shines with highlights like the artichoke antipasto, which showcases the restaurant's commitment to fresh and high-quality ingredients. Desserts, especially the berry cheesecake, epitomize the sweet finish to a well-crafted meal. With every dish, Fortuna Ristorante Italiano proves that great food and genuine hospitality go hand in hand.
At a Glance
Pros
- Exceptional, welcoming service from staff.
- Delicious and authentic Italian dishes.
- Charming atmosphere perfect for dining with friends or family.
Cons
- Reservations are recommended due to popularity.
- Limited parking options in the area.
What Diners Are Saying
"Fantastic food and the most welcoming atmosphere combined for a lovely evening! Giuseppe greeted us warmly and recommended the most delicious dishes. Definitely enjoy the artichoke as your antipasto, the berry dessert (like cheesecake), and any kind of pasta is excellent! It is hard not to have seconds of the focaccia- made on site was the best we’ve ever had- light, airy, and so tasty. Treat yourself and support an excellent local business!!"- Judy Taylor
"Literally, still sitting at our table as I write this review! Out first time here and definitely won’t be our last. Dropping our daughter off for college and so happy to find this new favorite. Food is beautiful as it is delicious. The staff is incredibly attentive and gracious. Walk, don’t run to this special spot!"- Jennie Hur
"Fortuna is our new go to spot for Italian food! Customer service was excellent as was the food. We started with the bruschetta and the meatballs but didn’t get pictures, we were too excited to start eating. We also got the bolognese tagliatelle, lasagna, campenelle pistachio e gamberi, and the chicken parmesan. Finished off our dinner with the tiramisu which was delicious! We will be coming back for sure! Definitely recommend!"- Xareni Robledo
"Great Italian Food! I found their Eggplant Parmesan and gnocchi to be exquisite! The winner of the evening though was the marinated artichokes! OMG, too good! Make reservations because it was packed. They have adequate outdoor seating with heaters and wind shields but it was still too cold for my Californian blood. Parking can be difficult so don't cut it too close. *** Went back tonight and it was fantastic! The service was amazing. We didn’t have to wait for anything. I made reservations on their website and it worked out great. Our meal was tasty. Very good gnocchi and ravioli. Ended with a mixed berry cake. Thank you for everything ❤️"- Tre' Grisby
"Fortuna is mine and my family’s new favorite restaurant in all of San Diego. The food and atmosphere will transport you to Southern Italy—so fresh and warming and delicious! Everything we’ve eaten here has been lovely, but our favorites have been the Arancini, the Carciofi, the Papardelle al Salmone, and the Campanelle Pistachio e Gamberi. All of their pastas are handmade and excellent, and they even have a vegan menu! Portions are generous and the entrées are very well-priced. Both times, the service was impeccable: the waitstaff is kind, they won’t rush your dinner (but will check up on you throughout the meal), and they’ve even been so sweet as to gift us an appetizer or dessert each time. Truly a must visit—I would highly recommend Fortuna for a beautiful dinner."- sasha moscona
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available?
Parking is limited in the area, so it's best to arrive early or consider ride-sharing.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is casual, but many guests opt for smart casual attire.
What dish should I try first?
Definitely start with the artichoke antipasto; it's a house favorite!