From pasta entrees including tagliatelle, fettuccini, and pappardelle to a Tuscan veal chop and a
20-ounce steak Florentine, the new Tommy V’s Italian Chophouse in Del Mar is a gorgeous restaurant boasting Italian food extraordinaire. “For me, there is nothing uglier than a beautiful restaurant that is empty, and nothing more beautiful than an ugly restaurant filled with people,” says Sicilian-born owner Tomaso Maggiore. “Of course my restaurant is beautiful, but it’s the food that keeps my guests coming back for more!” Don’t miss the outrageous handmade gnocchi filled with spinach, ricotta, and Asiago cheese, topped with a brown butter sage sauce. (858/259-3663, www.tommyvdelmar.com) MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA
