The restaurant is the creation of restaurateurs James Pasquali and Diego Ocampo, who bring a combined eight years of experience in San Diego’s dining scene. Pasquali, a Rome native and longtime Little Italy restaurant manager, envisioned Romanella as a place where guests could feel transported to his hometown - where meals are about joy, laughter, and connection. Ocampo, a familiar face in Bay Park hospitality circles, infused the project with local character and a neighborhood sensibility.
Stepping inside Romanella feels like crossing the Atlantic. A hand-painted mural of the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum, glowing Venetian glass chandeliers, and fresco-style wall art set a timeless tone, while the aroma of olive oil, basil, and garlic drifts through the softly lit dining room. The effect is both romantic and inviting - an elegant setting for date nights, family gatherings, or a celebratory evening out.
The menu, rich with Roman soul, blends classic flavors and contemporary twists. Diners can expect staples like Cacio e Pepe, Bucatini Carbonara, and Saltimbocca alla Romana, alongside creative house specialties such as Carbonara Lasagna - a Romanella exclusive - and Pinsa Romana, the airy, oval-shaped predecessor to modern pizza. Other highlights include Pappardelle Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli, and Cioppino Romanella, a seafood dish with an Italian flair.
“Dining at Romanella is about more than great food - it’s about joy, laughter, and relationships,” said Pasquali. “We want San Diegans to feel like they’ve stepped into Rome, where every meal is a chance to connect.”
The grand opening celebration in early October drew a full house of Bay Park neighbors and local food enthusiasts, with guests praising both the atmosphere and the cuisine’s authenticity. Romanella’s debut adds a new chapter to the neighborhood’s growing culinary identity, offering a refined Italian experience that still feels distinctly San Diegan.
Romanella Cucina Romana is now open at 3055 Clairemont Drive in San Diego’s Bay Park. For more information, visit romanellasd.com and check out the menus below.
Originally published on October 14, 2025.
