Crivello Ristorante Italiano

Crivello Ristorante is a family-owned rustic Italian kitchen serving dishes whose roots hold strong in centuries of tradition. Crivello values the authentic flavors that develop through traditional Sicilian cooking techniques. Every component of each dish is made from scratch. The garlic bread is hand rolled and baked fresh daily. Sauces are constantly simmering in the kitchen, ready to be poured over fresh pastas or layered to create rich lasagnas. Dishes are designed with love, a time honored tradition that the Crivello family infuses into every bite.

Chef & Owner Bobby Crivello was raised in Sicily. His family made their home Porticello, a coastal town nestled in a harbor near the northern tip of the island. Crivello grew up enjoying the fresh catch his Father would fish from the ocean that morning.

“My Pa was a Fisherman, so food has always been a part of our lives,” Crivello illustrates with nostalgia. “My Ma cooked for us every day. It was simple, never too elaborate, and always tasted delicious.”

Excellent Italian cooking brings the best parts of an ingredient to life. It perfectly harmonizes elements so that each individual flavor is elevated. Basil, olive oil, garlic, mozzarella…each can stand on its own. However, when placed into an Italian chef’s hands, they become an experience. When asked about his food, Crivello smiles wide, “It's always the simplest foods that taste the best.” Above all else, he values the quality and freshness of an ingredient, which is why his is a scratch kitchen. Everything cooked to order, everything handmade. “What is most important? It has to be fresh. And when it is, you can taste it, and there is nothing else like it.”

Growing up, his favorite morsels to cook and enjoy with his family were calamari, anchovies, clams, mussels, and sea bass. He has infused this passion into this menu, focusing on traditional Sicilian flavors that grow from his family’s history using his 35+ years of restaurant experience to guide each recipe at Crivello.

When Crivello first moved to California in 1972, the family opened their first establishment, specializing in Sicilian pizza pies. Since then, many more restaurants (and children) have been born into the family. From the rustic ovens of Massimo’s to the finer tables of Rumari, Crivello now has 10 restaurants to call family owned, operated, and inspired. As Crivello says, “It's truly a family affair.”

Once you walk through the doors, you can feel the Crivello family becoming your own. Bobby Crivello considers the dining room an extension of his own home, which is always full of good food, good wine, and good stories.

“Family is everything. I grew up in a big Italian family. I have four brothers and one sister so we were always very close. My restaurant is an extension of my home. I treat my guests like family. I want people to come into my restaurant and enjoy good food and good company.”

Tonight, you are a part of the Crivello family. Or, as locals call it, "The Web! Because once you're here it's hard to leave!" Whether you order the famous Eggplant Parmesan, the new Crivello Lasagna, or Bobby’s favorite, the Risotto Di Mare, you’ll feel at home at Crivello.