Villa Capri Carmel Valley is a family-owned Italian restaurant at 2282 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA 92014, where owner Laura, originally from Mantova in the Lombardia region of northern Italy, has brought her family's traditional recipes and warm hospitality to San Diego for more than 25 years. The kitchen is led by a chef born and trained in Italy who recently revamped the menu with more adventurous dishes, including homemade tagliatelle with slow-cooked wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms, homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and Parmigiano in a velvety tomato sauce, and spaghetti alla carbonara made with guanciale, egg, and pecorino romano. Sharing the Carmel Valley Road dining stretch with Buonasera New York Pizzeria just a short walk west, the two restaurants give the neighborhood distinct Italian options ranging from casual slices to white-tablecloth dining. Longtime favorites remain on the menu as well, including chicken piccata, eggplant parmigiana, linguine with scallops and shrimp, and the Penne Villa Capri with Italian sausage ragu, crispy artichokes, bell peppers, and a touch of cream. The dessert menu features chocolate mousse prepared with imported Belgian chocolate, a traditional Italian tiramisu from Nonna Licia's recipe, Sicilian cannoli, and Villa Capri's own take on Amaretto creme brulee. Villa Capri features a cozy fireplace, an outdoor patio where dogs are welcome with a special dog menu offering three healthy choices, and a romantic atmosphere that makes it a popular date-night choice. The same ownership also operates Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana & Cocktails nearby, offering another venue for those craving authentic Italian flavors in Del Mar. Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant is open nightly from 4 PM to 9 PM with a full selection of wine and beer.