At first glance, Cafe Vitale has all the hallmarks of a classic Italian restaurant: white tablecloths, olive oil, balsamic vinegar bottles and vibrant street photos hanging on warm-toned walls.

But what sets this place apart is the owner, Ruben Tancredi. He ambles around the different tables, his unmistakable Italian accent and gregarious laugh echoing through the restaurant. “Some pepper for you?” he asks a middle-aged couple before stopping to check on the adjacent table.

Nestled in the quiet Loyola Corners in Los Altos, the family-owned Cafe Vitale serves Italian fare for lunch and dinner. Meals typically start with fresh bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread, as well as the pasta, is made in-house.

The pizza comes in classic types such as the “Margarita” (tomatoes, basil and mozzarella) and “Wowie Maui” (Canadian bacon and pineapple), but customers can request specific ingredients as well. In addition, the restaurant offers gluten-free pizza for a $3 surcharge.

But the real stars are the calzones, which stand out for their chewy, flavorful crust. The turkey, mozzarella, and avocado calzone features creamy avocado and tender turkey, served and oozing with cheese. A calzone-salad lunch combo goes for $10.95. Sandwich-salad combos, which include “Tuscan Chicken” and “Turkey, Apple and Brie,” are available until 2 p.m. and range from $8.95 to $11.95.

As for pasta, the diverse options include capellini pomodoro, homemade tortellini and gnocchi. Many of the specials, such as the “penne al salmone” (featuring a cream tomato sauce, al dente penne pasta and melt-in-your-mouth chunks of salmon) aren’t on the menu every day but can be prepared upon request. If you want to add an extra kick to your meal, ask for a red pepper, which comes submerged in a container of oil.

Melissa Kwan

If you’re hungry for dessert, take a look at the “Dolce” menu, which includes tiramisu, panna cotta and crème brûlée, substantial enough to be shared between 2-4 people. If necessary, you can temper the sweetness with sips of espresso.

In a world full of chain establishments and fast-casual eateries, Cafe Vitale seems to come from an earlier generation. It shows in the diners as well—mostly families and retirees as opposed to young people on the go. Still, it offers a place to slow down and enjoy a freshly made meal.