July 2008 celebrates the 20th year of operation for a long family tradition in the restaurant business in La Jolla, California.  The Buonsante family tradition started after Tony Buonsante moved to New York City at the age of 19 from the small town of Mola Di Bari, located off the southeast coast of Italy.  He worked his way up local restaurant ranks, learning the intricacies and knowledge of running a truly fine dining establishment.  During his time in New York City, he became a partner in the very successful restaurant, La Fenice.  In 1988, with the encouragement of friends and restaurant patrons, Tony Buonsante moved his family to La Jolla to open Sante Ristorante, bringing authentic Northern Italian cuisine to this charming, village-like town.

Through the years, Sante Ristorante has garnered several prestigious awards of excellence, including The California Restaurant Association Gold Medallion Award of Excellence for Best Italian Fine Dining, The Gourmet Magazine Readers Favorite Top Restaurant, The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Top San Diego Restaurant from Zagat Surveys, and an award of excellence from the GRVPPO Ristorante Italiani Association.

This large, yet unusually intimate restaurant has several choices of dining areas: two sidewalk terraces, a stunning courtyard, a beautiful formal dining room and a cozy bar, with a fireplace, piano music and a wall of celebrity photographs.  Some of the celebrities that have graced Sante Ristorante include Billy Crystal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gregory Peck, Liza Minelli, and Brooke Sheilds.  Sante Ristorante has also had its fair share of famous athletes, sportscasters, and politicians.

What keeps patrons coming back is the tasty and elaborate menu.  Favorites include Vitello alla Parmigiana (breaded veal, tomato, and fontina cheese), Grigliata Mista (herb breadcrumb crusted grilled shrimp, scallops, salmon), Agnolotti d' Astice (ravioli filled with fresh Maine lobster, sherry, tomato shrimp sauce), Gnocchi al Ragu (eggless ricotta dumplings with creamy meat sauce), or Lasagna alla Bolognese (lasagna with meat, béchamel sauce, and cheese).  Chef Emilio Bertoli is behind the scenes overseeing each entrée that leaves the kitchen, and is pleased to have been with the Buonsante family for approximately 5 years to date.

The restaurant is truly a family affair, with Tony Buonsante running the show, son John Buonsante as General Manager, and Tony's wife Maria heading up the décor and flowers.