The first outpost of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen opened in San Diego's Rolando neighborhood in April 2006. Founder Alex Massir grew up in Philadelphia where he and his family owned and operated pizza shops and Italian kitchens dating back to the 1950s. When he moved to the West Coast, he discovered the healthy California lifestyle was what most people wanted, so he began to incorporate healthier options into dishes. Massir's partner Greg Provance has over 35 years experience in restaurant operations from New York to Los Angeles. Notably, he spent 10 years in San Diego with the Cohn Restaurant Group at the GM level. The Pesto team hopes to open multiple locations in the San Diego area as they continue to scale regionally.
The Mission Valley branch of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is set to open as early as mid-February and will have a forward thinking design with modern features, a communal fire table for dining, open floor plan with approximately 3,000 square-feet of outdoor, covered dining. Like the flagship restaurant, expect a menu of pizzas, pastas and salads with multiple vegan and gluten free options available, all made with locally-sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients. Items range from the popular signature Pestofredo pasta, Pesto Perfecto pizza, and vegan items like the lentil penne pasta with Impossible meatball. The Mission Valley location will also boast a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails.
The Mission Valley branch of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is set to open as early as mid-February and will have a forward thinking design with modern features, a communal fire table for dining, open floor plan with approximately 3,000 square-feet of outdoor, covered dining. Like the flagship restaurant, expect a menu of pizzas, pastas and salads with multiple vegan and gluten free options available, all made with locally-sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients. Items range from the popular signature Pestofredo pasta, Pesto Perfecto pizza, and vegan items like the lentil penne pasta with Impossible meatball. The Mission Valley location will also boast a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails.
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is expected to open mid-February at 1652 Camino Del Rio, between CAVA and Mendocino Farms, within Westfield Mission Valley Mall. For more information, visit pestocraft.com.
