COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS / ECLECTIC SAN DIEGO TUSCAN

The Kensington version of Pappalecco’s three San Diego caffe’s bills itself “your Tuscan home.” The décor is not so much reminiscent of that corner of Italy but the frenetic pace of the energetic staff is definitely casual Euro.  Inside, the Adams Avenue locale, the kitchen area dominates the small space making it hard to find an empty table inside or out when it is crowded.  And, packed it is—even on Thursday night after 9 pm when the rest of Kensington has retired for the evening.

Tucked inside to the left of the main door is a deli case, which acts as a menu much like the chalk boards posted throughout.  This is no sit down cuisine palace, but the limited menu is delicious, especially the panini’s, pastries and gelatos.  It’s a gabby, tasty and cozy addition to the neighborhood.

http://www.pappalecco.com/kensington/

Pappalecco

4202 Adams Avenue

San Diego

In the covered container above the sign is home to the Nutella croissant, a house specialty

Since Pappalecco's opening in Kensington neighborhood sidewalk seating has been added.