Caffe Calabria - Pizzeria

[honkman]

I had yesterday time for a fast breakfast at Cafe Calabria and was surprised to see that they are currently building a woodfired pizza oven. It looks like that Caffe Calabria is becoming also a pizzeria. If the quality of their coffee and paninis is a hint on what to expect for their pizza - I expect some of the best in SD. I also hope that they will change their business times now.

[WasabiBratwurst]

Sneak peak of the pizza.... (WARNING: Food porn inside) http://theartoftylerjordan.com/blog/t...

[honkman]

Any idea about the actual opening date for the pizzeria part ? We asked them so often now and they mentioned that it is just "around the corner" for the last two years that even with these photos it is hard to believe that it might finally be true.

[graphicnatured]

There isn't an actual opening date set yet, as they are working very hard to bring the best pizza possible to us. These shots were taken at one of their focus group tastings. I can tell you from the tasting that it will be very soon and VERY delicious. Here's to food (and coffee) made with passion.

[graphicnatured]

Here's a link to more pics: http://www.theartoftylerjordan.com/cl...

[honkman]

I really hope it will work out this time but if I would have gotten a pizza everytime they told us "soon" as the opening date I would have a life time supply of pizza.

[cgfan]

In some imagined future a Calabria Pizzeria will break ground in a new S.D. Airport, perhaps right next to where one pops up from the light rail station.

[DiningDiva]

I think you've been breathing a too few many fumes of some sort.

[honkman]

I would be happy to see Calabria Pizzeria inside a light rail station but don't need a new SD Airport ;)

[chezrenee6]

As a long time reader benefitting from Chowhound, I wanted to add the update that Caffe Calabria Pizzeria is finally open. We went there this evening and had their rubino and salsiccia. I think they may be a real contender in the local pizza scene.

[honkman]

Just gor an email from Caffe Calabria with some interesting news:

- starting enf of July they are extending their hours Wed-Sun to 11pm. (Finally good espresso in SD in the night)

- and they are finally planning to open their pizzeria by fall

[jmtreg]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[DoctorQuality]

any new word on this? they have a picture of the oven on the website, but nothing about what type of pizzas they offer or if it's even operating yet.

[honkman]

It will be pizza Napoletana. Several months ago they hoped to offer the pizzas starting July/August.

[phee]

I go there about twice a week for my espresso fix. I'll ask if they have an official date yet.

[Enorah]

Apparently they have to build a chimney that extends above the highest floor of the highest building near to them. This seems to be what the delay is about.

[Josh]

Ouch. That will be a pretty gigantic chimney.

[Joseph]

I was studying there one morning while the owner walked around the place with an inspector and another man who I believe to have been one of the architects or engineers. Apparently they are planning to remodel the entire space, with more seating on a second level and new preparation areas for the oven. There were quite a few safety regulations that needed to be addressed, including the vent hood, but the blueprints I saw looked interesting.

I think it will be quite a while until this is all ready. This is either a long-shot investment or a money-loosing labor of love, but either way we are in luck. I do hope the health department and county building inspectors cut them some slack. How many wood-burning pizza ovens are around?

[stevewag23]

Did this ever get off the ground?

[Josh]

Apparently they are still working on it.

[honkman]

Are they ? The last time I talked with somebody at Caffe Calabria about it (a few months ago) it sounded that they gave up on the idea. Have you heard anything new ?

[Josh]

Huh, that's interesting. Last time I was there I asked about it and the guy (who was new) said that they got their permits together.

[phee]

The time factor to get this going is rivaling that of the Phil's BBQ Mission Hills re-model a few years back!

[honkman]

One of the main issues (at least several months ago) were (unexpected) complains from neighbors that the chimney wouldn't be tall enough and smoke would annoy neighbors. So it wasn't really Caffe Calabrias fault and they would have finished the whole job much faster. I hope that Josh is correct that they are still planning to open the pizzeria because when I talked so them they mentioned that it is too expensive to build this extra chimney (the condo building next to Caffe Calabria has many more floors)

[geekyfoodie]

I was under the impression that the necessary height of the chimney to appease everyone was the factor. It's too bad it's dragged out so long... the pizzas would have been one more great addition to the area.

[stevewag23]

Sounds like they need to grease some palms and be done with it.

[juliebird]

Caffe Calabria
3933 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104

Caffe Calabria is in North Park just west of the 805.

[daantaat]

where is this place?

[jalanpipes]

University and 30th. If you're heading east on University, turn left onto University and Calabria will be on your right.

[Joseph]

Caffe Calabria open in the evening would be heaven. Good pizza for dinner with a shot of truly excellent espresso, wifi on the house? It's a student's dream come true!

Next thing you'll tell me they are starting their own brewpub...

From what I know after a couple of chats of the owner in the past, the cafe is a real labor of love. I don't think they have turned a profit on that end of the business (roasting coffee is more profitable), but he really wants to show San Diego what coffee ought to taste like. I imagine the pizza will be Italian-influenced and exceptional as well.

Any solid facts on when this is happening?

[honkman]

I don't know when it will start but the pizza oven was finished and they started burning wood.
Regarding your brewpub: According to their webpage they also serve beer from Balast Point now.

[Joseph]

Actually, I knew about that.
But seriously, they have plenty of room in their coffee-roasting area. They could install a 5 barrel brewery... ;-)

[Josh]

I heard some inside info about it, and apparently they are taking the pizza very seriously. They've been traveling around to try various high-end pizzas. And yes, that will mean longer business hours. I, too, am looking forward to when this all happens.