Cesarina Menu (Update 2025)

Cesarina, a charming Italian cocktail bar in San Diego, stands out for its exquisite menu and exceptional service. With a focus on fresh, homemade pastas and delectable seafood dishes, this restaurant offers a truly authentic Italian dining experience. Customers rave about the flavorful clams and mussels appetizer, the savory fettuccine with funghi sauce, and the delightful lasagna. The cozy ambiance and attentive staff make it a perfect spot for a romantic date night or a special celebration. Must-try dishes include the crispy octopus with honey glaze, the Pappardelle al Brasato de Manzo with tender braised beef cheek, and the Tableside Tiramisu for a sweet ending. With a range of vegan and vegetarian options, Cesarina caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring a memorable and delicious dining experience for all.

Cesarina's Family DinnersCesarina's Family Dinners

Romantic Dinner (For )

Create your Romantic Italian Dinner(feeds a family of )Homemade focaccia and Parmigiano is always included!No substitutions please

$59.95

Big Sexy Family Dinner (For )

Create your Family style Italian Dinner(feeds a family of )Homemade focaccia and Parmigiano are always included!No substitutions please

$109.95

VEGAN Lasagna Bolognese

Homemade pasta sheets, vegan bechamel, vegan bolognese (Root vegetables and Lentils), fresh tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella topped with vegan Parmigiano. ALLERGIES: GLUTEN, SOY, NUTS

$32.00

VEGAN Lasagna Alla Siciliana

Homemade pasta sheets, deep-fried eggplants, vegan Pesto alla Genovese, Peperoncino, fresh tomato sauce, vegan provolone, vegan Mozzarella, vegan Parmigiano. ALLERGENS: NUT, SOY, GLUTEN

$32.00

Tonnarelli All'Aragosta

Half .lb Lobster served with Homemade Tonnarelli cooked in lobster stock, cherry tomatoes, garlic, Peperoncino, and parsley. ALLERGENS: SHELLFISH, GLUTEN, ALCOHOL, GARLIC

$54.00

Ravioli Ai Funghi Porcini

Handmade round-shaped Ravioli, stuffed with Porcini, and Cremini mushroom, Mascarpone, white wine, shallots, thyme, butter. Served on a Parmigiano crema, with Porcini demi (Porcini, Cremini, milk, bay leaves, cloves, onions, Vodka, corn starch, salt, Parmigiano), fried golden threads ALLERGENS: ALCOHOL, GLUTEN, EGGS, DAIRY

$34.00

Diplomatico

Layered, puff pastry, rum-soaked baba, chocolate-mascarpone crema, raspberry coulis, fresh raspberries ALLERGENS: GLUTEN, EGGS, DAIRY

$15.00

Daily SpecialsDaily Specials

AntipastiAntipasti

Antipasto Emiliano

Fried Polenta, "Crema di Parmigiano", Prosciutto di Parma, poached pears glazed in "Aceto Balsamico di Modena".

$22.00

Polpo Croccante

Honey glazed crispy octopus, romesco sauce, "Patate Cacio e Pepe", crispy broccolini, capers, roasted cherry tomatoes, red onions, almonds

$22.00

Saute Di Cozze E Vongole

Sauteed mussels and clams, white wine, confit cherry tomatoes, Peperoncino, garlic, fresh parsley and homemade focaccia

$23.00

Zucca In Saor

Roasted delicata Squash, raisin, pinenut & sweet onion "Agrodolce", "Salmoriglio", Gorgonzola Fondue, served with Peperoncino Crisp

$20.00

Caprese

Heirloom tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, Aceto Balsamico, arugula, burrata, pesto

$19.50

Nuova Cesarina

Fennel, oranges, golden raisins, Kalamata olives, arugula, frisee, "Vinaigrette agli Agrumi"

$18.00

Cavoletti, Mele And Pecorino

Shaved Brussel sprouts, apples, celery, walnuts, Pecorino romano, fresh basil and Mint, "Vinaigrette alle Mele"

$18.00

InsalateInsalate

Pasta (Build your Pasta)Pasta (Build your Pasta)

Arrabbiatissima

Fresh tomato sauce, Calabrian peperoncino, traditional Calabrian pork "Nduja" , burrata and parsley

