Ciccia Osteria — Restaurant in San Diego

Starting off, we had reservations for 7:30 and were seated at 7:25 when we arrived. There was seemingly 2 larger groups sitting in the front patio area so we were promptly brought to the second to last table in the back, directly next to the bathrooms and kitchen. We walked past at least 4 empty tables and when we asked about sitting at one we were told they were reserved. Okay, but didn’t we also have reservations?

The menu looked great overall and we have heard great things from others. I say it looked great because after ordering a bottle of wine to start we sat and waited, and waited, and waited, but seemingly were completely forgotten about. After enjoying our $20 Caprese salad and the $40 bottle of wine, we finally got up and asked someone if we could order food.

Sitting so close to the kitchen window we could clearly see there were two food tickets. I want to be clear that they were not busy by any means and we are completely understanding of restaurants being understaffed and tried as much as possible to respect that. After getting up to find someone to help, we then waited 15 minutes and still no one came to take our order, check in, refill waters, or anything to a knowledge we were there.

In total we spent 50 minutes waiting to order. We almost got to the point of just walking out but instead we grabbed a waiter. They finally came over ask asked if we were ready to order, completely oblivious to the fact that we had asked this same person now twice for help. At this point we decided to grab the check and find another option yet when we asked the waiter then walked and waited on two other tables and was seen talking with other staff, not at all prioritizing getting our check after not waiting on us for nearly an hour at this point. One star because they were so kind to not charge us for the bottle of wine and the tomato we ate. No apologies provided or any sort of explanation. They simply did not care to wait on us.

Overall we were extremely disappointed in this place. We frequent many smaller and cute places around town often, too very well and treat staff like friends and family. We are always the most forgiving just knowing how tough the service industry has become but this was one of the worst experiences we can remember. The atmosphere when not sitting out front is that of sitting in an Italian meat shop, uncomfortable and awkward. Our table was off balance and the chairs were not really dining chairs as we were sitting at an odd level to the table and the arms on the chairs were very low. The staff seems like they were never trained and there is no systematic process in place for running anything here. The menu looked diverse but we didn’t have anything from it. Prices seemed reasonable in todays age but generally overpriced which is not uncommon at this point. While I’d love to try it again and actually try the food, it’s not anywhere near the top of our list and no longer will be a place we tell...

Where they bake their own focaccia, roll their own pasta, and greet you like family, this cottage styled Italian oasis is the new gem of San Diego in the eclectic town of barrio Logan. Stumbling past this place while viewing art at the nighttime art festival last weekend we recalled our need to try the place out.

It's amazing. Hands down one of the best restaurant experiences we've had in a while and we've been patronizing quite a bit lately. Where others had their mishaps, this place fired on all cylinders.

First, the staff are super friendly, very accommodating and just make it feel like fine dining when that's really not their style. So maybe it's because I lived in Italy for a couple years, but this just takes you back. The lighting, music, and atmosphere has something special to it. 65degree whether also isn't hurting them at all as they have ample outside seating. We opted for the upstairs view and boy was that gorgeous.

As the sun tucked away for the night, the ambience was in full swing. So the focaccia alone was scrumptious but paired with the olive oil, vinaigrette, and butter combo took it to another level. The calamari was delicious, flavored well, and for San Diego, had the right balance of rings and tentacles. Yum!

I was basic and got the lasagna. I was in that traditional sort of mood. My girlfriend was more interesting and tried a seafood pasta dish which she allowed me to taste. It was exceptional as well. Where at times we can exercise some self control and stop gorging once full, this was too good to even try and resist nibbling at.

When we thought we had enough, the attentive service staff politely, but not pushy at all, handed us the hand crafted artsy dessert menu. We opted for the ugly chocolate cake and paired with an americano coffee. The coffee, amazing - even Torry (owner of Cafe Moto) would be impressed. The cake was moist and soft, had fresh mint, a delicious puree and slices of strawberry with a strawberry puree. Devine.

Like many San Diegans out this holiday weekend, we had just had a delicious Vday steak dinner not even a night ago, but we both said out of all the places we ate at this last week, this was the one worth coming back to. It had the entire package and I can't say enough about the atmosphere.

It's an absolute must on any foodie aficionado's todo list! Thank you for such a neat experience. We'll be...

My wife and I eat at Ciccia’s regularly but this is our first review after 4 years. Sorry Francesca and Mario! (In my defense I practically never ever write a review.) We keep coming back for the food, ambiance and hospitality. **We’ve gone 3 times in the last week!

The crab gnocchi is my wife’s favorite. I get something different almost every time. Every visit I ask Mario about the specials as I like to sample the beef and/or fish (Branzino!) they prepare in addition to pasta. Try the Tomahawk steak if it’s a special that day (call ahead) and you will be amazed. Too many times we fill up on appetizers like mushroom flan, breaded zucchini, calamari, antipasto, and the choices go on! But that’s what to-go containers are for. So much good food to eat at Ciccias we tend to order too many things. It is simply fun to dine there.

Once you’re inside the restaurant area (patio area or indoor area) the ambiance is quaint and cozy. Ciccia’s is not big and it’s always filled, but we never feel like it’s too crowded. The energy is always fun and upbeat. Which makes people stay awhile, so let me recommend getting reservations. We’ve had to wait 10-15 minutes but nothing’s perfect! If you want a breezy quick dinner before going off to an event you may want to go to Ciccia’s on another night.

Hospitality is what you would expect of a small Italian restaurant run by the owners. Terrific!! If it’s your first time, read their story on the website before you go. They are bona fide top chefs who followed their dreams to open their own place. What a gem it is tucked inside Barrio Logan. One thing regulars may notice is that staff doesn’t appear to turn over much as I’ve seen the same faces working there for years. I think that reflects well on the restaurant.

I don’t take pictures of food very often but last night I did. We stopped by at around 9 just to get dessert and a cocktail. My wife had the ricotta cake with apricot and habanero sauce (wow!) and I had cassata siciliana which is traditional cake from Sicily. Pretty to look at and yes, it’s delicious. They do a good job with making an Old Fashioned, which always pairs well with dessert...