Mamma Rosa Italian Eatery

Mamma Rosa Italian Eatery serves traditional Italian cooking, with food made fresh daily in a small, cozy dining room. The restaurant is run by owners Vince and Dora Ursini, who grew up in Italy and brought their family dinner traditions to San Diego, aiming for a fine-dining feel in a casual, friendly setting. Lunch and dinner menus cover classic Italian dishes.

The room is small, so a short wait at busy times is part of the experience, and regulars come for the neighborhood feel as much as the food. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Online ordering and gift cards are available. It is on East Main Street in El Cajon.