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Here is a sampling of the local restaurants serving up a sumptuous sample of their tantalizing fare …
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Busalacchi’s
Follow the aroma of roasting pig on a spit to Busalacchi’s at Ferragosto! Succulent tender pork served only as Joe Busalacchi knows how!
The Busalacchi family are themselves a San Diego institution with 7 great restaurants. Lisa Busalacchi sums it up like this, “At Busalacchis, we feel that eating out should be an experience to remember and savor until we meet again.”
Busalacchi’s on Fifth was opened in 1986 as a place where Joe Busalacchi could showcase his culinary talents while offering fine dining and a place for customers to always feel “at home.” Good food and a staff that is more like family is why dining at Busalacchi’s on Fifth is a memorable experience!
Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them, Trattoria Fantastica. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel and patio dining. The welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including wood-fired pizzas and an authentic Italian menu.
It's been said that "the best espresso in town is at Café Zucchero™." Joe and Lisa Busalacchi created this Italian café-style concept, and you'll find that this delightful setting gets attention around the clock. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Diners enjoy lingering over coffee and sumptuous desserts created by pastry maker Frank Busalacchi who was trained by a Sicilian master. Whether you are in the mood for pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken, or veal, this is the place. Also, make sure you treat your sweet tooth to one of the sinful desserts.
Zia’s Bistro - where food equals life, happiness, friendship and a glass of wine. Where a bar can be a meeting place as well as somewhere to satisfy your palate. All this in a fun, sophisticated atmosphere. Sit down to have a bite to eat and a drink and make yourself at home.
Via Lago Trattoria offers a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere in the Busalacchi line of restaurants and celebrates yet another fabulous Sicilian food lineup, including a variety of pasta dishes and meat entrees, seafood and a selection of desserts that will amaze and delight you.
Joe and Lisa Busalacchi created Spaghetteria with the idea of adding a casual, relaxed eatery to their family of restaurants in Little Italy and around the county. Casual and spirited food and drinks are served throughout the day.
Po Pazzo – sure the name is Italian – but the food pays homage to the best urban bar and grille in San Diego! Sound Crazy? That's what Po Pazzo means, just a little crazy. The menu is filled with great appetizers, ample steaks, superb salads and unique side dishes. The wonderfully extensive bar serves the best wines and liquors. The staff is friendly and ready to serve. Eating out should be an experience: Part entertainment, part theater, and of course, all fun.
That's what the Busalacchi family of fine restuarants ultimately represents; music, food and friends. At Ferragosto, the Busalacchi family carries on their great tradition!
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Vigilucci's
The Vigilucci’s Story:
Restaurateur Roberto Vigilucci is passionate about food. The Carlsbad resident hails from Milano, Italy, where families are raised in the kitchen and food is a centerpiece of the culture.
After coming to the United States in the mid-1980s and long sensing a need for classic Italian cuisine in San Diego, Roberto opened his first restaurant, Vigilucci’s Trattoria, in 1994. Located in downtown Encinitas, a surfer’s paradise steeped in rich history, the Trattoria was an instant success and has since become one of San Diego’s most popular dining spots. Since opening the doors to the Trattoria, Vigilucci has successfully launched seven additional restaurants up and down the San Diego County coast from Oceanside to Coronado.
In 1999, Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana opened on historic State Street in the Carlsbad Village. The Cucina’s authentic Italian cuisine and award-winning wine list provide a unique and memorable escape to the flavors of the Tuscan countryside.
In 2001, Robbie’s opened in the heart of Leucadia and continues to offer locals and visitors a bit of everything – unique California fusion cuisine, forty-five microbrews, an award-winning wine list, live jazz and blues by San Diego’s best musicians and sporting events on a gallery of high definition widescreen televisions. A hearty breakfast is served on Sundays.
Three years later, Vigilucci's Ristorante & Pizzeria opened right next door and features a floor to ceiling wood-fired pizza oven, full menu, private courtyard and private dining rooms ideal for dinner parties with friends and family.
Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse – on the corner of Tamarack and Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Pacific Ocean – truly offers dining excellence in San Diego North. The restaurant features only certified prime steaks and the freshest seafood topped by 180-degree ocean and sunset views..
In 2006, Vigilucci’s added a sixth location to its family of fine restaurants – Vigilucci’s Osteria just blocks from the historic Oceanside Pier on Mission Ave. With the Osteria, Roberto Vigilucci saw an opportunity to pioneer a community that he believes is up-and-coming and destined to explode into the next cultural hotspot in North County.
In late 2007, Vigilucci ventured south to open the Seafood, Steak & Chop House in the heart of the La Jolla Village. The restaurant has an elegant, yet casually upscale atmosphere where diners enjoy the finest steaks, fresh seafood and pasta – all with that signature Italian flair. A lively happy hour and ‘see and be seen’ bar environment.
In the spring of 2009, Vigilucci’s Ristorante Coronado debuted on in the resort town of Coronado. Featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood and pasta, the restaurant is sure to be a favorite of locals and vacationers alike. An outdoor patio overlooks Orange Avenue, while the interior includes a beautiful wall-to-wall waterfall and views of the ocean and Point Loma. Vigilucci’s also offers full scale catering services and can provide fully customized menus for every occasion and group size. All of the restaurants are equipped to accommodate parties and special events, or you can opt to have a classic Italian dinner delivered to your location.
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Tarantino's
Gourmet hot and sweet Italian sausages.
Follow the sweet smell of grilling sausage and you’ll find yourself at Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage at Ferragosto. Good sausage makers are as discriminating about what goes into sausage as winemakers are about selecting grapes. Tarantino Meats has a long history of sausage making. The Tarantino family started making gourmet sausages in 1961. Today Tarantino Italian Sausage is known coast to coast and enjoyed by families of every nationality. Buon Appettito!
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Fabrison's
Fabrice and Alison met in a meditation class in San Diego. Fabrice is from Marseille, France and Alison is from Columbus, Ohio. Both of us had been out of work for awhile and considered a change in careers. While we were in Europe, we both noticed the cafes–the warmth, the old fashioned look and feel of them, and from there we decided to create our own version in San Diego.
Although we both knew how we wanted the business to look and feel, we had yet to decide on what exactly we wanted to provide to our customers. We thought of an ice cream parlor, a cake shop, and even a retail candy store. With Fabriceʼs French background and Alisonʼs interest and experience in cooking, we finally settled on the idea of crepes, a food item that is relatively new to San Diego. We both felt as if Little Italy chose us, and when we found our site on India Street, we fell in love with the concept.
From the floor to the ceiling, Fabrisonʼs was carefully created by our friends and family. Fabriceʼs mother sent photos of authentic European cafes, including color swatches. Our friends Jon Wickersham and Rob Rice constructed all the woodwork and design, while Alisonʼs brother-in-law, Jeff Durkee painted the entire place in under four days. Alisonʼs mother, a custom curtain maker, just recently put the final touch on the windows with the French pastoral and gingham checked curtains. The remarkable floor was installed by an old co-worker of Fabriceʼs, a talented twenty-two year old named Brett Griffits. And the painting on the window? Done by an artist out of New York City named Derek Little.
Responding to our customerʼs requests, we soon found that people wanted something quick, fast, affordable, yet unique to their sophisticated tastebuds–quite a challenge for a recession based climate. Quickly Fabrisonʼs installed an espresso machine and started working on ideas for a crepe menu. Although some of the items are decidedly not French, many of them maintain the flavors of French cuisine. On the menu, youʼll find the French Delight, a salami and ham sandwich with butter and cornichons, and of course, all the sweet crepes… We at Fabrisonʼs appreciate your business and feedback, fueling our expansion and passion to deliver great food. Thank you for choosing to spend time here and thank you for returning.
Enchante!
