Filippi's Pizza Grotto   

962 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858-483-6222
www.realcheesepizza.com

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Kid Friendly Perks: Smoke-free, kids' menu, high chairs Blue Plate Special:Pizza is what they're known for, but they also serve up a mean selection of pasta and sandwiches and offer colossal portions. The Dish: Vincent and Madeleine DePhilippi moved to the U.S. in 1922 and came to San Diego in 1950. They opened a deli and grocery store on India Street, which eventually became the cornerstone of their family chain of restaurants. The success of their sandwiches led to the opening of the restaurant and the rest is history. Huge portions and an inexpensive menu continue to keep this hotspot sizzling; but let's not forget to credit the delicious and traditional Sicilian food people come back for time and time again. The Atmosphere: Each restaurant is slightly different in decor but they all serve the same vittles. Some have more of a strip mall dcor while others make you feel like sitting down and stuffing your face with anything covered in a tomato based sauce. One thing you'll find in each is the overwhelming aroma wafting at you from the kitchen and the red-checkered vinyl tablecloths. -- Christina Eagle