The upcoming restaurant will be helmed by chef Jair Santos, formerly of Pizza & More, who brings a competition-tested pedigree to the kitchen. Santos recently placed third in this year’s Favorite Chef national competition, and his new role at Giovannetti’s promises a menu that blends classic Italian comfort with chef-driven innovation. Nightly entrée specials will rotate alongside a core offering of handcrafted pizzas and traditional pasta dishes, aiming to strike a balance between upscale dining and everyday approachability.
Giovannetti’s marks the latest concept from local restaurateur Yesenia Zambrano, who has confirmed plans to debut the project by late July 2025. Positioned in a high-visibility location with strong daily foot traffic from both commuters and families, the restaurant is expected to quickly gain traction among local diners looking for quality Italian fare in a relaxed setting.
In addition to its kitchen-driven focus, Giovannetti’s has filed for a Type 41 license, allowing beer and wine service to accompany its lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant’s layout is expected to support dine-in service while remaining family-friendly and accessible to the surrounding community.
Giovannetti’s Italian Cuisine is targeting a summer 2025 opening at 1011 South Santa Fe Avenue, Suite A & B, in San Diego's North County city of Vista.
