‘BASTA!’ by Sam the Cooking Guy to Open in Little Italy

  • Italian
  • Little Italy
  • $$

Get ready to say “Basta!” to ordinary dining experiences and welcome in a new era of Italian-inspired cuisine as celebrated chef and television personality Sam Zien (better known as Sam the Cooking Guy) launches his newest concept in the heart of Little Italy.

Sam the Cooking Guy

Led by Chef Gavin Mills, Director of Culinary, you can expect new, fun twists on classic Italian dishes, as well as signature ‘Sam the Cooking Guy’ bites.

A Gathering Place in Piazza della Famiglia

Situated in the vibrant Piazza della Famiglia, BASTA! is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary gathering place where friends become family, and every meal is a celebration.

With an inviting, lively atmosphere and a patio perfect for soaking up the sunshine or cozying up by the firepits under the stars, BASTA! promises to make every visit memorable.

“We are thrilled to introduce BASTA! to San Diego,” said Sam Zien.

“Our menu, filled with Italian-inspired eats and inventive cocktails, is designed to ignite your taste buds and foster connections, just like a family gathering. Basta means ‘enough’ in Italian, and here, it’s about reaching that sweet spot of satisfaction and wanting more.”

Basta Little Italy

A Menu to Savor and Share

BASTA!’s menu, crafted by Sam Zien and Chef Gavin Mills, offers a delectable fusion of Italian-inspired dishes such as:

  • Bone Marrow Garlic Bread
  • Sardines with Calabrian chili and greomolata
  • Chicken Liver Mousse
  • Crispy Herb Gnocchi
  • Handmade Cavatelli with Santa Barbara uni
  • Ricotta Tortellini with asparagus, lemon, and crème fraiche

Whether you’re looking for casual, small bites or an elevated entrée, there’s something for everyone. These dishes, among others, exemplify the creative culinary artistry that BASTA! brings to the table.

When you have savored your fill, go ahead and venture into the Piazza della Famiglia or the Little Italy Food Hall to enjoy more cocktails and soak up the vibrant ambiance and energy of San Diego’s favorite neighborhood.

A Grain & Grit Collective Concept

BASTA! is the latest concept by the Grain & Grit Collective, a hospitality group led by CEO Michael DiNorscia and dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences.

See you there!

The grand opening is set for Thursday, June 6.

The restaurant is located at 555 West Date St., Suite B, San Diego.

Visit the website here for more info, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

See you there, San Diego!

Venue Details
Working Hours
  • Weekdays
    4 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Saturday
    11 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday
    11 AM to 9:30 PM
The Latest
Eglise de Varengeville, effet matinal by Claude Monet
One hundred years in, and the San Diego Museum of Art is putting it all on the table. Forging a Legacy: 15 Years of Landmark...
MCASD Expo Design Market
One of the better weekends on San Diego’s cultural calendar is back. EXPO Design Market is returning to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego...
Verbatim Books In the Park Til Dark
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans! From scenic rides across the city for Bike Anywhere...
Crowds enjoying the Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival
The 8th Annual Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival returns to North Park for an afternoon of frozen treats, community, and a genuinely good cause....
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Our live entertainment scene is heating up this week with an exciting mix of country,...
East Village Has a Lot of Events Lined Up This Summer
East Village has always had good energy, but this summer the neighborhood’s best venues are bringing their A-game with a lineup of recurring events, themed...
Venue Details
Working Hours
  • Weekdays
    4 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Saturday
    11 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday
    11 AM to 9:30 PM
Venue Map
Share This Venue