Located at 3896 Fifth Avenue, the casual yet charming bistro with an Italian flair ceased operations recently, leaving locals and loyal patrons surprised by the lack of any formal announcement. Since opening in December 2009, Chocolat Bistro has been a beloved fixture in Hillcrest, offering a diverse menu that blended Italian classics with a welcoming atmosphere.
Founded by Alessandro Minutella, a seasoned restaurateur with a passion for Italian cuisine, the bistro brought a taste of Italy to San Diego with house-made crepes, pizzas, pastas, paninis, and an array of antipasti, salads, and bruschette. The dessert menu was a standout, featuring imported Italian gelato made fresh in-house daily, alongside a tempting selection of sweets that perfectly complemented the bistro’s robust coffee offerings. An impressive lineup of imported beers and wines from around the world rounded out the experience, making it a go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Minutella, a native of Italy who grew up immersed in the restaurant industry, brought his expertise from successful ventures on the East Coast and other San Diego establishments to create Chocolat Bistro. His vision was clear: to craft a dining experience with high-quality ingredients, many imported directly from Italy, tailored to the tastes of Hillcrest’s discerning locals. The bistro quickly became a neighborhood staple, known for its social hours, where patrons could unwind with a glass of wine or a plate of mozzarella.
In 2016, ownership transitioned to Safa Jarbo, who continued to uphold the bistro's reputation for quality and consistency. Minutella, meanwhile, remained active in San Diego’s culinary scene, partnering in ventures like the recently opened AKA Gaslamp and Romanissimo Cucina Italiana.
The closure of Chocolat Bistro marks the end of an era for Hillcrest. While the reasons for the closure remain unclear, its absence leaves a void in the neighborhood’s vibrant dining landscape. For now, Hillcrest locals and fans of Chocolat Bistro will have to rely on memories of its delectable crepes, perfectly crafted pizzas, and that unmistakable gelato.
Minutella, a native of Italy who grew up immersed in the restaurant industry, brought his expertise from successful ventures on the East Coast and other San Diego establishments to create Chocolat Bistro. His vision was clear: to craft a dining experience with high-quality ingredients, many imported directly from Italy, tailored to the tastes of Hillcrest’s discerning locals. The bistro quickly became a neighborhood staple, known for its social hours, where patrons could unwind with a glass of wine or a plate of mozzarella.
In 2016, ownership transitioned to Safa Jarbo, who continued to uphold the bistro's reputation for quality and consistency. Minutella, meanwhile, remained active in San Diego’s culinary scene, partnering in ventures like the recently opened AKA Gaslamp and Romanissimo Cucina Italiana.
The closure of Chocolat Bistro marks the end of an era for Hillcrest. While the reasons for the closure remain unclear, its absence leaves a void in the neighborhood’s vibrant dining landscape. For now, Hillcrest locals and fans of Chocolat Bistro will have to rely on memories of its delectable crepes, perfectly crafted pizzas, and that unmistakable gelato.
Originally published on March 20, 2025.
