Bomb Blast on Sidewalk Damages Italian Restaurant

A bomb exploded on a Ventura Boulevard sidewalk early Monday, damaging an Italian restaurant across the street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A police bomb squad was called to Il Tiramisu, 13705 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, about 3:15 a.m. after the bomb destroyed one of the restaurant’s ceiling-high glass doors, police said. No one was injured in the restaurant, which is closed on Mondays.

An aquarium store, dry cleaner, shoe repair business and barbershop across the street did not report any damage.

Police refused to identify the exact location of the bomb, except to say that it was across from Il Tiramisu.

Police are investigating why the restaurant was damaged since the explosion occurred across Ventura Boulevard, a wide four-lane street. Detectives declined to give details about the type of bomb, and whether a motive and suspect had been determined.

Ivo Kastelan and his son Peter bought the restaurant in July. One of the owners told officers that the restaurant had not received any threats.

“Nobody has claimed responsibility or anything yet,” said Officer Jason Lee, a police spokesman. “Hopefully, we’ll come up with suspects, but it takes time.”