Sonny's Pizza brings a taste of Brooklyn and Sicily to University Heights

• It's the latest from the team behind Madison on Park, an elegant Mediterranean restaurant, and Madi, one of the best brunch spots in town.

Best bites: You can't go wrong with the Blitzkrieg Bop that's topped with "cup n' char" pepperonis, fresh basil and grated romano cheese.

• We added sausage to the White Riot — spinach, ricotta, garlic, mozzarella and white sauce with a tasty sesame seed crust.
• The menu is filled with nods to the 1980s music scene and also offers "fine food" like fresh pastas, a branzino, a burger, marinated olives and charcuterie boards.

Pro tip: The waiter will bring a side of ranch without judgement.

Sips to savor: The cocktail list features a few signature negronis, natural wines and a dozen fun, crafted drinks with a variety of spirits.

• The D.A.R.E. is made with mezcal, mango, ancho verde, beet powder, lime and CBD oil, and garnished with a joint that the server sparks at the table.
• The espresso martini is frothy, boozy and topped with a lavender sprig.

The vibe: The neighborhood restaurant feels homey and vintage but modern with wallpaper and wood paneling, pizza parlor style light fixtures hanging over booths, still-life paintings and photos of the "Godfather" cast. The floor is dusted with flour by the open kitchen.

• The indoor-outdoor bar opens up to a large patio with picnic tables, string lights and funky graffiti-style murals.
• It's a perfect place for a family dinner, girls night out or a date, where you can also tune into the NBA Finals.

The latest: Sonny's is one of several new pizzerias popping up around San Diego recently.

• Odie's is slinging sourdough pies in Oceanside;
• Fast-casual Slice House came to Little Italy;
• Far Corner is serving California-style pizzas in East Village;
• and Bianchi Pizza & Pasta just opened in Point Loma.