Vigilucci’s Ristorante La Jolla

This restaurant is no longer here.

I have only been here once but I loved the one time I was there. I was actually looking for a place to have a graduation lunch with my family and close friends. While driving to a place where we had reservations, we switched to this place because of the outdoor patio on that beautiful day.
The service was amazing and they were very accommodating to such a large party.
The food was great. Everyone was very happy with what we ordered and we all shared a ton of desserts.
Couldn’t have asked for a better experience on such a special day!

Came here for my 22^nd birthday, so you would think I would remember the place well, but I don’t. It wasn’t a memorable experience.
I understand the difficulty of birthdays if it is a large party, but I only came with four other girls. Maybe that was the problem? I guess four younger girls in Downtown La Jolla means you’re going to get ignored.
The service was extremely slow, even though it was a weekday and there were empty tables all around us; it took a really long time just to waive down our server to get our check.
And the food? I don’t even remember what we ate, but I think not remembering your meal on your own birthday dinner shows that i’ll never be coming back.

This a great place for happy hour! My Sister and I have made it a ritual of having Sister Sundays to watch the games on the many TV’s at the bar and catch up. It seem this place is busy during the day, but less crowded at night. We are always treated like VIPs no matter who is working the Bar and though we usually order may item off the Happy Hour, the regular menu looks tasty too.
This is a nice place if you would like a quite romantic dinner or a relaxing place to catch up with friends.
The only con is some of the dishes don’t taste the same every time, and last time we got the steak skewers, they were a strange color pink? It might have just been me being picky, but I like consistency in flavor.
For the most part this place has good ambiance, attentive staff, and a good red wine at happy hour;) Enjoy

We went for lunch and the had one server for 30 customers, not her fault but the service sucked, it took them half an Hour to bring a drink, another half an hour for a Salad and about 45 minutes for a very dry tasteless fish. The did not even bring a spoon for my daughters pasta that also was bland and tasteless.
Overall a very mediocre lunch with very slow service they took 1 ½ hours to bring the main course after we ordered and this was lunch. They never filed up my Ice-​Tea, I had to go and get the Cheese myself, and they never brought extra marinara sauce for my daughters pasta.
Again it’s not the servers problem, the manager has only one employee for the whole place, a sign that this place went down hill. Paid 100 dlls for a horrible lunch and I ended up leaving most of my fish because it was mushy and had a bad smell.

This cute and classy restaurant is located right about forever fondue. It has indoor and outdoor seating.
The outdoor seating was so cute and romantic! There was heating everywhere so I was very warm the entire night.
I went on a weekday so the restaurant was close to emtpy! It was as if I had the whole restaurant and service to myself hehee
Their complimentary bread was so warm and delicioussss! for starters, I ordered their fried calamari which came with a mix of fried shrimp and a tomato sauce on the side. YUMMY: D The waiter recommended the rotari champagne. It was super delicious with the
grigliata mista that I ordered as my main course (basically It was a giant plate of seafood!).
The grigliata mista was a bit underseasoned… but other than that, everything else was super delightful! And their service was great!

We wandered into this restaurant looking for somewhere nicer to eat on a gorgeous Wednesday night. I haven’t seen my friend in 2 years, and we just wanted to catch up and enjoy good food and pleasant ambiance. Well, this place was exactly what we needed: charming, classy, tasteful, and even with live music — we couldn’t ask for more.
We’ve asked for specialties and decided to go with the waiter’s recommendation: grilled sea bass (today’s catch) and salmon with sea salad. The food was excellent, but I must say that mashed potatoes were lukewarm, which was a bit disappointing.
The owner of the restaurant made his rounds asking about how everyone was enjoying their food, but unfortunately he didn’t offer us free desserts. Nevertheless, we tried their crème brûlée, which was very decent, indeed! We ended up thoroughly enjoying the night, so thank, Vigilucci’s!

Where do I start with this place… I have been here before and the food was good not great and the service was ok.
I recently went back, made a reservation as always to make sure I don’t have to wait around. When we got there, I had to wait an extra twenty minutes to get my table, the waiter also took him time when coming over to great us.
He was not pleasant, we felt rushed the whole evening.
I ordered a glass of wine that took 20 minutes to get to me, the shrimp I added to my pasta dish didn’t bother to show up in my meal and to to it all off they had the audacity to charge me for it, until i made a point that I wasn’t going to pay for something I didn’t get.
All in all wasn’t thrilled and wont be coming back in anytime in the near future.
My quest goes on for a good Italian restaurant in San Diego…
Service is key and delivery of it is much more vital.
Enjoy
The Critic.

