The Story Behind Casa de Bandini: A Celebration of Culture, History, and Flavor

Casa de Bandini is more than just a restaurant—it's a vibrant piece of history that brings together authentic Mexican culture, rich traditions, and delicious food. This is the story of how it all began, from its roots in San Diego’s Old Town State Historic Park to its thriving presence in Carlsbad today.

Back in 1980, I first opened Casa de Bandini in San Diego’s Old Town. At the time, I already held the largest concession in California’s State Parks Department with my Bazaar del Mundo, a colorful complex of shops and restaurants I had been building since 1971. Old Town itself, known as the “Birthplace of San Diego,” was almost a ghost town at the time, but I saw an incredible opportunity to bring new life to the area.

The original home of Casa de Bandini was a historic building with a storied past. Built in 1829 by Juan Bandini, an Italian immigrant from Peru, the adobe home was a center of community life. Bandini was known for hosting lively gatherings and civic meetings. However, due to gambling debts, he lost the home, which was eventually transformed into a hotel when a second story was added to accommodate stagecoach travelers. Over the years, the building served various purposes, from a hotel in the red-light district to a rooming house, before eventually sitting vacant.

In the 1970s, the California State Parks Department acquired several blocks of Old Town under eminent domain to create a historic park. The old Casa de Pico Motel, located nearby, was part of this redevelopment project. When the parks department issued a request for proposals for the motel’s revitalization, I seized the chance. Inspired by my travels to Mexico and my passion for its rich culture, I submitted my bid to transform the space into a vibrant destination that would celebrate the spirit of Mexico. My vision won, and the Bazaar del Mundo was born.

Casa de Bandini became a cornerstone of this revitalized area. The historic Bandini adobe building was reimagined into a stunning Mexican restaurant with lush landscaping, a central patio, and a dramatic fountain placed over the original cistern. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation as one of San Diego’s best Mexican dining destinations, earning numerous awards. For 25 years, Casa de Bandini thrived, embodying the beauty, culture, and flavors of Mexico.

However, in 2005, we lost our lease, and the State of California transformed the old Casa de Bandini building back into the American-period Cosmopolitan Hotel. While it was bittersweet to leave such a beloved location, I saw it as an opportunity for a new chapter. Casa de Bandini was reborn at The Forum in Carlsbad, where it continues to flourish as a showcase of Mexican heritage and cuisine.

Today, Casa de Bandini offers the same elegance and charm that made it a favorite in Old Town. Many of the elements from the original restaurant were brought to the Carlsbad location, including hand-wrought iron chandeliers, antique leaded glass panels, and our stunning art collection from Peru. The dining room and bar feature handmade wood and leather chairs from Mexico, while the colorful fabrics on many chairs are handwoven by Zapotec Indian artisans from Oaxaca. Every detail—down to the handcrafted tin, brass, and glass lanterns—celebrates authentic Mexican craftsmanship.

The restaurant’s patio is equally enchanting, designed to evoke the feel of a traditional Mexican garden. Landscaped with vibrant bougainvillea, succulents, palms, and exotic tropical plants, the patio’s centerpiece is a magnificent Mexican Cantera stone fountain, the same one from our original Old Town location.

Of course, the heart of Casa de Bandini lies in its food. Our menu is a blend of traditional recipes, family favorites, and new creations developed by our talented chefs over the years. Every dish is made fresh daily, using only the best ingredients, from farm-fresh vegetables to a variety of spices. Our more than 14 salsas and sauces, as well as our homemade salad dressings, are crafted in-house, and guests love watching our tortillas being made fresh on-site.

To complete the cultural experience, our restaurant features live music, with nightly performances by talented Mariachi bands and other musicians who bring the sounds of Mexico to life. Guests can enjoy everything from romantic ballads to lively Hispanic favorites, adding a unique energy to their dining experience.

Casa de Bandini has come a long way since its beginnings in Old Town, but its mission remains the same: to celebrate the beauty, color, and spirit of Mexico. From the décor and the garden to the food and music, every element of the restaurant is designed to transport diners to an authentic Mexican hacienda.

I am humbled by the love and loyalty of our guests over the years and proud to continue sharing the history, culture, and flavors that inspired me decades ago. Casa de Bandini is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of tradition, and I hope it continues to bring joy and delicious memories to everyone who visits.

– Diane Powers