One of San Diego’s foundational restaurant families is expanding its footprint in Little Italy where they’ve operated a succession of establishments over the past two decades. Lala is opening on India Street next to Barbusa, the modern Sicilian spot backed by Busalacchi Restaurants, which also runs the nearby Nonna and Café Zucchero.

Founded by Joe Busalacchi Sr. in 1984, the group is now led by a second generation of Busalacchi’s that includes his sons PJ, Joey, and Mike, with their cousins Vince Busalacchi and Nino Zizzo, who oversees the culinary side.