About us

Cucina Italiana was formerly Via Italia, one of San Diegos premier Italian restaurants since 1997. On November 1st of 2005 the restaurants chef along with partners purchased the restaurant. THE GOOD NEWS - THE CHEF BOUGHT THE RESTAURANT!!

 

The restaurant is recognized by Zagot as one of the TOP 100 Italian restaurants in the UNITED STATES.  Also, for the past several years it was voted either the best Italian restaurant and/or the best Italian pizza.

 

JOSE FLORES  -  MASTER CHEF/OWNER  - Studied at the culinary institute of San Francisco and has worked with some of the worlds best chef's - EMERIL LAGASSE, MARTIN YAN, JACQUES PEPIN - to mention a few. Previously, head chef of Via Italia, head chef of Trattoria Nostrana, Chef IL Trulli.

 

"SONNY" QATTAN  - GENERAL MANAGER & CATERING MANAGER  - 18 years in fine dining with an exceptional knowledge of Italian wines. Previously with Casanova and Villa Capri.

 

OMAR HERNANDEZ  - CHEF/OWNER - 12 years of preparing culinary delights for San Diego residents.

 

RONALD GELET  - CONSULTANT  - 30 years of restaurant experience. Founder of the NUMERO UNO restaurant chain, ROCK LOBSTER , J.J. HUNEYCUTT'S, SALSA FRESH, and others.