New York style restaurant ambience of Vittorio's.
Star Quality
Owner for over twenty-one years, Mercedes Pelligrini, makes hospitality an art as she floats around the dining room talking to newcomers and regulars like family members. While restaurants go out of business everyday in this economy, Vittorio’s has such a loyal following of locals including celebrities like Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta, Mary McDonnell, Martin Short and Billy Crystal – that come to enjoy the homey atmosphere and “Cheers” factor (where everybody knows your name and certainly the servers will as some have been working almost as long as Mercedes has owned it!). Even if you’re not a local, Vittorio’s is a hidden gem worth making the trip to the obscure Marquez Street in Pacific Palisades.
Garlic Rolls Galore
When you go, their renowned garlic knot rolls land on the table almost immediately. Every morning, their Italian chef John Baptiste kneads the dough and creates the perfect combination of garlic, extra virgin olive oil and spices. They’re served fresh and piping hot — you can’t go to Vittorio’s without sampling an entire plateful of these naughty necessities!
Menu Features
Even though you may have the urge to devour the entire plate, save room for homemade Calamari Fritti, Baked Pasta, Linguini Seafood or Fettuccini Alfredo. The Branzino and Alfredo Fettucine were also recommend by the server. When Mercedes gets asked, “What’s your specialty?” she answers without hesitating, “Everything. We don’t have specialties because everything is good.” All though she is not partial to any menu item, her desserts are spectacular. Try the homemade cheesecake that has a light but weighty texture like a hybrid between a New York and Italian style cheesecake. Mercedes still makes it herself as well as the tiramisu, canoli, chocolate mousse pie and raspberry chocolate mousse cake!
Owner Mercedes Pelligrini with her daughter outside Vittorio's.
Two Love Stories
Mercedes Pellegrini came to the U.S. from her native Brazil in 1968 after meeting her Italian/American husband during Carnival in Rio. They dated for 3 days before she moved here to marry him. Neither spoke each other’s language! Mercedes’ background was originally in pastries – she made wedding cakes for Elizabeth Taylor and catered for Sylvester Stallone and Clint Eastwood. During this time, she delivered to Vittorio’s and again, fell instantly in love with the restaurant. She has been sole owner and proprietor since 1990 and left the name unchanged when she took over. Besides serving a bustling dinner crowd six nights a week, she also offers catering and delivery as far as Mandeville Canyon.
During these tough financial times, it’s important to get good value and quality while supporting locally owned restaurants when dining out. Vittorio’s offers the solution- scrumptious Italian “comfort” food and a place where you feel appreciated and welcomed. It is truly a long-lasting treasure of our fine city.
Vittorio’s Ristorante
16646 Marquez Ave.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310.459.9316
www.vittoriosla.com
T – TH 4 – 9:30 PM
F – Sun 4 – 10:30 PM
