Mission Bay Just Got a Taste of Italy With Bianchi Pizza & Pasta
The bayfront dining scene at Mission Bay has a new star, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Bianchi Pizza & Pasta has opened its doors at the Bahia Resort Hotel, bringing authentic Neapolitan flavors to one of our favorite waterfront spots.
The Story Behind the Name
Evans Hotels named this latest concept after the iconic Italian vintage car and bicycle brand, a nod to hotelier Bill Evans’ love for heritage automobiles. It’s these thoughtful details that make dining experiences feel more personal and connected to the people behind them.
Meet the Master Behind the Magic
Leading the kitchen is Chef Ignazio Tagliavia, a Palermo-born pizzaiolo whose resume reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine.
From opening his first restaurant in Italy at 21 to working with Michelin-starred chefs in Egypt, and most recently crafting pizzas at Ocean Beach’s beloved Elvira, this chef brings serious credentials to Mission Bay.
What really sets Chef Tagliavia apart is his competitive spirit—he’s not just making pizza, he’s mastering it through national competitions and continuous learning at institutions like Pizza News School Grandi Molina Italiani.
The Menu That Makes Us Want to Move In
The heart of Bianchi is their Marra Forni pizza oven, designed in Italy and capable of reaching 950 degrees. The result? Wood-fired artisanal pizzas that transport you straight to Naples.
We’re particularly drawn to the Ortolano, loaded with eggplant, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and the Provolona with its perfect balance of fennel sausage and herbs.
The pasta selection showcases the same attention to quality ingredients. The Spaghetti and Clams combines fresh shellfish with asparagus cream and a hint of crushed chili, while the Penne al Pesto features that classic basil and pine nut combination we never get tired of.
Cocktails That Complete the Experience
The drink menu leans heavily into Italian classics with a creative twist. Multiple negroni variations include the Arancia with blood orange-infused Malfy gin, while the spritz selection features a Limoncello version with rosemary thyme syrup that sounds absolutely perfect for those Mission Bay sunsets.
A Space Designed for Connection
The restaurant’s design mirrors its mission to bring people together. The 45-seat al fresco patio channels the energy of a traditional Italian piazza, while inside you’ll find cozy dining spaces and a marble bar that invites lingering conversations.
Private dining accommodates groups up to 20, and the whole space connects seamlessly with the resort’s unique features, including that iconic Airstream and the seal pond that makes the Bahia so special.
See you there!
We have a feeling Bianchi Pizza & Pasta is going to become our new go-to for waterfront Italian dining in Mission Bay.
📅 Open daily, 4 PM–10 PM | Open until midnight for drinks
📍 998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Make reservations here or call (858) 539-7646
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