This restaurant is located on the second floor in downtown La Jolla and comes with an elegant ambiance, great service, delicious foods and a live guitarist.
We started off with the Bruschetta con Prosciutto e Bufala and those were absolutely delicious. The basil was aromatic and the buffalo mozarella was mildly savory. All the ingredients popped with delightful flavors.
I ordered the Capesante ai Pomodorini Secchi entrée and that’s a definite 5 sporks rating. Huge diver scallops perfectly seared atop risotto cakes with a hint of cajun. Divine!
My date ordered the Pollo Ripieno which is stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce. Yum! I had a bite and the chicken was moist and seasoned well.
Overall, classy ambiance with friendly, but somewhat slow service for a week night. A bit pricey, but very tasty food! Recommend for date night!

We picked this restaurant basically because it’s open during the much neglected hours between lunch and dinner, which is when we wake up and want to eat on weekends. We had a nice table on the patio, although the chairs they use are too big for the amount of space they have.
I ordered the pappardelle with mushrooms and scallops. The pasta itself was cooked too long and the sauce was too strong.
The scallops, although not rotten, were horrible. This is probably the first time that I have not enjoyed scallops that weren’t actually spoiled.
My girlfriend had chicken marsala which was covered in mushrooms that were about 90% wine with a side of spaghetti aglio e olio that I think they must have spilled a shaker of salt onto.
The owner and the waiters may be from Italy, but the food isn’t.

We came here on a whim for a nice lunch yesterday.
We were seated quickly, the place was empty except for the patio. We sat near the patio at an inside table. It took a while to get service, the manager (older gentleman with white hair and an accent) was yelling at the hostess/​waitress who seated us, he told her to bus tables even though there were 3 – 4 other people serving/​busing tables. It was kind of uncomfortable sitting there waiting for someone to take our order with him freaking out like that. The place was pretty empty, no need for screaming and drama.
About 10 minutes later, 15 minutes after we sat down, the screaming manager took our order. He was pleasant and fake enough to make him seem semi nice if we hadn’t heard him treating his employees like garbage. About 20 minutes later we got our orders. My bf got the «Pollo ai Funghi Porcini» which was delicious. My dish the «Farfalle con Capesante e Arugula» was horrible. The first time the pasta was hard as a rock, literally 4 minutes under al dente… I took a bite and had my bf take a bite to make sure I wasn’t over reacting, he said «SEND IT BACK!» (I RARELY send anything back… I’ve seen too many episodes of restaurant nightmares to expect a decent dish once the «CHEF» is insulted enough to have a dish sent back).
So I sent it back, the screaming manager said «oh our chef cooks pasta al dente» WOW thanks screaming manager :) that is so helpful! I’ve had pasta in Italy from real chefs… I know what al dente is, this pasta was hard and inedible. I posted the dish descriptions below, my dish mentions the word «SCALLOPS» which is plural, scallops… indicating that more than one scallop should have been present. The dish had ONE scallop on it, ONE. And it was plopped off-​center like an after thought. Why does the menu state «SCALLOPS» if there is one scallop in the dish?
The first version had a caramelized delicious looking scallop on it, but I did not eat it because it was sent back. The second version (which took over ANOTHER 20 minutes) had a non-​caramelized ugly gashed scallop on it, and it was like a hockey puck… hard and not edible. The screaming manager delivered the second dish with another condescending comment: «you know, farfalle takes longer to cook because it is so thick» wow, I’m so glad you are defensive of your chef who doesn’t know how to cook pasta. The pasta was cooked this time, but so HOT that it burned my tongue… badly. The screaming manager returned to see how my second order was, I told him I was not impressed, he shrugged and left. The dish was just not tasty, the sauce was bland and the «arugula» was not arugula it was defrosted nasty spinach.
At the end of our meal (I ate less than a third of my dish… I was starving but it was disgusting and I couldn’t finish it) the screaming manager came back and asked how our meal was. I told him mine was not good and he said «oh well maybe next time you come back you will choose a dish that is more to your taste» WHAT??? ???
SERIOUSLY!!! I mean, seriously? They are paying you to represent this establishment?
What horrible customer service!!! I should have demanded that he take the dish off of our bill, but I am not a cheap jerk.
We left with a $ 50+ bill and I was still hungry. The screaming manager gave us a 15% off coupon for «our next visit.» I should have just left it on the table… I WILL NEVER BE BACK TO THIS RESTAURANT.
Our dishes:
Pollo ai Funghi Porcini | 16
Pan-​seared chicken scaloppine with porcini mushrooms
in a light cream sauce. Served with seasonal vegetables
and spaghetti aglio e olio.
Farfalle con Capesante e Arugula | $ 16
Scallops, arugula and garlic in white wine sauce with a
touch of cream, sautéed with bow tie pasta

