Meet the O.G. of Italian eateries
If you're looking for Italian food, it's doesn't get much more authentic than Oggi Cosi Si Mangia. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the restaurant's small but fervent following swears by its mouthwatering fare. Its owner, Luigi 'Louis' Maglieri, says his family came from Molise, Italy, and every bite of every dish in the restaur...
This Tiny Potrero Hill Market Is an Eclectic Love Letter to Italian Food and Tinned Fish
The walls of Alimentari Aurora, a miniscule deli and shop in Potrero Hill, are lined with colorful tins of fish and bags of chips labeled in various languages. A glass case displays thick rolls of salumi and pecorino ready to purchase and be wrapped up in paper by the chunk. Diners in the city are guaranteed to leave the shop with a curated selecti...
Italy In LA: Pizzana
There are a number of great wine stores in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, but after three years of living here, I’m fully convinced that an Italian-focused wine retailer is going to win the day with LA wine drinkers. Why do I think that? Because Italian wine ticks all the right boxes for what’s hot in SoCal right now: - it’s often organic/natur...
The 22 Best Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles to Visit This Year
Whether it’s handmade pastas or bubbly crust pizzas, Italian food soothes the soul. LA is home to a number of great restaurants, ranging from the casual red-sauce joint to ones fit for a romantic date night. Not sure where to go? Consider this your guide to the 22 best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. 1. FELIX TRATTORIA 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd.,...
Famous Pizzeria da Michele Stretches Its Dough All the Way Up to Santa Barbara
The L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele folks are staying busy, with planned outposts coming to Long Beach, California and New York City. The group isn’t planning on slowing down, either, because they’re soon to jump north with a new location in the Central Coast city of Santa Barbara. The incoming arrival of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele — the famous 150-...
Pasta Heaven Can Be Found at SF’s Newly Reborn Flour + Water
In the early days after Flour+Water opened in 2009 in the Mission District, my friends would rave about their Neapolitan pizza, which got its own Flour+Water Pizzeria in 2019. But I knew from day one it was all about chef Thomas McNaughton’s pastas, who has worked at the likes of three Michelin-starred pasta temple, Quince. In a country where every...
Italian Madeo Ristorante returns to the Los Angeles fine dining scene
Madeo Ristorante is a fine dining establishment serving authentic Italian cuisine inspired by the owner's Tuscan roots. The restaurant welcomes guests with superior service and a wine list of more than 1250 selections from around the world. Madeo Ristorante is run by Alfio Vietina, Elvira Buffoni, and their two sons, Gianni and Nicola. They run the...
Tara Punzone of LA’s Pura Vita Is Paving the Way for Vegan Female Chefs
Since opening in the fall of 2018, Pura Vita has attracted people near and far with its diverse and authentic plant-based Italian menu. Ask any vegan on the West Coast about their top restaurants, and chances are, Pura Vita will be one of the first names mentioned. From the immersive venues, impeccable service, and mind-blowing dishes, Pura Vita is...
Authentic Italian dishes just like Mama used to make
Palermo Pizzeria is like a slice of Italy right here in our own backyard. The Simi Valley-based restaurant serves up an amazing New York-style thin-crust pizza that would make you believe you’re sitting in one of the better Manhattan pizzerias. But it’s not just about pizza. This hidden gem is also worth seeking out for its pasta, subs and a whole...
Roger’s Pizzerolo serving pizzas and New York-style Italian cuisine
I always thought “one day I’m going to have my own business,” said Rogelio, owner of Roger’s Pizzerolo on Mission Gorge Road next door to the now-defunct Souplantation. His dream came true and was, the realization of the American Dream of success through hard work. Roger’s Pizzerolo opened for business this past December. Originally from San Salvad...
Cooking alla Giudia: A Celebration of the Jewish Food of Italy
Cooking alla Giudia: A Celebration of the Jewish Food of Italy. Thursday, April 7, 7 PM. Presented by Benedetta Jasmine Guetta. IIC San Francisco - 710 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94111. Click here to register. Click here to purchase the book From Roman deep-fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia) to Venetian sweet-and-sour sardines (sarde i...
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Showers Muscardini Cellars with Gold
With a focus on tradition and family, relationships are at the heart of Muscardini Cellars. At that heart’s core are the relationships that proprietor Michael Muscardini has cultivated in the vineyards with the growers he receives phenomenal fruit from every year. Such relationships are just one reason Muscardini Cellars has continued to produce It...