Orange County’s Newest Slice of Italy: Meet Monaco Italian Kitchen in Irvine
There’s a new restaurant in Irvine—and it’s not here to blend in. Located at the just-debuted Eighteen Main dining collective, Monaco Italian Kitchen is the fourth concept from seasoned OC restaurateur Tony Monaco. And while the name nods to his Italian roots, this place is anything but expected. With Executive Chef Karl Pfleider behind the menu an...
How Alba Los Angeles Turned a Parking Lot Into WeHo's Trendiest New Restaurant
Since opening Alba Los Angeles on Melrose Avenue Feb. 6, guests have been coming up to co-owner Cobi Levy and thanking him, noting, “We really needed it.” Which is perhaps a bit surprising, given the wealth of Italian restaurants in L.A. (and New York, for that matter — where he and Prince Street Hospitality partner Will Makris debuted their origin...
L.A.’s hardest reservation is this new Italian supper club in West Adams
“This is not a restaurant,” says Daniele Uditi, addressing a crowd of 32 diners in a spacious warehouse in West Adams on a recent Sunday evening. “It might look like it, but it’s not.” Uditi wants to set the record straight, as soon as you sit down for a meal at Le Le Dinner Club. The warehouse is outfitted with tables facing a kitchen that looks l...
Sonoma’s Italian History Is in Every Bite of Canevari’s Ravioli
Sonoma County was built on red wine and ravioli. As the chosen home of thousands of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the simple food and wine of their homeland became the basis for a flourishing economy, and family names like Bacigalupi, Bastoni, Pedroncelli, Seghesio, Traverso and Martinelli have continued to power tha...
A Marina Mainstay Italian Restaurant Will Expand with a Splashy Cocktail Bar
The team at luxe Marina Italian restaurant Norcina is opening a moody artisanal bar with lime-washed walls and a huge oven in the middle of the space. Frankie’s will open later this year in early June at 3219 Pierce Street. Chef-owner Kaitlinn Bauman says she has always felt the need for an upscale, sexy cocktail bar in the area. Seating about 30,...
Domenico’s Delicatessen and Cafe Coming to Pleasanton
According to a recently submitted alcohol license application, Danville-based concept Domenico’s Delicatessen and Cafe plans to debut a new outpost in Pleasanton. Coming to 201 Main Street, the eatery will land near establishments such as McKay’s Taphouse & Beer Garden, Noland’s Cake Shop, and Papa’s Dumpling. What Now San Francisco spoke briefly w...
Lauded SF Italian restaurant doubles down on new neighborhood
After a recent expansion into the Mission Bay neighborhood, the team behind Che Fico is doubling down on the burgeoning area and opening a new Italian restaurant just blocks from its Che Fico Pizzeria at Thrive City. Back Home Hospitality, helmed by chef David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer, announced it is bringing a new Tuscan restaurant, Via Aurelia...
Bacio di Latte Preparing for San Diego Debut
Beloved Italian gelato brand Bacio di Latte is bringing its signature scoops to San Diego for the first time with a new location coming to La Jolla at 8867 Villa La Jolla Dr. The company’s 15th location is expected to open at The Shops at La Jolla Village, according to documentation submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and...
San Francisco restaurant week newcomer Bettola serves up Italian cuisine
Despite concerns about tariffs and the economy, many restaurants in San Francisco were packed as the city celebrates restaurant week. The 10-day event is heading into its final weekend, and many restaurants say so far, it's been a huge success. In May of last year, an Italian restaurant and market opened on Clement, a street that's already lined wi...
Los Angeles-Based Italian-American Restaurant Chain Jon & Vinny’s Eyes San Diego With New Location In The Works Near Balboa Park
San Diego's dining scene might soon get a taste of Los Angeles flair as Jon & Vinny’s, the beloved Italian-American chain, appears poised to plant its first flag in America’s Finest City, just blocks from Balboa Park. Recently filed documents with the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality signal the company's intent to expand bey...
Mar Vista’s New Cal-Ital Neighborhood Spot Pays Charming Homage to its Historic Roots
In 2023, Jeremy Adler bought Beethoven Market, a former Mar Vista grocery staple that served the community for 75 years. The market was less than a mile from his home, and Adler hoped to turn this prominent corner into a breezy day-to-night restaurant and community gathering place. That journey takes a successful turn as Adler and chef Michael Leon...
Los Angeles-Based Italian-American Restaurant Chain Jon & Vinny’s Eyes San Diego With New Location In The Works Near Balboa Park
San Diego's dining scene might soon get a taste of Los Angeles flair as Jon & Vinny’s, the beloved Italian-American chain, appears poised to plant its first flag in America’s Finest City, just blocks from Balboa Park. Recently filed documents with the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality signal the company's intent to expand bey...