California rediscovers Sangiovese. A brief history of the revival of a forgotten grape variety in the United States
Once hailed as “the new Merlot”, Sangiovese experienced an unfortunate phase in California. In the 1980s and 1990s, at the height of the “Cal-Ital” movement, this noble Tuscan grape was grown and vinified without much care or discernment, resulting in unbalanced and often overdone wines. The outcome was a widespread loss of interest in Sangiovese, ...
The Taste of Little Italy Tour: A Look Into San Diego’s Most Flavorful Neighborhood
There’s Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, Chinatown in San Francisco and here in San Diego, we have our very own Little Ital This lively neighborhood is a testament to both the American tradition of immigrants gracing us with our best food and the habit of putting the ‘little’ prefix to carve out a bite-sized extension of global identities here in the S...
San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf to lose a landmark amid $10 million overhaul
Major changes are coming to Fisherman’s Wharf — namely the demolition of the landmark Sicilian seafood restaurant Alioto’s — as the Port of San Francisco moves forward with a $10 million plan to transform the tourist destination with a new public plaza, as well as lighting installations and an overlook along the inner lagoon. Nearly a century old...
Savor the flavors of summer at the Taste of Little Italy
Get ready to eat your heart out at one of San Diego’s most anticipated foodie events of the year, Taste of Little Italy, happening June 17th and 18th. For two unforgettable evenings, the neighborhood transforms into an open-air dining experience where the streets come alive with the aromas of gourmet dishes, the rhythm of live music, and the buzz o...
Giovannetti’s Italian Cuisine Opening in Vista this Summer
A brand new concept, Giovannetti’s Italian Cuisine, is set to make its debut later this year in Vista at 1011 S Santa Fe Ave Ste A & B. The new restaurant is the latest venture from owner Yesenia Zambrano, according to a recent liquor license application. Zambrano tells What Now San Diego that the concept is expected to open by the end of July 2025...
Exploring An Authentic Italian Restaurant In Westlake Village
Nothing compares to the warmth and flavor of Boccaccios Restaurant in Westlake Village when it comes to having a genuinely authentic Italian dining experience. The finest of Italian cuisine is brought to Southern California by this quaint restaurant, which offers patrons not just a meal but also an exploration of Italy’s illustrious culinary past....
Tondi Gelato: The Heart of Authentic Italian Gelato in Santa Barbara
Nestled in the bustling Paseo Nuevo district, Tondi Gelato stands as a jewel in Santa Barbara’s crown, capturing the spirit, flavor, and artistry of true Italian gelato. If you’ve ever wandered the sun-dappled piazzas of Florence, like I once did, you’ll recognize the feeling immediately—a sense that this isn’t just dessert, but a daily ritual, a c...
Ciccia Osteria: Where Italy Finds a Home in Barrio Logan
Tucked away in San Diego’s dynamic and culturally rich Barrio Logan neighborhood, Ciccia Osteria is more than just a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt homage to the spirit of Italian cooking. With its name derived from an Italian term of endearment meaning “sweetie,” Ciccia Osteria embraces guests with warmth, comfort, and a lovingly curated menu that te...
New Handcrafted Kosher Italian Eatery “Molino” Launches in Los Angeles
A new destination for kosher Italian cuisine has officially opened its doors in Los Angeles. Molino, located in the heart of Pico-Robertson, debuted on April 29, 2025, and is offering a unique spin on pizza and pasta rooted in traditional Italian technique and quality ingredients. Molino has grown from its beginnings as a home-based kitchen concept...
Montecito’s Beloved Tre Lune Arrives in Hollywood — and It’s Already a Star
There’s a new name lighting up the Sycamore District — and if you’ve ever spent time in Montecito, it’s a familiar one. Tre Lune, the iconic Italian restaurant long adored by locals and celebrities alike, has officially opened its doors in Hollywood. And just like its northern counterpart, the new location is poised to become one of the city’s go-t...
The team behind Doppio Zero to debut Italian American concept Johnny & Sanny’s in downtown Mountain View
Downtown Mountain View’s newest restaurant isn’t meant to feel new. Step inside and go back in time – servers wear black bow ties, the menu offers classics like Cobb salad, meatballs and cioppino and old black-and-white Italian and American films play on loop. Johnny & Sanny’s is a nostalgic Italian American concept from the team behind Doppio Zero...
Rocco’s Ristorante hits 25 years of family-style flavor
This year, Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Walnut Creek entered its second quarter century in operation. Its walls feature pictures and memorabilia showing the history of a proud Italian-American family. Rocco Biale started the establishment in 1999. Born in San Francisco, he lived with his family in the upstairs unit of his grandfather Giovanni’s b...