Perhaps it was written in the stars, but recent times saw the closure of North Park’s astrology-themed speakeasy The Seventh House and its attached restaurant Cacio e Pepe. But the universe provides, and come late February-ish, Sono, a new modern Italian eatery will take their place.
This is the second project for husband and wife restaurateurs Ocean Mohamadi and Nino Cusimano. Their first was Flora, located just a few blocks away. They’ve got a long pedigree in San Diego hospitality and are still affiliated with Little Italy’s Roman Wolves. But Flora and Sono marks the build of their own restaurant group—with Cusimano’s the executive chef of both, and Mohamadi running cocktails.
Cusimano’s menu will be inspired by Sicily, Rome, and Naples, with shareable plates, made-from-scratch pastas, pizzas, and tableside focaccia—plus “Pizza Sono” with salsiccia (Italian sausage), friarielli arrostiti (Neapolitan broccoli rabe), mozzarella di bufala, shaved Parmigiano, and toasted walnuts; housemade baked gnocchi with pomodoro sauce, eggplant, basil, and fresh mozzarella di bufala; and polpo croccante with crispy octopus, potato purée, and pea sauce…