Vitello’s, a beloved Los Angeles institution, was founded by Charles Vitello in 1964. Originally a modest bakery and sandwich shop featuring fresh, homemade bread, the eatery grew under the leadership of Charles’ nephew, Sal Zoida, who expanded into new storefronts. The business underwent further transformation in 1977 when it was sold to brothers Joe and Steve Restivo, Sicilian natives who had migrated to Los Angeles via Chicago. They quickly turned Vitello’s into a local favorite by adding hearty Italian-style staples to the menu.
 
Located close to numerous movie studios, Vitello’s soon caught the attention of Hollywood. The restaurant's main entrance became adorned with autographed headshots of celebrities who dined there, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Danza, Jason Alexander, Candice Bergen, Melissa Joan Hart, Frankie Muniz, Michael Landon, Dom DeLuise, and Tom Smothers, among others. Many of these autographed photos remain on display in the restaurant today.
 
Vitello’s was notably frequented by actor Robert Blake until 2001 when he was accused of killing his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, shortly after dining there.
 
In 2005, the Restivo Brothers decided to sell Vitello’s after Joe was diagnosed with an illness. The restaurant was purchased by local patrons Matt & Jane, who had cherished it since childhood. Their aim was to preserve Vitello’s tradition as a beloved neighborhood hangout, initially retaining much of the original menu and décor. In 2007, they converted the upstairs banquet room into a first-class music performance venue, hosting acts such as Liza Minnelli, Dick Van Dyke, Sheila E, Poncho Sanchez, Michael Feinstein, George Lopez, Billy Vera, and many others.
 
In 2010, local restaurateur Brad Roen joined Matt and Jane in modernizing the restaurant and introducing The Rendition Room. Brad retired in 2022, leaving behind a significant legacy of modernization while maintaining the restaurant's historic charm.