Meet Filippo Cortivo of Osteria Mamma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Filippo Cortivo.

Hi Filippo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Filippo Cortivo’s American dream began at the end of 2000, when he arrived in **Los Angeles** for what was supposed to be a short vacation. That “short” visit turned into a lifelong adventure—one that’s still unfolding today.

Eager to immerse himself in the city, Filippo took jobs at various restaurants. Those early years were a hands-on education: learning the rhythms of Los Angeles, mastering English in real conversations, and absorbing the vibrant mix of cultures that define the city. He fell in love with the energy, the people, and the endless possibilities.

In 2004, he took a bold step and opened his first restaurant, **Osteria La Buca**, not far from where his journey would later lead. It was a celebration of authentic Italian cooking—grass-roots, heartfelt, and rooted in tradition—blended with the fresh ingredients Southern California offers.

About a year into running the business, Filippo had an inspired idea: bring his mother, an exceptional cook from Italy, to Los Angeles to teach the staff some of their family’s traditional recipes. What happened next became family legend. Mamma arrived full of passion and high standards. When she passionately (and loudly!) corrected the kitchen staff for a lack of “attention” to detail, the entire team quit on the spot.

Filippo turned to her in a panic: “What are we going to do, Mom?”

Without missing a beat, she replied calmly, “Put the apron on.”

And just like that, the kitchen became a true family operation. Mamma took charge, Filippo rolled up his sleeves, and together they poured their hearts into the restaurant. The food improved dramatically, the atmosphere warmed, and the business flourished. They expanded, built a loyal following, and created unforgettable meals that felt like home.

Over time, more of Filippo’s family members made the move to Los Angeles, drawn by the success and the shared dream. The growing family dynamic made it clear they wanted full control—to run things their way, without outside investors or partners. They made the difficult but liberating decision to sell Osteria La Buca.

In March 2010, with Mamma Loredana leading the way and the family by her side, they opened **Osteria Mamma** on Melrose Avenue in Hancock Park/Larchmont. This new chapter was purely family-owned and operated, dedicated to the authentic flavors of the Veneto region—handmade pasta, classic dishes, and the warmth of home cooking.

Today, the restaurant continues to thrive under the leadership of brother and sister **Filippo** and **Cristina Cortivo**, who carry forward the legacy with the same passion, dedication, and family spirit that started it all.

More than 16 years later (now well into its second decade), Osteria Mamma remains a beloved Los Angeles staple. It’s a place where traditions are honored, recipes are passed down, and every meal tells a story of love, resilience, and second chances.

From a vacation that never ended to a restaurant empire built on Mamma’s apron and unbreakable family spirit, Filippo’s journey—now shared shoulder-to-shoulder with his sister Cristina—is proof that sometimes the best plans are the ones that change everything.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, plenty of mistakes happened along the way, but nothing was ever too big to make us fail. The pandemic was our biggest challenge, but thanks to our regular customers—who we truly think of as family—we made it through

As you know, we’re big fans of Osteria Mamma. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Osteria Mamma is a heartfelt, family-owned Italian restaurant located at 5732 Melrose Avenue in the Hancock Park/Larchmont area of Los Angeles. We’ve been proudly serving authentic cuisine from the Veneto region since March 2010—now over 15 years strong and counting.

What we do is simple yet deeply meaningful: we bring the true taste of Italy—specifically the flavors and traditions of Veneto—to Los Angeles through handmade pastas, classic dishes, fresh seasonal specials, wood-fired pizzas, and an thoughtfully curated wine list. Our menu highlights family recipes passed down through generations, featuring standouts like handmade pastas (think pappardelle al fumo with braised short ribs and porcini, bigoli neri alla bottarga, reginette della Mamma with guanciale and radicchio, gemelli alla vodka, and squid ink pasta), fresh seafood preparations (such as tonnarelli allo scoglio or branzino), hearty mains like saltimbocca or bisteccona, and comforting desserts including panna cotta. We emphasize high-quality, traditional ingredients—double-zero flour for pasta, organic produce where possible, and imports straight from Italy—while keeping things approachable, warm, and unpretentious.

