About

We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego’s highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009. The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.

CUCINA’s contemporary Italian cuisine is prepared with a focus on California seasonality and the bounty of local farms. Combined flavors of Italy with the organic freshness of Southern California is emblematic of CUCINA’s from-scratch menus. Standouts include shareable portions of house made pastas, innovative pizzas, cleverly crafted seafood and meat preparations, an elevated selection of antipasti, dolci, and signature cheese and salumi program.

CUCINA’s fresh-forward approach also lends to its extensive beverage program. Seasonal cocktail menus are crafted with an approach that is fresh, precise, balanced and direct, combining simple flavors with sophisticated technique. Many of CUCINA’s cocktails are infused or garnished with fruits and herbs from their own gardens.

CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.