Italian Eatery Comes toCal Mart

Italian restaurateur Antonio Alessi, known for Tra Di Noi in Malibu, Calif., and Ristorante Alessi in Hollywood, is launching his latest endeavor, Moda Ristorante, at the California Mart in time for Summer market week, Jan. 11–15.

Moda will take over the space formerly occupied by Massimo’s near the Olympic Boulevard entrance to the Cal Mart. Alessi, who held an interest in Massimo’s, and business partner Alberto Mattioli are planning to open by Jan. 8. Moda will feature a cafeacute;, bar and restaurant with Northern Italian cuisine priced from $5 to $16, said Mattioli.

The cafeacute; will be open from 8 to 11 a.m. for Continental breakfast. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with bar open for happy hour.

The owners eventually plan to open an Olympic Boulevard entrance to the restaurant.

“We want to serve all the dining needs for California Mart tenants,” said Mattioli. —Robert McAllister