The story
Cucina Urbana is part of Tracy Borkum’s CUCINA family, a collection that pioneered the retail wine shop inside a restaurant concept in Southern California. The Bankers Hill location on Laurel Street combines Italian cooking with the bounty of local farms, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its commitment to good food at a fair price.
The kitchen team works from scratch daily, crafting artisanal breads, fresh pastas, charcuterie and sausage. The Italian cuisine here is seasonal and inventive—shareable plates of house-made pasta, innovative pizzas, antipasti, and a signature cheese and salumi program. Ingredients come from local farms, letting California’s organic freshness guide each dish.
The wine list offers more than 200 labels from around the world, with a strong focus on Italian and California varietals. The shop-within-a-restaurant model means guests can browse, buy a bottle to take home, or simply enjoy a glass with dinner. The goal is to share value and celebrate the people behind the vineyards.
The dining room is designed as a modern Italian kitchen meets bohemian eatery. Open kitchens, large alfresco patios, communal tables, and intimate settings create a dynamic but relaxed atmosphere. Vintage finds throughout the space are even for sale—the chair you sit on or the table you eat at could be yours.
Earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognizes Cucina Urbana’s dedication to well-executed, seasonal Italian food at a reasonable cost. It’s a place where tradition and local seasonality come together in a setting that feels both polished and welcoming.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram