San Pedro’s long-awaited Italian Piazza Miramare — the state’s first Italian piazza, according to local officials — was celebrated on its opening on Saturday Jan, 18, when a ribbon cutting and other festivities were held.
The European-style public gathering space, 629 S. Harbor Blvd., will offer the public a place to enjoy some coffee, connect with each other, and spend time outdoors near both downtown and the L.A. Waterfront.
Mario Amalfitano, president of the Little Italy Foundation of Los Angeles Association, speaks during opening ceremonies of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Officials and members of the public come together for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Tim McOsker reacts to former council member Joe Buscaino speaking during the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Tim McOsker is joined by Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini, Marissa Antonini, Joe Buscaino, Mario Amalfitano and other officials for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the official opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Former council member Jos Buscaino, local officials and members of the public come together for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Tim McOsker is joined by Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini, Marissa Antonini, Joe Buscaino, Mario Amalfitano and other officials for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the official opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Officials and members of the public come together for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
John DeGirolamo and his family come together for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The Amalfitano Family sits together for the official program before the ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Tim McOsker officiates the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Officials and members of the public come together for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Tim McOsker is joined by Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini and other officials for a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the official opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Donor Marissa Antonini receives a heart-felt hug after a ribbon-cutting with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association to celebrate the opening of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
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Mario Amalfitano, president of the Little Italy Foundation of Los Angeles Association, speaks during opening ceremonies of Piazza Miramare in San Pedro on Saturday January 17, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
There also will be cultural and entertainment programs under the direction of the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association.
The 10,000 square-foot mini park space, known locally as Peppertree Plaza, is next to the Municipal Building and is within the town’s Little Italy district, which was established under former Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino.
The piazza’s ground breaking was held on Oct. 20, 2022.
A ceremony marking the Little Italy district was held on Oct. 5, 2019.
Serving as the centerpiece of the Little Italy district, the new Piazza Miramare — referring to the view of the sea — is across the street from Los Angeles’ working harbor and was designed by Gensler, an award-winning architectural firm.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker with the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association, Italian Consul General of Los Angeles Rafaella Valentini, and community members.