Elvira, Rome’s new osteria and pizzeria, is bringing nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of Italian comfort food to Ocean Beach.
The restaurant, located at 4996 West Point Loma Boulevard, was founded by Cesarina Mezzoni, Niccolò Angius and Giuseppe Capasso, owners of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning ICesarina Ristorante in Point Loma.
Set in a charming 1930s cottage that has been renovated to embody the aesthetic of “Nonna Chic,” Elvira reflects the legacy of Angius’ great-grandmother, Elvira Lippi, who was instrumental in Angius’ life. It is said to have been a lighthouse. He hopes to follow her example with his new restaurant.
“The way[Elvira Lippi]always showed love was through food,” Angius said. “Good food, warmth and family love have been part of my life since childhood.”
From homemade pasta to wood-fired pizza, everything at Elvira is made from scratch using fresh ingredients imported from Italy.
Roman-style pizza, tería or pan pizza, by executive pizza chef Ignazio Tagliavia from Palermo, is an Elvira specialty, served in a round shape.
Daily specials follow Rome’s unofficial weekly food calendar. Tuesday is meatballs, Thursday is gnocchi, Friday is fish, and Saturday is tripe alla romana or tripe stew.
As befits an osteria or wine bar, Elvira serves its wine in quarter, half, or full-litre carafes rather than by the glass. Cocktails made with Italian spirits and local and Italian craft beers are also available.
The restaurant has a private dining room (Cucina di La Nonna, or Grandma’s Kitchen) that will soon be available for small parties. Angis said it will be a place that will remind her of her great-grandmother’s home and make guests feel like part of her family.
Visit ciaoevira.com and follow @ciaoevira on Instagram.
Roxana Becerril is a freelance writer.