The food and service were superlative. We ordered the meatballs and Focaccia bread. The red sauce was delicious. My son ordered the tortellini and I ordered the chicken parmigiana. It's was some of the best Italian food I have ever eaten. It's a small place 60 people max. The service was fantastic. They made you feel Welcome. read more

If you're visiting San Diego, I definitely recommend spending an evening in Little Italy. We made reservations at RoVino after it kept popping up on Yelp and Google, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, the service was warm and welcoming, and the cocktails were excellent. We shared the black truffle pasta, followed by the Carne Mista for Two--a huge platter with perfectly cooked steak, spicy sausage, their famous rotisserie chicken, grilled vegetables, and salad. Everything was delicious, and there was so much food that we had plenty to take back to the hotel for leftovers. After dinner, we wandered through the neighborhood, grabbed gelato, and stopped by one of the nearby Italian markets. The whole area has such a fun, vibrant energy and is perfect for strolling after a meal. A couple of things to know: parking can be challenging, and the restaurant's restroom is actually located down the block. It was a little unexpected, but one of the staff members kindly walked us over, which was much appreciated. Overall, it was a fantastic evening. Great food, friendly people, and a lively neighborhood. Little Italy is absolutely worth adding to your San Diego itinerary. read more

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We had a reservation for 6 and were seated right on time! The staff were friendly and always checked in for any requests. It is a lively atmosphere that is well-suited for parties and/or small groups that are looking for a slightly elevated but still casual dinner spot. The chicken tortellini was well cooked and a good portion with the pesto sauce. The sauce was a bit more soupy than I expected & on the saltier side. The tomatoes helped by cutting through the saltiness with some acidity. It was an overall enjoyable dish. The chicken parm was cooked nicely, not too dry, and balanced well with the sauce and cheese on top. The bucatini pasta was a solid pairing for the chicken parm. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Chicken Tortellini - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Overall, a quaint and romantic little spot with a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place for a date night or small dinner with friends. Service started off attentive and friendly, but once it got busy, it became harder to get someone's attention. It took a while to order dessert and close out the bill, and there was a surcharge included that they weren't willing to remove. The food, though, was excellent. I ordered the shrimp scampi and it was absolutely delicious -- easily the highlight of the night. My friends had the tortellini and really enjoyed it as well. For appetizers, we ordered the bruschetta and garlic knots, and both were standouts. The garlic knots especially were a favorite at the table. Dessert didn't disappoint either -- the tiramisu and cheesecake were both solid choices. I don't usually gravitate toward Italian food, but I'd definitely come back for the shrimp scampi. read more

