Where Tradition Meets Passion
ABOUT
Cesare Vietina was born into the restaurant industry.
His father, Bruno Vietina opened many critically-acclaimed restaurants in their hometown, Forte dei Marmi, and as Cesare always says, “I was in the belly when my mom was cooking at our 1st restaurant.” Bruno Vietina was the first to put the seaside town on the map when he received its first Michelin Star for his beloved restaurant Maito, where he hosted the who’s who of Italy in the 1960s and 70s.
In the early 80s, the Vietina family moved their restaurant empire to Los Angeles where they opened the legendary hot spot, Madeo Ristorante in 1985. For 30 years, Madeo lived on Beverly Blvd where the Vietina family created an unparalleled experience of food and ambiance that was almost as famous as it’s loyal clientele. At Madeo, Bruno trained many chefs, teaching them the coastal Tuscan Italian fare that would define California Italian fine dining of the 80s, 90s and beyond. Bruno’s most dedicated apprentice would always be his son, Cesare, who learned everything about food from his father and was eager to continue the family legacy.
In 1990, Cesare partnered with Giorgio Baldi and opened the namesake restaurant that would become an LA icon, still thriving all these years later. Throughout his side ventures, Cesare continued working at Madeo with his family, where he eventually took the reins and continued the family tradition for decades.
In 2021, Cesare sold his share in Madeo to family members to focus on raising his two young sons, Rocco and Luca, with his wife, Pamela. However, it didn’t take long for his customers to start knocking on Cesare’s door asking for him to do private dinner parties throughout Los Angeles. After a couple of years catering intimate affairs for an exclusive clientele, Cesare was ready to embark on another restaurant and bring back the passion, love and warmth that the Vietina’s brought from Forte dei Marmi, and infused at Madeo.
With over 30 years of experience as a chef and restauranteur, Cesare now begins a new chapter with Pamela and their two sons at Cesare Ristorante. It is not only a continuation of his family's long legacy, but also a heartfelt tribute to his father, whose wisdom and guidance shaped his culinary and life journey.
Join us as Cesare shares his expertise, promising a memorable dining experience for years to come.