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What is being advertised as South Bay’s first food hall is slated to finally open next week in National City after a 19-month delay due to COVID-19.
The culinary destination is designed to add vibrancy to the city and also to give the rest of San Diego County a taste of what the region has to offer.
Bobby Alfonso has been looking for a revitalization of his grandfather’s family restaurant for some time.
“It was originally opened by my grandfather in Manila, Philippines,” Alfonso told NBC 7. “We are a Dutch-Indian family.”
Alfonso was born and raised in South Bay, and when he learned that a new food hall and public market were about to open in National City, he knew it was the way to go.
“Many in the family are excited,” said Alfonso. “Everyone is the same in the Philippines as they are here for us, so this is a big deal.”
Alfonso’s Cafe Indonesia is one of 14 new restaurants opening next week in Market on the 8th.
“It’s going to be a big reason for people to come to this community, and I hope it gives the rest of the community a spark,” said Joel Tubao, developer of Market on the 8th Tuesday.
Tubao, who is also from South Bay, points out that almost every restaurant and shop on Market on 8th is connected to the area, and many of them are owned by National City locals.
“I grew up in 12th and D,” said Phillip Esteban.
Esteban will open two stores in the market: a homeware store and a ramen restaurant.
“Everyone from South Bay always goes to North Park or Convoy, but this is now the new place to go and see new things from local business owners,” said Esteban.
The 8th market has a wide variety of dishes including Vietnamese, Thai, and Mexican options.
“I think they will find out what a national city is and what we are all here,” said Alfonso. “We are a diverse community, like a melting pot.”
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