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Acqua Al 2
Dine like the Italians - No passport required! Step into Acqua Al 2 for the most authentic Italian dining experience in San Diego, from the rustic Tuscan décor and Italian artwork on the placemats, to award-winning cuisine and traditional Italian service. Acqua Al 2, first opened its doors in the bustling, historic theater district Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy in 1978. Several years later, traveler-turned-chef Martin Gonzalez, was so inspired by the restaurant’s Tuscan charm that he had to share what he found. After extensive training and education into traditional Italian cooking techniques, Gonzalez opened Acqua Al 2 in San Diego’s Gaslamp District in 2000. Today, patrons in San Diego enjoy the same warm ambiance, Italian hospitality and authentic dishes served at the famed Acqua Al 2 in Florence. Acqua Al 2 enhances the culinary experience with Uncorked, which is a wine class & tasting series created to highlight fine Italian wines and spirits. Acqua Al 2 hosts tastings on the first Wednesday of every month. Each tasting will pair authentic Italian appetizers with special themed wines and spirits.
For more information please visit www.acquaal2.com.
322 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 230-0382
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TOAST Enoteca & Cucina
TOAST Enoteca & Cucina is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian wine bar that brings the world’s premier wines to the East Village neighborhood of San Diego’s famous downtown.
TOAST Enoteca & Cucina offers guests up to 400 fine wines to purchase by the
glass, by the bottle or from state-of-the-art wine dispensing Enomatic machines. Its gourmet Italian menu has been carefully designed to consist of bold flavors that match numerous wines being offered. TOAST Enoteca & Cucina presents the acclaimed Behind the Label Wine Tasting Series, which is a monthly tasting that pairs authentic Italian appetizers with special themed wine. TOAST Enoteca & Cucina is the second concept from culinary visionary Martin Gonzalez,
owner and executive chef of award-winning Acqua Al 2.
Come relax, unwind, sample sophisticated wine and enjoy the finest Italian cuisine at your leisure!
For additional information about TOAST Enoteca & Cucina please visit us at www.toastenoteca.com.
927 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-4207
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Landini's Pizzeria
Leonardo and Massimilliano (Max) Landini, born and raised in Florence, Italy. Both brothers began their careers in the high fashion industry working in their family’s clothing factory. Here they were taught the principles of hard work, pride and consistency. Eventually, both brothers found their way to sunny San Diego and applied these work ethics as Managers in one of Gaslamps famous Italian restaurants, Trattoria La Strada. After several years, they were ready for a change and decide to open Landini’s Pizzeria! Here you'll find New York style pies and Florentine inspired pastas and paninis.
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Karl Strauss
Karl Strauss was destined to brew beer. Born in 1912 on the premises of his father’s brewery in Minden, Germany, he spent his childhood playing amid beer barrels and sacks of fresh hops and barley. At age 19, he left home for Bavaria, the brewing capital of Germany, to attend the Technical University of Munich-Weihenstephan. There he earned a degree in the science and practice of malting and brewing, as well as a Master Brewer certification. Given the political situation in 1930s Germany, Karl had to look abroad for work. In February of 1939, he boarded the SS Manhatten and set sail for America, in pursuit of opportunity. His job search led him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home to one of the most famous breweries in the United States.
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Bencotto Italian Kitchen
“Bencotto” means and refers to a meal “done well”, or perfectly cooked. In Bencotto’s kitchen, culinary expertise meets the highest- quality and genuine taste.
The concept of Bencotto was conceived as a natural extension of the depth and breadth of Italy’s culinary heritage. Our core belief is that high-quality food can be simple and supremely delicious. With an American as well as international audience in mind, Bencotto came to life inspired by the authenticity of an Italian kitchen juxtaposed with modern scenery.
Our unique approach to Italian cooking tradition, offers hand made “home style” dishes in an environment that reflects who we are: young generation of Italians who celebrate their culinary heritage, presenting it in a modern, relaxed, and inviting kitchen-restaurant.
