Exploring Cesarina Italian Restaurant in San Diego ✨

Today I went with friends to Cesarina, a popular Italian restaurant in town. The atmosphere was cozy as soon as we entered, and the staff were very welcoming. Overall, some dishes stood out while others were just okay, but the experience was enjoyable! 😊 For starters, we ordered Crispy Octopus with mashed potatoes and blended broccoli. 🐙 The octopus had a fragrant crispy skin, and the mashed potatoes were smooth. However, this dish felt like something I "could order but wouldn’t crave later"—decent but not unforgettable. Next was the Seafood Pasta Pot with tomato broth. 🍲 The dish was served uniquely—pasta and seafood separately. The tomato broth was light and refreshing, packed with prawns, clams, squid rings, mussels, and fish. The pasta itself was soft, but when mixed with the broth, it absorbed the flavors perfectly. For the main course, we tried the Grass-fed Steak Set. 🥩 We asked for it well-done, and the steak was incredibly tender. However, the vegetables and potato chunks had an unexpected "seafood-like" taste, possibly due to seasoning. So, if I were to order again, I’d recommend just the steak itself. We also tasted the classic Lasagna, which had a tangy sauce with a strong tomato flavor. 🍅 If you enjoy sour and savory notes, you’d find it authentic. But if you prefer milder flavors, you might want to skip it. The complimentary bread was a highlight! 🍞 We finished one portion instantly and asked for another. One type had a cheesy saltiness, while the other reminded us of onion-flavored naan—simple but genuinely delicious. Dessert was Tiramisu made tableside, which felt like a fun little performance. 🍮 However, the taste was just average, made with very basic ingredients. It was worth trying for the experience though. The extra touches were thoughtful: everyone could choose their own unique plate, and the water pitcher was shaped like an adorable rooster! 🐔 The staff also gave us a Polaroid photo as a souvenir, which was heartwarming. 📸 All in all, it was a pleasant dining experience, great for gatherings or trying something new. 🥳 #SanDiegoEats #ItalianRestaurant #FoodExploration #FoodieDiary #WeekendVibes #CozyDining #MemorableMeals