Old Trieste Restaurant

Old Trieste was founded in 1963 by Ramiro ‘Tommy’ Tomicich. The restaurant is named after his birthplace, Trieste, Italy. Tommy, as most people knew him, had a no nonsense concept which he applied to his culinary expertise and his attentiveness in the dining room. He was known for enforcing a strict dress code requiring women to wear dresses and men to wear jackets and ties. As a famous story goes, after being denied entry to the restaurant, a woman in a pant suit returned to her car, removed the pants to her suit and returned with the knee length coat. Tommy then seated her without a problem. In 1970, Tommy relaxed his dress code permitting dressy pant suits for women. Some of the dishes Tommy took pride in creating are chicken cannelloni, scampi, fine veal and his signature sea bass. Many famous people enjoyed dining with Tommy at Old Trieste. They include Spiro Agnew, Frank Sinatra, Regis Philbin, Anthony Quinn, Governor Pete Wilson, Orville Redenbacher, and Dr. Seuss just to name a few. Ramiro ‘Tommy’ Tomicich passed away July 3, 1998, leaving the restaurant to his son, Larry. Larry worked by his father’s side since the age of 13. He continues to uphold the high standards his father worked so hard to achieve.

As you walk inside Old Trieste you are greeted by Larry Tomicich. You will find a New York style atmosphere with spacious tables covered by white linens. There are softly glowing Italian sconces and chandeliers. The servers graciously await as you enter a quiet, low key and relaxing atmosphere. There is a fully stocked bar and its beauty can be admired from the dining room. Some of the favorite classic Italian dishes featured are veal fiorentina, veal parmigiana, filet mignon, chicken livers triestina, scampi, fried calamari, and unbelievably prepared fresh fish which attract loyal clientele that insist this restaurant is the best kept secret in San Diego. Reservations are suggested. Business attire is recommended.