Cucina Basilico

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
+1 858-874-6436
$$$ Italian restaurant
(637 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego, look no further than Cucina Basilico. Nestled conveniently at 3755 Murphy Canyon Rd, this cozy gem is more than just a dining destination; it’s a culinary journey that brings the flavors of Italy right to your plate.

Upon stepping into Cucina Basilico, you’ll be enveloped by a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a true Italian trattoria. The ambiance is relaxed and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends. The decor hints at rustic charm, complemented by attentive service that makes every guest feel special.

When it comes to the menu, Cucina Basilico shines with a diverse selection that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Start your meal with one of their exquisite salads like the Insalata di Barbabietola, featuring a delightful mix of fresh salad greens topped with roasted red beets, tangy goat cheese, and chives, all drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction for just $10.95. If you're seeking something heartier, the Insalata di Salmone brings forth the flavors of the Pacific with a wild-caught salmon filet, complemented by cherry tomatoes and capers in a zesty lemon dressing ($14.95). Each salad is designed not just to satisfy your hunger, but to elevate your dining experience through fresh, quality ingredients.

The pièce de résistance at Cucina Basilico is undeniably their homemade pasta, which lives up to the restaurant's promise of being made fresh on-site. Indulge in the Ragu’ alla Bolognese, a family recipe that captures the essence of authentic Italian comfort food at $12.95, or try the Pesto Basil pasta that perfectly blends basil, walnuts, and tangy cheeses ($11.95). Each dish bursts with flavor, and you can really taste the care that goes into making their pasta. Diners rave about the Polpette, where tender, savory meatballs capture the heart of Italy with every hearty bite.

The sandwich selection, known as Piadine, also deserves a mention. The Mortadella Pictacio, featuring rich mortadella, provolone cheese, and their unique pestomayo, is a delightful treat at just $9.95, ideal for a light lunch or a quick bite. Meanwhile, the Pollp sandwich wraps crispy bacon and chicken breast together for a satisfying crunch and flavor explosion that will surely leave you yearning for more ($12.95).

Don’t just take our word for it—customers rave about their experiences, praising the overall vibe and exceptional food. Matthew Gould highlighted the homemade pasta and delicious desserts that make every visit special. Gabriela Verendia called it “absolutely fantastic,” mentioning that every dish surpasses expectations. Robert Young, a traveler from LA, noted that it's always a point of interest to dine at Cucina Basilico due to their authentic offerings and attentive staff. Such glowing reviews reflect the commitment of Cucina Basilico to deliver a genuinely memorable gastronomic experience.

In summary, Cucina Basilico encapsulates the essence of Italian dining with its fresh ingredients, homemade dishes, and friendly service. Whether you're a San Diego local or just passing through, this restaurant is not to be missed. Indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you satisfied and coming back for more!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Saturday

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Sunday

04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

637 Reviews
Matthew Gould

19 Oct 2025

Great pasta! Awesome dessert. The pasta was homemade and is different each visit. The special was delicious.

Christian Settlemier

19 Sep 2025

Brilliant meal, excellent service. Choice of homemade pastas with variety of sauces and proteins. Perfectly easy for a group to customize the dish each would like, and each combination we tried was excellent. Understated sophistication in the service, really great experience. No question we'll be back.

Gabriela Verendia

11 Sep 2025

Absolutely FANTASTIC! A hole-in-the-wall, cozy Italian restaurant that knocks every dish out of the park. The quality and flavor behind their dishes is phenomenal and puts them far ahead of many Italian spots in town.

Robert Young

04 Sep 2025

My wife and I always make it a point to eat at Cucina Basilico when we visit from LA. Between the amazing, authentic Italian food and awesome, attentive staff, it's hard to go wrong here. I'd suggest the Norcina with gnnochi, but everything I've tried has been delicious. Give this place a try, you won't be disappointed.

Cam Hill

21 Aug 2025

Absolute tip-top Italian food in SD. Pasta is fresh and handmade. Bruschetta was outstanding as an appetizer! I had the Polpette pasta was phenomenal, we also had the Pesto pasta with chicken and you can, with all of these dishes, taste the freshness in every bite. Every time I come here I leave with a full appetite and a smile on my face. 10/10 would recommend

Rafy Juan

01 Aug 2025

Pasta plates are the best in San Diego (in my opinion). Love the super alfredo sauce. They make their pasta fresh from scratch every day!! Small but cozy restaurant. This is my go-to restaurant for my birthday, I love coming back to this restaurant.

Joni Sanders

27 Jul 2025

We were visiting from Louisiana. Search my map for an Italian restaurant. Found Cucina Basilico at the next turn. It was a great choice. Very friendly, explained about the difference in their pasta. Food was served in a reasonable amount of time and was delicious! Would recommend stopping by. Great food for a hole in the wall family restaurant.

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