Some months ago, three Italian guys met with a leasing agent.
Giorgio Buzzanga, Marco Palazzo and Cristiano Leoni had no prior restaurant experience, but they were intrigued by the trendy quirks of Costa Mesa’s Westside.
Buzzanga had been riding his Vespa — because that’s what Italians do, right? — by the eclectic Midway Market at 1661 Superior Ave. when he noticed a vacancy sign at Suite D. The corner spot had been occupied by Waffleholic but was ready to receive new life.
So Buzzanga gathered his two friends and they met the people in charge. When they were done, they had the seeds of a restaurant that achieves both an industrial and homey feel. It’s called Trenta, the Italian word for the number 30.
Marco Palazzo, Cristiano Leoni and Giorgio Buzzanga, at their new restaurant, Trenta Pizza and Cucina, in Westside Costa Mesa.
Photo: Bradley Zint
Italian touches abound at Trenta Pizza and Cucina, from old black-and-white photos of the home country to a bucket filled with bread that’s hanging from a rope (which is how some Italians fetch groceries from a street vendor without ever leaving their homes).
After a lot of hard work gutting the space to make it their own, Trenta opened in early February. Since then, the little suite has garnered a stellar reputation among customers and a five-star Yelp rating. People rave about the pastas, pizzas and general atmosphere.
Not bad for a trio of guys with no prior culinary training — except for, you know, being Italian.
Fresh Italian Food, In A Cozy + Modern Ambiance, at Trenta Pizza and Cucina in Westside Costa Mesa.
Photo: Bradley Zint
“Zero experience,” says Palazzo, who jokes that his name is “Marco Polo” because it’s easier to remember. “But we love it. It’s not rocket science. Everything you can learn. We learn something every day. Our concept is to make people happy.”
To be fair, though, they are aided by a top-notch kitchen staff and an Italian grandma.
“Our culinary school is a grandma,” Buzzanga says.
However, the guys say Trenta is as much about the vibe as the food, whether that’s dancing on chairs, singing or being hugged by Palazzo.
“I don’t know,” Palazzo says of their initial success. “We are probably doing something great. But what I know is I hug people.”
Photos: Bradley Zint
Buzzanga and Palazzo are from Sicily. They went to high school together and reconnected later in the United States.
Leoni is from Verona on the other end of Italy, outside Venice. He and Buzzanga met while working for travel companies in New York. Buzzanga then introduced him to Palazzo.
“One to the north, two to the south,” Leoni jokes of their widespread Italian roots. “Just to make sure we cover the country.”
Palazzo, a former Italian water polo national team player who also coached the U.S. team in the 2012 London Olympics, came to the U.S. to coach water polo. He still coaches in the area.
“Our Concept is to Make People Happy,” at Trenta Pizza and Cucina in Westside Costa Mesa.
Photo: Bradley Zint
These guys truly “heart” Costa Mesa. Hip. Free. Unfussy. Changing traditions. Those are some of the words they use to describe it.
“We understand that this area, there is a lot of potential,” Buzzanga says. “There is a new generation coming, with something to say, something to express.”
“We feel so blessed that we have success in this little place,” Palazzao adds. “Costa Mesa is a melting pot, just like us.” ♥
__________________________
Find out more about Trenta Pizza and Cucina – and view the menu, online – at trentapizza.com. You can follow Trenta on Instagram at @trentapizzacucina
