About Us

Our Story

Donato’s Restaurant was founded in 1999 by three brothers—Pablo, Oswaldo, and Luis Calle—who built their experience working in Italian restaurants throughout New York. In their early years here, the brothers learned the craft of traditional Italian cooking, hospitality, and the importance of creating a place where guests feel welcomed and taken care of. With years of hard work and dedication, they opened Donato’s on the corner of 39th Avenue and 51st Street, creating a neighborhood restaurant known for classic Italian dishes, handmade pizza, and a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. The restaurant is named in honor of their father, Donato.

From the very beginning, Donato’s has always been a true family business. Over the years, many members of the Donato family have worked in the restaurant in different roles—some for many years and others helping whenever needed—making it a real family effort. Pablo, the eldest brother, became the heart and face of the restaurant, known for greeting guests with humor, kindness, and genuine care. In 2021, Pablo passed away, but his spirit and dedication to hospitality remain part of Donato’s every day. Today, the restaurant continues under the leadership of Oswaldo and Luis, with the next generation of the family—including Luis’s son Mike—also being part of the restaurant and helping carry on the legacy they built together.