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Omggggg this spot was incredible! The flavors of everything was amazing. My husband and I shared the 1/2 chicken & veggies + sausage pasta. The veggies were to die for. Even our baby couldn't get enough of the carrot. Great portion to share! The service was outstanding. 10/10 from the moment we sat down. The staff was so friendly, so attentive, had the biggest smiles. The ambiance was so great for everyone, you could see everyone so happy because of the staff. Our server Marco or Marcus (I am pretty sure that was his name) absolutely exceeded our visit. Literally couldn't have had a better meal. So much flavor!!! It's rare to rave about the vegetables but they were to die for. Such great flavor with the chicken & pasta! Will def be back!!! read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Spicy Sausage Pasta and Chicken - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is pretty decent. The menu is kind of limited but you can't go wrong. I don't know if I would go back but it's a nice spot to try out. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Shrimp Scampi - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I want to preface this by saying they do add a 3.75% surcharge which they will not remove from bill. With 7% tax and a 20% tip when dining out, the final bill adds up quickly, so it is something to factor in. For me, that makes it a tougher return, even though the food and service were great. I did not see this noted anywhere on the menu so it came as a surprise once we got the check. Service started off amazing. Once they got extremely busy we were forgotten for a bit, but honestly we were deep in conversation so it did not take away from the overall experience. The happy hour appetizers were excellent and definitely helped offset the surcharge. We ordered the shrimp scampi and tortellini. The shrimp scampi absolutely blew me away. It was easily the standout dish of the night. The tortellini was solid, but wowwwww the shrimp was next level. Tiramisu was fire. Cheesecake was good. All in all, it was a great night. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Chicken Tortellini - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Shortly after landing in San Diego, the husband and I stopped by Rovino for their HH. Although it was pretty busy, we were seated right away. We ordered their Meatball Trio, Margherita Flatbread, and a couple drinks. Food and drinks came out quick, and both dishes were fulfilling and appetizing. Although, the meatballs were a bit salty for my personal taste. Staff was friendly and attentive, and atmosphere was cozy. Would definitely return to try out more items from their menu. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cannot believe I waited this long to try this place but better late than never! I came around lunch, when they had only just opened. The menu is plentiful and I asked the server for his recommendation between the branzino and the cacio e pepe and he suggested the fish so I went for it, and wow! Unbelievable! The presentation is magnificent and the fish is prepared phenomenally that I literally only got one or two tiny fish bones. It's deboned very well and a delectable amount pf meat. The crema and grain with the salad underneath were divine. Honestly the balance of the flavors was spectacular. The whole time I kept thinking, "I wish I could go thank this chef because, damn!" and almost instantly, the chef came out to take care of something and stopped by to check on me and asked how everything was and I expressed all my sentiments. He mentioned the skin is edible because of how he prepared it. Usually I avoid the skin on anything but after he walked away, I decided to try a bite and holy smokes, it was beyond savory. I'm definitely bookmarking this place for the future. It's such a quaint and modern place and an excellent place for a date or special lunch. read more

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We got here at 5:15 on a Friday with a reservation, but we wouldn't have needed it. It wasn't too busy. The service was great, food was incredible, drinks were great. Overall 10/10. Would definitely come back read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Chicken Tortellini - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Maybe 3.5 stars. Maybe Average Bolognese, average Chicken Parmigiana- need more seasoning. No Pamersan, pepper or any such spices offered. Bruschetta exceptional. Indoor decor a bit odd. Didn't like restroom down the block and outside. Service was very good. Roman Wolves will get my biz read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Bolognese and Chicken Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The service was good. The manager gal kept an eye on us and made sure we were good. The indoor seating was small but adequate. The chicken was tender and had great flavor. The beef was just a bit chewy but also good. The bolognese was savory and had multiple levels of flavor. We enjoyed our meal and would come back the next time we are back in SD. read more

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Charming place with good food and friendly staff. Unfortunately they add a fee to the bottom of the bill (3.75%) that is not reflected in their menu prices. If only they would increase their menu prices by the amount added to the bottom of the check, this would be a great place. Note for the restaurant: Remove the fee and increase your menu prices if needed to cover your costs. read more

Ditch the touristy restaurants on India and come here for comforting Italian food, great service and drinks. It's Little Italy's hidden gem read more

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There's an ACE parking lot literally right next to the restaurant - super convenient! Unfortunately, didn't get to order dessert as service was a little slow as the night got busier and parking time was running out. read more

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One of my fiancé and my favorite restaurants to have a dinner date. I haven't had anything that I didn't like. Most recently tried a dish we've been wanting to try since we found the place and ultimately made me fall in love with RoVino even more. The Carni Miste serves two and comes with half rotisserie chicken, premium cut steak, spicy sausage, potatoes and veggies. Everything tasted so good. Meats were tender and juicy. We always split the Cesare salad, which come with pieces of anchovy. Love! Cocktails have been promising, even have holiday cocktails during the Christmas season. Service is always exceptional. I suggest making a reservation since it gets busy and the restaurant is quite small, although some patio seating right outside. Highly recommend! read more

