Manuela Fumasi and her husband Francesco Zaccaro at their Vespucci Ristorante Italiano in downtown San Mateo.
The beloved San Mateo restaurant Vespucci will close at the end of the month after 11 years in business.
Owned by Manuela Fumasi and Francesco Zaccaro, who are originally from Southern Italy, the restaurant prided itself on serving authentic food one could find in Italy and staffing the establishment with Italian workers.
“Most of the Italian restaurants offer fusion cuisine, more contemporary and more Americanized,” Fumasi said. “We decided since day one that we wanted to do the same food that we were used to in Italy without changing it. … We wanted to re-create exactly those flavors, to offer something authentic.”
Fumasi said the couple didn’t know anyone when they first moved to San Mateo but since opening over a decade ago, they’ve built a strong community and have been able to celebrate milestones with customers-turned-friends.
“We were there for every milestone — for engagements, then for the wedding rehearsal dinner and then when they had babies,” she said. “We really saw people growing their own families in those 10 years. We were able to create real authentic connections with many of them.”
But between higher operating costs and wanting to spend fewer days working around the clock, Fumasi said they made the difficult decision to close.
“We need time for ourselves because we didn’t do anything else but work for 11 years,” she said.
Fumasi, who is also an artist, has beautified the Vespucci tables with her own artwork and said some will be for sale once the restaurant closes, so customers can keep “a piece of Vespucci.”
The restaurant, located downtown on East Third Avenue, will operate its last day on Dec. 31.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 102
Daily Journal staff
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(3) comments
The first meal we had at Vespucci 10 years ago transported me immediately back to Italy. We were hooked on the authentic Italian flavors and a friendship developed over the years where we were part of the crowd to celebrate every key milestone there. We are also proud owners of several pieces of Manuela’s art, something we cherish greatly. I am heartbroken we are losing this wonderful establishment that made it a destination for San Mateo. We will not be the same, but completely support Manuela and Francesco in their next chapter as they are now family.
Manuela and Francesco will always be a part of our San Mateo life, no matter where they are. Walking into Vespucci is like walking into your family's home...full of friendship, love and delicious meals. You can't buy that kind of hospitality, it's from the heart. Thank you, Manuela and Francesco, for everything!
[sad] I'm going to miss this so much. We first started going over 8 years ago when my granddaughter was born. It's a place I bring my family and friends to. Any time visitors are in town, this is where we come. Manuela and Francesco have been gracious hosts and the food is always delicious. We will miss you greatly but you've earned it. BUONA FORTUNA !! Steve Dito
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