A rustic Italian vibe pervades at Civico 1845 in Little Italy. (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)
Italian Restaurants, Little Italy, Bankers Hill, North Park, South Park
Did You Know…
By Frank Sabatini Jr.
…there are only four establishments in San Diego that have fetched the honors as being named among the “most authentic Italian restaurants in the world” by the prestigious resource guide, Gambero Rosso International?
Gambero Rosso started in Italy as a print magazine in 1986 and quickly gained popularity in conjunction with the emerging slow food movement. The publication today has become an online authority in wine and restaurant rankings as well as a source for global culinary news.
Based on consistency in quality, menu creativity and wine offerings, the organization’s international scouts found these four local Italian restaurants worthy of their “authentic Italian” character.
Cori Pastificio Trattoria, North Park
Chef-owner Accursio Lota is cited for his strong focus on homemade pasta and for keenly combining his Sicilian roots with San Diego’s abundance of fresh ingredients. The guide recommends Lota’s cacio e pepe fritters, his meatballs in tomato sauce, and lamb sausage. We too can vouch for all three.
Buona Forchetta, South Park
Neapolitan-style pizza rules the day here, as they have from day one when the restaurant opened more than a decade ago. The business was also applauded for its friendliness and “honest quality-price ratio.”
Civico 1845, Little Italy
With a separate menu card devoted to vegan dishes using pea protein and rice milk in some cases, the reviewers commended Civico’s culinary flair and creativity, which owners Dario and Pietro Gallo continue to bestow on both vegan and non-vegan customers since meat and fish are served here as well.
Cucina Urbana, Bankers Hill
An onsite wine shop and “well-structured” wine list play into Cucina’s accolades, as did the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and professional service. Ironically, the establishment is British-owned by Tracey Borkum, who heads up a string of other restaurants under the Urban Kitchen Group.
