Sam Fox's modern Italian concept North Italia will officially open its doors in San Diego's Fashion Valley Mall on Wednesday, November 7, joining local sister restaurants, Blanco, also sited inside the mall, and Flower Child in Del Mar. The newest location brings a fresh dining experience to Mission Valley's open-air shopping mall, offering a menu from San Diego's own, former Top Chef competitor Rich Sweeney.
North Italia will offer guests signature Italian fare served in a bright and modern atmosphere. The 8,500 square-foot space features an open exhibition kitchen that overlooks the dining room and bar, and seats up to 295 guests both indoors and on the outside patio space.
North Italia was conceived by Fox Restaurant Concepts founder Sam Fox, known for other new to San Diego restaurants Flower Child and Blanco Tacos + Tequila. Fox, known for his passion for great food, design, lifestyle and hospitality, was recently recognized as one of the 50 most powerful people in food service by Nation’s Restaurant News. In addition to the recent openings of Blanco and North Italia inside Fashion Valley Mall, Fox, who has a home on the island, is opening an offshoot of his The Henry all-day eatery in Coronado within the space that last housed Costa Azul for 20 years.
"We are so excited to continue to expand in beautiful San Diego, specifically with North Italia," commented Fox. "The restaurant serves fresh, seasonal and modern Italian cooking in an energetic setting. San Diego has fully welcomed us with our other restaurants Flower Child and Blanco Tacos + Tequila, and with such a rich dining culture, we are honored to become a part of the Mission Valley and greater San Diego communities."
Former Top Chef competitor Rich Sweeney, who has been cooking in San Diego for more than 12 years, will lead the kitchen serving as executive chef. Rich brings his flair for flavor and love of homemade cooking to North Italia. Chef Sweeney graduated from San Diego Culinary Institute and won the "Chef of the Fest" competition at the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival in 2013.
North Italia Fashion Valley will open this week for weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Its menu showcases fresh and seasonal ingredients across a broad selection of antipasti, salads, handmade pasta, artisanal pizza and entrées inspired by the garden, farm and sea.
For more information about North Italia, visit northitaliarestaurant.com.
Former Top Chef competitor Rich Sweeney, who has been cooking in San Diego for more than 12 years, will lead the kitchen serving as executive chef. Rich brings his flair for flavor and love of homemade cooking to North Italia. Chef Sweeney graduated from San Diego Culinary Institute and won the "Chef of the Fest" competition at the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival in 2013.
North Italia Fashion Valley will open this week for weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Its menu showcases fresh and seasonal ingredients across a broad selection of antipasti, salads, handmade pasta, artisanal pizza and entrées inspired by the garden, farm and sea.
For more information about North Italia, visit northitaliarestaurant.com.
