After recently launching a new fast-casual Italian concept near SDSU, the team behind Carbonaro’s is gearing up to debut SobreMesa, a Latin American restaurant centered on food, tradition, and community, at 8622 Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa.
The new concept will take over the former home of Pioneer BBQ near the Navajo Shopping Center. What Now San Diego spoke with co-owner Mariano Liga, who says SobreMesa will serve American Latin cuisine with a strong focus on fresh seafood, such as ceviche, aquachile, and crudo, emphasizing bold, bright flavors rooted in Latin traditions. He clarified that, despite early reports, the concept is not Japanese fusion. The team is aiming for a late September or early October opening.
Liga says the name SobreMesa, a Spanish term that refers to the time spent in meaningful conversation after a meal, perfectly captures the heart of the restaurant. “Where the meals turn to memories,” he says. “Come for the food, and stay for the tradition.”
That sense of tradition will also be reflected in the atmosphere. Liga describes the space as cozy yet stylish, with a minimalist design filled with arches, lush greenery, and booth seating that invites guests to settle in and connect. It’s meant to feel intimate and social without being formal or exclusive.
The restaurant will operate under a Type 47 liquor license and offer a full bar, with plans for Sunday brunch and rotating weekly specials. Liga says guests can expect a lively but laid-back vibe, occasionally featuring a live DJ spinning Latin tracks or deep house music to enhance the ambiance, but emphasized that SobreMesa is not a nightclub.
The ownership group also includes Andrea Carbonaro, Dario Carbonaro, and Francesco Mancino, veterans of the San Diego dining scene known for launching Trattoria Da Sofia, Aromi, and Pizza by Aromi. Pioneer BBQ previously occupied the space for seven years before closing in July under the Cohn Restaurant Group.
