With this weekend's impending Little Italy Italian
FESTA, all the more reason to squeeze into our publishing schedule and tell you all about one of the newest and best restaurants in San Diego's Little Italy!
I present you with Civico 1845.
I was fortunate to find out about Civico 1845 before owners Dario & Pietro Gallo had even opened the doors for business!
Now, sadly I can't say that I was one of the lucky ones to go on opening night - I'm just out of town way too much for something like that to piece together so perfectly.
But when I got to see a menu sampling that was sent to me directly from Dario, and then I got to see pictures of some of the dishes taken by local friends -
I just knew that I had to find a way to get over there!
FESTA, all the more reason to squeeze into our publishing schedule and tell you all about one of the newest and best restaurants in San Diego's Little Italy!
I present you with Civico 1845.
I was fortunate to find out about Civico 1845 before owners Dario & Pietro Gallo had even opened the doors for business!
Now, sadly I can't say that I was one of the lucky ones to go on opening night - I'm just out of town way too much for something like that to piece together so perfectly.
But when I got to see a menu sampling that was sent to me directly from Dario, and then I got to see pictures of some of the dishes taken by local friends -
I just knew that I had to find a way to get over there!
This alone had inspired my Ballooning, Biking and Baseball Weekend -
Yes, you'd be quite surprised as to where I get some of the inspirations for my travels.
But when I do, I NEED to go!
And so it finally happened...I made my reservations and the excitement built!
On the night of the reservation we pulled up be cab, and had walked up to the very bustling fairly new comer to Little Italy.
Approaching the establishment, it is easy to notice that this is where IT is all happening!
Sure there might have been some other restaurants that had their tables full but...nothing came even close to Civico 1845.
It was lively, and full of joy.
Pietro and (Front of the House Manager) Flavio Piromallo were assisting staff and mingling with customers, the wait staff was hustling to and fro tables carrying plates full of amazing looking and deliciously smelling traditional Italian dishes, the hostess was back and forth at the outdoor hostess stand trying to seat guests as quickly as she could.
And if a crowd began to build, the guests would certainly not get ignored, but instead the staff would come up to see what they could do to to keep everyone smiling and in good spirits, just as would be expected of the host of family dinner back in Italy.
Civico 1845 reminds me of - being at home; it has a warm, loud (Italians are LOUD), and a very family friendly atmosphere.
The aromas bring me back to memories of being in Nonna's kitchen!
It was my turn to check in for our reservation, and almost immediately a very attentive Flavio had approached us with a warm greeting, and friendly smile.
No sooner had he led us to our table, and handed us menus while welcoming us to the restaurant.
Yes, you'd be quite surprised as to where I get some of the inspirations for my travels.
But when I do, I NEED to go!
And so it finally happened...I made my reservations and the excitement built!
On the night of the reservation we pulled up be cab, and had walked up to the very bustling fairly new comer to Little Italy.
Approaching the establishment, it is easy to notice that this is where IT is all happening!
Sure there might have been some other restaurants that had their tables full but...nothing came even close to Civico 1845.
It was lively, and full of joy.
Pietro and (Front of the House Manager) Flavio Piromallo were assisting staff and mingling with customers, the wait staff was hustling to and fro tables carrying plates full of amazing looking and deliciously smelling traditional Italian dishes, the hostess was back and forth at the outdoor hostess stand trying to seat guests as quickly as she could.
And if a crowd began to build, the guests would certainly not get ignored, but instead the staff would come up to see what they could do to to keep everyone smiling and in good spirits, just as would be expected of the host of family dinner back in Italy.
Civico 1845 reminds me of - being at home; it has a warm, loud (Italians are LOUD), and a very family friendly atmosphere.
The aromas bring me back to memories of being in Nonna's kitchen!
It was my turn to check in for our reservation, and almost immediately a very attentive Flavio had approached us with a warm greeting, and friendly smile.
No sooner had he led us to our table, and handed us menus while welcoming us to the restaurant.
