Colosseo Cucina Italiana is opening in Solana Beach, and if you’ve been following Chef Roberto Ciacciofera’s work at R&G Salumeria Wine Bar, you already know he brings legitimacy to Italian cuisine.
The Sicilian-born chef has fully transformed the former Pizza Nova building at 945 Lomas Santa Fe Drive into an inviting space designed to offer an elevated Roman dining experience with warm hospitality. The grand opening features tray-passed menu selections, complimentary drinks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and photo opportunities.
What Chef Ciacciofera Is Creating
“My goal is to have a family place… my house is your house,” Ciacciofera says. “Colosseo Cucina Italiana is my way of inviting people into the kind of meals I grew up with, moments that brought everyone around the table.”
The menu includes classic Roman-Italian dishes – amatriciana, carbonara, and cacio e pepe – alongside fresh fish, lamb, and rotating chef’s specials. The beverage list highlights Italian wines from various regions, complemented by a full-service bar with thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Colosseo seats roughly 100 people, and nearly half of that is on a covered outdoor patio. The space stays bright and family-friendly during the day before settling into a more relaxed, lounge-style atmosphere in the evening. That flexibility means you can bring kids for lunch or come back later for a date night without feeling like you’re in the wrong environment.
Family-Driven Operation
This is a family-driven venture, with Chef Ciacciofera supported by relatives who actively contribute to the restaurant’s development and daily operations. When a restaurant describes itself as family-driven, it usually shows in the level of care and consistency – owners and family members are there regularly rather than just managing from a distance.
The fact that Ciacciofera is Sicilian-born and has a track record in San Diego means he’s bringing authentic technique and flavors rather than just approximating Italian cuisine. Classic Roman dishes require specific preparation, and having a chef who grew up with these traditions matters.
The Solana Beach Location
The former Pizza Nova building has been fully transformed into Colosseo Cucina Italiana, giving Solana Beach another serious Italian dining option. The coastal setting works well for the concept – covered outdoor patio seating with Italian wines and fresh fish creates the kind of experience people look for in beach communities.
The restaurant is accessible for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.
See you there!
Hit the grand opening, try the tray-passed selections and complimentary drinks, or come back any day after for classic Roman-Italian cuisine in Solana Beach.
📆 Grand Opening: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6 PM – 9 PM | Regular hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 9 PM
📍 945 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
Dining and Cooking