Located in the new “Q” building in the heart of Little Italy, Bencotto is the ultimate Italian eating experience, drawing inspiration from the kitchens where Italians grow up, cook, and eat.
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Caffe Italia
Caffe Italia: We are located in the heart of San Diego's famed Little Italy district and inside the Award winning LA PENSIONE HOTEL.
Caffe Italia is the perfect place to grab your morning cup of coffee, catch up on the news or grab a quick lunch. Family owned and operated since 1992 we are a one of a kind Espresso bar serving the perfect blends of robust coffees, cappuccino's and espresso's made with Lavazza coffee beans imported from Italy. You can also select from an assortment of locally made gelato flavors that are sure to get you back for more.
At lunch time we offer a made to order selection of salads and Italian panini sandwiches. Relax with a newspaper or magazine while sitting out on the sidewalk or courtyard and listen to the gentle sounds of the fountain or just people watch. Come see is on Sundays when we feature our Award Winning Sunday Brunch Waffle Bar. Free Wireless Internet is available. Just ask your barista how to log on.
Caffe Italia has been twice-awarded The Best Sunday Brunch-Waffle Bar by San Diego Reader, Best Place for a Sugar Fix by Metropolitan Magazine and Best Coffee by City Search.
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Fig Tree Cafe
Fig Tree Cafe opened in Pacific Beach in 2008, it has since been voted best breakfast in San Diego and has won numerous other awards for it's fresh and healthy California cuisine. In late July 2011 Fig Tree Cafe is opening it's doors in the heart of Hillcrest at 416 University avenue. The same award winning breakfast and lunch will be offered along with a "small plate" style dinner menu and a wine list with eclectic selections from all over California and Europe
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Mona Lisa Italian Foods
Mona Lisa: The first Mona Lisa Restaurant was established in 1956 in downtown San Diego by Grandfather Stefano Brunetto. Since then, Mona Lisa has become an institution for Italian food and culture in the Little Italy area. Whether you are walking through our authentic Italian deli or dining in our family Italian restaurant, we welcome you to our family’s tradition.
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Pueblo Partners
Limoncello – This famous lemon liqueur of Italy is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast! The name evokes warm nights under the stars … a memory … a dream … and a little sip of an Italian summer! Pueblo Partners brings Cielo Divino and Fiore Bello, two of Italy’s most famous limoncello liqueurs to Ferragosto!
Your first sip will evoke the citrus fragrances and sensuous aromas transporting you back to the artisanal producing villages of Vietri sul Mare (Cielo Divino), and Praiano (Fiore Bello), nestled in the steep hillsides of the Amalfi Coast.
These authentic Limoncellos, certified Organic, and solely produced within the narrowly defined Denomination of Origin region of the Amalfi Coast, are cultivated in family Estate-grown orchards overlooking the Mediterranean.
By accident of birth and happy circumstance, the orchards of the Anastasio and Esposito families are in the fertile volcanic region of Mt. Vesuvius, where they produce the sublime Fiore Bello limoncellos and mandarinos, and four other Italian liqueurs, including a stand-out Chocolate-Rhum Liqueur. Luxury is in the details. The huge Sfusato lemons and the Amalfi Mandarins are grown 900 feet above the Mediterranean, in steep, terraced orchards. It is here where the fragrant orchards are bathed in gentle sun and salt air breezes, and tended by generations of the families who know and love their work.
The Mario and Massimo Anastasio and Valentino Esposito families’ deep roots and traditions contributed to their devotion to the Sfusato Amalfitano lemon. Likewise, the Augusto Strianese family has pioneered leadership in protecting the Limoncello from imitators with immense dedication and has produced the stunning Cielo Divino Limoncello brand. They have been rewarded with the European Union’s designation of IGP, the coveted Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), given to only a few Limoncello producers.
