Food Review: Elvira in Ocean Beach

By Steve O San Diego

I visited Elvira, the cozy little spot across the street from 3rd Corner as they offer brunch on weekends from 11:30am to 3pm. I’d been meaning to check it out, so I headed over to try something off their brunch menu. I picked an item I couldn’t pronounce and I wasn’t entirely sure what I had ordered at first, but when my plate arrived, any uncertainty vanished. The presentation alone was stunning. It genuinely looked like something you’d see served at a castle. Fit for royalty!

I ordered the “Colazione di Nonna Elvira,” which I now can’t recommend highly enough. Five stars, without a doubt. Every single component of the dish looked like a masterpiece. I was so impressed that after finishing, I had to look up a few of the dishes I wasn’t familiar with. What I learned made me appreciate the meal even more.

First off, the eggs were cooked exactly how I’d requested them, which seems like a small thing, but anyone who’s particular about eggs knows it’s a make-or-break detail.

Alongside them was a generous portion of pork guanciale which I researched and found out is a cured Italian meat made from pork cheek. It was sliced thin, crisped to perfection, and bursting with flavor. This wasn’t your average bacon. Guanciale brings a deep, melt-in-your-mouth quality that added real elegance to the plate.

Then came the ‘Schiacciata Patate e Tartufo,’ which I also researched and quickly learned is a Tuscan-style flatbread topped with potatoes and truffle. Think of it as a beautifully Italian hash brown, thin, crispy, and layered with buttery, earthy flavor from the truffle and soft potatoes. It was one of the highlights of the dish, offering something familiar yet next level.

For a touch of sweetness, the plate included a ‘Girella crema e cioccolato’ which is a chocolate cream swirl pastry that’s tricky to pronounce but fun to eat. Soft, flaky layers spiraled around a smooth, rich chocolate cream which gave it the perfect balance.

Fresh berries on the side added a nice pop of color and tartness, while the homemade toast with butter and berry jam brought comforting, warm familiarity to the table.

All in all, this was one of the best brunch experiences I’ve had in a while. Every element of the plate complemented the others, and the flavors were both comforting and delightfully unexpected. I left full, happy, and a little more ‘cultured.’ I’m already looking forward to going back and introducing friends to this little brunch treasure.

Elvira

4996 West Point Loma Blvd
Open daily
Monday to Friday: 4:00pm-9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:00am-9:30pm

Website: www.ciaoelvira.com/