Ive known about this local chain for awhile now but I was surprised to see this place in La Jolla. The owner is pretty well known as a restaurateur in the coastal north county, mainly on the 101, not this part of San Diego.
The interior is nicely decorated and there is a clear separation between the bar area and the dining area. Even though its the bar area, they still have high booths with white table cloth. Fancy.
Complimentary bruschetta at the bar and also potato chips, which were very stale but hey its free.
Happy hour drinks are cheap. Regular hour drinks tend to be on the high side. Happy Hour food is on special also. Some good deals can be found here.
My sashimi dish was so lackluster that I forget what type of vessel that they were served on. It may have been toasted crostini. I simply cant remember.
My garlic truffle fries reminded me of Jack in the Box. seriously, Im not talking shit, its just what I thought of when I first bit into one.
One of my friends ordered a scallop dish and it looked really good. Three huge scallops sitting on top of polenta with a succotash of assorted vegetables. That dish was memorable.
I would come back. I do like the happy hour specials here. Obviously this review is only for the bar and not the dining room.

I am absolutely in love with Vigilucci’s.
Every meal has been outstanding, and if I was ever to start my own restaurant, this would be the prototype.
First of all, it has a spacious setting and elegant (but not too overdone) décor. You walk in and you just know you’re going to have a meal to remember. I love the dim lighting and candlelight at night and the outdoor patio for brunch.
Now on to the food: their pasta dishes are to die for! I love the pappardelle with scallops and the traditional fettucini bolognese. The sauce in the pappardelle is delicious and the scallops just melt in your mouth. And of the course, the bolognese (with three kinds of meat — chicken, pork and beef in the sauce mix) just can’t go wrong. It’s even better eaten as leftovers!
Definately worth the money, lively ambience (yet soothing and relaxing at the same time) and just simply a wonderful dining experience. More restaurants need to be like Vigilucci’s. This is a recipe for success.

Gorgeous sunset!
Service-​Brian was great
Truffle oil fries-​OH, so delish
Grigliata Mista-​OHHH, now that was scrumptious! Catch of the day: Salmon, scallops and calamari topped with salmoriglio sauce. Served with arugula and fresh chopped tomatoes.
Did I mention that the Italian men? Well, they are very accomodating. Just ask!
⁰³⁄₀₉

From this moment this is my favorite restaurant. I haven’t had such a pleasure of tasting, biting and chewing in years. Imagine: sunday afternoon, me and my loved one, siting on the open second-​floor patio, looking at the Prospect, champagne with peach juice… The dish «Potato dumplings» was an absolute shocking experience. I’ve never tried such a deliciousness in my life. I wish I could explain you what exactly I mean by that, but unfortunately I’m not an expert in finding the particular taste syndicates.
There is a well-​known phrase «It’s better to see once, when hear hundred times from someone else» (or something like it). So this slogan would suite to this Outstanding Super-​Tasty Restaurant.

I really enjoyed Vigilucci’s. We went late at night and were seated outdoors on the patio. The patio was great, there is not much of a view of the ocean, but the ocean breeze was still nice and so was the view of the sky.
Not being that hungry I just ordered the caprese salad and the zuppa del giorno which was French onion. The mozzarella and basil were extremely fresh and delicious. The soup was not served with a slice of toast and baked cheese, but it was still a very good version of French onion.
I talked my bf in to ordering a baked potato (he protested that he was too hungry just for a potato, but I insisted). It must have been 2 pounds, he couldn’t even finish it. It came with a special cream and chives and bacon.
Overall the service here was excellent; they were very funny and attentive. The atmosphere was great, I would always opt for the patio as it is great dining experience night or day

I am from LA & I am going to tell u that if the restaurant has a lot of fluff it usually runs your tab up!
This place has all the fluff, oh & only a beach as gorgeous romantic scenery, but it is actually priced well. You get a whole lot more than what you pay for is how I felt!
The Service is great, the ambiance is FAB, the food is delicious, & the beach is a cherry on top.
Great place to meet up with worthy friends, nice romantic atmosphere, nice enough to dress up or keep it casual. Ladies if having a nice girls night out this is a happy medium with a touch of class. Gentlemen if you are planning on being romantic, this is hot! Use the beach to your advantage…
U can’t go wrong with anything you order!
BTW not sure if this is the place in CARLSBAD… SORRY, but that is actually the place I reviewed
3878 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad 9208
(760) 434‑2580

