The Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine of Operacaffe

If you are looking for authentic Italian food in a historic environment that reflects the small shop life of Italy you may want to frequent Operacaffe. Located in the busy Gaslamp district of San Diego it attracts fine dining enthusiasts that seek a unique dining experience. Seafood, steak and pasta are only part of their main offerings. You can sit on the street side terrace or inside. 

The lights are low and the décor is traditional European. Antique pictures, cabinets and tapestry line the walls while traditional table cloths only add to the experience. As a fine dining establishment they have taken impeccable care to ensure that the atmosphere is both inviting to guests and providing a romantic ambiance. 

There are many restaurants but only one Operacaffe. If you are a pasta lover try the Ravioli Bascaiola made with mushrooms, sage and butter sauce. If you are seeking to avoid pasta you can try one of their salads, meat, or fish offerings. Appetizers and wine are also offered at a reasonable price. Food is labeled with Italian titles and English ingredients making it convenient for most customers. 

The restaurant hosts authentic northern Italian cuisine. Southern cuisine is known for its fish, shrimp, and Mediterranean styles while the northern cuisine is oriented toward cattle, cheese, and butter based sauces (1). The owners are from northern Italy and try and bring their northern style to San Diego.

They have done well bringing into alignment the style, furniture, price, servicescape, and menu to ensure that there is consistency in their theme. This is important in helping their core demographic customers experience authentic Italy and ensure that they want to return. It is a place that just beacons you to order a glass a wine with your food. 

http://www.operacaffe.com/#Home

Fresh Shell Fish at Crab Catchers in La Jolla

Crab Catchers provides premier steak and seafood.  It is a high end restaurant that matches the eloquence of their menu with a pristine view of the ocean. Sit inside under the open air, within the restaurant or on the patio listening to the wave’s crash upon the shore. One can expect to find three different atmospheres in a single establishment.

Ranked 4.5 out of 5 stars by 142 local and out-of-town visitors on opentable.net the experience matches the perception.  They are known for some of the freshest shell fish in the area. As prices for an individual range from $30 to $50 it can be beneficial to attend their Happy Hour.  “Our full bar features a Happy Hour from 3 - 9pm, with $3^.00 margaritas, domestic beers, champagne, half price on selected menu items and $2^.00 oyster shooters.”

During our visit we sat on the patio and ordered fish tacos, oysters, and calamari. The menu is small plate by nature. The restaurant is immaculately taken care of and the staff well trained on customer service expectations. The staff appears attentive to the overall speed of clean up and resetting. Overall it was a pleasant experience and worth repeating.

http://www.crabcatcher.com/Hours-Location

Fine La Jolla Italian Dining at Piatti's Restaurant

Piatti Restaurant and Bar is a fine dining Italian restaurant that focuses on high quality food and a huge selection of barrel wine. They offer extras such as the vegetarian plates, gluten free food, and children’s menu. They are located in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood blocks from the beach. With tree covered patios and tablecloth dining they provide an excellent atmosphere for many occasions. 

Prices are affordable with Insalatas like Grilled Hearts of Romaine Wrapped with Parma Prosciutto, Drizzled Hazelnut Vinaigrette offered for  $10.95. Panini such as Roasted Leg of Lamb, Pesto, Arugula is on the menu for $14.25. If you are in the mood for starch, you might want to try Rolled Pasta Filled with Wild Mushrooms, Ricotta, Spinach, Porcini Mushroom Cream Sauce for $15.5.

Piattis started in 1987 and attempts to create a design that matches the needs of the community. Each servicecape is designed to bring a romantic Italian atmosphere  Low lighting, full bar, indoor/outdoor seating, and light music can be expected. A restaurant appears to have a large local following and caters to the trendy yet sophisticated crowd.

Piattis also engages in some philanthropic causes such as donating $100,000 to schools and charities every year. They run a Dine for Dollars program for every table that mentions the program. They also use at least 50% of their products from locally grown farms in order to reduce the carbon footprint. Recycling is a big deal for them. 

2182 Avenida De La Playa
La Jolla, Ca 92037

http://www.piatti.com/