We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 1,914 San Diego Restaurants »

Busalachi's On Fifth

3683 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-0119
Bruschetta
Trota Oreganata for $17.95, a Trout with Lemon Butter, Oregano, and Panko,
Artichoke Appetizer
Patio
6 visitor photos
Ranked #207 of 1,914 restaurants in San Diego
4.0 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
Reserve with OpenTable
Price range: 21 AUD - 26 AUD
Cuisines: Italian
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic
Dining options: Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Pennsylvania
Transit: Bus stop within 2 blocks. Taxi stand 2 blocks away.
Description: We opened this restaurant in 1986 for Joe to showcase his culinary talents and to have a place for our customers to come to have a fine meal and always feel "at home." We carefully select our staff so that they become a part of our family and then in turn, you do too! After spending much time in our restaurants, our son Joey decided that he, too, wanted to become a part of them. We feel so confident in his skills that we have now turned the management of Busalacchi's over to him. Please enjoy your time with us, and if there is anything at all that we can do for you please do not hesitate to ask. We want you to have a memorable dining experience at Busalacchi's.
Update restaurant details
Write a Review

16 reviews from our community

75% Recommend
    8
    4
    2
    1
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
redlands california
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
“Food just okay, very pricey, excellent patio, service and presentation”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2012

Ultimately it is about the food...and even though the presentation is excellent the food is just ordinary and certainly not worth the prices they charge. The patio area is very nice and the service was attentive, but the food just does not measure up. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by jwwcpa for San Diego
La Jolla, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Excellent excellent food”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

Ok, I am not sure why I have not eaten here before, but we will be coming back again very soon. One word, Excellent. From start to finish it was a class act, there were four of us, we had 3 appetizers, 4 entrees, and 2 desserts and we walked out feeling very satisfied and not over stuffed. The picture... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by TheLindes for San Diego
Carlsbad, CA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Authentic Italian”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

This cozy restaurant had a quiet atmosphere, great food, and a reasonable price. Perfect for dinner before Old Globe. Warning: the walk to Old Globe is 30 minutes..about a mile & a half! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by sheryl915 for San Diego
Costa Mesa
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Decent Italian restasurant”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2012

Had a birthday dinner there - ok, but not spectacular More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Peacesnplaysez for San Diego
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Good Italian”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 February 2012

We enjoyed our meal here. I have a pet peeve about being rushed during the meal and would recomment that the restaurant staff (who were very attentive) space the courses better so that the entre does not follow the starters so quickly. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Osidemike for San Diego
Rancho Mirage, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Fantastic wine, fantastic food, fantastic service”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 January 2012

Monday was the first time we ate here. They were booked but offered us the bar. The bartender offered us the wine list at half price and the restaurant week menu. What a great experience! Joseph Phelps wine and great food with a sambucca to end the evening. We will be back next Monday. Great job Charles! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Super Food and Atmoshpere”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 December 2011

This place is a must if you like great Italian food at moderate prices. We could not believe the value we got for our dollar this this beautiful and new restaurant More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 21 more reviews by Michael M for San Diego
Baltimore, Maryland
1 review
“what a wonderful surprise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 November 2011

Visiting from the east coast on business and looking on trip advisor to find a good italian restauraunt. The food was great. The service was excellent. Nicely decorated restauraunt. I highly recommend you visit. You won't be let down. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Georgia
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
103 helpful votes 103 helpful votes
“Gratzie Mille Busalacchi, for a Great Meal!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 October 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We had a great dining experience last week--and think it would have been even better if it had not been 'Restaurant Week' in the San Diego/Hillcrest area, with a somewhat different/slightly limited menu than the regular menu. In any event, we enjoyed eating in the outdoor patio area and were very well taken care of by our server. The wine... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 14 more reviews by ATLBob for San Diego
Atlanta, Georgia
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
63 helpful votes 63 helpful votes
“Great food. Great Patio.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I went with a colleague the other night after finding this place on OpenTable. The reviews were good for the most part.... and I will agree with those! We showed up promptly at 6p. (We're east coasters and that was late enough for us!) The sweet hostess quickly seated us on the patio; a very cute patio at that. Decorated... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Busalachi's On Fifth also viewed

No photo provided
Ocean Terrace and George's Bar
4.5 of 5 stars 39 Reviews
San Diego, CA
Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
4.5 of 5 stars 95 Reviews
San Diego, CA
 
Cucina Urbana
Cucina Urbana
4.5 of 5 stars 150 Reviews
San Diego, CA
No photo provided
Morton's - The Steakhouse
4.5 of 5 stars 69 Reviews
San Diego, CA
 
All restaurants in San Diego (1914)

Been to Busalachi's On Fifth? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Busalachi's On Fifth, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing

Hotels travellers are raving about...

All hotels in San Diego (246)

Browse nearby

Restaurants (1914) | Hotels (246) | Things to Do (353)
Busalachi's On Fifth
3683 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Interactive map

Free San Diego Guide

Get the best picks for where to eat, sleep, and play.
 
Download your guide now!
Get it now

Popular San Diego restaurants

Hotels around San Diego

Explore the world
Restaurants
Hotels