Elvira

"Elvira, an expansion from the team behind San Diego’s ultra-popular Cesarina, spotlights Rome’s classic pasta dishes like carbonara, all’Amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, as well as Roman-style pizzas. Other dishes worth coming for include beef tenderloin with a surprisingly bright uni reduction and the wood-fired bone marrow. Brunch service now runs with bouncy ricotta pancakes and carbonara avocado toast. No matter when you come, prepare to be beguiled by Elvira’s entrancing, quirky design — think checkered floors, grandmacore decor, and mid-century light fixtures." - Helen I. Hwang, Eater Staff

"The newest venture for the team behind Italian charmer Cesarina, this chic and casual Ocean Beach restaurant revolves around the food culture of Rome, with tables sharing carafes of wine and special dishes of the day, including the standout, only-available-on-Saturdays trippa alla romana. The menu extends to some of the city’s best-known classics, from cacio e pepe and pasta carbonara to a version of Roman-style pizza." - Candice Woo

"Named after Angius’ great-grandmother, Elvira is imbued with the Italian matriarch’s grit and generous spirit, with family photos decorating the walls and some of her recipes gracing the menu. As its executive chef, co-owner Mezzoni has created a menu designed to introduce local diners to Roman food culture through homemade pasta classics like tonnarelli cacio e pepe and bucatini all’amatriciana and the crispy fried artichokes that are the sought-after specialty of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Her family’s butcher shop, located in the famous square of Campo de’ Fiori, inspired the lamb “cotoletta” served with arugula, artichokes, shaved pecorino, and fresh mint." - Candice Woo

"Named for the Roman-born cherished family matriarch of co-owner Niccolò Angius, this cozy osteria from the founder of Point Loma standout Cesarina is replacing Bo-Beau in Ocean Beach. The menu from chef and partner Cesarina Mezzoni will include wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and dishes based on longstanding Roman recipes paired with draft wine from the Lazio region in central Italy and cocktails featuring Italian spirits." - Candice Woo

"With three locations around the city in Ocean Beach, Hillcrest and La Mesa, the OB location of the “Bo-Beaus” is the most cozy and redolent of a countryside French escape. Known for their brussels sprouts, escargots are a must-order as is the local catch-of-the-day." - Jackie Bryant