After a six-month closure due to the pandemic, Johnny Costa’s Ristorante Opens for Their 44th Season Oct. 1
PALM SPRINGS —Voted Best Italian Restaurant by Palm Springs Life Readers, a local’s favorite in Palm Springs, Johnny Costa’s, is reopening Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. The Costa family closed shortly after the pandemic began and decided not to reopen until they could offer indoor and patio dining. They are still mourning the passing of their Dad Johnny Sr. a year ago and needed some time to grieve.
From the classic Italian music to the candlelit tables, the nostalgic atmosphere at Johnny Costa’s Ristorante feels like traveling back to midcentury times. It’s no wonder Frank Sinatra was once a regular at this fine Italian restaurant, where his favorite juicy steak and clam dish are named in his honor. The Costa family continues the legacy of late chef-owner Johnny Costa, who was pals with Sinatra when he moved to Hollywood from New York in the 1960s, and a decade later served as the singer’s personal chef at his desert home. Costa’s pedigree lives on in his legendary recipes, including his veal saltimbocca and classic cioppino.
The staff of Johnny Costa’s worked with the city of Palm Springs to add additional tables curbside and can now offer 36 seats for outside/patio dining and 25% inside. The menu has been shortened with all the favorites available. Napolitano brick oven pizzas returns to the menu, a favorite of many customers. Curbside takeout is available and delivery service available with Grubhub and UberEats shortly after they open. A new takeout feature with OpenTable will be available through the website for those OpenTable customers.
Johnny’s son, Head Chef Vince Costa and his cousin General Manager, Sal Illiano continues the family tradition, perfectly executing the family recipes and delighting customers with a dining experience that is amazing. His brothers John Jr, Tony, cousin Chip and Vince’s sons Giovanni and Vincenzo assist running the restaurant. Celebrities and locals love the Johnny Costa experience and you will too!
Open for dinner at 5 pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations only by calling the restaurant directly at (760) 325-4556 Johnny Costa’s is located at 440 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Parking curbside on Palm Canyon or behind the restaurant off Indian Canyon Drive.
Learn more here.
Image Sources
- Steak Sinatra: Johnny Costa's
- Linguini and clams: Johnny Costa's