Authentic Italian food right here in Scripps Ranch
By Ashley Shah
Those looking for a restaurant with a classic feel – from the checkered table cloths, candlelight at each table and authentic Italian food – need look no further than Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in Scripps Ranch/Mira Mesa.
Filippi’s is a long standing restaurant in Scripps Ranch. It has been operating in the area for more than 40 years.
“My late husband, Richie DePhilippis, chose to open a location in Scripps Ranch because it was a growing community with lots of families. The community has definitely grown now,” owner Karen DePhilippis said.
The restaurant specializes in Italian food that feels homemade. The menu primarily consists of salads, sandwiches, pizza and pasta.
“We are known for our lasagna, meatballs and, of course, pizza,” DePhilippis said. “The Scripps Ranch location is different because it is one of the only locations that offers prime rib.”
Another aspect of this location that makes it stand out is its sports bar and lounge area.
“The lounge area has televisions, which makes it a great spot for hanging out while watching sports. We offer happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday,” DePhilippis said. “Sometimes, depending on the sporting events going on, we offer different specials. Right now, we are doing specials for the World Cup. In the past, we have done specials for the Padres, or for when we had a (professional) football team.”
The restaurant offers lunch and dinner specials from Monday to Thursday.
“We have menus with reduced prices for lunch and dinner. The portions are smaller so that people do not have to take home leftovers that they will take to the office and forget about.” DePhilippis said.
“My favorite menu item is ‘The Works’ pizza with pepperoni on top,” she said. “I hope to see more of the community come by.”
Filippi’s is known as a cozy, comfortable and family centered restaurant.
“We have many large rooms for hosting parties, celebrations of life and large groups,” she said. “We offer pre-set menus and buffets for these special events.”
Filippi’s does not offer catering through their business.
“If you would like catering from our location, that is handled through ezCater, a third party,” DePhilippis said.
DePhilippis owns two other Filippi’s locations in San Diego.
“I own the location in downtown, which was the first location that opened. I own the location in Pacific Beach as well,” she said.
She explained what is spec-ial to her about the Scripps Ranch location.
“This location keeps me in touch with the community. We are always helping out the local schools and youth sports,” DePhilippis said. “I receive lots of letters of request from students and young athletes to donate a gift card or other items to be a part of raffles to raise money for their organizations. I love being able to support our community.”
There are other Filippi’s restaurants. Filippi’s has 11 locations across San Diego, with three other locations in California.
“Momma and Poppa, my late husband’s mom and dad, started the original location downtown in the 1950s. As they were getting up in age, the seven kids started opening up other locations throughout San Diego. You have to be a family member to own a location,” she said.
For more information, visit realcheesepizza.com/scripps-ranch.
