Italian population in CA?

[kttam186290]

Most of L.A.'s Italian community fled the city en mass in the 1990s, with a lot of other white people, when the L.A. riots and the Northridge earthquake took place. Most of them went out to the suburbs and exurbs. There are lots of Italian families in Santa Clarita, Ventura/Oxnard, Simi Valley and the Antelope Valley. I know of 4 family-owned Italian restaurants in the Antelope Valley: Gino's (2), Eduardo's, Barone's -- all great places!

Up in Northern California, most of the Old Italian families in San Francisco moved out to the East Bay or up to Santa Rosa. There are quite a few in the Sacramento area too. When the Caldecott Tunnel was built and State Highway 24 was paved, many of Oakland and San Leandro's Italians moved out to Walnut Creek and Concord. Tulio's in Walnut Creek is a great, family-owned restaurant.

In the Central Valley, I'm told that Bakersfield has a large Italian American community.

[spoonman1]

Best bet in SoCal is Little Italy near downtown San Diego.

[Phrogg]

Originally Posted by sacreole

While living in the LA suburb of Gardena, there were a couple of Italian restaurants and delis in the area that I would frequent and highly recommend. My mother and I would dine regularly at Lomeli's Italian Restaurant located at the corner of Redondo Beach Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue. The pizza, antipasti and garlic bread were awesome.

Lomeli's

Another place is Giuliano's Bakery and Deli located on Gardena Boulevard.

Giuliano's Delicatessen and Bakery in Gardena California

Visiting Giulianos was like a trip to the Old World. Wonderful breads, pastries, meats and antipasti. The smells in that place could take you to heaven. Good stuff!

Thanks a lot, I'll check them out if ever I find myself in Gardena! Good to know there's something good somewhere.