We decided to check this place out since my husband had a corporate discount card which allowed us to BOGO on our entrees!
When we entered the doors to Vigilucci’s two hosts greeted us and, almost in unison, asked us if we had reservations and under whose name the reservation was under.
We were seated on the patio right away without being asked whether we wanted to be seating inside or outside. Outside was ok though because it was a nice evening! The only view from the patio is of the sky btw! There is a huge office building that seperates Viglucci’s from the ocean view.
Once we were seated, two waitresses came to get our drink orders and appetizer orders. Then a few minutes later a different waiter came to confirm our drink and appetizer order.
Some yummy bread with some yummy butter spread came out from a fourth waiter, then our drinks came out, then a bit later our appetizers. Our main dishes came out in a timely manner. I had the surf and turf which was market price… I was floored when the bill came and it was $ 73! My filet mignon was ordered «medium», it was more medium-​well and a bit dry. The lobster was yummy while still warm, but eating outside made the food get cold really fast so my lobster got cold and chewy really fast. It was served with grilled veggies and spinach (but I guess you could get pasta or potatoes as sides). My husband got the prime rib with stingy side of fetucini alfreado for $ 38. For dessert we had a $ 9 crème brule which was not enough for two to share.
All the while we were eating, the owner (?) was socializing with the guests, more than just the «hi, how was your meal» socializing. He was out on the patio most of the hour and a half we were there. He was a but loud and seemed to be overdoing the socializing. It seemed like some of the patrons would rather be left alone to enjoy their food. Funny thing was, the owner (?) made his rounds (two or three times) to everyone on the patio except for our table. Because we were the only young brown people there? I’m always self conscious about that…
I have to piggy back on some of the other Unilocalers about the number of wait staff they have here, they have too many! They seemed to be hovering around the patio the whole time we were there, made the atmosphere seemed rushed and hurried with all the hosts, busboys and waiters manuvering around the dining room/​patio. Also, there seemed to be two typesof wait staff, the snooty wannabe Italian ones with the accents and the San Diego laidy back ones who were more personable.
Also, at one point while the owner was making his rounds, the curtly and loudly addressed one of the busboys «Hurry! What are you doing! Clean off the table!» when the guests who were at that table had just left a few seconds before. Not cool…
Overall, the food here was OK but a bit too pricey for the quality. Even with the BOGO, which had small print about 18% gratuity, we really only saved about $ 10 =)
I have mixed feeling about coming here again =(

Can an upscale restaurant and bar in downtown La Jolla be recession friendly and retain its elegance? Certainly.
Review of the bar:
The interior was smoothly and beautifully dark in that the darkness was subtle. Great work on the interior design; beautiful furniture and trim. The overall feeling of the restaurant and bar was sexy. Tile throughout the bathrooms and looked very elegant although they could have spent a few more dollars on the cheap door handle.
The three of us sat at the bar counter since they didn’t have bar/​pub tables. They ordered wine which was priced perfectly at a recession-​friendly $ 5 and I had beer priced even at a more economic downturn $ 3.
We split the calamari (nice and lightly crispy) and skewered steak filets with truffled fries which we regretted. The truffled fries (which they call when describing cheap fries with truffle oil) were bad. But we asked for some mayo and they brought us this incredibly delicious homemade mayo which was very rich and again, delicious.
I’d definitely come back. The place is elegant, warm, subtle and they have great happy hour specials.

A couple years back, I travelled to Italy with a bunch of friends. Same group of friends wanted to get together for a mini reunion, of sorts. One of the girls suggested Vigilucci’s and, so, that’s where we ended up.
It had been raining like a mother, on and off, all day. But, it made finding parking easy. The restaurant was relatively empty, with only 3 other parties seated. Rain tends to keep people at home. Good for us — we were immediately seated.
Our waiter was informative and friendly. He had water on the table, before we could ask for it. The appetizers and our meals were quick to appear on our table. That was a good thing because it was already late and I was starving.
The calamari appetizer was delish — tender and not overcooked. Dinner was the salmon sauteed in a cream wine sauce with asaparagus. Very good, especially after two glasses of wine…
The experience was great. My friends and I had fun. The owner was there, as well, and he stopped by a couple of times to talk to us. It gave us that warm fuzzy feeling that we well taken care of.
But, despite all that, I don’t think that I would visit the restaurant, again, if I had to make the choice. Despite the good time and the delicious meal, not quite sold on the place, especially with the price tag attached to it. Definitely a 3 ½ star, but I’ll round up to a 4. In relationship terms, the best that I can describe it is, «It’s not you. It’s me.» It was great for the experience — just not an exact «fan» of the place.