This Latin-Japanese Newcomer Is Shaking Up the San Diego Restaurant Scene in the Best Way Possible
Little Italyās culinary compass just got a new true north. Welcome Brisa Restaurant & Barāa breezy new concept swirling Latin soul and Japanese precision into one dynamic dining experience. Housed on the corner of Kettner and Hawthorn in the former ZinquĆ© space, Brisa is the latest chapter in San Diegoās ever-evolving food story, and itās already turning heads with its tropical interiors, artful plating and boho-chic energy.
Translating to ābreezeā in Spanish, this new San Diego restaurant lives up to its name with palm-fringed decor, island-inspired cocktails and a coastal-cool aesthetic that feels more Tulum than SoCal. It’s the newest venture from powerhouse restaurateurs Chefs Marco Provino and Vincenzo Loverso of the San Diego Dining Groupāalso behind hotspots like Rusticucina, Allegro and Zama. Here, theyāve teamed up with General Manager and Partner Jennifer Reinhart to introduce a fresh concept built on bold flavors, laid-back luxury and global flair.
The Vibe
Step inside and youāll feel the shiftāfrom the sleek lounge to rattan accents and woven textures everywhere you look. Itās like getting a passport stamp to paradise without leaving the city, and you wonāt want to leave. The patio at this Little Italy spot invites you in with plush seating and a fun, sociable vibe. Itās the kind of place where cocktails and conversation stretch long into the evening without effort. Polished yet relaxed, chic but unpretentiousāthis is exactly how dining out in Little Italy San Diego should feel.
The Menu
At the heart of Brisa Little Italyās culinary identity is Executive Chef James Montejano, whoās crafted a menu thatās equal parts adventurous and approachable. His Latin American-meets-Japanese fusion dishes showcase an unexpected harmony of bold flavors and clean compositions. Think Lump Crab Nopal Tostadas topped with avocado-jalapeƱo cream and salsa macha, or Tangerine Tempura Camarones with mandarin-chipotle glaze and mango. Seafood takes center stage with dishes like Bacon-Wrapped Scallops over purple Peruvian potatoes, and raw bar stunners like Passionfruit Ceviche and Augachile Rojo spiked with strawberry-habanero hibiscus.
Brisaās sushi program also impresses with creative rolls that refuse to blend in. Try the signature Brisa roll stacked with yellowtail, spicy crab and seared tuna. Want something more unique? Order the decadent TizĆ³n, featuring truffled salmon and black tobiko. Want to go big? Thereās a 32-ounce Porterhouse for two waiting to be shared.
The Cocktails
Jennifer Reinhart, who also leads the beverage program, has infused the cocktail list with island sensibilities and global twists. The Guava Lava (jalapeƱo tequila, guava purƩe and Suze liqueur) is spicy, tropical and totally addictive. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Garden balances gin, sake and lime for something floral and fresh.
Zero-proof drinkers arenāt left out either. Mocktail standouts like the Coco No-jito and Hot Mango Tango make it clear Brisa caters to every kind of vibe, whether youāre sipping, savoring or simply soaking in the ambiance.
A New Chapter for Little Italy
This new San Diego restaurantās arrival comes at a moment of transition for Little Italy restaurants, following the quiet exit of ZinquĆ© and the closure of the Little Italy Food Hall earlier this year. But where some see competition, Brisa sees opportunityādoubling down on experience-driven dining with curated menus, high-design interiors and a touch of global glamour.
Open for dinner nightly and serving weekend brunch, Brisa in Little Italy is more than a restaurantāitās an experience. Whether youāre looking to impress out-of-town guests or just find your new favorite date night spot, this breezy newcomer brings something undeniably fresh to the lineup of the best restaurants in Little Italy.
Brisa
2101 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA
619.303.0415
@brisasandiego