$34.00

Bolognese

Slowly cooked % grass-fed beef Bolognese, root vegetables, rosemary, and Parmigiano

$35.00

Funghi

Creamy fresh Cremini, Shiitake, and Porcini mushroom sauce, Parmigiano, crispy Parmigiano crumble and fresh parsley

$30.00

Norma

Fresh tomato sauce, eggplants, confit tomatoes, basil, melted mozzarella and Ricotta Salata

$30.00

Pomodoro Fresco

Fresh tomato sauce, Parmigiano, burrata, and the perfect drop of pesto

$29.00

Puttanesca

fresh tomato sauce with anchovies, capers, Kalamata & Castelvetrano olives, garlic and Calabrian peperoncino

$30.00

Super Boscaiola

Homemade pork "Salsiccia", Cremini, Shiitake, Porcini Mushroom, Green peas, Parmigiano Cream, Rosemary

$34.00

Zio Alfredo

Cesarina's signature creamy Parmigiano sauce with crispy, Guanciale (cured pork cheek), Parmigiano crumble, Parmigiano

$29.00

Tartufona

Mascarpone, Parmigiano, "Tartufata", Porcini-Truffle crumble, cracked bell pepper

$36.00

Lasagna Alla Bolognese

Hand-rolled egg-pasta sheets layered with Cesarina's delicious Bolognese, bechamel, mozzarella, oven-baked and served with fresh Parmigiano. ALLERGENS: RED MEAT, DAIRY, GLUTEN

$35.00

Mafalde Al Sugo Napoletano

Homemade Mafalde, traditional slowly braised Neapoletan Ragu made with pork ribs, pork "Salsiccia", beef short ribs, San Marzano tomatoes, shaved parmigiano, fresh basil

$37.00

Paccheri Vodka E Scampi

Homemade paccheri, garlic, peperoncino, Cesa's buonissima "Crema di Scampi alla Vodka", shrimp, parsley and one whole wild caught langoustine

$41.00

Pappardelle Al Brasato Di Manzo

Homemade spinach and eggs pappardelle, slowly braised cheek and shortribs, Parmigiano and basil.ALLERGENS: RED MEAT, ALCOHOL, GLUTEN, EGGS, DAIRY

$38.00

Spaghetti Allo Scoglio

Homemade Spaghetti, clams, mussels, shrimp, garlic, fresh tomato sauce, Calabrian Peperoncino and fresh parsley

$36.00

Spoja Lorda Alla Tartufona

Traditional homemade flat ravioli from Romagna stuffed with ricotta and mortadella, served with Mascarpone, parmigiano, "Tartufata", crispy mortadella ribbon

$36.00

Cesa's Fave PastaCesa's Fave Pasta

EntreesEntrees

Orata Al Limone

Wild-caught Mediterranean Golden Seabream roasted with lemon and garlic, saffron-lemon jus, capers, Bottarga & citrus-aromatic "Mollica Atturrata". Served with Cavolo Nero Ripassato" and "Patate Arrosto"

$52.00

Pollo Allo Scarpariello

Roasted bone-in chicken thighs, Pork "Salsiccia", Cesarina's Scarpariello with San Marzano tomatoes, Crimini mushroom, onion, bell peppers, Green olives, sweet peperoncino

$41.00

Super Tagliata

Espresso dry-rubbed tagliata, polenta al mascarpone, roasted bone marrow, with "Salmoriglio", sauteed shiitake mushroom, Truffle-Parmigiano fondue

$38.00

Vegan Caprese Invernale

Heirloom Tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, Aceto balsamico, arugula, Vegan Mozzarella, Pesto

$19.50

Vegan Nuova Cesarina

Arugula, fennel, gold raisins, fresh oranges, Kalamata olives, Frisee, dressed with "Vinaigrette agli agrumi"

$18.00

Vegan Antipasti, Soup, & SaladVegan Antipasti, Soup, & Salad

Vegan PastaVegan Pasta

Vegan Norma

Fresh tomato sauce, garlic, eggplants, basil, vegan mozzarella

$30.00

Vegan Nuova Funghi

Cesarina's signature creamy Cremini, Shiitake & Porcini mushroom sauce with bread & herb crumbles, fresh parsley

$30.00

Vegan Pomodoro Fresco

Fresh tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella and the perfect drop of vegan pesto

