Old Trieste has been a San Diego destination for upscale Italian fare since it first opened its doors 56 years ago, but the Bay Park fine dining establishment will soon serve its last meals, as the property it occupies is being transferred to San Diego-based hospitality company, Verant Group.
Founded in May 1963 by Ramiro 'Tommy' Tomicich and named in honor or his birthplace of Trieste, Italy, Old Trieste was known for its delicious Italian fare and once-strict dress code. Since Ramiro's passing in 1998, the restaurant has been operated by Tommy's son Larry and his family. Most of the current employees have worked at the restaurant for 45 years or longer.
"And the door closes on one of San Diego’s most iconic establishments after 56 years - Old Trieste - marking the end of an era," wrote San Diego native and longtime patron, Carlos Walther-Meade, who has been dining at Old Trieste on special occasions for most of his life. "On a personal level, I vividly recall my mother recounting how my father took her on one of their first dinner dates to this venue, characterized by its old school details - tuxedo-clad waiters, white table cloths, perfect martinis and yes, a venue which required jackets to dine - a sign loudly proclaiming said requirement. I know, too, that our community will miss it dearly."
