Today we’d like to introduce you to Dario Gallo
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Cosenza, Calabria (Italy) and moved to Milan at 18 to study Business Management at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Milan’s vibrant art, history, and culture, along with its dynamic food and drink scene, fueled my love for modern cuisine and Italian wine. Living in Milan, a global fashion and design hub, also sparked my passion for architecture and design. This passion led to the creation of Civico 1845, where, with the help of our designer friend Agostino Sannino, I realized my vision of the Italian dining experience. After graduation, I returned to Cosenza and began planning a restaurant with my brother Pietro. However, due to Italy’s economic crisis, we explored other markets and visited San Diego in 2013, taking an English course. We fell in love with the city and decided it was the ideal place to bring our concept to life. San Diego’s strong economic potential, coupled with its beauty and livable size, convinced us to settle there. After 1.5 years of market research and overcoming the challenges of being foreign investors, we opened Civico 1845 in June 2015, offering a Calabrian-inspired menu and a fully Italian-vegan menu. Now we recently opened another location in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge I faced was communicating our concept: a modern take on Italian cuisine that breaks away from traditional expectations. Not only for the introduction of the vegan menu but for the regular menu as well. We’re deeply committed to showcasing the freshness and simplicity of our ingredients, blending them with the passion and expertise rooted in our Southern Italian heritage.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My restaurants are built on a deep passion for contemporary Italian cuisine, where we strive to blend the rich traditions of Italy with modern culinary innovations. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to hospitality—every guest who walks through our doors is treated like family, and we aim to create an experience that feels both welcoming and memorable.
We specialize in crafting dishes that respect and celebrate the freshest local ingredients, while also honoring the excellence of Italian products. Our cuisine is a modern interpretation of Southern Italian flavors, where simplicity meets sophistication, and each dish is a testament to our dedication to quality and authenticity.
What makes us most proud is our ability to merge tradition with innovation. We don’t just serve food; we offer an experience that reflects our deep roots in Italian culture, infused with a contemporary twist. Our brand is all about providing a dining experience that resonates with both the heart and the palate, ensuring that every meal is not just about eating, but about savoring the very essence of Italy.
When our guests choose to dine with us, they’re choosing a brand that values excellence in every aspect—from the ingredients we select to the way we treat our guests. We strive to reach the perfect balance of tradition and modernity in our offerings, where every dish tells a story of passion, respect, and an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating an atmosphere where hospitality shines and every guest feels genuinely welcomed. I’m passionate about delivering an authentic Italian experience that goes beyond just the food; it’s about the entire environment. We’ve carefully designed our space with reclaimed interiors, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and a conscious approach to dining. This aligns perfectly with our embrace of the slow food philosophy, where we prioritize quality, local ingredients, and the joy of taking time to savor each meal. For me, it’s all about crafting an experience that’s thoughtful, meaningful, and truly Italian.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.civico2064.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/civico2064
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/2LGjVeJ
Image Credits
Jakob Layman
