The first outpost of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen opened in San Diego's Rolando neighborhood in April 2016. 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 now open at Westfield Mission Valley Mall. The restaurant features a forward thinking design with modern features, a communal fire table for dining, and an open floor plan with approximately 3,000 square-feet of outdoor, covered dining. Like the flagship restaurant, the menu has an expansive list 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 also boasts a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails.
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is now open at 1652 Camino Del Rio, between CAVA and Mendocino Farms, within Westfield Mission Valley Mall. For more information, visit pestocraft.com.
