Sonny's is slated to debut in first quarter 2025, marking the culmination of a years-long effort to bring the vision to life. The project comes from the team behind Madison on Park and Madi - restaurateurs Jeffrey Fink and Matt Sieve - who have been working to transform the 100-year-old former auto shop space that last housed Florabella Flower Shop on Madison Avenue.
The pizzeria will retain its vintage charm while incorporating modern touches like a custom pizza oven imported from Italy and a mezzanine inspired by an Italian nonna's dining room . The design, spearheaded by Anna and David Sindelar (known for their work on Madison and Madi), will feature a repurposed copper bar, vintage TVs, and a backyard dining area, evoking the essence of 1980s Brooklyn culture.
Sonny's is anticipated to open by March 2025 at 1728 Madison Avenue in San Diego's University Heights community.
The pizzeria will retain its vintage charm while incorporating modern touches like a custom pizza oven imported from Italy and a mezzanine inspired by an Italian nonna's dining room . The design, spearheaded by Anna and David Sindelar (known for their work on Madison and Madi), will feature a repurposed copper bar, vintage TVs, and a backyard dining area, evoking the essence of 1980s Brooklyn culture.
Sonny's construction progress as of early November 2024 |
With 3,500 square-feet of indoor space and an additional 500-square-foot outdoor patio, Sonny's promises a vibrant atmosphere for diners. The menu will include Neapolitan-meets-NYC wood-fired pizzas, Italian appetizers and entrees, salads, rotating soft-serve desserts, and grilled items prepared on an outdoor grill. The bar program, led by Danny Kuehner, will showcase an eclectic mix of amaro-focused cocktails, wines and locally-produced hard beverages.
The opening of Sonny's is part of a busy year for the restaurateurs. The duo is developing a Madi location in Hillcrest, with another branch of the morning-focused eatery opening Pacific Beach by summer 2025. Like the original Normal Heights eatery, expect a focus on brunch, lunch, and cocktails, with the Hillcrest location offering more diner dishes.
The opening of Sonny's is part of a busy year for the restaurateurs. The duo is developing a Madi location in Hillcrest, with another branch of the morning-focused eatery opening Pacific Beach by summer 2025. Like the original Normal Heights eatery, expect a focus on brunch, lunch, and cocktails, with the Hillcrest location offering more diner dishes.
Sonny's is anticipated to open by March 2025 at 1728 Madison Avenue in San Diego's University Heights community.
Originally published on November 19, 2024.