Madison on Park first opened in early 2016 in the former Lei Lounge space in University Heights, the brainchild of local industry veterans Jeffrey Fink, a seasoned attorney and operator of M-Theory Music and FLUXX nightclub, and Matt Sieve, a third-generation restaurateur who once ran Isabel's Cantina in Pacific Beach.
In 2022, the Madison team expanded their vision with Madi, taking over a 2,058-square-foot building in Normal Heights that had previously housed the controversial Pachamama. After a striking retro-style redesign by Dave and Anna Sindelar of ARCHISECTS, Madi opened in August 2022 as a brunch-centric, globally-inspired eatery, cafe, and bar. Another Madi location is in the works for Hillcrest, set to open in The Hub shopping center, previously home to Panera Bread.
The Pacific Beach Madi will occupy a former Rubio’s unit within the Grand Central retail plaza, home to other popular spots like The Grass Skirt. Like its original location, Madi in Pacific Beach will offer a fresh pastry selection alongside an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Signature dishes include waffle churro sticks with jalapeño blackberry sauce, maple cream cheese, and fresh berries; chicken-fried steak and eggs with country gravy; blackberry and goat cheese pancakes with maple syrup; and an Oklahoma onion smash burger topped with aged American cheese, thinly sliced onions, and burger sauce. The beverage menu will feature beer, wine, mimosas, low-ABV cocktails, and mocktails.
In addition to the expansion of Madi, the team behind Madison is preparing to launch a long-awaited pizza concept in partnership with Sicilian-born chef Francesco Bonsinetto and Adisa Ziric, the founders of Cucina Migrante catering. Expected to open in early 2025 in a 3,500-square-foot space that last housed Florabella Flower Shop, this new University Heights venture will focus on Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired starters and entrees, with an emphasis on Italian liquors, particularly Amaro.
Madi restaurant is anticipated to open by summer 2025 at 910 Grand Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit brunchlikemadi.com.
Originally published on November 13, 2024.