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Couldn't speak highly enough about this restaurant. We stopped by for lunch on Saturday. The people and the fresh ingredients are both amazing. The chef isn't truly talented and their drinks are great. He lets the ingredients stand for themselves with simple yet impactful dressings and sauces. We also had the truffle pasta which was really tasty. Too good for us to slowdown and take a picture! I noticed a lot of carry out orders. Which I would do every day if I could. But sitting down and getting to know the staff and ambiance made the experience wonderful. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Winner, salad, arugula, salad, and tocino Everything was so Amazing! The fresh ingredients - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I don't know where to start, so I will pick the focaccia bread...never in my life have I tasted such an outstanding blend of flavor, lightness, crispness. It was far above anything I've eaten before. I could have easily made a meal of it. Then the main courses arrived. OMG! The pasta was fresh , the shrimp was tender and tasty. The flavors divine. I had the shrimp scampi based on an accurate review of the awesome flavor. My husband had the lasagna baked in a cast iron pan, JUST like he likes it. Absolutely perfect beyond description. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. You won't regret eating their fare, and will appreciate the fine service. The dessert was a mouthwatering delight with chocolate and hazelnuts. read more

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Charming little spot with delicious food. I ordered the roasted chicken, which was good, but the highlight of the dish was the veggies! I've never had vegetables taste so amazing! The staff was also lovely. It's next door to a nightclub though, so if you want a more quiet experience come a little earlier in the evening. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Pollo Arrosto - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

We came for late lunch and made a reservation on OpenTable which was a breeze. It's cute inside they even have decorations for the holidays up and it's an indoor outdoor open space. The service was 10/10 our server was great and she checked on us multiple times. All the food was hot and delicious with large portions and great value for the prices. The favorites were the chef special gnocchi with short rib which had pasta fresh made and then sausage and pesto flatbread with incredible pizza dough. The chicken was beautiful and huge with lots of veggies and great for sharing. 4 instead of 5 stars because the scallop dish which was the most expensive dish we ordered was a bit too salty and the scallops were all cooked a bit differently. Overall we would return and enjoyed the experience. Little Italy street parking can be tough but there are paid options nearby. read more

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This was our second time dining at Ravine- tucked away from the main bustle of Little Italy on Kettner blvd, this spot feels like a hidden treasure. It's beautiful, quiet, and has a warm, romantic vibe--perfect for a relaxed date night. There's plenty of indoor-outdoor seating, and even when it's busy, it never feels loud or rushed. The menu is small but intentional--they don't try to do everything, they just do what they do really well. On our first visit, someone from the kitchen came out to talk to us. We found out later that it was actually the chef, which totally explains the personal touch in both the food and the service. That stuck with us, so we came back again this weekend. We started with the calamari and zucchini frites--crispy, flavorful, and a nice surprise with shrimp mixed in too. You could actually taste the calamari, not just breading, which is rare. For mains, we had the branzino (fish of the day) served with a silky broccoli purée, couscous, and cucumber salad--super fresh and balanced. I also had the bolognese, which was rich but not heavy--comforting and delicious. As a foodie, I'd absolutely give Ravine 5 stars. It's the kind of place you want to keep going back to. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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A complete gem found in the hustle and bustle of Little Italy! Tucked away on a main street, we found a quaint Italian spot with amazing service and food--a truly beautiful experience!The chef was kind enough to make us something special (pictured here). When we asked for bread, he tailored a delicacy especially for us: a delightful, freshly baked focaccia with market-fresh fruit toppings. Be sure to ask for the "Focaccia Corine!" Because the fruit is seasonal, you will always get a delicious surprise.We also ordered the sausage & pesto flatbread and the Shrimp Scampi--made with shrimp, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, and capers. Delightful!Rovino is a family-owned restaurant, and that warmth is truly reflected in their service. It feels like you have walked into a hometown cafe right on the Amalfi Coast. You are treated like family here. We will definitely add this treasure to our "Do Something New Every Day" Culinary Chronicle! read more

