Torani Unveils Whimsical “Flavor Factory” Pop-Up for Its 100th Anniversary
Global flavor company Torani will continue its 100th anniversary celebrations by welcoming visitors into a colorful and fantastical “Flavor Factory” pop-up experience April 11 through 13, 2025. This immersive imaginarium of flavor takes visitors through Torani’s rich history, where guests can explore a century of flavor, craft unique beverage conco...
Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis To Open Restaurant At New Hollywood Casino In Joliet
Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis is set to open upscale restaurants at its new land-based Hollywood Casino sites in Joliet. The new dining experience will bring De Laurentiis’ signature fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence to the Chicagoland region for the first time. Sorellina by Giada will debut at...
Santa Monica’s Next Great California-Italian Restaurant Comes From the Chef Behind Alimento
The era of the “no substitutions or modifications” menu might just be over, at least for one chef who has been in the industry for almost two decades. Zach Pollack, previously a chef at Sotto and more recently chef-owner of Alimento and Cosa Buona (both have since closed), is nearing his next act with Cosetta, a California-inflected Italian restaur...
San Diego restaurant Cori Pastificio wins Italy’s highest dining honor
A beloved trattoria in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood was recognized with a prestigious culinary distinction in Italy comparable to earning a Michelin star. Cori Pastificio maintained the Three Forks (“Tre Forchette”), the highest honor given out by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine, in its 2025 Top Italian Restaurants Guide. A...
Caffé di Talya Brings Authentic Italian Coffee Culture to San Diego
A new destination in North Pacific Beach invites coffee lovers to experience the traditions of Italian cafés without leaving San Diego. Caffé di Talya, founded by Gianfranco, a local who grew up in Italy, strives to recreate the essence of Italian coffee culture through carefully selected beans and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Caffé di...
This splashy new WeHo restaurant wants to take you on Italian holiday
The inventive pastas, vacation-inspired Italian cuisine and lengthy wine list of New York City’s Cucina Alba have landed in West Hollywood. At Alba, one of the city’s splashiest new Italian restaurants, chef-partner Adam Leonti and restaurateurs Will Makris, Cobi Levy and Julian Black reimagined their East Coast hot spot, with much of the team relo...
The Italian legacy of Piazza 1909 in La Jolla
The story of Piazza 1909 Cucina Italiana begins in Milan, Italy, where Roberta Ruffini and executive chef Stefano Ceresoli first met. Stefano owned a bakery, pasta, and focaccia shop across from Roberta’s home. Though she was engaged at the time, meeting Stefano changed everything. In 1993, Roberta moved to San Diego to complete her master’s degree...
Cesare Ristorante Brings Authentic Italian to Beverly Grove
Cesare Ristorante located between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills brings the authentic flavors of Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, to the Beverly Grove community. Owned by veteran restaurateur Cesare Vietina, formerly co-owner of Madeo Ristorante, and his wife Pamela, Cesare offers a warm and intimate atmosphere with dim lighting, comfy chocolate leather...
Honoring Ale Gambini, One Year Later
This week marks one year since Ale’s passing, the anniversary I never wanted to face, at least not so soon. Nearly 800 million precious moments have passed since our paths first crossed, moving in fast-forward. In contrast, this past year has dragged in slow motion, each moment cutting through me like a knife, reminding me of how fragile life truly...
The Rise of LA’s Italian Sandwich Renaissance
The first bite is a revelation. The schiacciata bread cracks beneath your teeth, its olive oil-kissed surface giving way to layers of salty prosciutto, creamy stracchino, and a whisper of black truffle. It’s simple but deeply satisfying, the kind of sandwich that makes you close your eyes for a second. It feels like something you should be eating o...
San Jose: Italian restaurant group Locanda coming to Willow Glen
Italian chef and entrepreneur Enzo Rosano’s sixth Bay Area restaurant is in the works. His next one, Locanda Ischia — all of the names are followed by a destination — will be located in San Jose’s Willow Glen district, on the Lincoln Avenue restaurant row. Ischia, named for the island off Naples, will take over the space that Vin Santo occupied for...
Romanissimo Brings Traditional Italian Cuisine To San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has welcomed a new addition to its dining scene with the opening of Romanissimo Cucina Italiana, a restaurant specializing in authentic Roman cuisine. The new concept replaces Saltwater Seafood & Steak, which closed earlier this year after nearly five years in business.Romanissimo comes from Vincenzo Loverso and Alessand...