Today we’d like to introduce you to Niccolò Angius
Hi Niccolò, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was pretty much born into the industry! By 13, I was already helping out at my family’s trattoria in Rome. After dropping out of college, I realized my true passion was to open my own place. I started as a server in a large restaurant group in Rome and quickly worked my way up to GM. At 24, hungry for a new challenge, I packed up and moved to San Diego with my dog and Cesarina (who would soon become my wife). We began selling our handmade pasta at farmers’ markets around the city, and in February 2019, we took the leap and opened our brick-and-mortar location, Cesarina, in Point Loma.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but every obstacle has been worth it. Launching our first business, Cesarina, and opening our brick-and-mortar restaurant came with its fair share of hurdles. But we eventually found our rhythm, and the outpouring of love from the community since its inception has been incredible. With the opening of our second restaurant Elvira, the challenges felt even more personal. This project is an homage to my great-grandmother, and we opened it to create our own little corner of Rome right here in San Diego. Because it’s such a heartfelt tribute to my family, there were moments of vulnerability, wondering how the community would respond.
Speaking of family, I’m actually a new parent! Cesarina and I recently welcomed twin boys earlier this summer, Carlo and Adriano. Honestly, after becoming a dad, I can say that everything else feels easy in comparison—parenthood is a whole new level of challenge!
As you know, we’re big fans of Elvira. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The restaurant takes its name and inspiration from my late great-grandmother, Elvira Lippi. She was a self-made woman and true Italian matriarch—incredibly independent and fueled by passion despite the lack of opportunities afforded to women in the early 1900s. The kitchen was her happy place, and food was her love language. The restaurant honors her legacy by continuing the traditions she passed down, celebrating the art of Roman cuisine, and embodying the warm, loving nature of Nonnas through our commitment to authentic food and excellent service.
My beautiful wife/business partner/executive chef, Cesarina Mezzoni, takes the lead on Elvira’s menu, which centers around Rome’s culinary traditions. Everything we make is derived from time-honored family recipes and nostalgic staples of Roman cuisine, from the handmade pastas and seasonal entrées to the wood-fired pizza, street-food-inspired appetizers and spectacular desserts.
Soon, we will unveil a really unique private dining room concept, Cucina di la Nonna, where guests can participate in an immersive diner-meets-theater experience replicating what it’s truly like to enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal hosted by my dear Nonna. From setting the table and choosing the music from Nonna’s vinyl collection to sharing a hearty family-style meal, passing dish by dish down the table—each diner becomes a part of Italian mealtime rituals, making it a true family affair.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The only cities in the US that Cesarina and I thought could be a good fit for us were San Diego, Los Angeles and New York. However, we thought that LA was too loud and big, and New York was too cold… so we decided for San Diego! We moved here in November 2015.
My favorite place has to be Santa Cruz Beach, I just can’t get enough of it!
One downside is that I would love more simple and good mom-and-pop restaurants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ciaoelvira.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaoelvira/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elvira-san-diego
- Other: https://www.opentable.com/r/elvira-san-diego
Image Credits
Arlene Ibarra and Kimberly Motos
