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Business & Tech

Arrivederci Means 'Goodbye,' But You'll Be Back...

…for more of the best Italian food to be found in East County.

We’ve passed by the original Arrivederci Ristorante in Hillcrest many times and marveled at how the packed the sidewalk dining area was every time. We never got around to trying the place but figured the food, ambiance and prices were hitting their marks.

Now we know. We just dined at Arrivederci’s younger sister in Rancho San Diego and discovered why this small family of restaurants is so well-loved. Simply put, the food is outstanding. The casual bistro style is inviting. And the prices are very reasonable for meals of this caliber. Management is definitely determined to make everything that comes out of the kitchen worth coming back for.

Situated just around the corner from the Edwards Cinemas in the rather blah shopping center with plenty of parking at Jamacha and Campo roads, Arrivederci immediately stands out with its wispy magenta curtains framing its floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside is a somewhat cramped dining area and wine bar. The high walls are adorned with colorful still lifes and vast wine racks. A heated, more-spacious patio dining area beckons off to the side.

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There was no waiting for a table this Wednesday night, even though we’d made reservations. Others have told us the ristorante is packed and lively on weekends. Very good Italian bread and a tomato-and-basil dipping sauce arrived soon after we were seated.

We felt obligated to try two traditional appetizers, and were glad of it. The deep-fried calamari was covered in a light, crispy batter and zucchini fritti ($7.95) and tender inside, not at all greasy and very fresh-tasting. Lemon slices and a fresh tomato dipping sauce were zesty accompaniments.

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Next came fresh cooked artichokes with stems on, atop a pool of delicious seasoned olive oil ($7.95). The oil was wonderful for dipping our bread into.

When in Rome (or Rancho San Diego), we did what the roam-ins do: ordered two kinds of veal and two kinds of pasta. The veal chop ($20.95) was lovely to behold and a delight to slice into: a hearty bone-in chop of braised veal in gravy, surrounded by mushrooms perfectly prepared potatoes, carrots and string beans. The veal del Monte (or scaloppini) ($16.95) was thin fillets of veal smothered in creamy brandy sauce and complemented by sun-dried tomatoes, string beans and potatoes.

Both pastas were nightly specials. The orechiette ($14.95) was shell pasta in white wine sauce plus tomatoes, spinach and zesty Italian sausage, a winning combination for anyone who craves a little meat with their pasta. Mezzalune all’Aragosta ($14.95) was half-moon-shaped ravioli filled with lobster in a rich saffron buttercream sauce, which should satisfy those who favor seafood with their pasta.

We polished it all off with two decadent desserts at $5 each: chocolate mousse cake infused with a raspberry sauce or liqueur (our waiter wasn’t sure which), and a luscious, light, heavenly tiramisu. The mousse was made out-of-house, the tiramisu made from scratch in-house. Both deserve a trip back to Arrivederci for a late-night dessert, perhaps topped off with an espresso or cappuccino from the extensive drinks menu. An impressive wine list is offered as well.

The total for four came to $102 before tip and no liquor, well worth it for the quality and quantity of the meals. Arrivederci’s service was very good and the food arrived promptly from the friendly and informative staff. The Italian-themed background music got a little loud sometimes, and the lights dimmed waaay down at about 7:30. Good thing we read the menu before then as there were no candles on the tables. The overall atmosphere was casual -- no need to get dressed up to enjoy the superb food here. Speaking of which, we had plenty of leftovers to enjoy for dinner the next night.

Even though Arrivederci means goodbye in Italian, we recommend you stop in, say hello and enjoy the best Italian food we’ve found in East County. You’ll probably be saying goodbye (and good buy) more than once.

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