Balsamico Italian Restaurant

Travel to the home of fast cars and slow food — Modena, Italy — without leaving San Diego! Thanks to Elisa and Michele Borelli, guests can enjoy authentic fare complemented by Modena’s famous culinary import — its prized balsamic vinegar — at the couple’s warm and inviting restaurant: Balsamic Italian Kitchen in Imperial Beach. Opening in 2022 to rave reviews, the South Bay newcomer features a menu reflecting Elisa and Michele’s homeland of Emilia Romagna, known for Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and other cold cuts. These regional delicacies are celebrated in each dish they serve.

Savor starters such as Antipasto Emiliano, made with the aforementioned mixed imported Italian meats and cheese, olives, a balsamic glaze, and served with homemade focaccia bread. Or indulge in the Burrata Caprese, with Burrata cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil served with pesto and balsamic glaze.

Main-course selections include homemade pastas Vecchia Modena (stuffed pasta with ricotta and spinach in light cream sauce, bacon with balsamic glaze and shaved parmesan); Lasagna Classica (layers of fresh pasta, Ragu’ Bolognese, and béchamel, topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese); and Gnocchi Nonna Rosa (potato gnocchi with light cream pink sauce, and Parmesan cheese). As they are committed to true-tasting fare, Elisa and Michele make most of the pastas in-house, while all produce is hand-picked and all sauces are created by Michele himself. Any other ingredients are imported from Italy.

Equally palate-pleasing are the Roman-style pizzas, defined by an airy, crispy crust and creative culinary combinations. The crust is produced by mixing rice, soy, sourdough and double zero flours and baking the dough in an electric oven. On a playful note, pizzas are named after Modena’s iconic stars. The Ferrari pizza, for example, comes with mozzarella, mortadella, pistachio, and arugula. The Big Luciano, a tribute to Modena-native and opera legend Pavarotti, is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, sausage, and mushrooms. The Piazza Grande, which boasts toppings of mozzarella, bacon, pepperoni, and roasted potatoes, is named for the city’s main town square. The restaurant also offers a host of vegan and gluten-free options.

As noted in the eatery’s title, bottles of traditional balsamics — straight from Modena — grace each table, inviting patrons to drizzle the versatile condiment on bread, salads, gelato, and even crème brûlée. A variety of the vinegars  — traditional, sweet, spicy — are available for purchase in person or online. Also a feast for the senses is an extensive selection of Italian wine, curated by Elisa to pair perfectly with the menu. Additional offerings include a Brunch/Lunch, a Happy Hour, delectable desserts, and monthly Italian wine dinners that spotlight different regions in Italy  — all of which leave patrons proclaiming “Molto Buono!”

Balsamico Italian Kitchen, evoking the ambiance of a charming piazza, is located at 791 Palm Ave., Suite 101, in the Breakwater Shopping Center, just south of the Silver Strand. It is open for dinner starting at 4 p.m. daily; and for lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri.-Sun. For reservations, and the venue’s wine dinners and occasional baking classes, visit balsamicokitchen.com or call (858) 294-3183.