Savor Argentinian-style steaks grilled to perfection at Puerto La Boca, San Diego’s only Argentinian restaurant serving the city since 2005. Located in the festive neighborhood of Little Italy, this warm, refined eatery also serves empanadas, chorizo, salads, chicken, seafood and pastas. During lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, guests can also enjoy traditional Lomito, Choripan and Milanesa sandwiches on the menu. During dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday, the shareable Parrillada “El Conventillo,” Entraña, Churrasco and Picaña platters are available. The restaurant’s chimichurri sauce is a must try. Puerto La Boca also offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, sangria, the famous Argentinian beer, Quilmes, and more. Drop in for drinks and appetizer specials during Happy Hour served at the bar area 4:30-6:30 p.m. daily, and all day Sunday. Call (619) 577-4959 or check out menus and more here
Little Italy
Order “pasta a modo tuo” (pasta your way) at this modern bi-level eatery in the heart of Little Italy. Guests are invited to create their desired plate of pasta by choosing a favorite sauce (pink pancetta, arrabiata, pesto and more) and style, from gnocchi (handmade potato dumplings) to pappardelle, and everything in between. The venue not only makes oodles of noodles, but offers tasty appetizers, classic desserts and an impressive wine list. Savor shared plates like parmesan risotto balls or lightly fried calamari rings and legs with a lemon garlic aioli. Or opt for signature dishes like Tagliatelle al Nero di Seppia (black squid-ink fettuccine in a spicy pink tomato sauce) and Ravioli al Tartufo (ricotta- and porcini-stuffed pockets in truffle cream sauce). The oven-baked lasagna alla Bolognese is also a hearty house favorite. Not to be missed in the restaurant’s main attraction: the weekly rotating pasta that’s tossed in a 60-pound wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The cheese wheel pasta is prepared at a display window for all to admire. Guests are invited to try Bencotto’s gem of a sister restaurant Monello, specializing in Northern Italian street food, located next door. Bencotto