Dog-friendly restaurant · El Cajon & Santee, East County
Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant
Family-run Italian restaurant in El Cajon, the last of the family's El Cajon locations still open. The Pernicano name goes back to a Hillcrest delicatessen opened in 1946 by Vennero and Maria Pernicano, which grew into what is described as San Diego's first pizza house.
More about Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant
By 1959 the family had seven pizza houses around the county, and the El Cajon ristorante on East Main Street, run by Gary Pernicano, dates from the 1960s. Other branches have closed over the years, including the Pacific Beach pizza house on Turquoise Street in 2019 and the Scripps Ranch ristorante in 2025. When the Turquoise Street location closed, the El Cajon restaurant was run by a nephew of founder Johnny Pernicano Sr.
Bringing your dog
According to our sources, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Family Italian restaurant where dogs can join you at umbrella tables on the patio.
Rules change and may apply only to part of the place. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Getting there
- AddressEl Cajon & Santee, East County
- NeighborhoodEl Cajon & Santee, East County
- CuisineItalian
Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant: frequently asked questions
Is Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant dog-friendly?
Yes, according to BringFido. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Can I bring my dog inside Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant?
Our sources only mention the outdoor seating area. California law lets restaurants welcome dogs in outdoor dining areas, so at most places in San Diego dogs stay outside. Ask the staff if you want to sit inside.
What kind of food does Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant serve?
Family-run Italian restaurant in El Cajon, the last of the family's El Cajon locations still open. The Pernicano name goes back to a Hillcrest delicatessen opened in 1946 by Vennero and Maria Pernicano, which grew into what is described as San Diego's first pizza house.
Where is Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant?
Pernicano's Family Italian Restaurant is in El Cajon, East County.
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