True Italian Food, Just 6,400 Miles Away From Italy

The word suburb largely describes Carmel Valley, but there’s much more to the area than cookie cutter homes and mommy walkers. Take, for instance, the many trails that wind through an area as historically interesting as the Gaslamp. Or Villa Capri, where Italian-born owner Salvatore Ercolano and chef-partner Antonio Viscito serve a menu with offerings not found in other parts of the county.

Ercolano and Viscito, who hail from Capri and Amalfi, respectively, have their hands in numerous Italian endeavors. In addition to the Carmel Valley locations, they own Villa Capri 2 in Torrey Highlands, 4S Ranch’s Capri Blu Italian Bistro & Wine Bar and , with locations in La Jolla, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley and Pacific Heights.

Villa Capri Carmel Valley’s menu is hearty—the name of each dish in Italian. The vast antipasti menu includes such charmers as Gamberoni alla Toscana: grilled shrimp served with white Tuscan beans, arugula and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with lemon and truffle oil. Drooling is absolutely allowed. Pastas are divided by vegetarian, meat and seafood. The Rigatoni al Pollo is a simple palate pleaser: rigatoni with chicken and fresh mushrooms immersed in a light, homemade cream sauce. Muah!

And those dishes you won’t find elsewhere in San Diego? Salmone alla Giudea. Atlantic salmon sauteed with white onions, golden raisins and pine nuts with a touch of white vinegar. Or Filetto al Pepe Verde: eight-ounce filet mignon flambéed with brandy and served in a green peppercorn sauce. Applause? Highly likely.

Villa Capri is located at 3870 Valley Centre Dr.