News Summary
Cinque Terre West, the beloved Italian restaurant in Venice, has reopened its doors following a significant closure due to the Palisades Fire. Owners Marlo and Gianba Vinzoni have restored their eatery at 523 Rose Avenue, offering the original menu and a newly renovated space. The reopening brings joy to the community, particularly those affected by the wildfire. The restaurant features a sunny patio and extended dining hours, along with a gluten-free menu to cater to diverse clientele. The Vinzonis remain committed to their restaurant amid ongoing recovery efforts from the fire.
Venice, California – Cinque Terre West, a popular Italian restaurant founded by Marlo and chef Gianbattista “Gianba” Vinzoni, has officially reopened its doors on June 23, 2025, at 523 Rose Avenue in Venice after a temporary closure due to the catastrophic Palisades Fire that occurred on January 7, 2025. The fire swept through the Santa Monica Mountains, severely impacting the area around the Vinzonis’ longtime residence and restaurant.
The couple had been returning from a trip when they saw the smoke from their airplane as it approached LAX. Their home in the Palisades and the restaurant were devastated by the fire, leading the family to seek temporary accommodations in multiple rentals before finally settling in Venice as a long-term solution.
During the time that Cinque Terre West was closed, the Vinzonis operated from a ghost kitchen called Colony on Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. The reopening marks a significant milestone not only for the couple but for the local community, particularly for those affected by the wildfire. Local resident Andre Ulloa, who invested in the restaurant’s reopening, expressed that the return of the Vinzonis has brought comfort and hope to the community.
The revitalized Cinque Terre West retains its original menu, featuring popular dishes such as branzino, tuna shallot crudos, grilled octopus salad, and Gianba’s renowned homemade lobster pasta. The newly renovated space now includes a sunny patio with seating for 50, located near Venice Beach Wines and Chulita Mexican restaurant. The renovations included a thorough cleaning, repainting, and the addition of coastal Italian artwork to create a welcoming atmosphere with a deep ocean blue exterior.
In an effort to enhance the dining experience, the Vinzonis are collaborating with the city to establish sidewalk dining and have installed new flooring for the front patio. The restaurant offers a daily brunch and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring American breakfast items and Italian pastries, alongside dinner service from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and extended hours on Fridays and Sundays.
A gluten-free menu is also available, including options such as pizza crusts and pasta, catering to a diverse clientele. The reopening has been welcomed by a loyal customer base, many of whom are former residents of the Palisades who have been eagerly awaiting the Vinzonis’ return.
Even as the Vinzonis remain unable to return to their Palisades condo for at least a year due to ongoing recovery efforts in the area, they express their dedication to both their restaurant and the Venice community. Gianba humorously highlighted the challenges of restaurant ownership and the resilience required to navigate through difficult times.
The reopening of Cinque Terre West stands as a symbol of recovery and hope for the Venice community and the broader area impacted by the devastating fire. With a commitment to quality and community, the Vinzonis aim to not only restore their restaurant but also to foster connections and support for those who are still rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire.
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Cinque Terre West Reopens
- Google Search: Cinque Terre West reopens Venice
- Santa Monica Mirror: Cinque Terre West Reopens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Palisades Fire
- Eater: LA Restaurants Offering Relief
- Google News: Palisades Fire 2025
