Modo Mio owners are Veronique and George Zaoui.
Modo Mio, a restaurant that has served customers in Pacific Palisades since 1985, has closed. One loyal customer called to place an order and found the phone was disconnected.
The eatery, which focused on Northern Italian cuisine was purchased in June 2014 by George and Veronique Zaoui . George was the head chef and Veronique was a pastry chef and head of catering. Initially the restaurant was opened for lunch and dinner and brunch on weekends.
In early June, the French-born couple sent a letter:
| Dear Beloved Friends,
We wanted to inform you of some changes happening at Modo Mio starting this week. After careful consideration and evaluation of our business operations, we have decided to modify our opening hours. As of this week, we will only be open for dinner service. This decision has been made in order to optimize our resources and provide the best dining experience for our customers during the evening hours. |
They let residents know that the restaurant was still open Monday through Sunday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and that there was free corkage Monday through Thursday.
With the closing of Modo Mio this past week, one resident wrote to CTN that “We were supporters of Modo Mio through the years and we have great memories of celebratory and ‘just because’ dinners there. Unless new owners step in and continue the great food and the Modo Mio (My Way) of accommodating special diets and tastes, we will miss making more memories there.”
Reviews from locals were consistently positive, such as “This is not only my favorite restaurant in Pacific Palisades, but one of my favorites in all of LA. The food is always delicious — fresh ingredients, wonderfully prepared. They have an excellent menu, with varied and interesting specials every day (usually consisting of at least a special appetizer, a pasta, a fish and a meat). The service is always efficient and friendly, but never overbearing. It has a small, local atmosphere, but with sophisticated food and service. Consistently outstanding, both for lunch and dinner.”
And, “Quaint Italian restaurant in Pacific Palisades. Great service, great food. I had veal parm special, was perfectly cooked. Several had pounded chicken piccata, also excellent.”
Some residents speculated that the reason that a warning notice was not sent to loyal customers was so the Zaouis would not have to make-good on the thousands of dollars in gift cards that customers likely are still holding.
The restaurant’s Facebook page has been deleted and the website is no longer available.
For the past year, the Palisades Rotary Club has been meeting every other week at Modo Mio for lunch. When the restaurant was no longer available during that time, the Rotary started meeting for dinners. The Rotary was also not notified the restaurant would be closed.
Modo Mio provided a pleasant dining experience.
Truly a delightful restaurant-
A most honest dining experience, and always good food!
Another real loss to the Palisades!!
Our whole family loved Modo Mio and are sad it has closed. Veronique and George are lovely people and were always gracious to customers. We wish nothing but the best for them. We will miss their delicious, fresh and beautifully presented meals. A big loss to the community.