Parma Cucina Italiana is a Northern Italian restaurant at 3850 Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest, one of San Diego’s liveliest dining neighborhoods. Locals and visitors come for handmade pasta, generous portions and a warm room that suits date nights and group dinners alike. It holds a 4.7 rating across more than 1,200 reviews on Tripadvisor.
Pasta drives the menu. The lasagna comes up again and again in reviews, with diners describing a towering, layered slice that some call the best they have eaten. Expect classic Northern Italian plates built around rich sauces and fresh noodles. Reviewers on Yelp consistently note attentive, welcoming service and food that “never disappoints.”
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
According to OpenTable, Parma’s hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 4:00–9:00 pm
- Friday: 4:00–9:30 pm
- Saturday: 12:00–9:30 pm
- Sunday: 12:00–9:00 pm
Planning tips:
- Reservations: Book ahead on OpenTable for Friday and Saturday evenings, when tables fill quickly.
- Quieter visits: Weekend lunch or an early weeknight seating usually means a calmer room.
- Happy hour: The restaurant runs one, a good fit for a lighter, lower-cost visit.
- Takeout: Call (619) 543-0049 or order through Grubhub.
- Getting there: Street parking in Hillcrest is metered and tight, so rideshare or MTS buses along Fifth Avenue are easier options.
- Nearby: Balboa Park is a short drive or long walk south, making Parma a convenient dinner stop after a museum day.
