In 2002 the Owners of Trattoria i Trulli in Encinitas & Arrivederci Restaurant group of Hillcrest decided to venture into the neighborhood of San Diego’s Little Italy. Daniela, Salvatore and Antonino saw something in the yet to be developed Little Italy. At the time, Little Italy’s restaurant row was just one city block of a few restaurants that mainly served the local offices for lunch. But, hark, there were cranes in the sky and buildings being erected, condo’s to buy and there was hope of a true neighborhood to come to life.The doors of Buon Appetito opened in June of 2003, tongue in cheek that the vision of a San Francisco style eatery would manifest in this still sleepy part of San Diego. As well, there was a curiosity about the art scene in the area and Daniela decided to adorn the walls with local artists work, changing out the work quarterly. After about a 9 month gestation, Little Italy began to get a breath of night life and local condo owners started to explore their newly built neighborhood. Buon Appetito got a running start and there was life, happy guests, cheer & great meals amongst friends and families.The three partners have more than 60 years of restaurant and hospitality experience between them. All three found their cooking skills from the “University of Mama’s Kitchen” and hospitality and management skills from grace and compassion of remembering where they came from and how it all got started back in 1993.We hope you truly realize your dining experience to be as warm as your fondest childhood memories of family meals and gatherings. Break bread with us at Buon Appetito, drink wine and nourish your soul with the goodness of genuine Italian hospitality and the true family recipes from our kitchen to your belly. Salute & Buon Appetito!