Inspired by the bounty of the Amalfi volcanic soils, Cielo Divino and Fiore Bello are liquid gold … the fragrance is pure heaven and the taste … Bellissimo! As celebrated Chef, Mario Batali has said: “Trust your nose, it will never lie!”
For more information, please visit the importers’ website: www.pueblopartners.com
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Anthology
Anthology: Anthology is the vision of Howard Berkson, real estate developer, who wanted to create a first-class space in downtown San Diego where he could combine his shared passions for live music and fine dining.
It was the influence of growing up in Chicago where every neighborhood had it's local spot to go and listen to great live music. This experience led Howard and Marsha Berkson to conceptualize and start working on bringing this vision to life in June 2007.
The primary audience of Anthology is music lovers. They want a casually sophisticated and comfortable place to gather, have a great cocktail, enjoy friends and an intimate up close music experience with some of the finest artists in the world in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Latin, Indie and more. They also have great appreciation for Anthology as one of the finest built "music rooms" featuring the finest state-of-the-art sound system and perfectly tenuated acoustics. The Berkson's wanted to create more than just a venue, they envisioned a unique social environment that engages the guests, respects the artists, and is filled with culture and creativity... from first bite to final note.
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Osteria Origano
Prepare to be impressed. For the past 20 years, our team has set the standard for authentic Italian in San Diego. And now we are capturing Hillcrest. A passion for extraordinary hospitality. A commitment to superior ambiance. Dedication to distinctive quality. And a promise to give you the finest dining experience you’ve ever encountered.
At Origano, we feel that incredible food deserves an equally extraordinary presentation. So at our restaurant, you’ll also feast your eyes on a warm and cozy atmosphere —along with the friendliest service in town. We guarantee to obliterate your expectations of what an Italian dining experience can be.
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Galasso's Bakery
Galasso’s Bakery, one of southern California’s premier bakers of French baked breads, is a proud sponsor of Ferragosto 2011. We have been baking bread and satisfying customers for more than 40 years. Our dedication to the communities and the people we serve will never waver. At Galasso’s, we invite you to join us, and taste the Galasso’s difference.
Phone: (951) 360-1211
Website: www.galassos.com
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Pappalecco's
Pappalecco is an Adventure through the truth of Italy: Food, Culture, Art, Style… Essences of Italy.
Pappalecco is... to discover moments.
Pappalecco is… to meet special people.
What if you fall in Love?...
There will be a background.
It will be the glamour of Italy.
It will be the beauty of its landscapes, the warmth of its colors and the healthiness of its food.
There will be a beating heart.
It will be an Italian heart tickling an Italian idea making it brilliant.
There will be a secret.
It will promise a new perspective to the overall picture after it is unveiled to you.
For you (and for ourselves) we will take care of every detail. Love for details is more than a pleasure. It’s passion.
Like the subtlest feeling that surfaces at the final moment of an inevitable journey towards a goal; like an untouchable coincidence between Time and Emotion; like the most delightful, unpredicted piano note that suddenly arises and transforms the ensemble into a new reason to exist…
Like a… “Gelato al limone”, that surprises you because it tastes just like lemon. “Oh, my God, this is real fruit!”
Details…
Elegant; not formal. Sophisticated; not snobbish. Fancy; not flashy at all.
In one word… Pappalecco.
In other words… an authentic fragment of Italy moved to its beloved America.
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Cupid’s Catering
Cupid’s Catering – One of the most popular entrees in Italy is stuffed shells – delectable pasta shells stuffed with ricotta and parmesan cheeses and drizzled with a thick Marinara sauce – served by Cupid’s Catering.
Cupid’s Catering was founded in 1964 by Gloria and Andrew Quartuccio. Staying true to their Sicilian roots, the Quartuccio’s were renowned as one of San Diego’s premier caterers. Today, Gloria Bautista, owner and granddaughter of the Quartuccio’s , continues to serve the finest Italian menu established by her grandparents. Over the years new foods have been added to meet the diverse tastes of many clients. Whether catering a small party or a multi-course dinner for a corporate event serving hundreds, Cupid’s is a full-service third generation caterer, known for its excellent cuisine and service.
