The team behind San Diego’s acclaimed Ciccia Osteria is expanding with a new pizza-focused restaurant in Barrio Logan at 2215 Logan Avenue.
Located just three doors down from the original location, the new concept, currently referred to as “By Ciccia,” will center around artisanal pizzas and casual Italian-inspired offerings, according to San Diego Magazine. Chef Mario Cassineri, known for his rustic Italian cuisine at Ciccia Osteria, will lead the project in partnership with Chef Massimiliano “Max” Farina.
The restaurant will serve a variety of pizzas that blend elements of Neapolitan, Milanese, and Sicilian styles. In addition to pizza, the menu will include a limited selection of appetizers and side dishes. Unlike Ciccia Osteria, this venue will not operate as a traditional Italian restaurant, but rather as a more relaxed, pizza-centric space.
The new location will feature approximately 2,000 square feet of space, including a large front patio with seating for around 60 people. Plans include the addition of backyard-style seating and potentially an omakase-style pizza experience, inspired by concepts such as Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles. Construction is underway, and Cassineri tells What Now Diego that he expects to open the new concept by the end of 2025.
In an exclusive interview with What Now San Diego, Chef Cassineri also confirmed a collaboration for Zafferano Catering, a full-service upscale Italian catering company led by Chef Max Farina. Zafferano specializes in high-end, personalized culinary experiences for private events, corporate functions, and weddings. With roots in Italian tradition and a focus on seasonal, customized menus, the company brings a refined, modern approach to Italian catering.
Cassineri explained that both Ciccia Osteria and Zafferano Catering are now operating jointly out of the Barrio Food Hub. “This joint operation reflects a unified vision: to deliver authentic Italian cuisine through both elevated catering experiences and everyday delivery conveniences,” he said. The brands are aligning their kitchen operations, culinary standards, and service approaches to ensure consistent quality across all platforms.
Both Ciccia and Zafferano will offer daily menus available for delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, the Barrio Food Hub platform, and their own websites. The goal is to extend the same passion and attention to detail found in their restaurants into homes, offices, and events across San Diego.
As preparations continue for the pizza concept’s debut, Cassineri and Farina are also gearing up for Zafferano’s full relaunch in late July. The catering company is currently accepting inquiries and reserving select dates starting in August.
