Founded by the late Gianfranco Sorrentino, his wife Paula Bolla-Sorrentino, and Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo, the restaurant began as a daring venture in an unassuming townhouse near the Museum of Modern Art. While critics questioned the timing of their launch, the founders drew strength from the city’s resilience. The restaurant, named after Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s literary masterpiece, embraced the philosophy that to preserve tradition, one must occasionally evolve. This was evidenced by its eventual move to the historic Rockefeller Townhouses, where a minimalist redesign by Terry Riley preserved the venue’s intimate, discreet atmosphere.

Over the past two decades, the establishment has become a quiet sanctuary for the city's elite, hosting everyone from Meryl Streep and Paul McCartney to political leaders like the Clintons and the Bidens. Despite this high-profile clientele, the restaurant avoids the fleeting nature of typical celebrity hotspots. Instead, it relies on a long-standing network of Italian artisans—sourcing specific buffalo mozzarella from Caserta and boutique wines from across Italy—to maintain a consistent, authentic experience. As Paula Bolla-Sorrentino reflects, the restaurant’s survival in the fast-paced New York dining scene is rooted in its ability to foster genuine human connection, proving that a focus on quality and community remains the most effective recipe for longevity.