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Meat and vegetables platter was the best and flavorful and service was amazing. Thank you for the great dining experience,

Great service & delicious food! I had been wanting to try this place out for a while, after hearing nothing but incredible things. So glad I finally went! Everything was delicious, we started with the Burrata e Proscuitto - it was super fresh, and the balance of the pesto and pistachio flavors was incredible. For mains we got the Tortellini and the Osso Buco which were both great! The pork was super tender, and a very generous serving size. The risotto in the Osso Buco dish was so creamy I could've eaten a whole bowl of just that. The restaurant itself is pretty small and cozy, with a decently large outdoor patio space. The staff was all very friendly. Our server handled some very difficult tourists at the table next to us with patience and grace - I was impressed. read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Burrata e Prosciutto - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here on a Friday night and enjoyed some dinner and appetizers. Started with the Fritto Misto, which had some nice sized calamari and shrimp. We shared a Prosciutto Pera flatbread, which was great - one of the high points of the meal, for me. The arancini is always a favorite here as well and it didn't disappoint. We also enjoyed the Tortellini, and RoVino salads. The salad tasted fresh and my daughter loved her pasta. They seemed short-handed, but the bartender that served us did a great job trying to help us. Really appreciated his effort. read more

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was excited to try based on reviews, really wanted to love the place. the drinks were fine. no complaints but nothing too special. got the prosciutto pear flat bread, the bread texture was good but the prosciutto too salty even considering that they are naturally salty. imo felt like the greens, pear, prosciutto didnt quite mesh well? i got the ribeye w truffle cacio e pepe meat texture was fine fatty but it was over salted and overcooked. asked for medium rare on the rare side and got medium well. pasta was okay noodle texture fine. definitely heavy and creamy as you'd expect which is good but definitely a bit too salty maybe bc of all the salt on the meat. also wouldnt say the truffle added much. better off getting the tomato or alfredo if ur gonna come. as for the service, our server was nice dont think its his fault but we got seated at 8, got our drinks after 15 and ordered. the entrees did not come until 9. they did apologize for the wait i think there was something going on that night maybe. kitchen understaffed and food being rushed. bit of a psa, normally if id enjoyed the food i wouldnt bother mentioning but the 4% surcharge added on top of the 22% tip really tops it off lol. the place is cute sure but overall dont think i'd be coming back. could find better read more

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We came here for Valentine's day, and I really enjoyed my time here. To start off, we arrived at our reservation time, but unfortunately our table was not ready. After waiting for a little bit, we were seated in a half booth right by the kitchen. Although the seating arrangement was alright, it was a bit cramped because workers were constantly coming by to pick up food to serve. Anyway, we ordered the (medium rare) ribeye steak and cacio e pepe. Both food items were SO delicious. The ribeye steak was perfectly seasoned and paired so perfectly with the sauce. I loved that they served it with asparagus, but I wish they seasoned it a bit better (like adding more salt). The steak had a few chewy/fatty parts, but overall it was very juicy and tender. The pasta was also so tasty. It was very savory and cheesy, and I loved their noodle choice. We got some cheese on the side, but we did not end up needing to add any of it on. Overall, I had a great experience. Our server was great as well. I am likely to return! read more

RoVino Restaurant + Bar - Ribeye steak - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Available to obtain a table on OpenTable! Came here for my birthday dinner and it was a great choice. Outside seating and indoor, caught our eye more. The inside is smaller but still good seating. Pasta was spicy but so delicious, portion is well to share! I felt like I kept eating and still had so much left over. Haha Lasagna? To die for. Every bite and the cheese. I was beyond impressed. Cesar salad? Amazing and fresh- just wish the anchovies were already cut. Drinks? So delicious. Burbon drink was a hit and we had six delicious espresso martinis! Bathroom is located so far, like outside the building. I would've gotten lost had the server not walked me over. Food runner, buster , server were on it! We were definitely well taken care of. Look forward to coming back. read more

