Cabernet Franc Saves The Night At Revamped Vitello's Restaurant

New owners have updated the look of the old-school Italian-American eatery, but the food and service have suffered.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After a recent visit to the newly renovated Vitello's Restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, the author was disappointed to find that while the restaurant's appearance has been modernized, the food and service quality have declined. The author was particularly dismayed by the changes to traditional Italian-American dishes and the unexpected request to move tables during the meal. However, the wine list, which features an interesting Cabernet Franc by the glass, was a bright spot that saved the evening.

Why it matters

Vitello's is representative of the disappearing old-school Italian-American restaurants in the Los Angeles area, as new owners revamp the look and feel but struggle to maintain the authentic cuisine and hospitality that drew loyal customers. This story highlights the challenges of preserving culinary traditions in the face of changing tastes and modernization.

The details

The author and their dining companion were taken aback by Vitello's new modern decor, which replaced the old-school Italian-American ambiance. The menu also featured non-traditional items like a miso-dressed chopped salad and an unrecognizable chicken cacciatore dish. During the meal, the server asked the diners to move tables to accommodate a larger party, an unusual request that left the server visibly uncomfortable. However, the wine list was a bright spot, featuring an interesting Cabernet Franc by the glass from Lodi producer Cosentino.

  • The restaurant was sold quite a while back, and the owners apparently took their time about making changes.
  • The author and their dining companion hadn't been to Vitello's Restaurant in a while.

The players

Vitello's Restaurant

A long-standing Italian-American eatery in the San Fernando Valley that was recently sold and renovated by new owners.

Cosentino

A Napa Valley wine producer responsible for the Cabernet Franc by the glass that the author enjoyed at Vitello's.

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What they’re saying

“If the ghosts of Sinatra, Martin, Davis and Bishop should materialize in Los Angeles, they will now have one less place to "try the veal.”

— The author (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges of preserving the authentic character and cuisine of long-standing, old-school Italian-American restaurants in the face of modernization and changing tastes. While the new owners of Vitello's have updated the restaurant's appearance, they have struggled to maintain the quality and tradition of the food and service that drew loyal customers in the past.