$29.00

Vegan Romesco & Vodka

Romesco sauce, vodka, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, parsley

$35.00

Kids Bolognese

% grass fed beef ragout, Parmigiano

$14.95

Kids Bombolone

Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam

$6.95

Kids Burro E Parmigiano

Just butter and fresh Parmigiano

$13.95

Kids Polpette & Patate

% grass-fed beef meatballs with freshtomato sauce, parmigiano and roastedfingerling potatoes

$13.95

Kids Pomodoro Fresco

Fresh tomato sauce, Parmigiano

$13.95

Kids Zio Alfredo

Creamy Parmigiano sauce topped with fresh Parmigiano

$14.95

Kids Lunch/DinnerKids Lunch/Dinner

SidesSides

Side Anchovies

$2.50

Side Burrata

$6.00

Side Cavolo Nero Rispassato

Sautee kale with garlic and Peperoncino

$8.00

Side Guanciale

Sauteed cured pork cheek

$5.00

Side Polpette

Homemade Meatballs served in fresh tomato sauce

$7.00

Side Prosciutto

$6.00

Side Ricotta

$5.00

Side Ricotta Salata

$6.00

Side Roasted Garlic

$2.00

Side Salsiccia

Homemade sausage (Pork, garlic, Calabrian Peperoncino, white wine, salt, pepper)

$7.00

Side Shrimp

Sauteed shrimps in EVOO and garlic

$8.00

Side Vegan Mozzarella

$5.00

Side Vegan Polpette

$8.00

Side Vegan Ricotta

$6.00

Side Fresh Mozzarella

$5.00

Cannoli Di Sfoglia

Puff pastry Cannoli, Crema di Cioccolata e Nocciola, dark chocolate chips, oranges, Grand Marnier.

$16.00

Cesa's Ricotta Cheesecake

Basque Ricotta cheesecake, hazelnut & almond crumble, and your fave topping:Caramello e Cioccolato (Ciocolate & Caramel), Pesche e Limoncello (Peaches and Limoncello), or Lamponi e Vaniglia (Raspberries & Vanilla). ALLERGENS: GLUTEN, NUTS, DAIRY, EGGS, ALCOHOL

$16.00

Tiramisu

Homemade ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa

$17.00

Vegan Tiramisu

Homemade vegan ladyfingers, espresso, vegan "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa

$16.00

Tiramisu GLUTEN FREE

Homemade Gluten-Free ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoaGF Ladyfingers are processed with the same equipment used for NON-GF items

$17.00

Kids Bombolone

Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam

$6.95

Lunch DessertLunch Dessert

ItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalian

BTL Bianco Civitella - Le Ragnaie

$88.00

BTL Cerasuolo D'Abbruzzo Rosa-Ae

$73.00

BTL Cervaro Della Sala - Antinori

$153.00

BTL Chardonnay "Sardone"

$71.00

BTL Ciro' Bianco - Scala

$66.00

BTL Collio Bianco Zuani

$73.00

BTL Etna Rosato - Graci

$71.00

BTL Falanghina - Cantine Faliesi

$72.00

BTL Fiano "Kratos" - Luigi Maffini

$69.00

BTL Furore Bianco - Marisa Cuomo

$112.00

BTL Gavi Di Gavi - Giordano Lombardo

$65.00

BTL Pecorino Abbondanza ( LITER Btl)

$79.00

BTL PG Rosa Ferlat Silvano

$76.00

BTL Ribolla Gialla - Damijan

$158.00

BTL Timorasso "Terre Del Timorasso"

$72.00

BTL Trebbiano "Mezzo Pieno"

$136.00

BTL Trebbiano D'Abbruzzo - Terraviva

$69.00

BTL Pecorino Terraviva

$66.00

BTL Roncaglia "Colli Pesaresi" - Fattoria Mancini

$66.00

BTL "Grifola" Montepulciano - Poderi San Lazzaro

$85.00

BTL Amarone Della Valpolicella "Alteo" - Gino Fasoli

$225.00

BTL Amarone Tasi - Le Cave

$139.00

BTL Barbaresco "Gallina" - Cantina Del Pino

$179.00

BTL Barbera "Sopra Berruti" - L'Armagia

$71.00

BTL Barolo - Cannubi

$182.00

BTL Barolo - Scrimaglio

$144.00

BTL Bovale Sardo "Parisi"

