La Jolla Scores Italian Social Club and Lunch Spot

Ambrogio15, which introduced Milan-style pizza to Pacific Beach in 2016 and opened a satellite pizzeria in the Little Italy Food Hall last year, is branching out and bringing a different slice of Italy to downtown La Jolla. Due in early 2020, Ciao Ciao Piadina will offer a quick-service lunch menu based on piadina, a traditional flatbread that’s grilled and folded around a variety of ingredients, including prosciutto and cheese.

Ambrogio15 co-founders Giacomo Pizzigoni, Luca Salvi, and Andrea Burrone are teaming up with new partners on this venture: local brand consultant and event producer Lauren Turton and Francesco Burnazzi, who hails from Rimini in the Northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna where piadina originated.

Javier Luna of Rapid Eye Media

Ciao Ciao Piadina will also give the neighborhood a new option for happy hour, Italian-style, offering early evening aperitivo. A post-work, pre-dinner social tradition, it will feature biodynamic wines from small scale producers, bubbles, and spritz cocktails. As is common in Italy, the bar will serve complimentary snacks, including cheese and tuna-stuffed peppers, with every drink.

The partners are working with Robert Richter and Chris Dimeling of Flur Metals in Little Italy on the 1,200-square-foot space, which includes a patio and will hold seating for 40. Its contemporary design, in a light pink and blue palette, will reflect Rimini’s sunny, coastal feel.

The Ambrogio15 team is also working on a fast-casual concept for the Little Italy Food Hall that will highlight well-priced homemade pasta and sauces. Called Semola, it’s scheduled to open later this fall. Next year, it will expand to Del Mar Highlands Town Center as part of The Sky Deck project. The 1,400-square-foot eatery will feature its core menu as well as more gourmet options including pizza al taglio, a square-shaped slice, plus San Diego’s largest list of natural Italian wines.