Hidden Gems: Meet Katrina of Casanova Ristorante

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina.

Hi Katrina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I come from a family deeply rooted in the restaurant and hospitality industry. For over 40 years, my family has managed and operated restaurants across Orange County and Los Angeles. It all began with my father, Manos, who immigrated from Greece and started out as a dishwasher at Douglas Burgers. A few years later, he bought the restaurant, and that marked the beginning of our family business. Growing up, my siblings and I worked alongside him, learning the ins and outs of running a restaurant. My older brother, Athan, who has been in the business for over 15 years, now oversees all seven of our family’s operations. Both my father and brother have been incredible mentors and the biggest inspirations behind my passion for hospitality.

Although I grew up in the restaurant world, I took a different path for a while. I moved to New York and built a career in fashion, public relations, and marketing. During those 10 years, I developed a strong sense of storytelling, branding, and crisis management. But what I loved most was the human connection—how we made guests or audiences feel, whether through an event, a campaign, or a brand experience. That realization helped me see that both fashion and restaurants live under the same umbrella of hospitality.

Today, I’ve returned to the family business full time, bringing those skills back home. At Casanova Ristorante and Sunny Side Cafe, I focus on creating seamless hospitality experiences for both guests and employees. From handling high-stress situations with calm and patience to ensuring that every detail aligns with our mission, my journey has come full circle. I’m proud to continue my family’s legacy while adding my own perspective shaped by experiences outside the industry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but all the hard things are always worth it. The restaurant business constantly teaches you lessons, how to see things from different perspectives, how to adapt, and how to stay creative under pressure. What you think is the “right” way to do something often evolves through trial and error, and that process opens your mind to new ideas and better ways to operate. You learn to be quick, methodical, and creative all at once.

The challenges come in many forms, unforeseen circumstances, changing trends, and the growing pains that naturally come with building something new. With Sunny Side Cafe, for example, we faced all the usual hurdles of launching a new concept, from refining operations to finding our voice within the community. Even with Casanova Ristorante, which has such a long-standing history, stepping in as new owners brought its own set of obstacles and lessons. But it’s during those tough moments that I realized just how much I wanted this, and how resilient I could be. Every challenge has made me stronger, sharpened my instincts, and deepened my love for this industry. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

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?
Casanova Ristorante is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Dana Point, beloved for its cozy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and timeless dishes made with the highest quality ingredients. Although the restaurant has been part of the community for many years, when we took it over, our goal was to elevate a few elements while preserving its local charm. We went through the menu item by item—making our own stocks and pizza dough, switching to organic tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil, and sourcing the freshest seafood and produce possible.

We’re best known for our Eggplant Parmigiana and Lasagne, both made in-house daily using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients. At the same time, we love to innovate and introduce new favorites like our Spicy Rigatoni and Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle. Our team enjoys experimenting with seasonal flavors and ingredients, keeping things exciting for our regulars while staying true to the heart of Italian cooking.

Beyond the food, Casanova is about the full experience. We have a lively martini bar, our Casanova martini is a local favorite, and even an adorable kids’ menu for families dining together. What sets us apart is our constant drive to create and improve. We never stop ideating, and we take pride in offering exceptional hospitality with every interaction.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our team—the long-timers who’ve been with us since day one, the new faces who bring fresh energy, and everyone who helps us grow together. A special shoutout to Chef Gabe and Chef Ozzy, whose leadership in the kitchen keeps our operations moving with consistency, passion, and heart. Our community means everything to us, and we want every guest, whether they’re stopping by for a martini after work or celebrating a big life moment, to feel cared for, welcomed, and part of the Casanova family.

At Sunny Side Cafe, that same spirit shines through in a different way. We’ve curated a locals’ favorite, a warm and happy breakfast-and-lunch spot where the energy feels like home. Our regulars are truly the heart of the place; they’ve become family, and their smiles, stories, and daily rituals are what make Sunny Side such a special part of the community.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely. I’m a huge fan of Danny Meyer and Will Guidara—Setting the Table and Unreasonable Hospitality are, to me, the restaurant world’s bibles. Both authors are so transparent about their missteps and lessons learned, and that honesty really resonates. It’s a reminder that mistakes are part of the process; what matters is how you learn from them and strive to be 1% better every day.

I’m also deeply inspired by Clare de Boer, Jess Shadbolt, and Annie Shi, the powerhouse trio behind King in New York. These three women are creating absolute magic in the West Village, and their restaurant made me realize my dream was possible. I’ve had some of my favorite meals and memories there, in a cozy corner table in December, a glass of wine in hand, there’s truly nothing more magical or more New York than that.

Instagram is another incredible source of inspiration. I love discovering what restaurateurs around the world are doing, from design and plating to menus, music, and atmosphere. Watching Chef Cédric Grolet craft pastries is one of my favorite daily rituals; it’s like a mini masterclass in creativity and precision. I’m endlessly inspired by details: the shape of a knife, the art on a wall, the way lighting or music transforms a dining experience. Food is central, of course, but the feeling a restaurant creates is what truly makes it memorable.

I’m also lucky to work with my restaurant consultant, Shane, who has experience in Michelin-star kitchens. He constantly brings new ideas to the table and challenges me to think in fresh, exciting ways—I love that kind of collaboration.

Beyond the restaurant world, I love The Huberman Lab podcast for its focus on mindset and personal growth. Understanding how to take care of yourself mentally and physically is essential to showing up as your best self—for your team, your guests, and your business. I’m also currently reading Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza, which explores how to reshape thought patterns and create lasting change. It’s a great reminder that self-awareness and balance are just as important to leadership as creativity and drive.

And on a personal note – Pilates has become my grounding ritual. It’s the one hour where my mind and body reconnect, where I can reset, refocus, and come back to work centered and re-energized. It’s truly my escape and my anchor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.casanovaristorante.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casanovadanapoint/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-athanasiou/
• Other: @sunnysidesb