Salvatore Nicolosi and his wife Francesca opened their first Italian restaurant in Mission Hills in 1952 and though Nicolosi’s has had a few different locations over the years, it’s always kept Salvatore’s original Silicon family recipes close, according to its website.
Now owned by one of his grandchildren, soon-to-open Nicolosi’s Fifth Avenue hopes to keep that legacy alive and well in downtown San Diego.
Formerly De’Medici Cucina Italiana, Nicolosi’s on Fifth will be moving to 815 Fifth Avenue this spring.
“Here right now is nothing but construction and dirt,” said owner Ron Burner. “We’re shooting to open April 1.”
Owner of Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant on Navajo Rd, Burner had been looking for a place to expand and grow.
“It’s a cool deal to come downtown and introduce old school Italian to anyone checking out San Diego,” he said. “Our theme will be urban with a lot of the same menu.”
Burner anticipates having a more full selection of wine with a full customer bar.
“It’s about the same size overall just laid out differently,” he said. “Our pizza is our most popular item. Lots of specialty pizza.”
He said the ravioli and lasagna are all handmade.
“Our torpedoes have been a stable since my grandfather started in ‘52,” Burner added. “At 63, I’ve thought about retiring but now we want another two more new stores.”
He admitted that he’s looking at a possible expansion toward the beach as well.
