Monello - San Andreas

Monello offers a culinary journey through Italy with a distinctive ambience that could be described as dimly lit and bustling, although the noise level can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when seated amidst larger groups. Unfortunately, our dining experience was somewhat marred by the lackluster service provided by our server, who seemed rather awkward and inattentive throughout the meal. Despite this setback, the highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the delectable cuisine. The gnocchi was heavenly, the flavorful cheese wheel pasta and Margherita pizza was a delightful indulgence. Paired with a bottle of wine, the flavors transported us to the heart of Italy, making it a memorable dining experience despite the service shortcomings. The food was great, creative, and delicious. However, there were some disappointments such as lack of vegetarian options, too much goat cheese in one dish, salty pecorino cheese wheel, and dry butter noodles in carbonara. The service had mixed reviews with some customers praising the waitress for being knowledgeable and sweet, while others had issues with slow drinks, inattentive servers, and discomfort in splitting the check. Overall, Monello is recommended as one of the best authentic Italian restaurants in San Diego, with delicious food worth trying, although service experiences may vary.