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A successful San Ramon business with an off-beat location will take over some prime real estate in downtown Danville this summer.
Incontro Ristorante, now located on San Ramon Valley Boulevard across from a Kentucky Fried Chicken, will move from its mixed use location into the Hartz Avenue building that previously housed New Mexican restaurant La Ultima.
“When we moved to the first location in San Ramon, I always wanted to move to Danville for the downtown,” said Giovanni Bartoletti who, with Luigi Troccoli, owns the Italian restaurant.
“Unfortunately San Ramon doesn’t have a downtown otherwise we would stay there. A restaurant like mine needs foot traffic, a bar… a downtown.”
Bartoletti said the plans to close the San Ramon location for about a month while he renovates the building at 455 Hartz Ave., which housed La Ultima for over 30 years. After approximately three months of renovations, Incontro will have a bar, new patio and updated interior.
“We want to go full scale with the restaurant and I want to move my formula to Danville with a little extra — a full bar, lunch, dinner and everything that it comes with,” Bartoletti said.
When Incontro opens in August it will be the third Italian restaurant on Hartz Avenue, but local business owners aren’t worried.
“There’s room for everyone,” said Mangia Mi owner Peter Cedolini.
Bartoletti seems to harbor the same sentiment.
“I don’t believe in competition, I believe only in what you do if you do a good job. We’ve been in business for five years in a location which I would not wish on my worst enemy. I believe if you just do a good job, you’ll do ok with a little bit of luck,” he said.
Bartoletti has been in discussion with several of La Ultima’s staff, many of whom worked at the restaurant for over a decade, and plans to take his current staff of chefs and waiters across the town border. More than anything, the Northern Italian owner wants a smooth transition.
“Everybody that knows us knows the idea of a small nice and friendly restaurant and I want to keep it this way,” he said. “I really want to be a part of the community and I think we’ll be a good addition to downtown.”
Incontro opened in summer 2006 and will replace La Ultima after the family-owned restaurant closed its doors in April.
Welcome to Danville!
It sounds very nice but me being a ” Seafood Lover ” I just wish this area had more seafood places……………..
Will somebody PLEASE open a decent Italian restaurant in Blackhawk Plaza?
Actually, ANY decent family style restaurant would be appreciated. All around that area are tons of families with practically no place to go to dinner because all the restaurants are too high end for kids or their food stinks.
Our very favorite Italian restaurant within walking distance…it doesn’t get any better than that!!!
A lovely restaurant. Hope they can retain their current prices.
Another Italian restaurant…..nice and best of luck but when will Danville get a decent burger place—as in the Counter in Walnut Creek or 5 Guys in Pleasanton—-why do we have to drive so far away to get a great burger and no thanks to the bar scene of Pete’s Brass rail—DANVILLE NEEDS A DECENT BURGER PLACE
I have to agree with mj – the fish is great at Basil Leaf and Piatti’s, but we really do need a real seafood-dedicated place. Even so, I loves me carbs so I suppose we will give Incontro a try. We haven’t tried their San Ramon spot.
Look at the bright side – at least we won’t be getting another sushi bar.
First, Incontro moving closer to home, outstanding. They are the best Italian restaurant in the area and Giovanni is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Second, Pete’s has the best burgers in Danville, and for our money, there isn’t any place in the area that comes close…
My burger input….I used to be a Pete’s fan, but “the Tower Grill” is now my favorite, their buns are softer than Pete’s. Often I think Pete’s buns are hard and stale. Also, the Country Waffle is good too!
From Beverly Lane:
While we all bid a sad farewell to La Ultima, having a new restaurant in the historic Hartz House will be very welcome.
Yes, this house was built for and lived in by John and Catarina Hartz who subdivided their ranch land in July of 1891 and began a new downtown for Danville. By 1915 Hartz Avenue was the place to find stores, the telephone exchange and a new bank; the old Front Street downtown began to fade.
Old Town Danville tours by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley docents tell this and other stories. And the Hartz House is always featured on these tours.
For more information contact Patty Dobbin at 838-0127, Betty Casey at 837-4458 or Stan Wharton at 820-9495.
Manga Mia in downtown Danville is fantastic, affordable, Italian food, with great service. Highly recommend it!
Burgers at Vally Medlyn’s are excellent – and don’t forget the classic Foster Freeze!
Go to Norms Place for the best burgers. Delicious in so many ways!
Be thankful you have so many restaurants to choose from!! The City of San Ramon has about 2 decent restaurants to choose from. San Ramon is lacking in the restaurant department.