Enter Limoncello in La Mesa through the yellow and white striped awning and be transported to sunny, southern Italy. 

The decor is lightly sprinkled with bright colors that remind you of sunshine and summer. Summer on the Amalfi coast. The Neapolitan cuisine of Southern Italy has a rich history of culinary traditions from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Each culture left a tradition behind: seafood, pasta, figs, pomegranates, fresh tomatoes, and broccoli.

Although Southern Italy didn’t invent pasta, they fine-tuned the production and drying of pasta on racks. A nod to this tradition is displayed in the glass-enclosed pasta room where Limoncello chefs hang homemade colorful pasta on drying racks. Chefs also make their own ravioli. Gluten-free penne pasta is available.

Some Antipasti dishes reflect the region such as Polpo, which is roasted Mediterranean Octopus with Tapenade, or Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Ciabatta and Sangiovese wine reduction sauce.

For main courses, they offer Brasato – an 18-hour braised boneless short rib with roasted tomato parmigiano reggiano and risotto. If you enjoy a rack of lamb, try the Agnello Arrosos. The lamb is grilled with romesco and salsa verde. For a classic Southern Italian dish try the Eggplant Parmigiana di Melanzane, served over housemade fettucine.

On the menu are classic Italian dishes such as Spaghetti Carbonara or Lasagne Bolognese but you’ll also find Salsiccia e Friarelli which is Rigatoni and Italian sausage with broccolini leaves in a pinot grigio wine sauce, or a Paccheri al Pesto a classic basil pesto and fire-roasted baby heirloom tomatoes and burrata.

The wine list is impressive with imported red, such as a Nero d’Avola or Barbera d’Asti, and white wines, such as a Pinot Grigio or Moscato d’Asti Santo from Italy. Transport yourself to an outdoor restaurant overlooking the Amalfi Coast with a Limoncello Martini or Aperol Spritz.

Located at 8273 La Mesa Blvd, they serve dinner Thursday through Sunday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday – Saturday). Phone (619) 698-0080. Reservations are recommended. 

Plan your menu at limoncellolamesa.com/.

When life hands you lemons make Limoncello.