Meet the Chef

Larry and Joe Altadonna

by Ferne Hale

Joe and Larry Altadonna – owners of Joe’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant – were both born in the U.S. At age 2 and 3 respectively they moved to Italy where the family lived for nine years. In 1986, the Altadonnas returned and operated Sal’s Pizza (at the site of current El Torito at Westlake Corner) for 10 years.

The family later operated an Italian restaurant at SouthLake Plaza for seven years. When that closed in 2003, Larry opened “Sal’s” near Shoprite, and his brother opened “Joe’s Pizza” near the current location. Now the brothers have partnered to operate a new, much larger facility with an expanded menu – a true Italian restaurant at which pizza is just part of the attraction.   

When asked how they learned to cook, Joe and Larry exchange knowing smiles. They’ve been working in their family’s restaurants since age 12 —ordering food and cooking for so long that it seems Italian restaurant know-how runs through their veins.

Joe, the entrée chef, and Larry, the pizza chef, seem to have a perfect partnership; the two brothers work long hours but enjoy being in the restaurant business together. In fact, this is a real family affair with two sisters also on staff, and their father, Joe Sr., greeting and seating customers.

Recipe – Pasta Siciliana (pronounced “See-cheel-ee-ah-nah”)

In olive oil, sauté chopped tomatoes, minced garlic and chopped basil.  Add some white wine and mix. Add cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss the ingredients around to coat everything with the sauce. Just before serving, top with freshly grated Romano cheese.

Bonus Recipe – Mostly Homemade Pizza

You can buy fresh dough at “Joe’s” ($2 for medium size and $3 for large), take it home, refrigerate it and make your own pizza at a later date.  When ready to cook, stretch out the cold dough on a floured pan, add your favorite toppings, and bake it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Guests will beg you for the recipe and exclaim, “It’s the best homemade pizza we’ve ever tasted!