Dattilo Italian Restaurant, Whittier CA, Established 1981
The Italian writer, Niccolo Machiavelli once said, “…since it is my purpose to write something useful to an attentive reader, I think it more effective to go back to the practical truth of the subject than to depend on my fancies about it.” The “practical truth” about Dattilo Italian restaurant is that once you enter inside, you have arrived in Italy. You will embark upon an amazing experience of eating authentic Italian food, served with love, pride, and respect for a rich traditional history of preparing Italian dishes.
A Family Tradition
This gem of a restaurant is located in the heart of Uptown Whittier on Greenleaf Avenue. The history of the family-owned restaurant is just as colorful as its owners. Dattilo opened around Christmas in 1981 by Achilles and Francesca Dattilo, who have been married for 48 years. Achilles is from the South of Italy but grew up in Rome. His wife, Francesca, is from Sicily. They chose Whittier to live and run their restaurant because it is a conservative city, and their daughter Cristina was going to attend Whittier College. The Dattilo’s have two daughters and 5 grandchildren. It is quite common to see the family members working at the restaurant or just visiting.
Dine in a Roman Courtyard or Al Fresco
The first thing you notice upon entering the restaurant is the exquisite Italian-designed architecture and a beautiful Roman courtyard. The attention to every detail in the architecture and design is very impressive. There is a first-class bar and lounge area with a baby grand piano, the La Sistina Formal dining room, the Roman Courtyard dining room, and the Patio Dining al fresco. The unique Dattilo style has to be the best; There is no holding back and no corners were cut to create a design inspired by Achilles Dattilo’s extensive world travels.
“Who Needs to go to Italy?!” Italia has come to Uptown Whittier!
As one gazes carefully at the restaurant’s interior, one notices many copies of paintings by old masters, which are Italian and Dutch in origin. There are larger than life sculptures of Achilles and Francesca Dattilo. Looking closely at the murals in the courtyard, you will see the faces of family members. The décor is quite elegant but not pretentious. It is well illuminated and an airy and a comfortable mood quickly envelops you. Everything is perfection and beauty personified. Once you are seated, you realize: "Who needs to go to Italy?!" Italia has come to Uptown Whittier!
Everything is Beautiful
Personal flavor is added to your dining pleasure when Francesca comes out from the back room and talks with customers. She is a joy to behold; very friendly with a strong, but charming, Italian accent, and she continuously refers to everything as beautiful. This is the way Francesca sees the world, and she is always ready to offer her opinions. If you are lucky to be engaged in a conversation with her, be prepared to inform her of your birthday because Francesca enjoys talking about personality traits.
Italian cuisine is influenced from the North and South of Italy
One of the trademark qualities of the restaurant is their sense of perfection in everything they do, from striving to be the best in design, along with the quality of the food they serve. Since Dattilo wants people to be proud to come into Uptown, they also want customers to be proud of Dattilo. Therefore, everything is geared for customer satisfaction. The menu was created Achilles and Francesca Dattilo, who serves only what she likes, so every dish is her favorite and soon becomes everyone else's favorite, as well. The Italian cuisine is influenced from the North and South of Italy, very much like a fusion of New York and California. You will not get a better pizza anywhere because Dattilo uses a wood burning pizza oven and fresh ingredients. Achilles burns white oak in the oven because it is hotter, odorless and more consistent in temperature. Pizzas, Veal Chops, Rack of Lamb and Salmon are cooked in the wood burning oven. All of this leads to consistently served quality food.
A Diversified Menu
The entrees are gourmet, mild and delicately spiced. The food is very fresh and the presentation is colorful and beautiful. The menu is quite diversified, ranging from a variety of traditional pastas, and veal, filet mignon, swordfish, halibut, salmon and lamb. Their amazing selection of appetizers, salads, and soups deliciously prepare your palate for what’s to come from their eclectic lunch and dinner selections.
There is an extensive beer and wine list, many exotic choices from the Martini list, and other varieties of beverages and cocktails.
The rack of lamb is molto gustoso (very tasty)!
Both their plain and garlic bread are homemade and mouth-watering good. There are many unique entrees which, for the discerning taste, can be considered uno ghiottoneria, (a delicacy). Their rack of lamb is molto gustoso, (very tasty)!
“They don’t make Big Restaurants like this anymore.” - Merrill Shindler
People from all over come to Dattilo to experience an evening of dining pleasure. The restaurant’s longevity is a tribute to their excellent service, attention to every detail, and serving exquisite food. Noted food critic Merrill Shindler stated, “I’ve lost track of the number of restaurants that have come and gone from Uptown Whittier, while Dattilo has not just survived, but thrived as well.” He went on to say, “There’s a retro sense to the restaurant that comes in part from its oversized space – they don’t make big restaurants like this anymore – at least not this side of Las Vegas.” Although the restaurant is spacious and airy, the customer always feels comfortable and cozy.Dattilo can accommodate events or parties having 30-150 people, including weddings, baptism, showers, and anniversaries. They also provide catering services.
Dattilo Sauces and Dressings
The restaurant also has its own line of sauces and dressings which can be purchased at Chefs Corner Store, half a block north from the restaurant on Greenleaf Ave. Dattilo's canning facility is located nearby, in Santa Fe Springs.Dining is Elegant and Pleasurable
If one wants to be treated with special care and partake in delicious and uniquely Italian cuisine, Dattilo is the place to go. Here, dining is elegant and pleasurable. The overall experience is distinctive, and positively surprises and surpasses anyone’s culinary demands. And all of this can be proudly found in our own Uptown Whittier.
BUON APPETITO!! ENJOY!!
Story by Mariam Samoniantz
Photos by Rick Elias
Dattilo Italian Restaurant
6746 S. Greenleaf Avenue
Whittier, CA 90601
Telephone: (562) 945-8723
Fax: (562) 907-9887
Mon-Thurs 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 9:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 9:30pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS
