Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.

If you’re craving an authentic Italian dining experience in San Diego, look no further than Antica Trattoria. This small, out of the way restaurant serves up mouth-watering Italian food and fresh, handmade pasta with a menu inspired by classic Italian recipes. Everything is made with the finest ingredients so that dining at Antica Trattoria is akin to a virtual and unforgettable culinary journey to Italy without leaving San Diego.

When you walk into Antica Trattoria, you’re not just entering a restaurant – you’re becoming part of their extended family. From the moment you arrive, their friendly staff makes everyone feel at home. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, their cozy atmosphere and attentive service will ensure that everyones dining experience is memorable.

And not just the family experience is great. At Antica Trattoria, pasta is more than just a dish; it’s an art form. They pride themselves on using traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that every plate is filled with the rich flavors of Italy. Whether you prefer a hearty Bolognese, a creamy Alfredo, or a light yet satisfying Aglio e Olio, each pasta dish is made fresh daily and cooked to perfection. YUUUUUM!

Their pasta offerings feature a diverse selection of styles to suit every taste. From hand-rolled fettuccine to delicate ravioli to heavenly meatballs (some of the best in the city proclaims my wife, Pam). Each bite continues your journey to the heart of Italy. The authenticity of their dishes is what sets them apart – every ingredient, from the homemade pasta to the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, is carefully selected to ensure the most authentic flavors.

Antica Trattoria firmly believe in using only the best ingredients. Their pasta is made in-house using a time-honored method, and our sauces are crafted with care, using fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and premium olive oils. Every dish is prepared with the utmost attention to detail to make certain that their guests receive an authentic Italian meal that delights the senses.

Sourcing their meats, vegetables, and cheeses from trusted local suppliers, ensures that each dish is both flavorful and sustainable. It’s this dedication to quality that keeps their guests coming back for more.

FYI: An Interesting tidbit. Many years ago, while Francesco was chefing at Panevino in the Gaslamp Quarter, a salesman who happened to share the last name of Basile with Francesco came into the restaurant. They weren’t relatives, but Francesco jokingly asked to meet his cousins. The salesman introduced Francesco to his daughter Marta and the pair fell in love. They married and have a daughter named Chiara. In 2001, Francesco and Marta became enchanted with La Mesa and opened Antica Trattoria. “I finally realized my dream to open my own restaurant,” Basile says with a smile. “The neighborhood is beautiful and the clientele supported me from the first day.”

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