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: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, mediterranean, diabetic, sugar-free, heart-healthy, plant-based, whole30, paleo, low-fat, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, raw-food, volumetrics, detox, alkaline, low-fodmap, carnivore, tlc, candida, lectin-free, mayo-clinic, sirtfood
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, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Mayo-Clinic
- Fried Calamari - $18: Fried calamari served with house spicy marinara sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Sicilian Arancini - $15: Fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and beef ragu, served with marinara Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Charcuterie Board - $20: Chef's selection of imported meats and cheeses, fig jam, herb crostini, Mediterranean mixed olives Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean
- Carpaccio di Bue - $16: Sliced raw filet mignon, arugula, capers, shaved parmigiano Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Crab Cakes - $22: Jumbo lump crab cakes served with house remoulade sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Burrata Cheese - $22: Beets, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, arugula, fig jam, balsamic reduction, herb crostini Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Mediterranean
- Matrimonio Soup - $10: Chicken broth, light marinara, chopped meatballs, pasta, fresh spinach Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
Salads
- Caesar Salad - $15: Romaine, toasted herb ciabatta, shaved parmesan, house-made Caesar dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Pera Salad - $16: Baby field greens, anjou pears, candied walnuts, cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, roasted garlic vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Mediterranean Salad - $16: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, baby cucumbers, red onion, red pepper, Italian olives, feta cheese, fresh mint & lemon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Tuscan Kale Salad - $15: Italian kale, baby spinach, pine nuts, avocado, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, lemon oregano vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Sirtfood
- Beet Salad - $15: Baby field greens, roasted red and gold beets, artichokes, goat cheese, spicy almonds, citrus vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Caprese - $18: Organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, homemade pesto, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Main Courses
- Salmon Sanremo - $30: Sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, artichokes, marsala glaze, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic
- Pollo Parmigiana - $28: Pan-fried free-range chicken breast, pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Filet Mignon - $45: 8oz filet mignon, gorgonzola cream sauce, portobello mushroom, balsamic reduction, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Lamb Shank - $30: Ossobuco style, cooked in red wine sauce, served with saffron risotto Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean
- Cioppino - $26: Abruzzi style seafood stew in a lobster tomato broth, served with grilled ciabatta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Pollo Marsala - $26: Free-range chicken breast, forest mushrooms, marsala sauce, chef daily sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Eggplant Parmigiana - $25: Baked eggplant, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, basil, chef daily sides Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
- Catch of the Day: Fresh seasonal selection Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating
- Chilean Sea Bass: Fresh Chilean sea-bass, picatta sauce, Chef seasonal sides Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
Pasta
- Seafood Fettuccine - $28: Mussels, manila clams, shrimp, calamari, mixed fish, spicy marinara Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Linguine Gamberi - $25: Shrimp, Sicilian pistachio pesto cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Linguine Piccata - $22: Grilled chicken, wild mushrooms, lemon butter caper sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Spaghetti & Meatballs - $20: Homemade beef meatballs, house marinara Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Lobster Ravioli - $35: Served with pink vodka sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Ravioli de Formaggio - $20: Four cheese ravioli, roasted cherry tomato sauce, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
- Penne Michelangelo - $22: Grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, brandy, cherry tomato cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Grande Lasagna Bolognese - $20: Homemade pasta, bechemel, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, meat sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Short Rib Rigatoni - $35: Slow braised beef short rib, rigatoni pasta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Fettucine Primavera - $20: Artichokes, zucchini, spinach, green onions, light cherry tomato sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
Pizza & Calzone
- Margherita Pizza - $20: Pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
- Siciliana Pizza - $22: Pomodoro sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Napoletana (White Pizza) - $22: Mozzarella cheese, ricotta, cherry tomato, topped with shaved parmesan, arugula, prosciutto Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Sicilian Calzone - $18: Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, Bolognese sauce, shredded mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Brunch Specialties
- Classic Benedict - $17: Toasted English muffin, sliced ham, hollandaise, served with house potatoes and fruit Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Smoked Salmon Benedict - $18: Toasted English muffin, smoked salmon, caramelized onion, goat cheese, hollandaise Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- American Breakfast - $18: Two eggs any style, Italian sausage, applewood smoked bacon, served with house potatoes and fruit Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Short Rib Hash - $18: Two crispy potato cakes, braised short rib, two eggs any style, chipotle mushroom cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Breakfast Burrito - $20: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, cheddar cheese, potato cake, sour cream, avocado, salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Avocado Toast - $20: Toasted sourdough, smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, arugula, balsamic glaze, two eggs any style Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
- Steak & Eggs - $24: 8oz Rib-eye, two eggs any style Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Meat Lover Frittata - $18: Three-egg Italian frittata, applewood smoked bacon, Italian sausage, ham, mozzarella cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Veggie Frittata - $18: Three-egg Italian frittata, roasted red pepper, onion, mushroom, olives, feta cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Candida
Sandwiches & Burgers
- 1/2 Pound Kobe Burger - $22: Kobe beef, tomatoes, caramelized onions, smoked mozzarella, butter lettuce, garlic aioli, brioche bun Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Pollo Al Forno Panini - $15: Free-range chicken breast, tomatoes, grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean
- Vegetarian Panini - $13: Portobello, grilled zucchini, red onion, provolone, avocado, garlic aioli Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
Desserts
- Original Buttermilk Pancakes - $17: Served with real maple syrup, whipped butter, and seasonal fruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Nutella French Toast - $20: Nutella, fresh strawberries, bananas, real maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Sweet Crepes - $14: Strawberry, whipped cream, banana, Nutella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Belgian Waffle - $15: Belgian waffle, strawberries, whipped cream, maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Kids Menu
- Mac & Cheese - $8: Classic macaroni and cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mini Pizza - $8: Cheese or pepperoni Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Spaghetti with Marinara - $8: Spaghetti pasta with house marinara Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Spaghetti & Meatball - $10: Spaghetti pasta with one meatball Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Organic Chicken Strips & Fries - $10: Breaded chicken strips with french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Fettuccine Alfredo - $8: Fettuccine pasta in creamy alfredo sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Beverages
- Mimosa - $10: Orange or Cranberry
- Bloody Mary - $12: House recipe
- Lavazza Coffee - $3: Premium Italian coffee
- Latte - $6: Espresso with steamed milk
- Cappuccino - $6: Espresso with frothed milk
- Juice - $6: Orange, Apple, or Cranberry
- Menabrea Amber Ale - $6: Bottle
- Peroni - $6: Bottle