$89.00

BTL Brunello Di Montalcino - Cordella

$135.00

BTL Cabernet Blend San Leonardo

$215.00

BTL Cabernet Franc "Sessanta"

$139.00

BTL Campi Taurasini - I Favati

$76.00

BTL Cesarina Bellissimo Chianti

$79.00

BTL Ciro Rosso Superiore Sala

$68.00

BTL Dolcetto D'alba "Piani Delli Perdoni" - Mossio

$72.00

BTL Etna Rosso "Rocca Coeli" - Palari

$142.00

BTL Etna Rosso - Mofete

$80.00

BTL Lagrein Riserva - Klaus Lentsch

$78.00

BTL Montepulciano D'Abbruzzo - Abbondanza ( Liter BTL)

$83.00

BTL Nero D'Avola "Alacre"

$75.00

BTL Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva - Bindella

$108.00

BTL Pinot Noir "Crested Porcupine"

$69.00

BTL Pinot Noir "Focara"

$89.00

BTL Primitivo Primitivus

$77.00

BTL Primitivo Vigne Vecchie

$71.00

BTL Sagrantino Di Montefalco - Scacciadiavoli

$135.00

BTL Sangiovese Di Romagna Riserva "Probi"

$92.00

BTL Sangiovese Polesio - San Lazzaro

$74.00

BTL Sforzato - Alfio Mozzi

$176.00

BTL Super Tuscan "Fonte Anguillaia" - Rigoloccio

$80.00

BTL Super Tuscan Venti - Querceto Di Castellina

$173.00

BTL Valpolicella Ripasso "Stefano Accordini" - Acinatico

$74.00

BTL Vignaricco - Conte D'Attimis

$79.00

BTL Nebbiolo "Funsu" - Cascina Ca'Rossa

$75.00

BTL Barbera D'Alba "Barbarossa" - Daniele Ricci

$71.00

BTL Chianti - Fattoria San Michele A Torri

$79.00

BTL Etna Rosso Ulysses

$80.00

BTL Prosecco - Asolo Brut

$68.00

BTL Rose Prosecco - Tasi

$63.00

BTL Lambrusco "Bollino Rosso" - Caprari

$62.00

BTL Trento Doc Dosaggio Zero - Revi

$76.00

BTL Franciacorta Brut - Faccoli

$89.00

BTL Champagne Brut - Blanc De Blanc Alam Couvreur

$190.00

Sparkling BottleSparkling BottleSparkling BottleSparkling Bottle

CorkageCorkageCorkageCorkage

Corkage Fee

$25.00

Wine Taste

Wine TasteWine TasteWine TasteWine Taste

BEERBEER

Baladin - IPPA

$14.00

Baladin - ISAAC

$14.00

Baladin - NORA

$14.00

BitBurger N/A

$7.00

Menabrea Bionda

$8.50

NC Old No.

$8.00

NC Ruedrich's Red Seal Ale

$8.00

Cesarina Pink Mask

Cesarina's homemade % Cotton Pink Mask. % of the profit made from the masks will be donated to SUSAN G. KOMEN to fight breast cancer!On top of doing good you will be wearing the most fashionable face mask!

$15.00

MerchandiseMerchandise

DessertDessert

Cannoli Di Sfoglia

Puff pastry Cannoli, Crema di Cioccolata e Nocciola, dark chocolate chips, oranges, Grand Marnier.

$16.00

Cesa's Ricotta Cheesecake

Basque Ricotta cheesecake, hazelnut & almond crumble, and your fave topping:Caramello e Cioccolato (Ciocolate & Caramel), Pesche e Limoncello (Peaches and Limoncello), or Lamponi e Vaniglia (Raspberries & Vanilla). ALLERGENS: GLUTEN, NUTS, DAIRY, EGGS, ALCOHOL

$16.00

Tiramisu

Homemade ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa

$17.00

Tiramisu GLUTEN FREE

Homemade Gluten-Free ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoaGF Ladyfingers are processed with the same equipment used for NON-GF items

$17.00

Vegan Tiramisu

Homemade vegan ladyfingers, espresso, vegan "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa

$16.00

Kids Bombolone

Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam

$6.95