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A bag full of warm delicious foccacia bread had been delivered along side a lovely pesto dipping sauce. Flavio was never far and had checked on us throughout the night to see how we were doing, make sure that we were happy and to get to know more about my heritage and share his own.
The aroma and ambience of the restaurant was that of one more likely find on the East Coast or back in Italy, and nothing at all that I'd expect at an Italian restaurant in Southern California (where I don't particulary enjoy the attempt of Italian food. Because generally it SUCKS. There I said it.)
But here I was being brought back to my roots and yet I had only tried the bread service so far!
This place was certainly making an impression on me.
The menu was drool worthy, and there were so many choices (I'm talking vegan choices), I hadn't even seen the regular menu. I could only imagine the options!
But here I was being brought back to my roots and yet I had only tried the bread service so far!
This place was certainly making an impression on me.
The menu was drool worthy, and there were so many choices (I'm talking vegan choices), I hadn't even seen the regular menu. I could only imagine the options!
When it was time to decide I went with the Ravioli and Dave opted for the Mezzaluna, we started with an order of the Mushroom "Calamari" and Frito Napoli.
Everything was to die for!
Dessert was a decadent Tiramisu, and we could not resist ordering a couple of Cappuccinos - which if I may say so myself were OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!
Everything was to die for!
Dessert was a decadent Tiramisu, and we could not resist ordering a couple of Cappuccinos - which if I may say so myself were OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!
 Fritto Napoi  Vegan Tiramisu   Vegan Ravioli |  Calzoni  Risotto Ball  Cappuccino  Mushroom "Calamari"  Mezzaluna |
The service was impeccable and very attentive throughout the entire night.
Being that Dario was out of town and in Italy, we did not have the pleasure of meeting him on this occasion.
But after one bite, I knew that I'd be back and that I'd be recommending this restaurant to all of you, as well, as to me friends and family.
It is truly a taste of Italy right in the heart of San Diego!
UPDATE: After sharing my first visit with you, I want to tell you that indeed I have sent new customers there - each one coming back to me with nothing less than rave reviews and just on Sunday night after spending a lovely afternoon at the Little Italy FESTA, I went back!
This time with a party of 8, and just like before, we were treated like family and nothing had changed. The restaurant is doing great and the staff is wonderful. The server that helped my sister on her first visit had immediately remembered her and was so glad to see her come back! Flavio was there and so happy to meet more of my family.
The meal was OUTSTANDING and this restaurant has quickly become a family favorite!
Being that Dario was out of town and in Italy, we did not have the pleasure of meeting him on this occasion.
But after one bite, I knew that I'd be back and that I'd be recommending this restaurant to all of you, as well, as to me friends and family.
It is truly a taste of Italy right in the heart of San Diego!
UPDATE: After sharing my first visit with you, I want to tell you that indeed I have sent new customers there - each one coming back to me with nothing less than rave reviews and just on Sunday night after spending a lovely afternoon at the Little Italy FESTA, I went back!
This time with a party of 8, and just like before, we were treated like family and nothing had changed. The restaurant is doing great and the staff is wonderful. The server that helped my sister on her first visit had immediately remembered her and was so glad to see her come back! Flavio was there and so happy to meet more of my family.
The meal was OUTSTANDING and this restaurant has quickly become a family favorite!
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It has taken so very many years of us being in SoCal and trying several other Italian(ish) restaurants, only to be greatly disappointed and NOW we are beyond THRILLED to have a family GO TO Italian restaurant where we know that we will be treated like family, feel at home and be more than happy with the food!
Gratzie mille Civico 1845.
Buon Appetito
-T
For Your Reference:
Civico 1845
1845 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-431-5990
www.civico1845.com
Gratzie mille Civico 1845.
Buon Appetito
-T
For Your Reference:
Civico 1845
1845 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-431-5990
www.civico1845.com
  Capri Salad  Artichoke and Potato Fritto  Penne alla Vodka  Tiramisu |  Vegan Eggplant Parm and Penne  Gnocchi alla Pesto  Vegan Lasagna  Burrata Heirloom Caprese   Vegan Tartofu |
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