Word can not do this gem justice...
You must, must, must try this place..
I don’t want to wait, but seriously you must try it
We were delightfully surprised not only how good the food was but also how reasonable the prices were. The restaurant was recommended on the Michelin restaurant review guide as a place to stop by. The owner really cares about both the food and the guests experience. When asking for wine recommendations he recommended a less expensive but just perfect pairing that was a local Italian. Dessert was fantastic as well. Definitely recommend!
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. Everything was fantastic, and this was even better than most restaurants in the Italian quarter. The owner Mario is such a lovely guy - so nice and friendly and takes personal interest in helping you with the menu and even suggests wine selections. The place is very very cute and the meal is super affordable for the quality of ingredients + taste. Definitely my best meal in San Diego. I will come back!
Lovely Italian restaurant in Barrio Logan. Great selection of dishes with some unusual pastas. The tomato and watermelon salad was great and the pasta selection was wonderful. Very nice apple pie.
Chefs Francesca Penoncelli and Mario Casineri serve authentic, homemade Italian cuisine! Delicious Lasagna, Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Cappuccino! Chef Francesca has daily specials. Warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like an Osteria in Italy! Friendly, attentive staff! Ciccia Osteria is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, which “will also leave you with a sense of satisfaction, at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price.” Ciccia is a term of endearment, similar to “sweetie” – Ciccia Osteria endeared itself to me!
First, what an unexpected neighborhood! Ciccia Osteria is located on a street full of restaurants and bars that are just calling for you to come in. The outdoor seating at the Osteria is shaded under these cool trees, and the indoor seating is in their open market and deli. Make sure to order a board of charcuterie for at least 2 people. Really great options and everything was cut to order! For dinner we ordered the specialty which is a thin beef wrapped around a wood stake and broiled. It was fun to pull off the stick and great for sharing. The pastas were amazing, especially the pea stuffed ravioli. We also had the pork porterhouse made gluten free! And they even had gluten free Tiramisu!
Definitely give this place a shot, and check out the rest of the street.
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My wife and I eat at Ciccia’s regularly but this is our first review after 4 years. Sorry Francesca and Mario! (In my defense I practically never ever write a review.) We keep coming back for the food, ambiance and hospitality. **We’ve gone 3 times in the last week!
The crab gnocchi is my wife’s favorite. I get something different almost every time. Every visit I ask Mario about the specials as I like to sample the beef and/or fish (Branzino!) they prepare in addition to pasta. Try the Tomahawk steak if it’s a special that day (call ahead) and you will be amazed. Too many times we fill up on appetizers like mushroom flan, breaded zucchini, calamari, antipasto, and the choices go on! But that’s what to-go containers are for. So much good food to eat at Ciccias we tend to order too many things. It is simply fun to dine there.
Once you’re inside the restaurant area (patio area or indoor area) the ambiance is quaint and cozy. Ciccia’s is not big and it’s always filled, but we never feel like it’s too crowded. The energy is always fun and upbeat. Which makes people stay awhile, so let me recommend getting reservations. We’ve had to wait 10-15 minutes but nothing’s perfect! If you want a breezy quick dinner before going off to an event you may want to go to Ciccia’s on another night.
Hospitality is what you would expect of a small Italian restaurant run by the owners. Terrific!! If it’s your first time, read their story on the website before you go. They are bona fide top chefs who followed their dreams to open their own place. What a gem it is tucked inside Barrio Logan. One thing regulars may notice is that staff doesn’t appear to turn over much as I’ve seen the same faces working there for years. I think that reflects well on the restaurant.
I don’t take pictures of food very often but last night I did. We stopped by at around 9 just to get dessert and a cocktail. My wife had the ricotta cake with apricot and habanero sauce (wow!) and I had cassata siciliana which is traditional cake from Sicily. Pretty to look at and yes, it’s delicious. They do a good job with making an Old Fashioned, which always pairs well with dessert 😜
Buon appetito!
Delightful evening here. We ate a couple of the specials and the lasagna. Everything was excellent. Good wine list, and nice staff.
Undercover gem in Barrio Logan. Expect authentic Italian food with a menu curated to include delicious specials and classic favorites. Wine list is on point and friendly owner. Outside patio has ambience and fire pit. Indoors is intimate and quaint
Amazing dinner. It's a small restaurant that gets busy even when you have a reservation. Just be patient. It's worth the wait. Food was delicious. Would go back again till my body is made up of only pesto gnocchi.
Beautiful atmosphere, wonderful service and authentically gorgeous food. The menu is an amazing mix of traditional Italian dishes and some with meat included, which is more American.
Big table outside with a built-in fire pit was awesome. We were next to it and the heat was amazing 🤩.
Getting seated took a little time but it's well worth the wait.
Food is delicious. Fresh ingredients. Perfectly seasoned.
Fresh pasta was cooked to perfection.
The mushroom flan is everything!
I went for the branzino.
Tiramasu was to die for!
Highly recommend this Barrio Logan gem.
Ciccia Osteria is a true gem that shines brightly! The pasta dishes served here are nothing short of divine, with flavors that are both authentic and bold. Every bite transports your taste buds to Italy and leaves you wanting more. The atmosphere is lively and charming, making you feel like part of the family. The service is top-notch; friendly and attentive servers enhance the overall dining experience. Ciccia Osteria is a must-visit for exceptional Italian cuisine that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!
A slice of heaven on earth! The ambiance is great, the owners are working with the staff and ensuring great experience. Appetizers so good, we had to order two! Everything perfectly cooked and delicious but that bread they bring out first - let me tell you, amazingly good and soft!
Delicious Italian food, warm and efficient service. Beautiful dining area full of leafy trees.
Such a warm, family Italian restaurant! Deliciousness with a community hug! Loved their pastas and warm homemade bread! Will definitely return.
Absolutely fantastic experience! From the bread to the appetizers, main dishes, and dessert, every plate was beyond our expectations! Authentic, hand crafted dishes…flavorful, creative, and unique. The best Italian restaurant I have visited in San Diego! Will definitely be back!
Awesome restaurant! The food was very tasty (especially the roasted vegetables)! Lots of vegan and gluten free options as well. The service is slow but the staff/manager are extremely friendly. Highly recommend giving this place a try.
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