San Diego isn't known for blithely embracing cultural imports from Los Angeles, but it makes an exception for this casual Italian phenomenon from the formidable team of Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, and Joe Bastianich. Silverton's specialty, the pizza crust, is a delightful mass of contradictions—thin and puffy, crunchy and chewy—and plays host to artisanal toppings, such as burrata, squash blossoms, housemade fennel sausage, and guanaciale (cured pork cheeks). Rounding out the menu are an array of antipasti, such as roasted brussels sprouts, bone marrow and white bean bruschetta, and salads, Panini, and classic entrees such as grilled beef tagliata. Dessert is not to be skipped—the butterscotch budino with sea salt is heavenly, as are the variety of homemade gelati, which includes mint, pistachio, and olive oil (way better than you'd think). The wine list is strong and all Italian, available in small carafes or bottles; there’s also local craft beers on tap. The vibrant orange and gold space features an open kitchen and wine bar, plus a courtyard patio beneath twinkling lights.