The Nizetich's Story

Nizetich's  Restaurant started, one could say, back in the 1920's and continued uninterrupted throughout the decades in the various residences of the Nizetich family. 

Born and raised in San Pedro California, Anthony Nizetich learned about hospitality from his parents Tom (aka Baldo) and Zorka, both immigrants from the Dalmatian Islands in the Adriatic Sea. They taught him the importance of sharing one's table with friends, family and even strangers. Zorka would often host impromptu events at her home where family, local fisherman, business associates, community leaders and friends would gather to enjoy her home cooked dishes and Baldo's famous grilled fish and meats. Anthony carried this philosophy throughout his career as an attorney for a large seafood company and later as an international maritime consultant. He traveled the world making mental notes of different restaurants, menus, and service techniques. He and his wife Josephine raised their four children with a love for cooking and entertaining. 

The idea for having a restaurant of his own was always in the back of Anthony's mind. So when daughter Josetta graduated from culinary school, the pieces fell into place. Anthony secured a location in a redeveloping area of the Los Angeles harbor right on the waterfront. Josephine, a talented interior designer, along with her assistant, daughter Lucille, created a beautiful and elegant two story modern Mediterranean villa complete with piano lounge, outdoor patio, and upstairs banquet room. Chef Josetta studied family recipes and with her mother, updated traditional favorites and created new and interesting dishes for the delicious continental menu. Daughter Lucille managed the banquet department and put her decorating and event planning skills to use coordinating memorable special events. Daughter Antoinette, on leave from a major international airline, instilled the family's service attitude to the front-line staff, ensuring every guest was attended to and treated like family. Son Tom worked with the builders throughout the construction phase, and once the restaurant was open, made sure that things ran smoothly and that his sisters and the rest of the staff carried out the family's commitment to warm hospitality.

Nizetich's soon became a favorite destination for locals, visitors, and residents from all over Southern California. Exquisite food, beautiful ambience, and attentive service combined to make it THE place to be. Thousands of satisfied customers enjoyed lunches, brunches, dinners and special event banquets all while overlooking the glittering lights of the busting harbor. 

Closed in 1993 after a very successful 10 years, the restaurant is fondly remembered by friends, former customers and staff. This site was created for everyone who wishes to revisit this very important, and beloved piece of hospitality history. 

And remember, "To share's one's table is to share one's wealth".

Thank you for visiting!