By Chris Murphy
Photo: MJ Mangano
This is a very special feature. When I started ModestoView Magazine back in 2006, I felt it was important to feature a centerpiece of Modesto’s restaurant scene that had made a big difference in downtown. Galletto Ristorante was our first FoodView and now 25 years later, Galletto continues to innovate and evolve and a new generation of the Gallo family has taken the helm.
For many, this is the most elegant dining in the region. Built from an historic bank, the dining room at Galletto is stunning with an exhibition kitchen and iconic copper hood where the “G” crest overlooks the space. I do a lot of business entertaining and Galletto is one of the first dining invitations we make. Recently, we hosted new Modesto Roadsters owner Dave Heller and his wife June for dinner.
Our family were regulars since the day it opened back in 2001 by Tom and Karen Gallo. Many family celebrations have been at Galletto and we even dined next to Tony Bennett as he enjoyed dinner with Bob and Marie Gallo when the Gallo Center opened in 2007. Needless to say, many others in our community have had special events there, but at the core, it’s the food, recipes, consistency, the cocktails, wine list and ambience that deliver.
Today, Galletto is not resting on history, but has been put in to high gear by the 4th Gallo generation’s Julian and Taylor Gallo. Julian and Taylor met teaching school in rural Mississippi with the Teach America program. Returning to Modesto in the middle of the pandemic, Taylor stepped in at Galletto as the world reopened. Soon after, they hired Cal Romo as the General Manager and things really clicked.
Taylor and Julian are confessed “foodies” and they really care about every aspect, from customer service, menu items, balancing the need for the long-time favorites with new and fresh tastes and the results show. Hospitality is a key element and Cal is a welcome and regular presence. Cal has the pulse of the dining, and makes everyone feel special and feel a regular. Many times, we see Cal working each table, the front desk and watching the preparation and plating by Chef Roger Ruiz and his team.
The most important of all is the food. Some of the menu items have been featured since the opening, like the Galletto Caesar salad, Fritto Misto calamari and shrimp, lasagna and the beloved meatballs. Meals start with fresh focaccia bread and lead into a difficult set of choices. It was so hard to choose, but Julian and Taylor suggested the salad, which we love with the anchovies, and a Pesto Chicken Artichoke oven-cooked pizza. The Margherita pizza is a classic classic. The crust is house made and with the perfect Napoli finish.
Galletto pastas are house-made and fresh. The shrimp scampi should not be missed. The sauteed prawns are perfectly butter cooked and the thick spaghetti prepped in sage, olive oil and more. If you love a good red sauce, the pappardelle bolognese is a hall of fame. The other seafood items like the lemon caper beurre blanc salmon is wonderful over a vegetable bed of peppers, squash and brussels sprouts. Your search for a great steak ends here with the grilled Rib Eye with a mushroom butter demi glace, with broccolini and mashed potatoes.
Linger. After these entrees, take some time to enjoy the evening with a affogato or fresh sorbets, or espresso martini or a tawny Port.
Galletto is a place to enjoy, from the moment you walk in, to the dolci at the finish. Enjoy for a quick dinner date, family celebration or business dinner. After 25 years, it’s better than ever and it’s a good chance you will see Taylor and Julian enjoying Galletto along with you.
Galletto Ristorante 1101 J Street. Modesto
Monday – Saturday 4:30 – 9 pm
www.galletto.biz 209-523-4500
P.S. For the morning risers, don’t miss Café Flora on the patio opening early mornings. This fun partnership with Hannah Souza is a great way to enjoy Galletto early in the morning in the setting of the covered patio. It’s the most European coffee experience in town.
