# Monello > Monello is an Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, known as the home of the cheesewheel pasta. Pasta is swirled tableside through a wheel of Parmigiano, and the menu rotates often to keep things fresh and exciting. The space carries a lively, urban energy that suits date nights, birthday celebrations, and group dinners alike, with private and semi-private spaces available for up to 85 guests. Specialty cocktails and a refined yet casual atmosphere round out the experience, and the kitchen also offers full-service catering rooted in Northern Italian tradition. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/monello-8282 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Italian - **Location**: San Diego, CA - **Address**: 750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA, San Diego, CA 92101, US - **Phone**: 16195010030 - **Website**: https://www.lovemonello.com/ - **Coordinates**: 32.724321, -117.169278 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Luxurious, Modern, Classy, Casual, Cultural ## About Monello is an Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, known as the home of the cheesewheel pasta. Pasta is swirled tableside through a wheel of Parmigiano, and the menu rotates often to keep things fresh and exciting. The space carries a lively, urban energy that suits date nights, birthday celebrations, and group dinners alike, with private and semi-private spaces available for up to 85 guests. Specialty cocktails and a refined yet casual atmosphere round out the experience, and the kitchen also offers full-service catering rooted in Northern Italian tradition. ## Highlights - **Famous cheesewheel pasta** — Pasta swirled tableside through a wheel of Parmigiano is the signature dish. - **Crispy thin-crust pizza** — The light, thin-crust pizzas are a crowd favorite, especially during happy hour. - **Classy urban atmosphere** — The modern, lively setting suits everything from date nights to group celebrations. - **Private event spaces** — Monello accommodates up to 85 guests with customizable menus for any occasion. ## FAQ ### Where is Monello located? Monello is located at 750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101, in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood. ### What type of cuisine does Monello serve? Monello serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine with a creative twist. The kitchen blends traditional Italian recipes with fresh ingredients and bold flavor, and the menu rotates regularly so there is always something new to try. The restaurant is best known for its cheesewheel pasta, handmade risottos, and crispy thin-crust pizzas. ### What is Monello's happy hour? Monello offers happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, with lighter bites like their celebrated thin-crust pizza available at great value. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Monello on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### What do diners love most about Monello? Guests consistently rave about the cheesewheel pasta as a must-order experience, praising the tableside preparation and rich, satisfying flavor. The thin-crust pizzas and risotto dishes also earn frequent praise, along with strong specialty cocktails and attentive service. Many reviewers describe it as the most authentic Italian food they have had outside of Italy. ### Is Monello a good spot for celebrations and group dining? Monello is a great choice for celebrations, with private and semi-private spaces available for groups of up to 85 guests for a full buyout. The team offers family-style and banquet menus that can be customized to fit your event. Guests have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions here, and the lively, classy atmosphere adds to the occasion. ### Does Monello offer catering? Monello offers full-service catering featuring authentic Northern Italian dishes, fresh ingredients, and refined presentation. The catering program is designed to bring a touch of Milanese elegance to any gathering, and you can also order your favorite dishes online for delivery straight to your home. ### How can I contact Monello or follow them online? You can reach Monello by phone at (619) 501-0030 or explore their full menu and reservation options at lovemonello.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @lovemonello, on Facebook, or on Twitter to stay up to date on specials and events. ### What is the price range at Monello? Monello is a moderate dining destination, with most meals typically falling in the $15 to $30 per person range, offering a polished Italian experience at an accessible price point. ## Reviews ### sandiegofoodie — 5.0/5 · Jul 11, 2022 This is how to enjoy amazing Italian food ### ninjabunny123 — 5.0/5 · Apr 9, 2026 Fresh and delicious, thin crust, crispy ### macdadd — 5.0/5 · Apr 18, 2026 Happy hour from 3-530 during the week. Pizza is very light and multo bene. ### sdlovezfood — 4.5/5 · Feb 9, 2023 My favorite part about my lunch at Monello was the cheese wheel pasta! ### foodieviews — 4.7/5 · Jan 19, 2024 ### _kelly_in_cali — 4.0/5 · Feb 17, 2024 cheese wheel pasta 🤤 ### foodventurewliz — 4.6/5 · Aug 28, 2023 Pasta la vista, baby. Food coma came right around the corner after devouring all this delicious food celebrating another year with my love🤩🤪🥰 ### kecedy — 5.0/5 · Jan 11, 2025 This is my favorite Italian restaurant in little Italy. It’s delicious and has a menu that changes often! ### user_6af1b6 — 4.3/5 · Jul 13, 2025 Great service, delicious food, and strong drinks! ### sandiegofoodie — 5.0/5 · Sep 22, 2022 Ragu and mozzarella risotto cones in a jalapeño chese sauce ## Nearby - [Din Tai Fung La Jolla](https://frankiapp.com/business/din-tai-fung-la-jolla-4833) — Taiwanese - 4301 La Jolla Village Dr (btwn Genesse Ave & Executive Way), San Diego, CA 92122, US - [insideOut](https://frankiapp.com/business/insideout-23754) — American · $$$ - 1642 University Ave (Centre St), San Diego, CA 92103, US - [Yun Tea House](https://frankiapp.com/business/yun-tea-house-98023) — Tea Room · $$$$ - 4344 Convoy St Suite M, , San Diego, CA 92111, US - [Haidilao Hot Pot - San Diego](https://frankiapp.com/business/haidilao-hot-pot-san-diego-31606) — Hotpot · $$$ - 4545 La Jolla Village Dr Ste F9, San Diego, CA 92122, US - [An’s Dry Cleaning Gelato](https://frankiapp.com/business/an-s-dry-cleaning-gelato-10344) — Dessert Shop · $$$$ - 3017 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, US - [Morning Glory](https://frankiapp.com/business/morning-glory-7719) — Breakfast Spot - 550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101, US - [Raised by Wolves](https://frankiapp.com/business/raised-by-wolves-7619) — Cocktail Bar · $$ - 4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122, US - [Born & Raised](https://frankiapp.com/business/born-raised-318) — Steakhouse - 1909 India St, , San Diego, CA 92101, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/monello-8282