Nonno's Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in La Mesa

There's a certain magic to any "hole in the wall" local spot, and this place exudes it. My father brought us here while on a trip back home in San Diego. You might be forgiven for walking past - it has an assuming presence in a strip mall. Peer inside and the three in-wall digitally controlled wine cellars are your first hint at something special.

We walked in, and they greeted my dad by name! We chatted with the charming person managing the front of the house and she recommended one of the better chiantis I've had in a long while.

My partner had a pasta with clams and a white sauce with peccarino atop a black linguini. My "Spicy Shrimp Roma" had the same linguini, which was fresh and flavourful. I was a little surprised to be asked about spiciness on a 1-5 scale. I requested a 4 and was warned about the heat before confirming. I've never had spicy Italian food and it was amazing.

Dad shared that he came here throughout the worst of the pandemic because of the cleanliness of the kitchen, which was visible and sparkling. They also cheered him and my mother when they came for their anniversary.

The service would be enough reason alone to come here. But the flavors were delightfully complex compared to other pasta dishes. I'm surprised this place doesn't have a line out the door.

That said, this spot has limited seating (which only adds to the charm), so definitely make a reservation.

Or, apparently pick up a pizza! I've got to imagine they're pretty solid too. Don't sleep on this spot - you can't imagine what...

Good restaurant with some serious flaws. The best part is the bread. It's prepared and yeast raised the day before, and baked as you sit down at the table, served with oil and vinegar and topped with rosemary. Superb. Entrees are reasonably priced. The bad part is that although some dishes are excellent, some are equally as bad. Look at the picture of the charcuterie board. It looks wonderful. The salami is nice. Wonderful olives. It could have used honeycomb, but it was relatively inexpensive so that's okay. I was very impressed. And then look at the picture of the salad but I ordered. Nice dressing, but other than that very plain. Three quarters of one strawberry and a fat slice of roma tomato with a little Gorgonzola. Very boring. The special that we ordered, a chicken penne, was very dry, needed salt, and boring. Chicken was so hard that it would have bounced. We sent it back and got some alfredo which was fine. My lobster ravioli was pretty good, and made the most of the seafood flavors. The bottom line is that either the food is a hit, or it's a miss, but it's okay because the price isn't unreasonable. Most of the bottles of wine are under $40 which is refreshing to see. Staff is nice. It's a family run business. The prices are good. Decor of nice. Romantic. But some of the dishes are big duds. I've been here twice and...

16" Meatball Sandwich 8" Pastrami Sandwich;

Sauce of the Meatball Sandwich was not as strong in taste, as I had hoped. As this was my 1st time of such sandwich @ Nonnos. Temp of sandwich was HOT! Roll/Bread was toasted a bit overdone, compared to the average Italian eatery. Perfect for me. Toasted in which to be crispy. I wished the sauce being more heavy; as I have had sandwiches with heavier sauce, than 'pizza' weight sauce.

Pastrami Sandwich had vinegar taste applied, as it should have had; not over nor underapplied. Actually, the Pastrami was BETTER than the Meatball Sandwich (no sic). But the Pastrami MEAT was the type that be of the weaker taste. As there is not just 1 'Pastrami' in existence. (without my asking) I was hoping the specific meat that I desire being the one that Nonno's had. But I was wrong. I later heard, upon my visiting, that another one has it.

GREAT customer service, @ counter, as this was a walk-in. (but I told them in advance that my order was gonna be a critique anyway. But that I really came to them for the specific 16"...