Sicilian culinary veterans Andrea Carbonaro, Dario Carbonaro, Mario Liga, and Francesco Mancino have officially taken over the long-running Lake Murray Boulevard space with plans to debut a new yet-to-be-named restaurant concept - believed to be a fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine. Located at 8622 Lake Murray Boulevard, the 4,600-square-foot space was previously home to Pioneer BBQ, which closed in July after a seven-year run under the Cohn Restaurant Group. Known for its chef-driven barbecue and community pub feel, Pioneer BBQ's closure left a noticeable void in the East County dining scene.
Public records indicate that the new restaurant will operate under a Type 47 liquor license, allowing the service of beer, wine, and spirits - paving the way for a robust cocktail program to accompany its ambitious culinary vision. While full details are still under wraps, the ownership team is no stranger to innovation or collaboration.
Andrea and Mario have helped launch several notable concepts across the region, including Trattoria Da Sofia, Aromi in La Mesa, Pizza by Aromi, and Carbonaro’s. Mario is also a partner in Rusticucina in Hillcrest and the upscale Mexican restaurant Zama in the Gaslamp Quarter. The group's combined experience spans from traditional Sicilian cuisine to modern Italian, and now, they appear to be charting new territory with a cross-cultural concept rooted in bold flavor combinations.
Their most recent joint effort, Trattoria Da Sofia in Kensington, was launched by a tight-knit team of Italian and Mexican-born chefs with family hospitality roots. The restaurant quickly earned acclaim for its handmade pastas, cozy ambiance, and emphasis on neighborhood charm - qualities the new San Carlos project is also expected to reflect, albeit with a new flavor profile and creative approach.
The group's first venture, Aromi, was a dream born in Sicily and realized in La Mesa, where cousins Andrea Carbonaro and Francesco Mancino showcased housemade gnocchis, pistachio cream pastas, and tableside tiramisu. Their goal has consistently been to offer high-quality, heartfelt hospitality with a casual, welcoming environment.
Given their track record, East County residents can expect something both elevated and unpretentious, possibly drawing inspiration from both the bold spices of Mexico and the refined techniques of Japanese cuisine, though the team has not yet confirmed the final theme. The restaurant is currently in the early stages of build-out. No official opening date has been announced, but with permits secured and renovations underway, excitement is building for a major new addition to the Lake Murray dining scene.
Originally published on August 4, 2025.
