Take a Gran Turismo Through Northern Italy at Maranello in Little Italy
Little Italy has a new dinner spot, and it’s one that makes the whole evening feel like an occasion. Maranello just opened at 2101 Kettner Blvd, named for the small Italian town that Ferrari calls home – though here, the focus is less on the racing legend and more on what Maranello the town is actually known for: a deep culture of hospitality and gathering around the table.
The restaurant takes you through northern Italy’s regional traditions, from aperitivo to digestivo, with a menu and bar program that have enough going on to warrant more than one visit.
Northern Italy, Course by Course
The kitchen pulls from across Italy’s regions in a way that feels considered, not scattered.
Start with the Gnocco Fritto – the Emilia-Romagna classic of fried dough served with speck – or the Calabrian Charcoal Bread with warm whipped butter infused with Calabrian ‘Nduja.
From there, the Ruotine di Mare brings black-ink wheel-shaped pasta (a nod to the town’s racing roots) with scampi in lobster bisque sauce, while the Ravioli Caramella – candy-shaped and stuffed with mortadella, pistachio, and parmigiano in a creamy pistachio sauce – is the kind of dish that gets ordered twice.
When Dinner Becomes a Production
This is where dinner becomes a production. The Lasagna Emiliana arrives layered with Bolognese ragù and gets finished tableside with warm cheese fondue.
The Catch of the Day comes out whole and is portioned in front of you. And the Tortellini Prosciutto di Parma gets tossed tableside in a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel with sweet peas and Parmesan cream. Even if you’ve seen the cheese wheel move before, it lands every time.
Cocktails With a Point of View
The cocktail list is specific and a little playful. Maranello will be among the first spots locally to pour Sarti Rosa, the aperitivo that’s been sweeping Europe and just arrived stateside – find it in the Sarti Spritz.
The Pepperoni Negroni uses pepperoni-infused gin with Campari and sweet vermouth, the Pit Stop mixes bourbon with limoncello, honey, and lemon rosemary, and the Truffle Old Fashioned brings bourbon, black truffle honey, walnut bitters, and Angostura.
The wine list focuses on Italy’s celebrated regions – Lambrusco, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino – with international options alongside.
A Room Worth Dressing For
Designed by Huntress Decor, the dining room pairs rich racing reds with contemporary Italian-inspired design. There’s also a covered patio for a more casual al fresco setting. Both are worth knowing about depending on the night.
See you there!
Maranello is the kind of new opening that earns a reservation fast. Get in early and go hungry – there’s a lot on this menu worth working through.
📆 Sunday – Thursday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM | Friday – Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM
📍 2101 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
🎟️ Make reservations here
ℹ️ Check out the full menu here
See you there, San Diego!
