CUCINA urbana

I visited this establishment after discovering it through the Michelin app. My evaluations are informed by more than 15 years of experience dining at fine‑dining restaurants, including establishments awarded one to three Michelin stars. This assessment is not intended to disparage, but rather to provide constructive feedback with the goal of encouraging improvement. The atmosphere and front‑of‑house staff were professional and welcoming. However, the kitchen execution did not meet expectations. The burger was remade three times, yet I was still charged. The first preparation was cold and undercooked. The second preparation was also cold and undercooked. The third preparation was well done and overcooked. Additionally, the beef lacked adequate seasoning. Burger rating: 1.5/5 — not recommended as a burger destination. The meatball was well prepared but would benefit from additional seasoning. Meatball rating: 3.7/5. The fried squash was very good. Fried squash rating: 4.0/5. Following the burger experience, I chose not to order additional items. Atmosphere and setting: 4.5/5 Service: 3.8/5 While I would have been interested in returning to try other menu items, serving an incorrectly prepared dish three times and still charging for it significantly detracts from the overall experience. San Diego offers many excellent dining options. This restaurant has clear potential, but meaningful improvements in kitchen execution would be necessary for it to reach a higher standard.

A very mid experience specifically in regards to the price. Around a $200 meal (including a service charge for two people - we were not made away of until closing out the bill) for the following items photographed. Food was decent but nothing impressive, memorable, or unique. For the price point and many reviews claiming that the food is to par, I wouldn’t recommend. My experience might stem from living in LA and having higher standards for Italian restaurants. The food presentation, taste, and service were all fine but did not live up to expectations and should not be considered for a price point that could provide you a much higher quality meal and experience. Service was decent but coursing and timing of meals could be improved. Ambiance of restaurant could be improved for the price point that they place themselves in. Regarding the specific dishes, nothing was standout outside of the tiramisu - I have never had such a terrible tiramisu, I would never recommend it to anyone.

CUCINA urbana proved to be an excellent restaurant for our gathering of a dozen people! The waitstaff was very patient with all the special requests and questions. The food was excellent and many of the dishes were sharable. (Don't leave without trying the focaccia and the squash blossoms!!). While the restaurant is not cheap "eats", it also is moderately priced for the amount of food you get and the quality! I had the butternut ravioli and the sauce was superb! Friends who preferred vegetarian or lighter options - were not disappointed by the menu. When back in San Diego, I will make a return visit. YUM!

There was good service that evening, the atmosphere around was pleasant. We liked the cocktails. About the food: my pasta was very spicy for me, my husband’s ravioli was very tasty, tiramisu disappointed with its not impregnation.

SERVICE - BAD. It was our anniversary and indicated during reservation. But there was no acknowledgment of this, not even a greeting. I don’t know the name of our server but he had pigtails, tattoos and a big cross and moon necklace. Our server was very pushy for us to order mains, even though we were two minutes into our antipasti. We finally had to tell him we WILL order a pizza and pasta, please let us finish this first. The service was swift but the pushiness was weird. He also didn’t engage in any conversation except when are we ordering the mains. He also didn’t ask us at the end while settling the bill how everything was, a big miss as I would have told him this in person. I did walk up to him after paying the bill and told him about the anniversary part and all he said was Ok. No apologies for the oversight, no acknowledgment still. He did keep glaring at me while I walked out of the restaurant and looked back through the glass window. I would not want to be seated in his section if I return. The apathy was more appalling than his lack of engagement. FOOD - Good. We ordered the Italian chopped salad, Brussel sprouts with hot sauce which were great. The hot sauce deserves a mention of its own. Had red sangria and they were tasty and strong. My husband had two as it was our celebration ;)! For mains we had mushroom goat cheese pizza and bucatini pasta with mushroom substitution. The tiramisu topped off a lovely food evening, but the service was really lacking for a Bib Gourmand.