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Tre Porcellini
Tre Porcellini is a restaurant and wine bar that serves authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. A place where pasta is made from scratch daily, most servers speak Italian and a chef from Sicily adds a creative touch to his childhood recipes.
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Buon Appetito
Buon Appetito: Combines a dash of nouvelle and a splash of sophistication to bring forth a cozy Ristorante in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego.
Buon Appetito serves up classic Italian fare paired with an exquisite list of wines from both Italy and around the world.
Visit us Mondays – Saturdays, 11am – 11pm
Sundays, 12pm – 10pm
Buon Appetito
1609 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.buonappetito.signonsandiego.com
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Sogno Divino
Sogno Divino: Sogno Di Vino means “Dreams of Wine” or “Divine Dreams”. Serving wonderfully delicious wines and beers and a menu full of imported cheeses and cured meats, celestial salads, Panini and more this wine bar will make any wine lover dreaming for more.
Located right next to Buon Appetito, Sogno Di Vino is a great place to hang out and enjoy some wine, food and friends before dinner or after! Cin Cin!
Visit us at: Sogno Di Vino Daily, 11am – 11pm
1607 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.sognodivino.signonsandiego.com
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Old Venice Restaurant
Casual elegance, relaxed charm, and a fusion of Mediterranean flavors combine to present
a dining experience you won't forget. Whether meeting friends, anticipating a romantic evening,
or entertaining family, Old Venice is your restaurant— in the heart of Point Loma.
Family owned and operated for 30 years, Old Venice is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Tastefully decorated, with a selection of indoor or
outdoor dining, you will immediately be enraptured with the European ambience of one of San Diego's finest dining venues.
2910 Canon St.
San Diego Ca. 92106
619-222-5888
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Davanti
Davanti Enoteca evokes the food of Italian farmhouses and fishing villages with down-to-earth small plates that rely on creative and flavorful combinations of simple ingredients. The food is complemented by an extensive wine list and full bar. Davanti’s theme is carried through in décor, music and lighting that creates an energetic urban-rustic vibe.
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Craft & Commerce
Demand Less.
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Mistral Restaurant
Mistral redefines modern French cuisine with an innovative dining experience that delivers a remarkable journey of flavor. Michelin-awarded French chef Patrick Ponsaty marries responsibly-grown ingredients with brilliant technique to create robust, intense flavors in every dish. Sweeping views of Coronado Bay, Pacific sunsets and the San Diego skyline stretch out beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Solare
Chef-owner Stefano Ceresoli, from Milan Italy, brought his passion to San Diego with two great Restaurants where locals and italians love to dine: Caffe' Bella Italia in Pacific Beach and Solare in the heart of Liberty Station, Point Loma.
Stefano blends traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair by using fresh, local and organic ingredients.
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Caffe' Bella Italia
Chef-owner Stefano Ceresoli, from Milan Italy, brought his passion to San Diego with two great Restaurants where locals and italians love to dine: Caffe' Bella Italia in Pacific Beach and Solare in the heart of Liberty Station, Point Loma.
Stefano blends traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair by using fresh, local and organic ingredients.
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Tommy V's
An elegant and classically cool restaurant in spectacular Del Mar featuring Italian preparation of steaks and chops, including the signature Bistecca Siciliana, fresh seafood specialties and daily house made pasta and ravioli. Enjoy dining and cocktails on the gorgeous view patio or nestle into the cozy bar for nightly live music. Tommy Vs Italian Chop House...beautiful food, beautiful people and a beautiful location. Memories happen nightly.
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Bella Sera Wine
At Bella Sera, we make graceful and inviting wines from Italy. Our wines celebrate life's everyday gatherings, and they honor the Italian tradition of bringing family and friends together for simple, delicious food with the perfect bottle of white or red. With Bella Sera, it's going to be a beautiful evening.
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