Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego is the home of North Italia, a casual dining place next to Bloomingdale’s. The grand opening is scheduled for November 7th and will offer lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch.
North Italia, the modern Italian concept from restauranteur Sam Fox, will officially open its doors on Wednesday, November 7 at San Diego’s Fashion Valley. The 8,500 square-foot space features an open exhibition kitchen, which will be led by executive chef and former Top Chef competitor Rich Sweeney.
Recently I had my son, the foodie in our family, scope out the venue and sample the menu. Alex is a pasta connoisseur, and he made some interesting choices from the dinner menu. But before we talk about the food, let me tell you a little bit about this new Italian restaurant.
North Italia is the sister property to Blanco Tacos + Tequila at Fashion Valley and Flower Child in Del Mar. It seats up to 295 guests both indoors and on the outside heated patio space which is also pet friendly.
North Italia Dinning Room
The restaurant offers community tables making it easy for family dining, and for friends to gather for any occasion.
North Italia Open Kitchen
The exhibition kitchen is one of the features that many find especially comforting since you can watch your food being prepared.
“We are so excited to continue to expand in beautiful San Diego, specifically with North Italia. The restaurant serves fresh, seasonal and modern Italian cooking in an energetic setting.” Fox says, “San Diego has fully welcomed us with our other restaurants Flower Child and Blanco Tacos + Tequila, and with such a rich dining culture, we are honored to become a part of the Mission Valley and greater San Diego communities.”
Speaking of modern Italian cooking, take a look at the gorgeous pasta plate my adventurous eater ordered. The Malfadine is a spicy squid ink pasta generously served with shrimp, calamari, aqua pazza, mint, fennel pollen, and calabrian chili.
Malfadine pasta at North Italia
For dessert, Alex had the traditional Tiramisu, which was served in a nontraditional way. At first glance, the chocolate and coffee confection resembled bubble tea, but those are actually chocolate munizione (munition), or simply chocolate balls. Mama mia, that looks tasty!
Tiramisu at North Italia Restaurant Fashion Valley
Of course, the menu offers other traditional Italian fare with a flair; Burrata, Proscioutto Bruschetta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and main dishes like roasted salmon, roasted mushroom tortelloni, and classic spaghetti and meatballs. You can pair any of these dishes with a selection from their wine and drinks list.
Former Top Chef competitor Rich Sweeney, who has been cooking in San Diego for more than 12 years, will lead the kitchen serving as executive chef. Rich brings his flair for flavor and love of homemade cooking to North Italia. Chef Sweeney graduated from San Diego Culinary Institute and won the “Chef of the Fest” competition at the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival in 2013.
North Italia opens Wednesday, November 7th and is located at 7055 Friars Rd., San Diego 92108. You can make a reservation online or by calling (619) 343-2301.
Boun Appetito!
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