When In Rome Restaurant

When In RomeRestaurant first opened its doors in 1984 in Leucadia, CA.  At that time, the aromas and exotic flavors  of  Italian cuisine were highly uncommon to this part of the world.  Giuseppe and Rosemary Ragones menu evoked old world tradition and uncompromised attention to authenticity. Today, their cuisine is the standard of Italian menus throughout San Diego.  In the last 23 years, When In Rome has won many awards for best Italian cuisine, atmosphere and recognition from local chefs.  

When In Rome is a landmark in Encinitas, CA.  The heart of When In Rome is its owners, namely, Giuseppe, Joe, and Rosemary Ragone.  Both Joe and Rosemarys heritage is from Southern Italy, but their particular talents are as distinct as the towns they come from.  Joe was born and contributed to his family as a fisherman in Bari, Italy.  Bari is known for its vast coastlines and diverse and ancient history of Roman and Greek rule.  The capitol of Apulia, Bari, is also known for its complex and vigorous grapes form which come an excellent variety of wines.  Joe serves many wines from his home town and is proud to tell you which are his favorites.  A constant gardener, Joe sews and reaps fruits and vegetables throughout the year.  He makes the pastas and breads at the restaurant as well.  Rosemary is from Calabria, Italy, a small hill town at the arch of the boot.  Her talent in the kitchen is as remarkable as her gift for hospitality.  Shell be the first to tell you she learned how to do everything by hand in her little town without modern conveniences.  Her true passion, however, is found in her pastries.  She has mastered the flavor of true Italian cuisine: simple, distinctive, elegant, voluptuous.