Brothers Vito & Roberto Somma, along with Giovanna (Roberto's wife) were born & raised in Naples, Italy. They come from a long history of family-owned Italian restaurants. Vito graduated from culinary school in Naples, Italy in 1964. After extensively interning and working at numerous restaurants throughout Northern and Southern Italy, the Somma family decided it was time to take their passion for hospitality, along with their favorite Authentic, Classic Italian Recipes and move to California.
On November 1st, 1980, the Somma family opened Vito Restaurant in Santa Monica, California. At first, Vito was managing the kitchen, Giovanna the door, and Roberto the bar. Santa Monica and Westside locals were quick to discover & appreciate the classic old school, friendly & professional staff... including our professional tuxedo wearing servers, serving up LA's favorite authentic, classic, Italian recipes, specials & cocktails. All prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
For the first several years, Vito Restaurant was often referred to as the westside’s “Secret-Favorite Italian Restaurant.” However, over the years, the secret has been getting out, as guests now travel from near and far to enjoy our genuine warm hospitality, authentic Italian foods, amazing wines, cocktails & spirits. This winning combination was quick to make Vito Restaurant one of California’s favorite & highest rated, classic, old-school Italian restaurants.
In 2012 Vito retired and sold his ownership interest in Vito Restaurant to his brother Roberto and Giovanna. With Vito’s absence, Lia (Giovanna’s sister), came to help us manage. Then in early 2022, Roberto & Giovanna Somma started contemplating retirement themselves. However, they wanted to make sure the new family of owners would care for their restaurant, guests, staff and community as much as they did for the past 42 years.
After almost 43 years of service & dedication, Roberto & Giovanna were finally able to retire after finding the perfect families to preserve the traditions and legacy that has become Vito Restaurant. On October 11th, 2023, Roberto & Giovanna Somma sold their ownership interest in Vito Restaurant to the Reed & Ahaus families in a family-to-family transaction. The Reed and Ahaus families have a lifetime of experience in the art of managing restaurants, hospitality, and customer service.
We are committed to preserving this beautiful restaurant and to making sure each guest & team member feels like family, welcomed, appreciated & at home for many generations to come! – Jason & Cynthia Reed and Sean & Melissa Ahaus
