By Laura Eckstein Jones By Laura Eckstein Jones | May 19, 2022 | Food & Drink, Migration,
Outdoor seating at the restaurant’s new terrace PHOTO BY BILL BENNETT
AFTER YEARS OF ANTICIPATION, BELOVED ITALIAN EATERY MADEO RISTORANTE IS BACK WITH A BRAND-NEW HOME AT 1 HOTEL WEST HOLLYWOOD.
From left, Gianni Vietina, Elvira Buffoni, Alfio Vietina and Nicola Vietina. PHOTO BY BILL BENNETT
When discussing legendary Los Angeles restaurants, Madeo (madeoristorante.com) is one that always turns up in conversation. The family-owned Italian hot spot first planted its roots in California 36 years ago, with a long stint on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood. It was here that countless A-list actors, musicians (Drake even name drops Madeo in a song) and industry folks clinked glasses to seal deals and celebrate happy occasions. The food—authentic Italian dishes inspired by the family’s Tuscan roots and created by matriarch Elvira Buffoni—is delicious, but the warm service, led by Buffino’s husband, Alfio Vietina, adds that special something that turns customers into regulars. He always made sure guests felt like family.
Madeo Ristorante matriarch Elvira Buffoni cooks alongside son Gianni Vietina PHOTO BY BILL BENNETT
After the original location shut down due to on-site construction, Madeo moved into a temporary space in Beverly Hills, where it operated during the pandemic. Although customers were essentially eating outdoors in a dressed-up parking lot, it was very popular. “In a moment of crisis and uncertainly, people look for a sense of home,” says Gianni Vietina, Alfio and Elvira’s son. “People feel at home with us.” The family also opened a new restaurant at Platform LA in Culver City, Bianca. And now, after much anticipation, Madeo Ristorante is starting a new chapter, this time at 1 Hotel West Hollywood.
Branzino alla griglia PHOTO COURTESY OF MADEO RISTANTA
“We dreamed of a space that reminded us of Madeo Ristorante’s beachside dining back in Forte dei Marmi while staying centrally located in Los Angeles,” says Gianni, referring to the seaside Tuscan town where his father had a collection of restaurants—including one named Madeo—prior to opening in L.A. “We finally have that.”
mille-feuille. PHOTO COURTESY OF MADEO RISTORANTE
Now, with this new iteration, diners can enjoy the Vietina-Buffoni family recipes that have been passed down through generations—including scampi alla griglia, penne Madeo and arrosto di vitello—and the warm hospitality that keeps them coming back for more. “I look forward to seeing our guests again soon,” says Alfio. “We are ready to gather around the table again.”
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