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My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining here, and I must say, this restaurant is exceptional--not only for its delicious food, but also for its outstanding customer service. We had the opportunity to meet one of the owners, Rose, who was absolutely wonderful. She welcomed us with the warmth of family, despite it being our first time meeting her. Her passion for the restaurant and for great food was evident in every conversation. Although we didn't meet her husband, the chef, his talent shone through in every dish we tried. The Arancini and the Pesto Chicken Tortellini quickly became our favorites--both were unforgettable. Evan, the bartender, was also exceptional; the cocktails were fantastic, and he went above and beyond by kindly escorting me to the restroom, which is located outside the restaurant. We had an amazing time at Rovino and truly enjoyed every part of the experience. It's safe to say we'll definitely be visiting again during our next trip to San Diego. read more

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Great food, wine and service i. my opinion. The staff was so attentive and friendly - and Luis made a phenomenal recommendation on the bruschetta appetizer. It was so delicious and refreshing with delicious berries and creamy goat cheese (definitely order that). I got the 1/2 rotisserie chicken and it did not disappoint plus they gave me wayyy more than half a chicken. The chef came out to personally let us know that he had extra so he threw it in our order (so sweet). Cooked to perfection, skin was flavorful, and the veggies seasoned to perfection. My boyfriend got the pasta and loved it! It had the perfect amount of flavor without too much heat. We sat inside and enjoyed the ambiance along with a great bottle of red! Would absolutely come back here for great portions, flavors, and service. read more

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Top tier Italian cuisine with excellent service. Great location in the middle of little Italy. Ordered the shrimp scampi, chicken parm and a vegan pasta. The food was impeccable and the chef couldn't have been more accommodating. I'll be back and highly recommend to anyone looking for great Italian food with a nice ambiance. read more

Had a fabulous here on Mother's Day lunch. Amazing Brussels sprouts and focaccia! Lasagna was also fabulous. Pear and prosciutto flatbread was ok. Next time I'll just have appetizers and desserts. Will definitely be back! read more

Came to eat here this past weekend with my boyfriend. We had a very nice time! Our server, Evan, was kind and welcoming. Checked in on us quite a few times. We were seated in the covered patio area and immediately noticed the chairs were on the smaller side. Just a note in case you're thinking of sitting there. Otherwise the food and drinks were 10/10. I don't drink alcohol so they were able to give us some mocktails to try. Loved it! The only other downside was the bathroom situation. It's over a block in the alley. The music was also a bit loud and we couldn't hear each other at times. Overall a good experience. read more

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I must begin with the house-made focaccia, the most delectable bread I have ever tasted in my 75 years of living. We had already ordered our entrees when we added bread, but absolutely could not stop from taking "just one more bite". Honestly, we didn't need entrees afterwards. An evening with wine and shared focaccia would be ideal. But then the entrees were so outstanding that we couldn't resist savoring their taste as well. The lasagna was baked in an individual dish with crisp edges and tender, tasty interior. The oven warmth remained throughout the meal. It was absolutely over the top. My shrimp scampi was chosen after reading a review praising it to the skies. I fully agree with their assessment, and was happy it was a lighter dish. I know not how my husband could squeeze dessert in after such fine fare, but he swooned over their rich chocolate creation with great pleasure. Seriously, if we lived in San Diego, we would likely gain 100 pounds each in a very short span, or else just live on a treadmill. We would not have the ability to avoid this fine establishment...just not possible. Did I mention the service??. The entire staff was delightful, and our waitress was engaging and efficient. She had a great personality and took fine care of us. The atmosphere was delightful. We ate outside in San Diego's perfect climate and felt right at home. San Diego has much to offer, and we look forward to a return visit in no small part due to the anticipation of more RoVino hospitality! read more

