California restaurant’s heartbreaking closure after 31-year-run

That’s not amore.

A treasured California Italian restaurant has closed after decades of business.

Uricchio’s Trattoria in Bakersfield announced on Monday that they’ve served their last meal after 31 years in business downtown.

The restaurant was a popular spot for Kern County power lunchers — and well-loved not only for staples like chicken piccata, but also for the life it brought to the often sleepy downtown area.

“Dear friends, we have decided to close. This decision did not come easily. In June of 2025 we celebrated 30 years in business. This past year, however, found us facing some hurdles we could not overcome,” the restaurant announced on Instagram.

“We are sad, but ever so grateful to all of you who supported us through the years. You brought the magic and have enriched our lives in so very many ways,” the statement read.

The restaurant initially had announced they would be taking a “summer break” in July — but opted to stay shuttered.

Fans expressed their sadness about the closure in the comments.

“To make it 30 years as an independent restaurant is nothing short of incredible. Thank you for an amazing run,” one fan wrote.

“You have been our favorite Italian restaurant for years and our family has celebrated many special occasions at your tables. So sad to hear this… you will be missed,” another assured.

“So many great memories here; from celebrations to just random dinners during the week. Thank you for all the warmth and great food over the years,” said a third.

Uricchio’s first opened at the northwest corner of 17th and K streets in Bakersfield 1995.

The eatery was founded by Nick Uricchio, who was the longtime food and beverage manager at the Beverly Hilton Hotel — going on to run the kitchen at the Friars Club of Beverly Hills in 1985 before making the move over the mountains.

Urrichio died in 2014 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease and respiratory problems. Following his death, Uricchio’s daughter Claire Porter took over the restaurant.

Porter told Bakersfield.com that the closure was the result of several pressures that compounded following the COVID-19 pandemic — including the loss of a longtime chef.

“I looked forward to being home more than I looked forward to being at work,” Porter confessed to the outlet. “I feel like we had our moment in the sun and it was time.”

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