What sets us apart is our unbreakable family spirit and authenticity. This isn’t a corporate chain or a trendy fusion spot—it’s a true osteria run by family, for family (including our loyal guests who feel like extended family). My sister Cristina and I now lead the day-to-day operations, carrying forward the legacy started by our late mother, Loredana “Mamma” Cecchinato, whose passion, high standards, and incredible cooking defined everything. The walls are lined with old family photos from Padua, Italy, the music is classic Italian, and the vibe is cozy and welcoming—like stepping into a home-cooked meal in Veneto. As a certified sommelier, I personally oversee our wine program, which pairs beautifully with the food and often features private-label or exclusive selections from small Italian producers (like our recent Cristina rosé from Emilia-Romagna).

We’re most proud of remaining a genuine neighborhood staple through thick and thin. We’ve weathered challenges like the pandemic thanks to our incredible regular customers—who we truly see as family—and came out stronger. Highlights include earning a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2014 for our wine list, releasing Mamma’s cookbook to preserve her recipes and memories (available on our site, with special pairings like free copies during tasting menus), and hosting events like wine tastings and seasonal specials that keep the tradition alive. Reviews consistently praise our handmade pastas, warm service, and the feeling of being transported to Italy without leaving LA.

To our readers: Come for the food, stay for the family. Osteria Mamma is about connection—through a plate of pasta, a glass of Veneto wine, or just good conversation. We’re not chasing trends; we’re honoring heritage, resilience, and the simple joy of a hearty, home-cooked Italian meal. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime regular, we want you to feel at home here. Reservations are open via OpenTable, and you can order takeout or check our menu online at osteriamamma.com. We’d love to welcome you—ciao! 🍝🍷

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Every single person I’ve met along the way has taught me something valuable—whether it was a small lesson in the kitchen, a word of encouragement during tough times, or simply showing up as a loyal regular. After more than two decades in this business, I’m still learning every day, and that’s one of the greatest gifts of running Osteria Mamma.

Of course, the biggest credit goes to my family, who turned this from a dream into reality. My late mother, **Loredana “Mamma” Cecchinato**, was the heart and soul—she brought her incredible talent, unbreakable standards, and pure passion for cooking from Padua, Italy, to Los Angeles. Without her recipes, her guidance, and that famous moment when she told me to “put the apron on,” none of this would exist. Her legacy lives on in every dish we serve.

My sister Cristina family ties run deep!) It has been a second mother and today my partner in leading the restaurant day-to-day. She’s been instrumental in keeping everything running smoothly, upholding traditions, and bringing her own energy and care to the team and guests.

Our father still hand-makes fresh pasta for us regularly, nieces and nephews help out with everything from busing tables to waiting on guests, and other family members have stepped in over the years—it’s truly a multi-generational effort that keeps the spirit authentic and warm.

Beyond family, our incredible staff deserves huge recognition. Many of our kitchen team started under Mamma’s direct tutelage years ago—they learned her exact ways of doing things, and they carry that respect and precision forward. Servers like Luigi (who guests rave about for his jovial, professional touch and perfect recommendations) and others make every visit feel personal and welcoming. Our native Italian staff often connect with guests over shared culture, adding that extra layer of authenticity.

Our loyal regular customers—whom we genuinely think of as extended family—have been our biggest cheerleaders and supporters. During the pandemic and every challenge since, they showed up, ordered takeout, dined in when they could, and kept believing in us. Their support literally helped us survive and thrive.

Early on, colleagues, managers, and other restaurant owners in LA taught me the ropes of the industry, the city, and how to build something lasting. Even the investors/partners from our first restaurant played a role in getting us started, even if we eventually chose to go fully family-owned.

I’m most grateful for the community we’ve built—everyone from the first restaurant job I had back in 2000 to the guests who celebrate birthdays and family milestones here. Success isn’t solo; it’s shared. Every smile, every piece of feedback, every returned visit has shaped Osteria Mamma into what it is today. Thank you to all of you—whoever you are, you’ve been part of this story. ❤️🍝

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.osteriamamma.com
• Instagram: @osteriamamma
• Twitter: osteriamamma

Image Credits
Filippo Cortivo, Rocco Ceselin