This is the second time in two-three months that I have taken a group of San Diego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies to Ciccia Osteria Barrio Logan. This is a small part of San Diego very close to the border of Mexico. Two times we have had amazing experiences and I’m sure you want to know what to order when you go so here’s our second review.
We sit down to a charming ‘wait’ staff. Chef/Owner Mario comes over to greet us. He says the reason they do specials same day is he doesn’t know what he’s going to add to that menu until he sees what fresh produce is available to create with. That my friends, is my kind of chef!
Here’s how we start our meal at Ciccia
We order the Mushroom Flan and Barley Salad to start.
When I ask about favorites Betty says: “The Mushroom Flan”. Kathe loves it too. Debby says: “Even Someone
who hates mushrooms will like this.” And I join the chorus of eaters at our table. If you order nothing else, do not be thrown by the concept of the name and just order the mushroom flan. And look at the beautiful plate! I love that everyone has a different plate at the table. All beautiful. All creative!
For Marie, it’s the Gnocchi. I not sure whether I am going to order it with the crab or just plain but it turns out the gnocchi on the regular menu is not the same sauce as the gnocchi with crab, on the special menu. So for those who don’t eat crab we put the crab on the side and we really enjoy some beautifully sauced gnocchi. It’s the type of sauce that makes you want to lick the bowl.
Speaking of dishes not to be missed
Another big surprise is the Barley Salad. I go to order it and everyone at the table asks “are you sure?” Now I absolutely know that’s Chef Mario makes things that seem or sound plain, extremely delicious an interesting so I just turn to the table and say: “Trust me.”
Debby says says: “I like that there are currants in the salad and the Parmesan brings a very good taste too.” Betty adds: “The currants go perfectly with the balsamic vinegar.”
Veal Milanese really hits the spot for Marie. I ask for a little extra lemon sauce and it’s just what I am hoping for. Simply delish.
One last thing I must say: Do not miss the FRESH FETTUCCINI, with black garlic and Langostino. After the seafood was gone, I actually sucked on the
shells, (I said, “pass me those bones”) because the flavor was that good!
Now, let me say two things: Whether you like Chardonnay or don’t like Chardonnay, you must try their house Chardonnay. The aroma alone will get you. And it’s such a drinkable wine with its twists and turns of smells and tastes … it just ‘gets’ ya. Last time another member took wine home. This time I was the smart one too. I took home 2 bottles.
We enjoy the taste of their Key Lime Dessert. Now, just with tastings of this and that, by this time I am truly stuffed. As I wander inside to pick up my wine, I ask our waitress: “What’s that?” (pointing to the desserts in the glass counter). Turns out that that not only is it a pudding pie with a graham cracker crust but it’s vegan. I lean in and say: “That’s going home with me too”.
Mario comes over, gives me a hug around the neck from behind and says: “No dessert for the guests?”. We laugh. And that’s the kind of restaurant this is. Everybody is family!
This is authentic Italian Food. It’s not Italian Style, like so many of our restaurants that say they are Italian, outside of Little Italy. And the key is consistency. Equally good every time we come!
Mario is a great chef, a great restauranteur that hires amazing people. He rebuilt this old house into a beautiful welcoming space. And he cooks everything with a big helping of love. I feel so lucky to know him, his restaurant, the staff and enjoy his consistently good creations! 
Make sure you get a reservation early for good parking!
With garlic, gusto & gratitude,
Chef Marian🥂
📧 ChefMarianKitchenConfident@gmail.com
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