Sicily-native Salvatore Nicolosi opened the original Nicolosi's as a bakery in 1952 in the Mission Hills District before moving it to 40th and El Cajon Boulevard in 1954. In 1991, ownership moved Nicolosi's to Adobe Falls and Waring Roads because the Interstate 15 construction project developed through their former restaurant. Under third generation ownership, the restaurant moved for a third time to its current location at 7005 Navajo Road near Cowles Mountain. In early 2021, a "ghost kitchen" outpost of Nicolosi's opened within the new Barrio Food Hub in Barrio Logan. Later in the year, ownership took over the former De Medici Ristorante Italiano in San Diego's Gaslamp to launch Nicolosi's Fifth Avenue.
"After a great run in the Gaslamp Quarter, Nicolosi’s on Fifth has decided to put all of their passion of crafting delicious Italian food into their Navajo location," read a post on Nicolosi's social media. "Nicolosi’s will be serving up delicious Italian food and pizza until their closing date on April 16th. Be sure to stop by and grab a pizza before it’s too late! Meanwhile they look forward to welcoming you and serving you at their Navajo location located on 7005 Navajo Road San Diego, CA 92119."
Last weekend, Nicolosi's Fifth Avenue shuttered after less than a year in business. The restaurant space has already been taken over by Daniel Garibay, who also owns El Zarape and has ownership interests in nearby Juan Tequila. There is no word what the new restaurant will be.
Last weekend, Nicolosi's Fifth Avenue shuttered after less than a year in business. The restaurant space has already been taken over by Daniel Garibay, who also owns El Zarape and has ownership interests in nearby Juan Tequila. There is no word what the new restaurant will be.
