We are proud and excited to introduce Charisma Cucina Italiana, San Diego's new culinary gem!

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a family dinner, Charisma is sure to please even the pickiest eater’s palate. With generous portions, garden-fresh ingredients, and an enthusiastic staff, the quest for authentic Italian food stops here.

Nestled between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue in the heart of Hillcrest, Charisma Cucina Italiana embodies the ideal family-owned Italian restaurant. The quaint eatery is owned and operated by Napoli natives Marco and Gaetano Miranda.

Charisma Ambiance

Restaurant Personal

• Best freaking bruschetta. Trust me. It's amaaaaazing. I have no idea what the Italian names are but the pasta was greaaaat especially the squid ink pasta. Yummmm!

  Mirae D.

• The meat sauce here is like homemade and the servings are large (like Mama would put on your plate!). I had lasagna and the caesar salad, which had a perfect dressing on it, something I don't often find.

  Patty T.

• Yum yum yum. Everything about this place was great. The lentils in rosemary served with bread, instead of boring old butter, were fabulous. I went two friends and we ordered the lamb dish, the pasta special and a seafood pasta.

  Shaina G.

• Absolutely LoVe LoVe LoVe this gem of a restaurant! It's a charming little spot with great patio seating. I've been here a few times now and the food has always been amazing. Fresh, authentic Italian food.

  Ana M.