Description
Vitello’s Italian Restaurant has long stood as a cornerstone of Studio City culture, serving as both a beloved neighborhood institution and a frequent backdrop for film and television productions. Originally founded by Sal Vitello as a modest sandwich shop, it was later transformed into a classic Italian restaurant by brothers Joe and Steve Restivo, whose acting careers helped deepen its connections to Hollywood. Known for its distinctive atmosphere—complete with red leatherette menus, Sicilian hillside murals, and a foyer lined with autographed celebrity headshots—the restaurant has become a favorite among location scouts. It notably appeared in the 1999 film The Deep End of the Ocean, standing in for eateries in both Madison and Chicago, and has also been featured in television series such as the NBC sitcom Whitney. Today, Vitello’s continues to thrive as a dining and entertainment venue, offering live performances in its jazz showroom and a speakeasy-style lounge tucked behind a hidden bookshelf.