Dolci Cafe Italiano – Italian
Stepping into this charming Italian haven feels like a getaway to the Mediterranean, where the air is thick with the scent of fresh pesto and golden, crisp calamari. From the delicate marbling of beef carpaccio to the bright, orchard-fresh notes of a pear salad, every plate celebrates the art of the shared table in a setting that glows with effortless warmth and hospitality.
2522, Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA, 92019 +16196602011 https://www.dolcicafeitaliano.com/0Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dairy-Free at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Catch of the Day, Fettucine Primavera and Spaghetti with Marinara. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Catch of the Day, Chilean Sea Bass and Pollo Marsala. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 27 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Catch of the Day, Linguine Gamberi and Avocado Toast. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 5 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Filet Mignon, Classic Benedict and Cioppino. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Carpaccio di Bue and Filet Mignon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Carpaccio di Bue, Filet Mignon and Steak & Eggs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 4 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fettucine Primavera, Spaghetti with Marinara and Menabrea Amber Ale. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Dolci Cafe Italiano
Dolci Cafe Italiano in El Cajon has 21 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Avocado Toast, Fettuccine Alfredo and Fettucine Primavera. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Dolci Cafe Italiano
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Sicilian Calzone | 23.3 g | 63.2 g |
| Breakfast Burrito | 102 g | 62.5 g |
| Cioppino | 33.1 g | 55.6 g |
| Short Rib Hash | 34.3 g | 49.4 g |
| Seafood Fettuccine | 31.7 g | 46.3 g |
| Beet Salad | 108.3 g | 44.5 g |
| Siciliana Pizza | 38.2 g | 44.4 g |
| Carpaccio di Bue | 0.4 g | 39.4 g |
| Vegetarian Panini | 44.6 g | 34.9 g |
| Classic Benedict | 5.3 g | 33.9 g |
| Charcuterie Board | 28.6 g | 31.8 g |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | 78.6 g | 30.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Appetizers
- Bruschetta Pesto - $18: Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil pesto, balsamic reduction Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Calamari - $18: Fried calamari served with house spicy marinara sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sicilian Arancini - $15: Fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and beef ragu, served with marinara Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Charcuterie Board - $20: Chef's selection of imported meats and cheeses, fig jam, herb crostini, Mediterranean mixed olives Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carpaccio di Bue - $16: Sliced raw filet mignon, arugula, capers, shaved parmigiano Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crab Cakes - $22: Jumbo lump crab cakes served with house remoulade sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Burrata Cheese - $22: Beets, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, arugula, fig jam, balsamic reduction, herb crostini Available at: dinner, lunch
- Matrimonio Soup - $10: Chicken broth, light marinara, chopped meatballs, pasta, fresh spinach Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Caesar Salad - $15: Romaine, toasted herb ciabatta, shaved parmesan, house-made Caesar dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pera Salad - $16: Baby field greens, anjou pears, candied walnuts, cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, roasted garlic vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mediterranean Salad - $16: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, baby cucumbers, red onion, red pepper, Italian olives, feta cheese, fresh mint & lemon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tuscan Kale Salad - $15: Italian kale, baby spinach, pine nuts, avocado, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, lemon oregano vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beet Salad - $15: Baby field greens, roasted red and gold beets, artichokes, goat cheese, spicy almonds, citrus vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caprese - $18: Organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, homemade pesto, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Salmon Sanremo - $30: Sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, artichokes, marsala glaze, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Parmigiana - $28: Pan-fried free-range chicken breast, pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, Chef seasonal sides Available at: dinner, lunch
- Filet Mignon - $45: 8oz filet mignon, gorgonzola cream sauce, portobello mushroom, balsamic reduction, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner
- Lamb Shank - $30: Ossobuco style, cooked in red wine sauce, served with saffron risotto Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cioppino - $26: Abruzzi style seafood stew in a lobster tomato broth, served with grilled ciabatta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Marsala - $26: Free-range chicken breast, forest mushrooms, marsala sauce, chef daily sides Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggplant Parmigiana - $25: Baked eggplant, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, basil, chef daily sides Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Catch of the Day: Fresh seasonal selection Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chilean Sea Bass: Fresh Chilean sea-bass, picatta sauce, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta
