A small new Italian restaurant that opened up near the ever popular Mo's bar on University avenue is Charisma. From the outside, the red interior is an attractive calling to come inside, with sidewalk opening glass doors that create an outside seating patio, the family owned restaurant prepares specialties from the southern parts of Italy, particularly with an emphasis of flavor from the Napoli region.
For a small environment, the interior has about 10-12 or so table, gets lively and cozy.
For starters, rich lentils soaked in olive oil are brought out with hot bread.
The fritto misto, a collection of tempura covered vegetables, shrimp and dates (?)...
The mussels and clam dish, baked Carlsbad mussels in a tomato broth with a piece of grilled bread..
The bruschetta, tomato, garlic and olive oil topped toasted ciabatta bread
The chicken cacciatore dish, a pasta and chicken piece layered with tomatoes cooked with onion and rosemary
the whole wheat penne, ricotta cheese, onions and garlic...
an eggplant pasta dish.. couldn't find the eggplant!
a special panna cotta... chocolate pudding consistency
a richly stuffed cannoli
Charisma offers inexpensive plates, a comfortable atmosphere and richly sauced pasta dishes. Be careful with the wine ordering, most wines are stored on top shelves that are subject to rising temperatures, discriminating palettes would not be impressed. Overall, the flavors are not overwhelmingly strong. Ideally, a student population would love this place. With one of the few restaurants in SD with adjoining outdoor patio overlooking in the street, we'll keep our paws crossed for it.
http://www.charismacucinaitaliana.com/
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