Barbusa

Went with a huge group here and fell in love! Amazing décor and even better food from appetizers to dinner entrées ! Our server was very informative about the menu items and very punctual! Came and checked on us numerous times!! Definitely coming back!!!

It’s really fun to be part of the opening night. Great drinks, great food, great staff. Killer evening. Good luck guys.

Honestly, could not have asked for anything more from a Friday night dinner. From the stunning décor, the incredible food and the attentive staff, to say we were pleased is the understatement of the season. The entire staff, not just our personal server, made sure we knew that they were glad to have us and ensured we had everything we needed at every point during our experience. If the food wasn’t incredibly delicious (which it absolutely is), I would come back for the service and hospitality in itself. The restaurant has a homey feel that you usually do not find which makes the experience extra special. Barbusa has taken my heart and definitely a spot on my top favorite restaurants in San Diego.
We had the Carpaccio, fantastic. Just the right amount of garnish. It was delicate and fresh.
Then we moved to the dish with anchovies, calamari and shrimp, wish I remembered the name! It was super tasty. Succulent shrimp, crispy calamari and delicate anchovies. What more could you ask for?
Our main courses were the pollo and the salmone. For me, the salmone stole the show. It melted in my mouth. All of the different flavors in the dish worked together perfectly and were extremely complementary. It sang.
The chicken was divine. Incredibly moist and succulent. The Calabrian chilies gave it just the perfect amount of heat. We devoured it.
Lastly, we finished with the pana cotta and two glasses of bubbles. I have never had a better pana cotta in my life. They got the texture spot on. It is creamy, yet light. The perfect balance. Topping it with fresh fruit was the cherry on top (pun definitely intended).
Pay them a visit, you won’t regret it!
Salud

You have to come here! My new favorite spot in Little Italy hands down. The food, drinks, ambiance, and service were all fantastic. If you’re looking for authentic Sicilian food in a causal yet classy and hip restaurant with a great vibe you definitely need to check this place out. You will be glad you did!

I went for dinner last night amazing! Finally a place in town that makes pasta with broccoli. It’s my favorite, so much broccoli it was perfect!
The California pizza was new Ive never had it anywhere everyone at the table loved it! I will be back for both of those items and to try more of the menu !

Fabulous dinner at the new Barbusa in little Italy. The menu is fresh and the atmosphere is vibrant yet comfortable… the yellow fin crudo was awesome. The squash blossom appetizer was better than I had imagined!!! There were a number of salads on the menu that all sounded good and the ones we chose did not disappoint (Caesar and arugula). The main courses we had were both wonderful (osso bucco ravioli and the best cioppino I gave had). This is a new restaurant and it was impressive how spot on everything was (I would expect a few glitches being a brand new restaurant but there were none). The staff here is top notch — not only did our waiter tend to us making sure all was ok but as other staff passed by the too would ask how our meal was and if we needed anything. Great spot with great food! We will be coming back time and time again!!!

The ambience is fantastic. This place is great from the people that work there, to the spectacular Sicilian food.
I was hear for a bite to eat at the bar during taste of Italy. The bar tenders made a cocktail with Campari that was balanced with bitter and sweetness!!!
Congrats to this new neighborhood hot spot!
I can tell this is gonna be a hot spot for drinks on a Friday night!

Had my college graduation party here yesterday as a private event. Outstanding food, service, and vibe to this new spot in Little Italy. Will definitely be back again with my friends for dinner and drinks! You have to check it out! Authentic Sicilian food makes you feel like you are in Italy or at Nonnas house for Sunday dinner!

On Sunday, at a private party, I was fortunate to have been treated to food, staff and ambiance that was top notch and reminded me of being in Sicily. We had some traditional items like sfincionello palermitano (small Sicilian pizzas), fritto misto (fried calamari, smelt and whole prawns — so sweet!) and Pasta alla Norma (pasta with a simple tomato sauce, eggplant, grated ricotta salata cheese). But we also ate some items with a modern twist such as spiedini (meat rolls stuffed with herbs, spices, fontina cheese and sopresata) and crispy seafood arancini (rice balls) made with squid ink and stuffed with shrimp.
The menu is extensive and the bar is sleek and well stocked. This Busalacchi family owned restaurant will certainly tantalize your taste buds and is a welcome addition to Little Italy.

Born and raised in Italy, My friends tease me about being the Italian food «Diva».
I luckily got invited to a private event at this great Little Italy Spot. Although the place was not 100% complete, the Food was just like home. They took some dishes that my Mom used to make in Napoli and put a tiny twist on them. I had the pesciolino fritto ‘Fried mixed fish” it was crisp and fresh. I also had the arancini which were out of this world. They were with cuddlefish ink and shrimp stuffing
The wait staff even was accommodating to the party, with there Italian accents I felt like I was in one of my favorite restaurants in Napoli.
if tyour looking for a cool bar fresh ambiance, I strongly recommend Barbusa in Lilttle Italy .
P. S. there beer selection was one of the best in any Italian Bar ive been in.