Meet Cesarina Mezzoni | Executive Chef and Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesarina Mezzoni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesarina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, but my story is deeply intertwined with my mother’s roots in the East African islands of Seychelles. As an immigrant to Italy, she found her footing in a foreign culture through food—learning Italian by watching cooking shows and recreating recipes as a way to embrace her new home. Her kitchen was where meals symbolized love, resilience, and belonging, and it’s where I came to understand the power of food in shaping identity and creating connection. I spent countless hours at her side, soaking in those lessons.

Now, as an expat myself in the United States, I feel like I’m following in her footsteps—using food to transcend borders, tell stories, and bring people together. My upbringing taught me that food is a universal language, capable of creating community and fostering belonging. That’s a value I carry with me in my restaurants every day, where the kitchen is the heart of everything we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Opening my first restaurant, especially at such a young age, came with its challenges—navigating the complexities of the industry, managing a business, and balancing the high demands of running a kitchen. But I’ve learned that staying true to my values and focusing on the people who support me, both in the restaurant and larger community, has been key.

We started as a small farmers’ market pop-up selling vegan handmade pastas and sauces, and I never imagined that I’d be where I am today with the success of Cesarina, and now, Elvira, our second restaurant concept which opened in OB about a year ago. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much we’ve been embraced by our community. That’s taught me that putting people first—our guests, our staff, and our neighbors—is at the heart of everything we do. Our motto at Cesarina says it all: “Fatto con amore!” Made with love, always.

What sets us apart is our relentless focus on creating an experience that’s not just about food but about hospitality, connection, and joy. We take pride in being part of people’s stories, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a celebration. For me, that’s what it’s all about—making every guest feel like family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town, I’d probably stick around the Ocean Beach area. My favorite spots are Santa Cruz Beach, and Third Corner for great wine!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, without a doubt. Her resilience and resourcefulness as a self-taught cook, using food as her way to connect and assimilate, is something she passed down to me. It’s inspired me throughout my career—not just as a chef but as someone who values the role food plays in creating connection.

I owe so much to Niccolò, my husband and partner in all things. His belief in me, especially when we took the leap to start a new life in California, has been my rock. Even now, with two newborns at home, his unwavering support and commitment to our family and restaurants continue to inspire me every day.

Lastly, our teams at Cesarina and Elvira deserve so much recognition. Their passion, hard work, and dedication make everything possible. And, of course, our community—our guests who have embraced us with open arms and allowed us to share our love of Italian food and hospitality.

Website: https://cesarinarestaurant.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesarinapasta/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cesarina-san-diego-3

Other: https://www.ciaoelvira.com
https://www.instagram.com/ciaoelvira