Italian restaurants have long dotted the American landscape as parsley flakes adorn a piping hot plate of pasta formaggio.

With a veritable plethora of establishments to choose from in the San Diego region alone, unearthing the proverbial diamond in the rough can indeed prove a daunting task.

Well consider the mission accomplished, as one need look no further than Vigilucci's for sumptuous traditional Italian dishes at a cost that won't have you hawking your own bling in order to enjoy a meal... not to mention the quintessential accompanying glass of vino.

From Leucadia to La Jolla, Vigilucci's Restaurant Group has been offering locals some of the finest Italian fare since 1994, and with the New Year now upon us, 2009 marks the restaurant's 15th anniversary.

In honor of the occasion, and timed perfectly to coincide with 2009 San Diego Restaurant Week (January 11-16), Vigilucci's is offering all patrons 15 percent off from January 15 through January 30.

"We are very thankful Vigilucci's Restaurant Group has found a home in San Diego," said owner Roberto Vigilucci. "We want to invite everyone who has supported us throughout the years to come and celebrate our 15th anniversary with us. We look forward to continuing to serve our family and friends during the next 15 years."

Since its inception, Vigilucci's Restaurant Group has grown to include several more San Diego restaurants which have become some of the most popular dining spots in the County, with their selections of unique pasta dishes, savory veal, chicken, steak and seafood along with award-winning wine lists. Today, the Vigilucci's family includes Vigilucci's Seafood, Steak & Chop House in La Jolla, Vigilucci's Trattoria in Encinitas, Vigilucci's Cucina and Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse in Carlsbad, Vigilucci's Osteria in Oceanside, Vigilucci's Ristorante & Pizzeria and Robbie's in Leucadia and Vigilucci's Catering.

Forever endeavoring to spread his unique cuisine and vision throughout San Diego, Roberto Vigilucci has big plans for the upcoming year. In addition to a new restaurant opening in Coronado (slated for March, 2009), Carlsbad will be the proud recipient of an authentic Italian market.

Thus, so long as you're in San Diego, you're never far from some of the finest Italian cuisine this side of the Mediterranean.