The incoming restaurant is planned for 8131 La Mesa Boulevard, taking over the former Kratom Kava Bar space in the city's walkable village district. Founded by Italian entrepreneur Pietro Di Giammarino, the concept focuses on Pinsa Romana, a traditional Roman-style flatbread often compared to pizza but distinguished by its elongated shape, highly hydrated dough, long fermentation process, and lighter, airier texture.
Pinsarella's dough reportedly undergoes an extended fermentation and hydration process designed to produce a crust that is crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy internally. The company has also developed a business-to-business supply operation focused on distributing Roman-style pinsa products to restaurants and hospitality operators.
Beyond pinsa, the La Mesa restaurant is expected to offer Roman antipasti, prepared meals, imported ingredients, and a hybrid market-style setup where guests can dine in, order takeout, purchase ready-made foods, or shop for products to recreate dishes at home. Plans also call for a self-service wine and beer bar integrated into the experience.
Di Giammarino said La Mesa's family-oriented atmosphere played a major role in selecting the neighborhood for the company's first location. The concept is designed around creating an approachable gathering place where families and groups can relax over high-quality food without the elevated pricing increasingly associated with many full-service restaurant experiences. The company also appears to have broader ambitions beyond East County, although ownership says expansion will be approached cautiously.
Pinsarella Market is anticipated to open by late 2026 at 8131 La Mesa Boulevard in downtown La Mesa.
Beyond pinsa, the La Mesa restaurant is expected to offer Roman antipasti, prepared meals, imported ingredients, and a hybrid market-style setup where guests can dine in, order takeout, purchase ready-made foods, or shop for products to recreate dishes at home. Plans also call for a self-service wine and beer bar integrated into the experience.
Di Giammarino said La Mesa's family-oriented atmosphere played a major role in selecting the neighborhood for the company's first location. The concept is designed around creating an approachable gathering place where families and groups can relax over high-quality food without the elevated pricing increasingly associated with many full-service restaurant experiences. The company also appears to have broader ambitions beyond East County, although ownership says expansion will be approached cautiously.
Pinsarella Market is anticipated to open by late 2026 at 8131 La Mesa Boulevard in downtown La Mesa.
Originally published on May 13, 2026. Information first reported by Daniela Velez of WhatNow.
