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
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
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
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
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
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
Diplomatico
Layered, puff pastry, rum-soaked baba, chocolate-mascarpone crema, raspberry coulis, fresh raspberries ALLERGENS: GLUTEN, EGGS, DAIRY
Daily SpecialsDaily Specials
AntipastiAntipasti
Antipasto Emiliano
Fried Polenta, "Crema di Parmigiano", Prosciutto di Parma, poached pears glazed in "Aceto Balsamico di Modena".
Polpo Croccante
Honey glazed crispy octopus, romesco sauce, "Patate Cacio e Pepe", crispy broccolini, capers, roasted cherry tomatoes, red onions, almonds
Saute Di Cozze E Vongole
Sauteed mussels and clams, white wine, confit cherry tomatoes, Peperoncino, garlic, fresh parsley and homemade focaccia
Zucca In Saor
Roasted delicata Squash, raisin, pinenut & sweet onion "Agrodolce", "Salmoriglio", Gorgonzola Fondue, served with Peperoncino Crisp
Caprese
Heirloom tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, Aceto Balsamico, arugula, burrata, pesto
Nuova Cesarina
Fennel, oranges, golden raisins, Kalamata olives, arugula, frisee, "Vinaigrette agli Agrumi"
Cavoletti, Mele And Pecorino
Shaved Brussel sprouts, apples, celery, walnuts, Pecorino romano, fresh basil and Mint, "Vinaigrette alle Mele"
InsalateInsalate
Pasta (Build your Pasta)Pasta (Build your Pasta)
Arrabbiatissima
Fresh tomato sauce, Calabrian peperoncino, traditional Calabrian pork "Nduja" , burrata and parsley
Bolognese
Slowly cooked % grass-fed beef Bolognese, root vegetables, rosemary, and Parmigiano
Funghi
Creamy fresh Cremini, Shiitake, and Porcini mushroom sauce, Parmigiano, crispy Parmigiano crumble and fresh parsley
Norma
Fresh tomato sauce, eggplants, confit tomatoes, basil, melted mozzarella and Ricotta Salata
Pomodoro Fresco
Fresh tomato sauce, Parmigiano, burrata, and the perfect drop of pesto
Puttanesca
fresh tomato sauce with anchovies, capers, Kalamata & Castelvetrano olives, garlic and Calabrian peperoncino
Super Boscaiola
Homemade pork "Salsiccia", Cremini, Shiitake, Porcini Mushroom, Green peas, Parmigiano Cream, Rosemary
Zio Alfredo
Cesarina's signature creamy Parmigiano sauce with crispy, Guanciale (cured pork cheek), Parmigiano crumble, Parmigiano
Tartufona
Mascarpone, Parmigiano, "Tartufata", Porcini-Truffle crumble, cracked bell pepper
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
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
Paccheri Vodka E Scampi
Homemade paccheri, garlic, peperoncino, Cesa's buonissima "Crema di Scampi alla Vodka", shrimp, parsley and one whole wild caught langoustine
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
Spaghetti Allo Scoglio
Homemade Spaghetti, clams, mussels, shrimp, garlic, fresh tomato sauce, Calabrian Peperoncino and fresh parsley
Spoja Lorda Alla Tartufona
Traditional homemade flat ravioli from Romagna stuffed with ricotta and mortadella, served with Mascarpone, parmigiano, "Tartufata", crispy mortadella ribbon
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"
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
Super Tagliata
Espresso dry-rubbed tagliata, polenta al mascarpone, roasted bone marrow, with "Salmoriglio", sauteed shiitake mushroom, Truffle-Parmigiano fondue
Vegan Caprese Invernale
Heirloom Tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, Aceto balsamico, arugula, Vegan Mozzarella, Pesto
Vegan Nuova Cesarina
Arugula, fennel, gold raisins, fresh oranges, Kalamata olives, Frisee, dressed with "Vinaigrette agli agrumi"
Vegan Antipasti, Soup, & SaladVegan Antipasti, Soup, & Salad
Vegan PastaVegan Pasta
Vegan Norma
Fresh tomato sauce, garlic, eggplants, basil, vegan mozzarella
Vegan Nuova Funghi
Cesarina's signature creamy Cremini, Shiitake & Porcini mushroom sauce with bread & herb crumbles, fresh parsley
Vegan Pomodoro Fresco
Fresh tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella and the perfect drop of vegan pesto
Vegan Romesco & Vodka
Romesco sauce, vodka, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, parsley
Kids Bolognese
% grass fed beef ragout, Parmigiano
Kids Bombolone
Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam
Kids Burro E Parmigiano
Just butter and fresh Parmigiano
Kids Polpette & Patate
% grass-fed beef meatballs with freshtomato sauce, parmigiano and roastedfingerling potatoes
Kids Pomodoro Fresco
Fresh tomato sauce, Parmigiano
Kids Zio Alfredo
Creamy Parmigiano sauce topped with fresh Parmigiano
Kids Lunch/DinnerKids Lunch/Dinner
SidesSides
Side Anchovies
Side Burrata
Side Cavolo Nero Rispassato
Sautee kale with garlic and Peperoncino
Side Guanciale
Sauteed cured pork cheek
Side Polpette
Homemade Meatballs served in fresh tomato sauce
Side Prosciutto
Side Ricotta
Side Ricotta Salata
Side Roasted Garlic
Side Salsiccia
Homemade sausage (Pork, garlic, Calabrian Peperoncino, white wine, salt, pepper)
Side Shrimp
Sauteed shrimps in EVOO and garlic
Side Vegan Mozzarella
Side Vegan Polpette
Side Vegan Ricotta
Side Fresh Mozzarella
Cannoli Di Sfoglia
Puff pastry Cannoli, Crema di Cioccolata e Nocciola, dark chocolate chips, oranges, Grand Marnier.
