Italian Restaurants in California Giving Back

The word ‘hero’ is being thrown around a lot these days, and obviously should be reserved for frontline workers, hospital staffs, and anyone who directly combats the Covid-19 virus. But I’d like to propose a new addition to the hero class, and that’s the Italian restaurant employees and owners who have taken it upon themselves to feed the doctors, police officers, nurses, homeless, and anyone else in need of sustenance during this emergency. These are the additional heroes, and ways you can help them help others.

Olivetta/Draycott: TV star and owner of the Draycott and Olivetta restaurants, Marissa Hermer and her husband Matt set up a Go Fund Me page in order to donate meals to hospitals. As of writing, Hermer has raised more than $30,000 and has brought meals to fire departments, hospitals, and more.

Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Owner of the famed pizza spot in Hollywood, Francesco Zimone knew he wanted to help out the moment the coronavirus struck. Not only did he keep his entire staff employed, but he has also been steadily delivering meals to hospital workers that include wraps, salads, fruit, and homemade chocolate bars.

Rossoblu/Superfine: Steve and Dina Samson are the purveyors of the beloved Rossoblu Italian restaurant and their sister pizza spot, Superfine. When Covid started rampaging Los Angeles, they set up a 501c3, which is a non-profit that allows donors the option of a tax write off with their giving. That non-profit has inspired wealthy donors to help them feed 150 hospice patients and their families every week, in addition to raising more than $80,000 to feed restaurant and hospital workers. You can donate to their efforts at Feed Love LA in addition to Rossoblu Restaurant Relief.

Bestia: Owners Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis of the mouthwatering downtown Italian joint Bestia teamed up with Steve and Dina Samson on the Feed Love LA initiative. Donations go to communities in need by supplying pantry products like dairy, fresh produce, and proteins.

Pizzana: One of LA’s kings of Neapolitan pies, Daniele Uditi of Pizzana has been cooking free meals for medical workers fighting on the frontlines. Like Olivetta, Pizzana set up a Go Fund Me page where people can raise money to help donate more pizza to hospitals. As of writing, they have raised more than $43,000 and are receiving matching funds from co-founders Chris O'Donnell and friend Egon Durban, which has boosted their funds to $84,000 and growing.

Uovo: Uovo, led by Jerry Greenberg and Roman-born Lele Massimini, also co-founders of the Sushi Nozawa group (known for SUGARFISH, KazuNori, and Nozawa Bar), has joined the Feed the Front Line effort that provides free meals to healthcare providers. Any nurse, doctor, or ER team can submit a request here, and the restaurant will happily provide food Monday through Thursday at 5 pm.

Pura Vita: The only all-vegan Italian purveyor in the city, Pura Vita teamed up with Support + Feed, which helps prop up vegan and vegetarian restaurants, who in turn donate to first responders and hospitals. Led by chef Tara Punzone, Pura Vita donated 50 pizzas and desserts last week alone, and are continuing to support plant-based frontline workers in need.

Grá: Owned and operated by Michael McSharry, Grá is a sourdough pizza spot that is giving back in big ways. At the end of every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Grá team cooks up a final batch of pies and other goodies and delivers them directly to the frontline and hospital workers, in addition to the homeless who badly need support as well. So, buy some pizzas and know that you’re supporting emergency workers along the way.

N10: Owned by famed soccer star Alessandro Del Piero, N10 is an Italian joint with locations in Los Angeles and Milan. When the coronavirus hit, Del Piero focused on saving his restaurants, but also giving back. To date, the N10 team has been steadily donating hundreds of meals to ICU nurses and hospital workers, and have teamed up with Dine 11, which supports independent restaurants in addition to donating free meals to the frontlines.

Domingo’s Italian Deli: At least once a week, chef Barbara Pollastrini and owner Carlo Ghailian are delivering food to doctors, nurses, fire stations, and more. So, go buy a sandwich at Domingo’s, support a local restaurant, and know that they’re using the money to give back in incredible ways.