Our Story

Welcome to Il Vecchio, where Italy's timeless traditions meet California's vibrant spirit. Our story is one of passion and innovation, built on a foundation of family and quality cooking. Our commitment lies in blending tradition with creativity, both in our kitchen and within our community.

Interior of a rustic space with a teal pendant lamp, wooden wall, and wood planks stacked on the wall, with sunlight casting shadows.
Close-up of freshly made pasta noodles on a floured surface.
Exterior of an Italian restaurant at night with a sign reading 'il vecchio traditional Italian cooking' and a person walking by.
Wooden table and chairs in a cozy restaurant with warm lighting, wine bottles on a small shelf, a pink orchid flower, and a person in a red jacket partially visible.

the beginnings

Il Vecchio was originally founded by Carl Alasko, a previous author and psychologist with a deep passion for traditional italian cooking and its place in Monterey, California. Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias from his ten years living in Rome, Carl found the perfect space to realize his vision. With the help from his daughter, Ariele, they crafted what would become the restaurant's iconic rustic interior, using recycled wood collected from historic buildings, churches, and barns from across the US to craft the beautiful tables and decorative installations throughout the restaurant. And with it, the beginnings of a traditional Italian menu with fresh pastas and expertly crafted cuisine.

The Alasko family along with Il Vecchio’s founding chef, Stefen Shatto, would set off to create an authentic Italian dining experience on a nightly basis, from the food to the atmosphere, establishing itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in Monterey County.

Three people sitting together in a cozy restaurant with a stone fireplace background. The woman on the left has long blonde hair, wearing a black cardigan over a peach-colored top, smiling. The man in the middle has short gray hair, glasses, wearing a light blue shirt and beige pants, smiling. The man on the right has short dark hair, wearing a white chef's coat with the name "Stefan Shatto" and "Executive Chef" on it, and a watch, smiling.

A fresh recipe for success

After more than a decade of success, Il Vecchio had become an established staple for Italian food in Monterey Bay. And with time, would see new ownership. Excitingly, the restaurant would be taken up by a familiar face. The original head chef, Stefen Shatto, returned to the restaurant along with his mother, Kelly, to acquire Il Vecchio in June 2024 and with them, a fresh recipe for continued success.

Their acquisition of Il Vecchio was not just a business endeavor but a heartfelt continuation of the restaurant's legacy. With their expertise, creativity, and dedication, Kelly and Stefen continue to write a new chapter in Il Vecchio's story, offering unforgettable dining experiences that captivate the senses & create cherished memories for years to come.

Meet the Team

Get to know the talented individuals who bring our story to life and make every visit a memorable one. The story of a family duo and their shared passion for exceptional service is what makes Il Vecchio continue to stand out as a Monterey staple for quality Italian cooking & dining.

Young male chef in white uniform sitting in a modern lounge area with warm lighting.

  • Owner | Executive Chef

    Chef Stefen’s culinary journey began on a farm in Iowa, where he developed a deep appreciation for sustainability and hard work. After honing his skills at Iowa Western Culinary School and working in acclaimed restaurants, he traveled to Rome to apprentice under renowned chefs, discovering the true essence of Italian cuisine. As Executive Chef at Il Vecchio, Stefen is instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s ambiance and dining experience. His ventures in hotel hospitality and boutique catering have further enriched his culinary expertise.

    Stefen has always been drawn to California's beautiful quality of agriculture, but more importantly the culture. When he pushes open the kitchen doors, he wants to see a dining room full of diverse customers who, looking at their plates, feel seen, celebrated, and recognized. Connecting with the whole community is an important role. And as head chef at Il Vecchio, while known for its traditional Italian cooking, Stefen is dedicated to reinspire & elevate flares of California fusion while pairing dishes with only local ingredients.

A smiling woman with blonde, wavy hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark purple blazer and jewelry, standing outdoors with blurred green foliage in the background.

  • Owner | General Manager

    Kelly Shatto is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of business ownership, bringing resilience and strong leadership skills to the table. In the past, she’s owned an art gallery, taught glass blowing classes, is a real estate broker, & more recently owns a property management company for vacation rentals in Carmel / Pebble Beach area. Her remarkable track record while raising eight children is a testament to her ability to navigate complex workflows & find inspiring solutions. With an unwavering passion for success, Kelly is driven to create immersive dining experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests.