Business Details
Authentic Italian Dining in San Diego at Monello
Monello is a premier Italian dining destination in San Diego, specializing in authentic Milanese cuisine. Since our establishment, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, including our signature pasta served in a cheese wheel - the only one of its kind in San Diego. Our team produces over 1,000 pounds of organic fresh pasta weekly, making us the largest pasta provider in the region. We offer a unique culinary journey through Italy's wine regions with monthly wine pairing dinners curated by Chef Fabrizio Cavallini and Sommelier Matt Joergens. Recognized as Best New Restaurant 2013 and winner of Best Pizza and Best Happy Hour awards, we combine culinary expertise with exceptional service.Our menu features 25 varieties of daily handcrafted pasta and a 26-ingredient housemade vermouth that has delighted critics and patrons alike. We provide both indoor and outdoor dining options in our historic Duomo Space and Galleria Room, accommodating private events up to 85 guests. Our commitment to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods ensures an unforgettable dining experience. We maintain strict service standards for large groups, requiring advance reservations for parties of eight or more. With seven years as the best Italian restaurant in Little Italy, we continue to innovate while honoring our culinary heritage.
Services
Handcrafted Pasta
Cheese Wheel Dining
Wine Pairing Dinners
Catering Services
Private Events
Happy Hour
Group Reservations
Pasta Takeout
Valet Parking
Highlights and features
- We produce 1,000+ lbs of organic fresh pasta weekly
- Only restaurant in San Diego with cheese wheel dining
- Monthly wine pairing dinners curated by expert sommeliers
- Recognized as Best New Restaurant 2013 and Best Pizza winner
- Hosts private events for up to 85 guests in historic spaces
What people say
Best pasta in little italy
Authentic Italian experience
Housemade vermouth
Incredible bites
Best new restaurant
Services
Handcrafted Pasta
Our kitchen produces over 1,000 pounds of 100% organic fresh pasta weekly. Each variety is made daily using traditional Italian techniques and premium ingredients. Our extensive pasta menu features 25 different types, making us the largest pasta provider in San Diego by volume and variety.
Cheese Wheel Dining
Experience our signature dish featuring pasta prepared tableside in a giant cheese wheel - the only restaurant in San Diego offering this authentic Italian presentation. This interactive dining experience combines premium ingredients with theatrical preparation for maximum flavor and entertainment value.
Wine Pairing Dinners
Monthly curated wine pairing dinners explore Italy's wine regions. Chef Fabrizio Cavallini and Sommelier Matt Joergens create four-course menus matched with regional wines. Each event offers educational insights about the featured region's viticulture and culinary traditions while providing exceptional dining experiences.
Private Events
Host events in our historic Duomo Space and Galleria Room. The full venue accommodates 85 guests with options for private and semi-private configurations. We offer customized menus and dedicated event coordination for weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations in our award-winning Italian setting.
Catering Services
Our catering menu features authentic Italian dishes available for pickup. We specialize in providing premium Milanese cuisine for events of all sizes. The menu includes our popular handcrafted pasta varieties and traditional Italian appetizers, perfect for corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations.
People
Fabrizio Cavallini
Chef
Chef Fabrizio Cavallini brings decades of Italian culinary expertise to Monello. He crafts innovative menus that blend traditional Milanese techniques with modern presentation. His leadership ensures our kitchen maintains the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Matt Joergens
Sommelier
Sommelier Matt Joergens curates our extensive Italian wine selection and co-designs monthly wine pairing events. With deep knowledge of Italian viticulture, he selects regional wines that perfectly complement Chef Cavallini's menus while educating guests about Italy's diverse wine heritage.
Questions
What makes Monello's pasta unique?
We produce over 1,000 lbs of 100% organic fresh pasta weekly using traditional Italian techniques. Our 25 daily varieties include the only cheese wheel pasta in San Diego.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, our Duomo Space and Galleria Room accommodate groups from 35-85 guests with customized menus and dedicated event coordination for special occasions.
Are wine pairing dinners available?
Monthly wine pairing dinners explore Italy's regions with four-course menus curated by Chef Cavallini and Sommelier Joergens, featuring wines from each featured region.
What parking options exist?
Valet parking is available Thurs-Sun after 5pm at $15 next to our brother restaurant. Street parking is available near our Fir Street location in Little Italy.
