An inspection of Civico 1845 on March 12, 2025, revealed several violations, including Food Safety Certification (Minor), Holding Temperatures (Minor), Food Contact Surfaces (Major), Hot and Cold Water (Minor), Vermin (Major), Nonfood Contact Surfaces Clean (Out of Compliance), and Premises, Vermin-proofing, Personal/Cleaning Items (Out of Compliance). The closure underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining health standards at food establishments, even those with a strong reputation. Civico was quickly permitted to reopen after obtaining a 96 A rating.Ìý
The restaurant, located at 1845 India Street, must address these violations before it can reopen, as mandated by the county’s health department, which conducts thousands of inspections annually to ensure compliance with state and local food safety laws. Major violations like vermin presence and food contact surface issues require immediate corrective action due to their potential to cause foodborne illness, a concern highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While Civico 1845 has not yet issued a public statement regarding the closure, the restaurant's history and recent expansion efforts provide context for understanding the impact of this setback.
Founded by the Gallo family - Eugenio and brothers Dario and Pietro, originally from Cosenza in Italy’s Calabria region - Civico 1845 opened its doors in June 2015. Pronounced CHEE-vee-ko, the restaurant quickly became a staple in Little Italy, drawing crowds with its scratch-made pastas, breads, entrees, and desserts. A distinguishing feature of Civico 1845 is its commitment to plant-based dining, with about 40% of its menu dedicated to vegan options, reflecting the modern evolution of Italian cuisine. The Gallos’ focus on authenticity and sustainability has earned them accolades, including being honored as "ambassadors of Italian cuisine" by a branch of the Italian government at an event in Las Vegas in 2024.
The family’s ambitions have extended beyond Little Italy. In May 2019, they opened Il Dandy, a 7,000-square-foot upscale fusion restaurant in partnership with Michelin-starred chefs Antonio and Luca Abbruzzino, blending Calabrian and San Diego influences. Rebranded as Civico By The Park in 2020, the venture closed in early 2022, and the space is now occupied by the team behind Nolita Hall.Ìý
More recently, the Gallos expanded into Los Angeles, opening Civico 2064 on July 30, 2024, at 2064 Hillhurst Avenue in the Los Feliz neighborhood, offering a similar menu to the San Diego location. Closer to home, they have also taken over a neighboring space on India Street, previously Love & Aesthetics, to launch a pizzeria concept expected to debut at some point in 2025.
The recent closure comes at a challenging time for Civico 1845, which has been celebrated for its innovative approach to Italian dining. The presence of vermin - a recurring issue across San Diego County, with 293 restaurants closed for similar violations in the 2024-2025 fiscal year - alongside other sanitation and safety concerns, raises questions about operational oversight at the restaurant. While the Gallos have built a reputation for quality and authenticity, this incident highlights the difficulties even well-regarded establishments face in maintaining consistent compliance, especially amidst expansion efforts. The restaurant's ability to swiftly address these violations will be crucial to preserving its standing in Little Italy’s competitive dining scene.
Civico 1845 is located at 1845 India Street in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, visitÌý.Ìý
The recent closure comes at a challenging time for Civico 1845, which has been celebrated for its innovative approach to Italian dining. The presence of vermin - a recurring issue across San Diego County, with 293 restaurants closed for similar violations in the 2024-2025 fiscal year - alongside other sanitation and safety concerns, raises questions about operational oversight at the restaurant. While the Gallos have built a reputation for quality and authenticity, this incident highlights the difficulties even well-regarded establishments face in maintaining consistent compliance, especially amidst expansion efforts. The restaurant's ability to swiftly address these violations will be crucial to preserving its standing in Little Italy’s competitive dining scene.
Civico 1845 is located at 1845 India Street in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, visitÌý.Ìý
Originally published on March 13, 2025.
