Business Details
15 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in San Diego
Solare Ristorante Italiano has been a cornerstone of San Diego's culinary scene since our founding in 2011. As a family-owned establishment led by the Smerik family, we combine three generations of hospitality expertise with Chef Denice Grande's culinary artistry to deliver authentic Italian dining experiences. Recognized in the Michelin Guide and honored as San Diego Magazine's Best Italian Restaurant, we maintain rigorous standards through daily fresh pasta production, locally sourced organic ingredients, and a curated wine program.Our comprehensive services include private dining in our Wine Room or Chef's Table, event hosting for weddings and corporate functions, hands-on cooking classes, and multiple dining formats from heated patio seating to full-service takeout. With 12 years of dedicated service and a commitment to continuous improvement, we maintain industry leadership through our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning program and consistent top-five rankings among San Diego dining establishments.
Services
Italian Dining
Catering Services
Cooking Classes
Private Events
Wine Pairing Dinners
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We have 12 years of dedicated Italian culinary expertise
- Our executive chef creates daily fresh pasta masterpieces
- We maintain a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning program
- We offer comprehensive event planning and catering services
- Our cooking classes provide hands-on Italian culinary training
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
- Wine Spectator Grand Award
What people say
Award-winning wine selection
Exceptional service
Authentic Italian cuisine
Elegant event spaces
Outstanding pasta dishes
Services
Italian Dining
Our Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine with daily house-made pasta, organic produce, and hormone-free meats. Guests enjoy multiple dining formats including heated patio seating, lawn dining, and full-service takeout options. The restaurant features a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning selection with over 500 labels.
Catering Services
We provide comprehensive catering for events up to 100 guests with dedicated event planners and preferred vendor partnerships. Services include weddings, corporate events, and private parties with customized menus and on-site coordination at our Liberty Station venue or your chosen location.
Cooking Classes
Hands-on cooking classes in our commercial kitchen teach authentic Italian techniques with seasonal ingredients. Classes include wine pairing options and are led by our executive chef team. Limited to 10 participants for personalized instruction in pasta making, sauce preparation, and traditional Italian cooking methods.
Private Events
Our venue accommodates events in multiple spaces including the Wine Room, Chef's Table, and private dining room. We offer customizable packages for weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions with capacity up to 100 guests and full audiovisual capabilities.
Wine Pairing Dinners
Curated wine pairing dinners feature rare vintages from our 500+ label collection with courses designed by our executive chef. Weekly wine specials include 50% off bottles on Tuesdays and themed wine dinners with guest sommeliers and vineyard representatives.
People
Randy Smerik
Owner & General Manager
Third-generation hospitality leader with 12 years of experience building Solare into a Michelin-recognized destination. Oversees daily operations and maintains the restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional service standards.
Denice Grande
Executive Chef
Award-winning chef responsible for daily fresh pasta production and seasonal menu development. Brings extensive Italian culinary expertise to our kitchen, maintaining rigorous quality standards while innovating traditional recipes with local San Diego ingredients.
Brian Smerik
Co-Owner
Integral to establishing Solare's wine program and event services. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he ensures our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning selection remains among the best in Southern California.
Tommy Smerik
Co-Owner
Manages catering operations and private event coordination. Leverages extensive event planning experience to create memorable weddings and corporate functions at our Liberty Station venue.
Questions
What makes Solare Ristorante Italiano unique?
We combine Michelin Guide recognition with a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning program, offering house-made pasta daily and organic, locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned setting.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we have multiple private spaces including the Wine Room, Chef's Table, and a dedicated private dining room accommodating up to 20 guests with customized menus.
Are cooking classes available for beginners?
Our hands-on classes cater to all skill levels, with expert chef instruction in our commercial kitchen focusing on traditional Italian techniques and recipes.
Can I host a wedding at Solare?
Yes, we specialize in weddings up to 100 guests with full-service planning, catering, and ceremony spaces in our beautifully landscaped Liberty Station venue.
What are your special dining events?
We host weekly wine specials, monthly chef's table dinners, and seasonal tasting menus featuring rare vintages from our 500+ bottle collection.
Do you offer takeout and delivery?
Yes, we provide full-service takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery with our complete menu available through our website or phone orders.
