Former vegan-destination Cafe Gratitude in San Diego's Little Italy has been replaced by The Heights, a new upscale modern European restaurant from San Diego Dining Group (Greystone The Steakhouse, Osetra The Fishhouse).
This past spring, San Diego Dining Group secured leases on two Little Italy properties, the former Cafe Gratitude building and the space previously occupied by Carruth Cellars Wine Garden, both sited less than a half mile from one another on Kettner Boulevard. Complementing the historic themes of Little Italy's neighboring Piazza Pescatore, or ‘fisherman’s square’, The Height will soon open in the 4,000 square-foot space on the base floor of the Broadstone Little Italy that occupied Cafe Gratitude for more than seven years before the restaurant shuttered in January 2023.
The Heights will offer a menu centered around upscale dishes made with fresh seafood and local ingredients. Expect items like The Shellfish Symphony seafood tower, a play on the San Diego Symphony's Rady Shell venue, featuring an opulent ensemble of lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp, and more. Another menu hightlight is the scallops and Jerusalem artichoke risotto, generously bathed in a mushroom clarified butter. The White Cloud presents homemade fluffy gnocchi with a bed of red snapper, and a luscious green pea puree. The restaurant will also offer a selection of beer and a curated wine list.
San Diego Dining Group is the product of Sicilian-born chef Vincenzo Loverso, who also operates such local dining concepts as Greystone The Steakhouse, Osetra The Fishhouse, Osteria Panevino, Saltwater, Rusticucina, The Butcher's Cut, Breakfast & Bubbles, Allegro, Farmer's Table, InPasta, Zama and the recently-opened Truffle Neighborhood Cucina in North Park. Other partners in some of San Diego Dining Group's establishments include Antonino Cusimano, Alberto Mestre, and Marco Provino. The Heights will be led by Giovani Gargano, who helped open Saltwater in the Gaslamp and Butcher’s Cut on Fifth Avenue.
"I am thrilled to open my very own restaurant, where I can weave together the stories of my Sicilian heritage and the vibrant San Diego seafood scene," commented Gargano. "Each dish will be a symphony of flavors, a testament to my journey, and an invitation for all to savor the harmonious marriage of the ocean's bounty and my culinary artistry."
The Height is anticipated to open in early July at 1980 Kettner Boulevard in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, follow The Heights on Instagram.
The Height is anticipated to open in early July at 1980 Kettner Boulevard in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, follow The Heights on Instagram.
