A brand-new, authentic Neapolitan-inspired Italian concept called Bianchi Pizza & Pasta is set to make its debut next month in San Diego’s Mission Beach, at 998 West Mission Bay Drive.
After opening Dockside 1953 last year, the Bahia Resort Hotel is preparing to open another dining option, with this new concept set to open in late May 2025, according to San Diego Magazine. Bianchi will offer an authentic, Neapolitan-inspired Italian menu created by Chef Ignazio Tagliavia, featuring wood-fired, artisanal pizza made with the finest ingredients, specialty pasta, and Italian appetizers. The menu is complemented by a complete beverage program that includes signature Italian cocktails. Customers can expect an inviting al fresco patio, cozy indoor dining space, or lively 12-seat bar. Food and beverage director Benjamin Dunn will help Tagliavia execute a menu that combines classic Italian techniques and ingredients, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Chef Ignazio Tagliavia, an award-winning pizzaiolo originally from Palermo and a former chef at Elvira in San Diego, brings his expertise, honed at Pizza News School in Bartletta, Italy, to Bianchi, according to Bahia’s website. Chef Tagliavia presents a wealth of culinary expertise and passion to Bianchi, crafting exceptional Italian dishes rooted in tradition while adding his own unique creative flair. With years of experience in renowned kitchens, national pizza competitions, and a deep love for Neapolitan cuisine, Chef Tagliavia utilizes the finest ingredients and applies time-honored techniques to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the heart and soul of Italy.
Established in 1953 by William and Anne Evans, the Bahia Resort Hotel was one of the first developments on Mission Bay, playing a key role in shaping San Diego’s waterfront tourism. Nestled on a 14-acre peninsula, the resort features 313 rooms, including beachfront cottages and bayfront suites surrounded by lush landscaping. Guests can enjoy California coastal cuisine at Dockside 1953, the hotel’s signature restaurant with bayfront views, or grab quick bites and drinks from the Airstream Grab’ N Go cafe. During warmer months, the Pool Bar & Grill serves up casual eats and specialty cocktails poolside. The Bahia remains a beloved local landmark, blending vintage charm with modern amenities in a serene bayside setting.
