Scena

Scena is a fantastic new Italian spot in La Mesa and completely lived up to the hype. The restaurant has a warm, stylish atmosphere, and the smell coming from the wood-fired oven sets the tone the moment you walk in. We began with a few appetizers, including the zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, and they were absolutely perfect--light, delicately crisp on the outside with creamy, well-seasoned ricotta inside. It's one of those dishes you don't see everywhere, and Scena executes it beautifully. The homemade focaccia was also delicious. For dinner I ordered the shrimp pappardelle, and it was excellent. The pasta tasted truly house-made with great texture, and the shrimp were tender and flavorful in a beautifully balanced sauce. We also shared a half Margherita / half prosciutto pizza. Both sides were delicious--classic bright tomato and fresh basil on one half, salty prosciutto on the other with that ideal char you only get from wood-fired pizza. One helpful note: you can only do half-and-half pizzas if they share the same base sauce, which we appreciated knowing ahead of time. The standout surprise was the filet mignon with chimichurri--incredibly tender and seasoned perfectly, and the chimichurri was fresh, garlicky, and vibrant. It paired so well with the richness of the steak and made the dish feel unique compared to typical Italian menus. Our server Cass truly made the experience. She was attentive, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations led us to the best choices of the night, and she checked on us at just the right times without making us feel rushed. Overall, Scena delivered amazing fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, homemade focaccia, and a memorable filet with chimichurri. This is an easy new favorite in La Mesa, and we'll definitely be back to try more dishes.