Zios, San Diego, California Restaurant Details

Food:

Staying in the neighborhood for the week - we wanted to check out something local. Their margherita pizza was great! Added chicken. Crisp crust - perfectly baked and fresh ingredients. Ready in about 15 minutes. Priced a little on the upper end of pizza ($15 for a medium that fed 2...and we're still a little hungry) -- but it is STILL an awesome pizza and we would definitely eat there again.

Food:

The three of us met for our monthly dinner out and decided to give the new Zio's a try. As we drove up, a sign proclaimed "Grand Opening" which should have alerted us. Ill be kind in my review but the title says it all. Ive never understood why restaurants expect potential repeat customers to pay for their learning curve. The menu lists items and next to them "coming soon". Dont put them on the menu. Our three pasta dishes took 40 minutes to get to the table. We were hoping for some bread to ease our hunger but the waiter, when asked said "they hadnt figured the bread thing out yet but they will have breadsticks by Thursday". He toasted up a panninni roll which came after we had finished our pasta. My pasta was totally different from what I ordered. The waiter went back to the kitchen and after some discussion, he came out and said the chef apologized and wanted to do it over. However, my two friends had their pastas by now so no option, Beverages were served in flimsy paper cups. Food not hot. Nothing offered to fix the total error of my entree (most expensive on menu), They dont know what they are doing but you will have to pay for their mistakes. Might improve in time but doubtful. A total waste of money. Pasta was very greasy. Waiter offered coupons and "hoped we would come back soon". Not a chance,

Food:

Pros:
Cute lil Italian joint nestled in North Park. For the most part a simple traditional menu. Prices are more than fair, portion size is good and did I mention the deserts are out of this world! The owner / chef (Daren) intruduced himself to me personally and welcomed me. While eating lunch I could see that others who were on their lunch break were enjoying themselves as well. It is not crowded yet, but when word gets out...

Cons:
Needs some acoustic guitar music, outdoor patio / seating and maybe one of those fancy Italian espresso / coffee machines... to complete the experience.