Reviewed By Jessyka Heredia
June 27, 2023 (Lemon Grove) --
Buon appetito! Three brothers– Take a culinary stroll with ECM as we review AnniVenti La Trattoria in Lemon Grove with their fresh Italian dishes created from family recipes and a modern twist inspired by their family business in Palermo Italy.
Three brothers have opened a brand-new restaurant called AnniVenti La Trattoria in Lemon Grove ECM visited, savoring fresh homemade dishes in a true fine dining experience --from white linen tablecloths and an extensive wine list to creative Italian cuisine and top-notch service.
“All of the dishes are inspired by family in southern Italy,” said owner Emanuele Gaglioni, where the brothers grew up.
The Gaglioni brothers, Emanuele, Danilo and Franceso, were looking into opening a restaurant somewhere in San Diego’s East County when they found their opportunity at 8099 Broadway in Lemon Grove. The trio quickly got their new restaurant designed with
a full remodel and opened their doors just 25 days after taking over the location, which was previously an Italian restaurant under a different name and ownership.
Emanuele, one of the owners of AnniVenti, told ECM a little bit about their family history, starting with their family business in Palermo that their father started back in the 1980s with a 1920s décor. The name AnniVenti, which means the year 1920, was inspired by the family’s restaurant in Italy.
Their father started the family business “45 years ago, originally as an ice cream place. Later in 2017 it became a restaurant, pizzeria, gelateria and an AirBnB, Gaglioni told ECM.
AnniVenti has a lot to offer its guests with several antipasti and appetizers to start off with. They even offer a soup of the day.
Starters include Calamari Fritti and a lovely Formaggi E Salumi with a selection of imported Italian cheeses, several cured meats, mixed berries, candied walnuts, olives, and a side of honey to sample with each bite.
I savored the fish of the day, a Seared Tuna Filet dish inspired by the Gaglioni brother’s grandmother-- a lovely sesame and pepper encrusted tuna filet generously portioned with homemade mashed potatoes and caramelized red onion. This dish had a light finish with a dash of soy sauce to complement the fish.
They offer different chef specials daily, including a pasta wheel selection made right at your table and different pasta dishes to keep you coming back for more. One of their specials on my visit was a wonderful beef ravioli with a rich creamy mushroom sauce. This dish was just right, with its rich creamy sauce and pleasant earthy finish.
AnniVenti has a beautiful pizza oven where guests can watch the chef make their pizza or calzone from start to finish as the aroma of flavors surround you.
Some of the pizzas on the menu to select from include the Tartufata with black truffles, mozzarella, brie, walnuts, and honey. Or opt for the Palermo topped with eggplant cream, mozzarella, San Marzano sauce, basil and eggplant chips and of course the classic Margherita with its San Marzano sauce, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.
There is a pasta dish for everyone to enjoy, whether you are looking for rich and creamy or light and healthy.
Spaghetti Vongole E Pistachio is a fresh mix of homemade spaghetti noodles, clams with a light wine garlic sauce and finished with pesto di pistachio.
The Gnocchi Sorrentina is sure to fulfill your hunger with its house-made gnocchi, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, parmigiano and “served in cesto di pizza” (pizza crust).
If pasta and pizza are not for you, then do not worry, AnniVenti has thought of everything for their guests to enjoy.
Their menu includes entrees for the carnivores in your family. Choose from Filetto Di Manzo, an eight-ounce Ribeye served on a bed of potato puree, spinaci saltati “salsa black pepper.”
For a hearty chicken dish, try the Pollo Arrosto, a roasted bone-in chicken with baked potatoes, caramelized onion, and roasted garlic butter sauce.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert at AnniVenti. They offer a large selection of sweet delicacies such as lava cake, a wonderfully tart limoncello and house-made gelato in several mouth-watering flavors--perfect for summer days ahead. Be sure to relax and enjoy your dessert with a hot latte or cappuccino.
Dishes range in price from $16 to $43. AnniVenti also has a kids menu with selections like mac N che
ese, fettuccine alfredo and a cheese pizza for even the pickiest eaters.
AnniVenti is open Monday through Friday for dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday lunches and dinners with hours from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also check out AnniVenti for happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., when they offer a selection of appetizers from just $5 - $12.
To view the full menu or make reservations, visit https://anniventitrattoria.com/.