- Seafood Fettuccine - $28: Mussels, manila clams, shrimp, calamari, mixed fish, spicy marinara Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Linguine Gamberi - $25: Shrimp, Sicilian pistachio pesto cream sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Linguine Piccata - $22: Grilled chicken, wild mushrooms, lemon butter caper sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti & Meatballs - $20: Homemade beef meatballs, house marinara Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lobster Ravioli - $35: Served with pink vodka sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ravioli de Formaggio - $20: Four cheese ravioli, roasted cherry tomato sauce, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne Michelangelo - $22: Grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, brandy, cherry tomato cream sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grande Lasagna Bolognese - $20: Homemade pasta, bechemel, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, meat sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Short Rib Rigatoni - $35: Slow braised beef short rib, rigatoni pasta Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fettucine Primavera - $20: Artichokes, zucchini, spinach, green onions, light cherry tomato sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
Pizza & Calzone
- Margherita Pizza - $20: Pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Siciliana Pizza - $22: Pomodoro sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- Napoletana (White Pizza) - $22: Mozzarella cheese, ricotta, cherry tomato, topped with shaved parmesan, arugula, prosciutto Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sicilian Calzone - $18: Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, Bolognese sauce, shredded mozzarella Available at: dinner, lunch
Brunch Specialties
- Classic Benedict - $17: Toasted English muffin, sliced ham, hollandaise, served with house potatoes and fruit Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Smoked Salmon Benedict - $18: Toasted English muffin, smoked salmon, caramelized onion, goat cheese, hollandaise Available at: breakfast, brunch
- American Breakfast - $18: Two eggs any style, Italian sausage, applewood smoked bacon, served with house potatoes and fruit Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Short Rib Hash - $18: Two crispy potato cakes, braised short rib, two eggs any style, chipotle mushroom cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Breakfast Burrito - $20: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, cheddar cheese, potato cake, sour cream, avocado, salsa Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Avocado Toast - $20: Toasted sourdough, smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, arugula, balsamic glaze, two eggs any style Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Steak & Eggs - $24: 8oz Rib-eye, two eggs any style Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Meat Lover Frittata - $18: Three-egg Italian frittata, applewood smoked bacon, Italian sausage, ham, mozzarella cheese Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Veggie Frittata - $18: Three-egg Italian frittata, roasted red pepper, onion, mushroom, olives, feta cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- 1/2 Pound Kobe Burger - $22: Kobe beef, tomatoes, caramelized onions, smoked mozzarella, butter lettuce, garlic aioli, brioche bun Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Al Forno Panini - $15: Free-range chicken breast, tomatoes, grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Panini - $13: Portobello, grilled zucchini, red onion, provolone, avocado, garlic aioli Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Original Buttermilk Pancakes - $17: Served with real maple syrup, whipped butter, and seasonal fruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Nutella French Toast - $20: Nutella, fresh strawberries, bananas, real maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Sweet Crepes - $14: Strawberry, whipped cream, banana, Nutella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Belgian Waffle - $15: Belgian waffle, strawberries, whipped cream, maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
Kids Menu
- Mac & Cheese - $8: Classic macaroni and cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mini Pizza - $8: Cheese or pepperoni Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti with Marinara - $8: Spaghetti pasta with house marinara Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti & Meatball - $10: Spaghetti pasta with one meatball Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Organic Chicken Strips & Fries - $10: Breaded chicken strips with french fries Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fettuccine Alfredo - $8: Fettuccine pasta in creamy alfredo sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Mimosa - $10: Orange or Cranberry
- Bloody Mary - $12: House recipe
- Lavazza Coffee - $3: Premium Italian coffee Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Latte - $6: Espresso with steamed milk
- Cappuccino - $6: Espresso with frothed milk
- Juice - $6: Orange, Apple, or Cranberry
- Menabrea Amber Ale - $6: Bottle Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Peroni - $6: Bottle
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolci Cafe Italiano
- Is Dolci Cafe Italiano dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Dolci Cafe Italiano has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Catch of the Day, Fettucine Primavera and Spaghetti with Marinara.
- What can I eat at Dolci Cafe Italiano on a dairy-free diet?
- Catch of the Day, Fettucine Primavera and Spaghetti with Marinara carry the dairy-free tag, out of 4 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Dolci Cafe Italiano have vegan options?
- Yes. 4 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Fettucine Primavera and Spaghetti with Marinara.
- Is Dolci Cafe Italiano gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Dolci Cafe Italiano?
- Sicilian Calzone, at roughly 63.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Dolci Cafe Italiano
- Frank's Pizza Joint — Italian
- Di Leone's Italian Restaurant — Italian
- Filippi's Pizza Grotto Jamul — Italian
- Gaetano's Italian Restaurant — Italian
- Frank's Bakery - Gibaldi's Italian Bread — Italian
- Monavala Pizza — Italian
- Surf Rider Pizza — Italian
- Giardino — Italian
- Godfather's Pizza — Italian
- Filippi's Pizza Grotto Santee — Italian
- Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant — Italian
- Rockets Pizza and Subs — Italian
