Buonissimo- hillcrest

Good Italian food is not easy to find in SD. Only couple of places, at least in my opinion, offer good quality food authentically prepared in a traditional italian manner that are not overly Americanized. For that reason, have stayed away little Italy as most places there just are not satisfying...my favorites of the selection have been Baci on morena, arrivaderci in hillcrest (though a bit Americanized), Vivace at the 4 seasons. North beach up north has nothing to fear.

So when another italian place opened up in hillcrest on uni next to 3 or so other Italian places (which are not very good and offer more budget minded options without flavor), was in question a to what makes it different.

Stormy night upon us, headed out to grab a bite. This location use to be califrnia cuisine, whch was very disappointed to hear they were closing up and moving to only caterting, as they were quite good an one of the few places that had offered a bit more sophisticated dishes than the areas pizza, burger, taco, burrito and flavor deficient options.

The decor can only be describe as playful country Italian flare: bright green walls, rustic bikes and boxes and clothe liners adorn the walls, little wooden pinnochios and fake flowers are everywhere and Old wine style chianti bottles set with dripping candle wax. I don't think I understand the whole concept, but it was inviting enough and a gracious host so we sat in the middle room outlooking the rain hitting the streets. Our Russian waiter even had a pseudo Italian accent.. Lol

The menu was straightforward, wine selection in a hood range for the area ($20-$45 for most.. With wine steals next doors and cheaper Italian food on the other side, the price ranges were quite good)

They brought us out bruschetta to start and had to try an Italian marguerita (amaretto spiked classic marguerita for a bit of sweet and tang)...






The prpearation was good, but again southern calfornia tomatoes just lack that umf.

The spinach salad was simple and good: spinach, light dressing, real bacon curls and real Parmesan shavings.

For the main dish, had the polla with pesto. It was garlic infused, cooked first and then baked with a little pesto and mozzarella cheese and a tomatoe slice, served with a fresh selection of vegetables that were steamed and sprinkled with Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan.




Overall, the simplicity of the food was what made it good. No overly complex dishes with too much going on.

I will have to come back to try the carpaccio and a classic pasta dish to evaluate some more but overall good experience.

On the dessert, a special ofthese day was apple streudel



I wasn't particulalry fond of the streudel as I'm in favor of the vienesse style of thin sliced apple streudels.. But our table magically made it disappear..

- mobile food cam