Maria’s Italian Kitchen

Maria’s Italian Kitchen is an independent restaurant group rooted in Los Angeles, with a history that dates back to 1945. The original business began as a small Italian grocery and deli opened by Maria and Vincent Campagna, serving the local community with homemade recipes and imported goods. In 1975, their daughter Madelyn Alfano transformed the family operation into a full-service restaurant, launching the first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks. This shift marked a significant milestone, establishing the brand as a destination for Italian-American cuisine in the region.

As of November 2025, Maria’s Italian Kitchen operates eight locations across Greater Los Angeles, including neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks, Brentwood, Encino, West Los Angeles, and Pasadena. The company has remained privately held and is still led by Madelyn Alfano, whose steady leadership has guided the brand through decades of change and growth.

Over the past five years, Maria’s Italian Kitchen has expanded its approach to meet evolving consumer preferences. The company now offers both traditional dine-in restaurants and flexible fast-casual formats, making it adaptable to a range of retail environments. Locations are carefully selected in high-traffic, community-oriented neighborhoods, often within established retail corridors and mixed-use developments. This focus on accessibility and versatility has helped the brand maintain its relevance in a competitive market.

Maria’s Italian Kitchen is recognized for its commitment to authentic recipes and a welcoming atmosphere, serving generations of guests while adapting to new dining trends. Its established reputation, consistent operations, and willingness to embrace new formats position the company as a reliable and attractive tenant for landlords, brokers, and developers seeking strong operators in Southern California’s retail and mixed-use spaces.