Introducing North Park’s Most Anticipated Happy Hour: $10 Plates at Cacio e Pepe
San Diego’s vibrant North Park neighborhood just got a delicious upgrade with Cacio e Pepe’s new $10 Plates menu. This game-changing happy hour offering brings authentic Italian cuisine to locals and visitors alike at an unbeatable price point. Available Sunday through Thursday from 4-6 PM exclusively at the restaurant’s bar and patio, this curated selection of antipasti, insalate, pasta, and pizza represents some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes at a fraction of their regular price.
Complementing these culinary delights are equally impressive drink specials, with $5 house white wine, red wine, beer, and refreshing sangrias. The combination creates the perfect after-work retreat or pre-dinner gathering spot that won’t break the bank.
Antipasti Selection: Traditional Italian Starters with Modern Flair
The $10 Plates menu begins with Cacio e Pepe’s signature antipasti, each dish crafted to showcase authentic Italian flavors while incorporating contemporary techniques and locally sourced ingredients where possible.
The Bruschetta alla Romana features vibrant heirloom tomatoes layered with garlic, onions, and fresh basil, all drizzled with premium olive oil and finished with a generous sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese. This classic starter embodies the simplicity and bold flavors that define Italian cuisine.
For something truly special, the Zucchini Blossom offers a delicate seasonal treat. These beautiful blossoms come stuffed with a proprietary four-cheese blend, bathed in San Marzano tomato sauce, and accompanied by a distinctive calabrese pepper orange jam that balances sweetness with gentle heat.
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the Frittura di Calamari, featuring perfectly fried calamari and shrimp alongside crisp zucchini, all served with a spicy San Marzano tomato sauce for dipping. The light, crisp batter ensures each bite remains tender and flavorful.
Comfort Food Classics and Unique Specialties
The antipasti selection extends to heartier options like the Polpette Nonna, traditional homemade meatballs that pay homage to generations of Italian grandmothers. These tender spheres of flavor come nestled in San Marzano tomato sauce and crowned with the restaurant’s namesake cacio e pepe fondue for an indulgent twist on tradition.
Rounding out the starters is the Carciofi alla Giudia, a Roman-Jewish specialty featuring crispy artichoke hearts seasoned with garlic and mint, then brightened with white wine. This lesser-known Italian classic showcases Cacio e Pepe’s commitment to authentic regional specialties beyond the usual Italian-American fare.
Refreshing Insalate: Garden-Fresh Creations to Cleanse the Palate
The $10 Plates menu includes two distinctive salad options that serve as perfect accompaniments to the restaurant’s heartier offerings or stand alone as light meals.
The Barbabietola salad presents a study in contrasting flavors and textures with its foundation of whipped lemon ricotta topped with smoked hot honey, jewel-like balsamic pearls, spiced candied walnuts, and pickled mustard seeds. This contemporary creation balances creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in each carefully composed bite.
For those seeking a more familiar option, the Cesare salad offers Cacio e Pepe’s interpretation of the classic Caesar. The addition of lemon pangrattato (seasoned breadcrumbs) provides textural interest to complement the restaurant’s house-made Caesar dressing.
Pasta Perfection: Four Iconic Italian Favorites at an Unbeatable Price
No Italian restaurant experience would be complete without pasta, and Cacio e Pepe’s $10 Plates menu features four standout options that showcase different regional preparations:
- Paccheri Carbonara: These large tube-shaped pasta pieces serve as the perfect vehicle for the classic carbonara sauce, made traditionally with egg, pecorino, and pancetta. The restaurant adheres to authentic preparation methods, allowing the ingredients to shine without unnecessary additions.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: A timeless comfort food, Cacio e Pepe’s version features the classic cream sauce coating perfectly cooked fettuccine for a dish that’s simultaneously sophisticated and satisfying.
- Bucatini Amatriciana: This Roman classic features hollow spaghetti-like pasta tossed with caramelized onions, savory pancetta, and a vibrant heirloom tomato sauce that clings beautifully to the uniquely shaped pasta.
- Ravioli Spinaci Ricotta: Delicate pasta pillows filled with spinach and ricotta cheese come dressed in a balanced tomato cream sauce, offering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Pizza Selections: Classic Italian Pies Made with Artisanal Care
The $10 Plates menu rounds out with two pizza options that demonstrate Cacio e Pepe’s commitment to quality and tradition:
Timeless Classics Done Right
The Margherita pizza represents Italian simplicity at its finest, featuring melted mozzarella, bright tomato sauce, and fresh basil on a perfectly chewy yet crisp crust. This standard-bearer of Neapolitan pizza tradition allows the quality of each ingredient to shine through.
For those craving something with a bit more punch, the Salamino pizza builds on a similar foundation with the addition of high-quality pepperoni, creating a crowd-pleasing option that satisfies American tastes while maintaining Italian quality standards.
The Perfect Setting: Bar and Patio Dining Experience
The $10 Plates special is exclusively available in Cacio e Pepe’s bar and patio areas, creating a designated space for this popular offering while preserving the main dining room for the full dinner service experience. The restaurant’s patio offers a delightful outdoor setting to enjoy San Diego’s famously pleasant climate, while the bar area provides a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Both spaces have been thoughtfully designed to balance casual comfort with the stylish ambiance that has made Cacio e Pepe a North Park standout since its opening. The dedicated service staff in these areas are specifically trained to handle the quick pace of happy hour service without sacrificing the attentive hospitality the restaurant is known for.
Commitment to Quality: Premium Ingredients at Value Pricing
Despite the accessible $10 price point, Cacio e Pepe refuses to compromise on quality. The restaurant maintains its standards by carefully selecting dishes that can be efficiently prepared during the busy happy hour window while still showcasing the same premium ingredients found throughout their regular menu.
The San Marzano tomatoes featured in several dishes are imported directly from Italy, while cheeses, produce, and proteins are sourced from respected local and international suppliers. This commitment to ingredient quality ensures that even at happy hour prices, guests experience authentic Italian flavors without compromise.
Community Connection: Bringing North Park Together Around the Table
Cacio e Pepe has quickly established itself as a neighborhood fixture in North Park, one of San Diego’s most dynamic communities. The introduction of the $10 Plates menu represents the restaurant’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that more local residents can experience their exceptional Italian cuisine without waiting for special occasions.
Ready to experience these incredible flavors for yourself? Visit Cacio e Pepe in North Park Sunday through Thursday from 4-6 PM to enjoy our $10 Plates menu along with $5 drink specials. Connect with us on social media or visit our website to learn more about our full menu offerings and special events.