Fodor's Expert Review Ambrogio by Acquerello

Elegant yet unpretentious, this fine dining restaurant by chefs Choi Cheolhyeok and Silvio Salmoiraghi, integrate elements of Italy, France, Korea, Japan, and California to build masterpieces in an eight-course tasting menu. Both chefs have an impressive pedigree, formerly at the helm of Michelin Star restaurants in Tokyo and Italy, but at Ambrogio, they have joined forces to redefine modern Italian cuisine in San Diego. Prepare for a playful balance of flavors, colors, and textures that changes quarterly. The menu might feature black cod with toasted polenta, linguine with truffles, or Japanese wagyu with spinach and cognac. After eight courses, the assortment of pastries seems doable when paired with an impressive list of over 100 curated wines. Pace yourself for perfection and what might be a three-hour dining experience. An exceptional "Walk in the Garden" tasting menu is available for vegetarians.