I may not have lived San Diego for that long, but even I can see that there’s a huge shift going on in its food scene. Within just one year I’ve noticed San Diego step out from L.A.’s shadow and carve out its own spot in the food world with inventive menus, well-designed spaces and patrons who are actually excited for something new. And through it all, the East Village has led the charge for creativity (and let’s be real, gentrification). There’s Don Chido, Comun Kitchen & Tavern, Rare Form and its rooftop bar Fairweather, as well as the very industrial-cool event space Luce Loft and the fancy-schmancy Fit gym. The East Village, you can say, is having a moment.
The splashiest of new tenants to the neighborhood is Italian restaurant-market Bottega Americano. Many people refer to it as the West Coast answer to Eataly, but that’s just not accurate. While Eataly is made up of various food stations with a marketplace sprinkled throughout, Bottega is a restaurant at its core and marketplace on the side. That said, it’s one of the most fun, energetic dining experiences I’ve had so far in the city.
If you know what’s good for you, you’ll order the boschetto on the cheese plate, the gnocchi (best I’ve ever had), and the peach carpaccio dessert (thinly sliced peaches topped with dots of mascarpone, balsamic and crunchy, pistachio cake). The only misstep was Eaman’s meat being cooked more rare than the medium he ordered, a problem that I’ve seen happen more often than not at new restaurants.
Design-wise, it’s hard not to gawk at every corner. Beautiful copper pendant lights here, fresh pasta hanging there, and nostalgic black and white photos likely from Italia—I love how dining here feels like an event. Take a look:
Disclaimer: Our meal was complimentary, but as always, all opinions are my own.
that gnocchi looks so good!! you look adorable as always.