Pinzimini

**What makes this different:** While The Waves and Las Hadas lean into tacos and seafood-forward Mexican, and El Gordo owns the late-night Tijuana angle, Pinzimini is the Gaslamp's rare Italian sit-down spot that doesn't feel like a tourist trap. It's tucked inside the Westin, sure, but the kitchen treats it like a standalone restaurant—steaks and chicken hit the table properly cooked, the tuna poke shows up fresh, and even the fish tacos (yes, Italian place serving fish tacos—welcome to hotel restaurants) get consistent praise.

The space runs spacious and styled-up enough for business dinners without the stiffness. Patio seating gives you street-level people-watching; inside works when you need reliable service and don't want to gamble on wait times. The staff leans attentive—multiple reviews call out specific servers by name, which tells you something about the repeat-visitor ratio.

Here's the trade: the menu isn't massive, and you're paying moderate prices in a neighborhood where cheaper, louder options surround you. But if you need a spot where reservations actually mean something, where the salmon shows up cooked right, and where you won't be elbow-to-elbow with a bachelor party, this is the move. It's business-lunch reliable and date-night workable—the kind of place that does its job well without trying to be the hottest ticket in the district.

Practical notes: Connected to the Westin means valet parking is an option. Open for breakfast through dinner (exact hours vary—call ahead). The bar serves the full menu, which matters when you want a decent meal without committing to a full dining-room experience.