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
Tiramisu
Homemade ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa
Vegan Tiramisu
Homemade vegan ladyfingers, espresso, vegan "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa
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
Kids Bombolone
Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam
Lunch DessertLunch Dessert
ItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalianItalian
BTL Bianco Civitella - Le Ragnaie
BTL Cerasuolo D'Abbruzzo Rosa-Ae
BTL Cervaro Della Sala - Antinori
BTL Chardonnay "Sardone"
BTL Ciro' Bianco - Scala
BTL Collio Bianco Zuani
BTL Etna Rosato - Graci
BTL Falanghina - Cantine Faliesi
BTL Fiano "Kratos" - Luigi Maffini
BTL Furore Bianco - Marisa Cuomo
BTL Gavi Di Gavi - Giordano Lombardo
BTL Pecorino Abbondanza ( LITER Btl)
BTL PG Rosa Ferlat Silvano
BTL Ribolla Gialla - Damijan
BTL Timorasso "Terre Del Timorasso"
BTL Trebbiano "Mezzo Pieno"
BTL Trebbiano D'Abbruzzo - Terraviva
BTL Pecorino Terraviva
BTL Roncaglia "Colli Pesaresi" - Fattoria Mancini
BTL "Grifola" Montepulciano - Poderi San Lazzaro
BTL Amarone Della Valpolicella "Alteo" - Gino Fasoli
BTL Amarone Tasi - Le Cave
BTL Barbaresco "Gallina" - Cantina Del Pino
BTL Barbera "Sopra Berruti" - L'Armagia
BTL Barolo - Cannubi
BTL Barolo - Scrimaglio
BTL Bovale Sardo "Parisi"
BTL Brunello Di Montalcino - Cordella
BTL Cabernet Blend San Leonardo
BTL Cabernet Franc "Sessanta"
BTL Campi Taurasini - I Favati
BTL Cesarina Bellissimo Chianti
BTL Ciro Rosso Superiore Sala
BTL Dolcetto D'alba "Piani Delli Perdoni" - Mossio
BTL Etna Rosso "Rocca Coeli" - Palari
BTL Etna Rosso - Mofete
BTL Lagrein Riserva - Klaus Lentsch
BTL Montepulciano D'Abbruzzo - Abbondanza ( Liter BTL)
BTL Nero D'Avola "Alacre"
BTL Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva - Bindella
BTL Pinot Noir "Crested Porcupine"
BTL Pinot Noir "Focara"
BTL Primitivo Primitivus
BTL Primitivo Vigne Vecchie
BTL Sagrantino Di Montefalco - Scacciadiavoli
BTL Sangiovese Di Romagna Riserva "Probi"
BTL Sangiovese Polesio - San Lazzaro
BTL Sforzato - Alfio Mozzi
BTL Super Tuscan "Fonte Anguillaia" - Rigoloccio
BTL Super Tuscan Venti - Querceto Di Castellina
BTL Valpolicella Ripasso "Stefano Accordini" - Acinatico
BTL Vignaricco - Conte D'Attimis
BTL Nebbiolo "Funsu" - Cascina Ca'Rossa
BTL Barbera D'Alba "Barbarossa" - Daniele Ricci
BTL Chianti - Fattoria San Michele A Torri
BTL Etna Rosso Ulysses
BTL Prosecco - Asolo Brut
BTL Rose Prosecco - Tasi
BTL Lambrusco "Bollino Rosso" - Caprari
BTL Trento Doc Dosaggio Zero - Revi
BTL Franciacorta Brut - Faccoli
BTL Champagne Brut - Blanc De Blanc Alam Couvreur
Sparkling BottleSparkling BottleSparkling BottleSparkling Bottle
CorkageCorkageCorkageCorkage
Corkage Fee
Wine Taste
Wine TasteWine TasteWine TasteWine Taste
BEERBEER
Baladin - IPPA
Baladin - ISAAC
Baladin - NORA
BitBurger N/A
Menabrea Bionda
NC Old No.
NC Ruedrich's Red Seal Ale
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!
MerchandiseMerchandise
DessertDessert
Cannoli Di Sfoglia
Puff pastry Cannoli, Crema di Cioccolata e Nocciola, dark chocolate chips, oranges, Grand Marnier.
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
Tiramisu
Homemade ladyfingers, espresso, "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa
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
Vegan Tiramisu
Homemade vegan ladyfingers, espresso, vegan "crema al mascarpone", powdered cocoa
Kids Bombolone
Super yummy Italian style donut, stuffed with your choice of Nutella, homemade Custard or Homemade Berry Jam