Restaurant Spotlight: Ambrogio15 in Pacific Beach

When the craving strikes for thin crust pizza, and you’d like to enjoy it with a nice glass of wine in a design-forward restaurant, head to Ambrogio15 in Pacific Beach. It’s tucked away in a quiet Pacific Beach business complex, but quite popular with San Diego locals for “The Milano Pizza Experience” in addition to imported salumi, fantastic salads and, of course, tiramisu.

Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach: What You Need to Know

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

Cuisine: Pizza
Price Range: $$
Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner
Kids’ Menu: No
Pet-Friendly: No
Dress Code: Casual
Ocean View: No
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Private Dining: No
Takeaway: Yes
Delivery: Yes from Doordash or pick up ordering online
Gluten-Free Options: Yes
Parking: Street parking (lot next to the restaurant is very small)
Reservations Accepted: Yes

What Pizza to Order at Ambrogio15

Milanese pizza with a paper-thin crust baked in a massive rotating turbo gas-firing oven is a highlight. The secret dough recipes were developed in Italy, but we can tell you that it begins with imported organic flour and involves a 48-hour rising process.

Pizza crust options include white, whole wheat, or gluten-free.

Everything on the Ambrogio15 menu emphasizes high-quality ingredients, a holistic approach to food and beverage. Italian flours, cold cuts, and cheeses are imported from Italy.

You’ll see DOP next to many ingredients. This means Denominazione di Origine Protetta (literally “Protected Designation of Origin”). Long story short, these products adhere to strict regulations and are guaranteed to come from the parts of Italy indicated on the label. 

We like the Burrata e prosciutto Crudo pizza with San Marzano tomato DOP, mozzarella fiordilatte, imported burrata cheese from Puglia, and prosciutto crudo di Parma 20 month aged.

Most Popular Pizza at Ambrogio15

Probably the most popular pizza is the Hannibal Lecter Pizza topped with San Marzano tomato DOP, mozzarella fiordilatte, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 24 month aged, Spicy Salame Calabrese, Italian sausage, Italian porchetta (pork roast), imported prosciutto cotto and organic grilled red bell pepper. Meat lovers, rejoice.

Ambrogio15 Menu Items Beyond Pizza

Come for the pizza, but stay for the other menu items like the Focaccia, Antipasti or Panini. Focaccia is made in-house using 100% organic stone-ground wheat grown in Padova, Italy.

Antipasti at Ambrogio15

For Antipasti, the salads here are outstanding. Try the Insalata Siciliana with sliced oranges, fennels and onions in an orange vinaigrette, topped with Italian mixed olives and berries. Insalata Caprese is also popular with Mozzarella fiordilatte, local organic heirloom tomatoes, EVOO, balsamic vinegar from Modena. Go big and top it with Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP (limited availability) and prosciutto crudo di Parma 20 month aged.

Cold Cuts at Ambrogio15

Look out for the Salumi assorted cold cuts and meats carefully selected from DOP certified, free-range farms throughout Italy. They’re flavorful because meats go through unique curing, aging or cooking process at their original geographical source. Choose 3, 5 or 7 types which can be mixed with formaggi for the ultimate cheese and charcuterie plate.

Wine at Ambrogio15

Pair all pizza goodness with reasonably-priced Biodynamic Wines from small-scale winemakers in Italy. Biodynamic wines lack added preservatives, sulfur, and yeast. They’re grown in sustainable and socially-responsible ways so that land is left in a better state than it was prior.

What It’s Like Inside Ambrogio15 in Pacific Beach

Inside, find a modern and cozy atmosphere, cool murals, and a fun service enriched by the stories behind each product.

You’ll find families, groups of friends and couples on date night enjoying an elevated pizza experience.

Ambrogio15 now also has a Little Italy location.

Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach
926 Turquoise St.
San Diego, California 92109
(858) 291-8650

Photos are courtesy of Ambrogio15

See also: Where to Find the Best Fish Tacos in San Diego and What to Eat in San Diego