Date Night Italian in North Park - Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Written by Ashley Dunn
We’ve found a perfect spot for a Date Night right in the center of San Diego. Cori Pastificio Trattoria, in North Park, is one of our favorite Italian spots in all of San Diego. If you’re looking for a great wine list, delicious menu, and friendly service — it’s a must visit!
Restaurant front at Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Menu at Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Chef and owner, Accursio Lota - happens to be a friend of ours. His passion and love for his native Scillian culture shines bright here at Cori Pastificio Trattoria. It’s no coincidence the restaurant is named “Cori” , which means heart in Sicilian.
From the first interaction with the hostess, to the occasional introductory from Chef Accursio himself, everybody is so welcoming and happy to be there. With them being in one of the most welcoming parts of San Diego, North Park, they truly do fit right in. It just so happens Chef and his family live in North park as well — so I guess you could say the love at Cori’s even extends to the physical location of the restaurant! How amazing is that.
Oh, and by the way, there’s really no need for a special occasion to visit — come any day of the week, just be ready to love every second of it! Also feel free to check out a few of our favorites below.
Appetizer - Polpette al Sugo Nonna’s Braised Beef and Veal Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, and Pecorino Romano
These meatballs are incredibly delicious! It’s a classic, but the love and thought put into this recipe shines bright. I can truly taste the classic Italian flavors within each and every bite.
Braised Beef and Veel Meatballs — yummy!
Pane e Olio - House made 36 hours fermented Focaccia, California Corto Cold Pressed EVOO
The focaccia is a must order. Delicious, light, and a perfect share for the table — you really can’t go wrong. It’s also a great example of all the love and time that Chef Accursio puts into every dish — even with something as simple as the Focaccia.
36-hour fermented Focaccia
Entrees - Minestra di Mare Parsley-Infused Mezzi Meccheroncini in Minestra, Tomato-lobster Broth, Clams, Calamari, Shrimp, Cherry tomatoes, citrus-infused EVOO
A more seafood forward dish, this is a great option anyone looking for something with a Scillian coast inspired taste profile. A stew that might be nothing like you’ve tried before — Chef Accursio does a phenomenal job with this one!
Minestra di Mare
Pappardelle al Sugo di Salsiccia Chino Valley Farm Eggs Pappardelle, Fennel Seeds, Pork Sausage, Tomatoes, Aged Pecorino Sardo, Lemon Zest
A safer option, maybe, a classic meat sauce with Pappardelle — but it’s truly like no other I’ve tried. I think the love and passion that flows through these dishes makes a world of a difference. The noodles are also so fresh and delicious!
Pappardelle with Pork Sausage
Agnolotti Fave e Midollo Agnolotti Filled with Ricotta, Sauteed with Fava Beans, Peas, Foraged Wild Fennel, Pea Tendrils, Angus Beef Bone Marrow
This dish reminds us of Summer — with the fresh fava beans and peas shining bright, yet the Beef Bone Marrow being center stage, it has possibly everything you’re looking for in a pasta dish.
Dessert - Tiramisu alla Nocciola Piedmont Hazelnut, Mascarpone, Lady Fingers, Espresso, Amaretti,
This Tiramisu is so light and fluffy. The espresso blends perfectly with the mascarpone, so if you’re looking for a Tiramisu that isn’t overpowered by the espresso, this is the perfect choice!
Cannolo Siciliano Accursio’s Hometown Traditional Cannolo Shell Ruote, Filled with Sheep Ricotta, Candied Oranges, Pistachio, Prickly Pear Juice
An Italian classic that truly captures the love Chef Accursio has for his hometown. The candied Oranges and prickly pear juice are such a special touch — and the shell is perfectly crunchy!
Extra Credit Giveaway!
ITALIAN FOR TWO GIVEAWAY! 🍝🍷
One of the finest spots for Italian in San Diego has to be @cori_pasta. This absolute gem of a restaurant run by famed pasta chef @accursiochef is serving up a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes that will transport you to the Italian coast! ✨✈️
We have partnered up with our good friends at @cori_pasta to giveaway a “Dinner For Two” which includes a three course meal for two and one alcoholic beverage per person to one lucky SDFoodies follower! 😊