Marisi

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Dream Built on Memory

Marisi takes its name from two people — Marila and Isidoro — whose stories of Italy became the foundation of something very real on Wall Street in La Jolla. As the restaurant puts it, the name captures "the feeling you get from the stories of where they went and what they did long enough ago to be magical." Throughout the space, small, hidden details honor Isidoro's legacy: a man described as strong yet gentle, ambitious yet caring. That spirit quietly shapes everything here.

San Diego Magazine called Marisi "the Italian opening of the year, an obsession" — and went on to name it Best Italian Restaurant for 2025, both Critic's and Reader's Pick. The wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, a fitting complement to a list that moves confidently between Italian producers and California growers.

Italian Hearth Cooking, Made by Hand

The kitchen's commitment is direct: handmade pasta, every day, without exception. The menu draws from across Italy — little-known pasta shapes, whole animal butchery, house-made Limoncello made with Sorrento lemons rested for six months. Ingredients come from farmers, ranchers, and fishermen the team considers responsible partners, and the menu shifts with the seasons.

On the dinner menu, pasta is the clear centerpiece. Duck Lasagna layers duck ragù with duck prosciutto and parmigiano-reggiano. Seafood Bucatini brings together clams, uni butter, white wine, and aleppo breadcrumbs. The Carbonara Bucatini keeps it classical — guanciale, egg yolk, black pepper. From the hearth, a 40 oz Bistecca alla Fiorentina and hearth-roasted bone marrow with calabrian chilis speak to the kitchen's confidence with fire and whole-animal cooking.

Award-winning journalist Jacqui Agate put it plainly: "the best pasta I've tasted outside of Italy."

Beyond Dinner

Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, with dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a braised short rib Italian Dip Sandwich, and Eggs Napolitana. Every Wednesday evening, Marisi offers "Girl Dinner" — a set menu at $45 per person that includes a Marisi Spritz, focaccia, Little Gem caesar, Spicy Rigatoni, and dessert. It's become a fixture.

Private dining is available for groups, and the room carries the same design sensibility as the rest of the space: inspired by the best parts of Italy, without replicating them.