Restaurant spread of pasta, seafood, fig-topped appetizers, and drinks on colorful ceramic plates.

December Restaurant Feature: Cesarina

  • Raquel Benguiat
  • December 6, 2022

Cesarina in Point Loma opened in early 2019 by three Italian natives, including its namesake and co-owner, Chef Cesarina Mezzoni, and since then it's gotten noticed locally and nationally. This self-proclaimed "happy Italian trattoria" has a focus on hospitality, regional Italian cuisine and daily fresh pastas prepared open-air so you can see the authenticity along with tasting it if you dine inside.

Holiday-decorated restaurant patio with cushioned seating, wooden tables, and a glowing fire pit.Perhaps one of the most alluring features of Cesarina, though, is its wonderful al fresco dining experience which features two garden patios that are enjoyable no matter the season. During winter, they transform the outdoor patio with their annual holiday makeover. They have wool blankets on every chair, hot water bottles for your lap, faux-fur covered benches, and a crackling fireplace that provides both warmth and atmosphere. 

The service is always friendly, attentive and informative but the most important feature is, of course, the food! Cesarina refreshes its menu a few times each year, but you're guaranteed to find something delicious no matter when you visit. The bruschettone featuring housemade focaccia is a must-try, as are the zucchini blossoms filled with ricotta and herbs. The star of Cesarina is its fresh pastas and sauces - choose the pomodoro fresco with your choice of fresh pasta, or any of "Cesa's Fave Pastas" and you won't be disappointed. End your meal with the tableside tiramisu - it's prepped before your eyes which means the ladyfingers are crispy and the espresso is hot. It's covered in sweet mascarpone, and dusted with cocoa and it is quite possibly the most delicious I've ever had!

To complement your meal, Cesarina features a full-service beverage menu including fresh coffees, espresso and tea along with wine selections and signature cocktails.

I highly recommend reservations for Cesarina because wait times are often long.

You can make your reservation here.

 

Photo Credits: Cesarina, Ranch & Coast

To learn more about dining, travel, local events, and trends in luxury lifestyles, visit my blog. And don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on luxury real estate and San Diego's best-kept secrets! Talk soon.

Restaurant patio table set with Italian dishes and wine beside wooden seating and flowering vines.
Restaurant patio with plaid-covered seating, a central heater, and red and gold holiday ornaments.
Orange-red pasta with herbs and creamy cheese on a colorful hand-painted plate
Nests of golden fresh ribbon pasta on a white cloth with black stripes.
Deep pink cocktail with ice and a purple flower garnish among colorful plants.
Dessert bowl topped with whipped cream, mint, strawberries, and crunchy crumbles.
Italian dishes and wine on a lemon-patterned table as red wine is poured.
Cesarina’s outdoor patio dining area beneath a Christmas tree canopy at night.
Raquel Benguiat posing with her hands beneath her chin against a teal background.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RAQUEL BENGUIAT IS A LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT IN RANCHO SANTA FE WITH DOUGLAS ELLIMAN AND A LONGTIME COVENANT RESIDENT WHO MEETS CLIENTS AT HER PRIVATE OFFICE IN THE VILLAGE. IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 2004, SHE REPRESENTS BUYERS AND SELLERS OF HIGH VALUE ESTATES ABOVE $5M ACROSS ALL 24 RANCHO SANTA FE COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THE COVENANT, FAIRBANKS RANCH, AND THE BRIDGES, AS WELL AS DEL MAR AND THE SURROUNDING COASTAL AREAS. HER WORK COVERS EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES, GOLF COMMUNITIES, AND LAND SALES.

REALTRENDS VERIFIED RANKS HER IN THE TOP 1% OF AGENTS NATIONWIDE. SHE TAKES ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF CLIENTS EACH YEAR, SO EVERY SHOWING, NEGOTIATION, AND CONVERSATION IS HANDLED BY HER PERSONALLY, AND SHE IS KNOWN FOR HER DISCRETION, OFF-MARKET ACCESS, EXTENSIVE GLOBAL NETWORK, AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT CONTINUE WELL BEYOND THE TRANSACTION.

DRE #02011666

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