Da Giorgio Ristorante Italiano

A little bit off the beaten path, the new ‘Ristorante Italiano’ Da Giorgio is nestled among the hills at the La Estancia Inn. The restaurant offers a view of our rugged local hills, a sparkling pool or ‘Venice.’ Sit back in this charming setting and enjoy some of the best food and wine in the area.

The restaurant boasts an extensive collection of wines from Italy, Australia, California and a Muscat dessert wine from Israel. The menu is also extensive, offering fish, chicken and veal dishes as well as a variety of pizzas including a ‘Bianca Pizza’ which is baked with no sauce and four types of cheese. All items are $6 on the kid’s menu and are served with a soda.

Da Giorgio’s soups are especially good. The Crème of Broccoli Soup is tasty and thick — a treasure trove of taste! The Minestrone Soup is filled with a delicious concoction of vegetables.

The Cannelloni de Carne O’Formagio ($13) is a delightful dish. Crepes are filled with a fine blend of seasoned chicken, beef and Italian sausage, then topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. The dish is then drenched in a blend of marinara and Alfredo sauce. Marinara by itself is a little too sharp for me, but the Alfredo sauce tones it down and creates an interesting combination.

Chef Jorge Alcaraz has been a chef for many years, but this is his first venture as proprietor of a restaurant. He opened Da Giorgio on October 1 of last year. “I always wanted to own my own restaurant — it was my dream,” he explained. “We are trying to make it better every day.”

Da Giorgio is definitely a special occasion restaurant, but you don’t need a special occasion to visit! It is located at the La Estancia Inn, 3135 South Highway 395 in Fallbrook. For inquires please phone (760) 723-1080.