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I never heard of RoVino until I attended a Yelp event and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do so. This place has become my favorite Italian restaurant and I've enjoyed pretty much everything so far. The staff is also incredibly friendly! Being in Little Italy means that you'll need some luck with parking if you visit during peak hours. We ended up just paying for one of the garages nearby and walking over. The restaurant itself is pretty small, with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor tables are nice, especially in the summer, but the downside is all the leaves/flowers falling onto your table. During this particular visit, we wanted to try as much as we could but this was way too much food for a party of two. We had to ask for to-go boxes throughout the meal for each dish just to make room for the next round! Everything came out in tiers with the starters first and the entrees last. You probably could ask the kitchen to send out whatever is ready first too. Arancini: Comes with 3 rice balls, filled with meat and cheese. Very crispy and because of the rice, it's a very filling starter. You can add an extra ball for an additional fee but unless you're making this a meal in itself, save your stomach space for other dishes. Fritto Misto: Fried calamari and surprisingly, fried zucchini! I have never seen zucchini in a calamari appetizer but this was a great addition. Whatever breading they used was so flavorful that you didn't even need a dipping sauce. Highly recommend! Cesare: A large amount of salad that is best shared. I can't imagine eating this as your only meal just because you'd probably get bored with it fast. I would've liked it more with less dressing but overall a good Caesar salad. When we ordered, the waiter made sure we understood that there would be anchovies. Bistecca: Grilled ribeye steak pre-sliced for you. Served over a bed of mashed potatoes and a couple of stalks of broccolini. The meat was super tender and well flavored and the sauce had us cleaning the plate. A little pricey but worth it if you're celebrating something! Chicken Parmesan Pasta: This was the special for the night and I believe the pasta was in a vodka sauce. I've had the vodka sauce pasta before and it was just as good as last time. I think they used Pappardelle for the pasta which is kinda like fettucine but a little wider. The chicken was cooked well and there wasn't a dry bite! Pretty much loved every dish and will recommend to friends if they're looking for an Italian restaurant. Can't wait to be back to try their other pasta dishes! read more

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Amazing dinner on a cute patio. Katarina took care of us. Really loved the Brussels sprouts.

Amazing food and great atmosphere! The front of house staff were very nice and welcoming. Will 100% return to try more of the menu. Drinks and food were very flavorful and fulfilling. read more

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Hip little Italian spot on the edge of San Diego little italy. It was Sat night, and we had not made reservations, so we were walking around and came across this place. The food looked good from what we say people had at the sidewalk tables, and they said they could seat in 15 minutes, so he said let's give them a try. There was four of us, so we started with a goat cheese and fresh berries bruschetta and some of their fresh garlic focaccia bread. Both were delicious. For mains, we split their Sicilian pizza and the mixed meat platter. The pizza was delicious; lots of sausage, veggies, and just the right amount of cheese. That's fine. Has no that has no no error there The platter had grilled Italian sausage, ribeye steak and half a rotisserie chicken. The ribeye was delicious and the best thing on the platter. The sausages were burnt and we let the waiter know and they replaced them with a new order of grilled sausage. These were very good. The rotisserie chicken was also good but Costco's rotisserie's chicken really spoils you and nothing compares to that By now we're really stuffed and the restaurant was winding down. We had no, but they offered us complementary dessert to try; a cannoli and a tiramisu. The tiramisu was very good, but in contrast the cannoli was terrible, as the shell was very thick and hard as a rock. read more

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I would rate this place as the best Italian food in Little Italy and Downtown San Diego. The menu has such good choices and it's not too large so the flavors of everything are so good! Frank is the chef and WOW he's always made insanely delicious food! We had the brussel sprouts, meatballs ( he's famous for those) bruschetta with linguine! Delicious! White wine, Chianti, cosmopolitan! Excellent! Evan was our bartender and waiter he did a great job and best customer service! Thank you! read more

Amazing service! Franc and Rosalia are both amazing people! Highly recommend for food and drinks