Cafe Zucchero

My husband and I had the worst pasta dishes we have had in years....The place looked beautiful and the restaurant was packed, as many others were empty, so we thought, "This place must be good!" Additionally, we are vegetarians (no fish), and there were at least 3 or 4 pasta dishes to choose from. The marinara sauce had absolutely no flavor, and came out pinkish-orange. It tasted like Spaghetti-o's sauce. When questioned about the color, I was told cream was added to the Marianara sauce. Perhaps this is regional? I grew up with an an Italian Grandmother and Father and never heard of this. I have dined at countless Italian restaurants and have never come across this. Regardless, all flavor was lost. The other pasta entree consisted of Broccoli that was not fresh (frozen, obviously) and chopped tomatoes that were obviosly canned. Once again, no flavor. I was horrified that fresh ingredients were not used. For goodness sakes, Baja Fresh uses fresh veggies!!! When I go out to eat I expect the food to taste better than I can Make at home, and for the price per dish approx. $16.95, this place is very disappointing. I must add the service was OK, and I have no idea how the meat or fish entrees taste. Needless to say, we were too afraid to try the dessert! more

Cafe Zucchero is one of the few places in Little Italy that actually feels Italian. Having been to many authentic Little Italy's around the country, I'm sad to say that San Diego's is not really among them -- it feels as though it is a Disney version that was slapped together a few years ago. But I digress. Cafe Zucchero has the best espresso I've had in San Diego -- not that bitter stuff, ahem, that other places seem to serve. And it's reasonably priced too -- my iced Americano set me back only $1.50 (perhaps even less). Italian sodas were about the same price, which is an incredibly reasonable price. And they even add cream in, unlike other places that seem to think Italian soda is the same thing as soda water with some syrup. The gelato selection is quite good, and while it isn't as creamy as the stuff you get in Italy, it's a pretty good likeness. The pistachio flavor is the best. My favorite thing at Cafe Zucchero is the pastries though. Those are genuinely Italian, and they are really fresh and delicious. There is one that is a lemon and cream concoction (wish I remember what it was called!) that is so light and delicate -- perfect if you are craving something sweet but not cloyingly so. Nice atmosphere and patio -- overall highly recommended. more

Located in San Diego's Little Italia - this place looks ultra-posh and ultra-expensive from the outside, but it is actually quite affordable. Even more so, if you just go here for after dinner coffee and dessert. They have tiramisu, cannolis, Italian wedding cookies, cheesecake, gelato and a whole slew of coffee beverages. Cappuchinos run only about $2 for a large, and $2.50 for a latte. The atmosphere is upscale, and they have several televisions mounted so you can watch the game as well. more