Ciao, Bella! LA’s Top Italian Restaurants . by Tina Courtney
Between the heavenly soft textures, vibrant and fresh flavors, and delicious culture, Italian food ranks as the favorite of millions of diners. The city of angels holds a special fondness for this comfort fare, and it seems every block holds an Italian hideaway. If you’re in the mood for some crazy good pasta, bold red wine, and fresh caught fish, these are your best bets throughout all of Los Angeles.
Il Sole 8741 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA 90069 310-657-1882 Hours: (Mon-Fr) 12:00pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm (Sat) 6pm-11pm (Sun) 5:30pm-10pm. One of the most famous Italian restaurants in all of Los Angeles, Il Sole sits in a thriving stretch of the infamous Sunset Strip. Inside, however, patrons are transported to a Tuscany-style getaway. The interior is cozy, with a bustling outdoor patio and several more intimate sections. The food is exquisite, from meat options (they’re specialties), to fish of the day specials and, of course, pasta to die for.
Angelini Osterini 7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-297-0070 Hours: (Tue-Fr) 12pm-2.30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm (Sat-Sun) 5:30pm-10:30pm The space is small and crowded, and there’s always a dull roar, but Angelini is still the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine. The whole cooked branzino, carved tableside, is a house specialty, and the burrata is impeccably fresh. They also feature an extensive wine list, and an ultra-special lamb stew on Sundays. The space may be minimalist, but the food simplistic artistry keeps the place packed night after night.
La Dolce Vita 9785 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-278-1845 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5pm-2am Waltzing into La Dolce Vita is like entering a classic Hollywood time warp. Heralded as a top Italian destination for over 40 years, this haven boasts fresh food, awesome wine, and cocktails that alone are worth the trip. The fare is Northern Italian, and the interior is lavished with deep and lush red leather banquettes. It’s a little bit romance and a whole lot of sophistication. Oh, and you simply must try the zabaglione – so incredibly delicious, it’s the restaurant’s most famous dish.
Vivoli Café and Trattoria 7994 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-656-5050 Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11.30am-10pm (Fri-Sat) 11:30pm-10pm Vivoli Café and Trattoria is a best-kept secret hiding in a strip mall on the Sunset Strip. Small and sparkling, this homey café is a vibrant neighborhood stop for delicious pastas and ultra-friendly service. The attention to detail is impressive and comforting, the environment uniquely warm and relaxing, and the food is fresh and reliable. Vivoli excels at heavenly sauces, homemade delicacies, and awesome desserts like blueberry tarts. Prices are more than reasonable, and you feel like you’re in the know just having discovered such an unpretentious haven.
Valentino 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-829-4313 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 5pm-10pm (Fri-Sat) 5pm-10:30pm For over three decades, Valentino has not only been a premiere Italian destination for foodies in Los Angeles, but across the nation too. It’s the home of beautiful people, luxurious surroundings, and ridiculously delicious fare. Owner Piero Selvaggio has also built one of the best wine cellars in the entire city as well, and you can trust the sommelier will suggest the perfect pairing for any price range. Try the steaks, sweetbreads, or the famous Sicilian eggplant and pepper caponata, and you too will discover why Valentino is at the top of the Italian heap.
La Buca 520 1/2 Melrose Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90038 323-462-1900 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm (Sat) 5:30pm – 11pm (Sun) 5pm – 10pm Another one of LA’s best kept secrets, La Buca is an undiscovered and heavenly Italian dinner destination. The interior is dotted with lots of Italian movie posters and welcoming décor, and the staff treats everyone like family. Mama is the one in the kitchen, after all, and she overseas every delicious offering. The gnocchi is a standout, served in a simple butter and sage sauce, and the thin crust pizzas are unique and addictive. The pastas are all made from scratch, so by all means, indulge. La Buca is a fabulous date spot or a place to grab a quiet, memorable dinner.
Il Forno 2901 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 109, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-450-1241 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11.30am-3pm, 5pm-10pm (Fri) 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm-10:30pm (Sat) 5pm – 10:30pm (Sun) 5pm-10pm Hidden behind a Starbucks in an unassuming Santa Monica strip mall, Il Forno exemplifies the typical Italian neighborhood eatery. It oozes class and simple sophistication, and the service is always impeccable and friendly. The house made bruschetta is outstanding all by it’s lonesome, and the scampi is unbelievably divine. Trust the specials – treats like veal ravioli are so soft and fluffy, you just might have a religious experience. The ambiance is understated and the prices are fair, but the kitchen never skimps on the fantastic food.
Celestino 141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 626-795-4006 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm (Fri) 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm (Sat) 5:30pm-11pm No best of Italian list for Los Angeles would be complete without an homage to the Drago empire. These Sicilian brothers have created some of the most beloved and succulent Italian joints across the city, but Celestino still reigns supreme. The vibe masters casual elegance, and the food isn’t fussy, but it’s just outstanding. The timballo de funghi flourishes in creamy fondue, mushrooms, and heavenly truffles. And the pumpkin tortellini? Mouthwateringly perfect. Desserts are just as perfectly balanced and decadent – especially those divine profiteroles.
Zucca 801 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-614-7800 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm (Fri) 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm (Sat) 5pm-11pm Italian for pumpkin, Zucca’s short tenure in downtown Los Angeles has brought it heaps of accolades and loyal patrons. And for good reason. Pumpkin is certainly the bell of the ball here – try the unbelievably tasty Pizza di Zucca, with pumpkin, goat cheese, and loads of other fabulous and unusual toppings. The bar is a showstopper, and they feature a decent wine list. It’s a simple menu but very well executed, and the staff is consistently efficient and friendly. Zucca is the perfect dinner destination for a theater bound couple – they respect your deadlines but don’t sacrifice the flavors.
La Botte 620 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-576-3072 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm (Sat-Sun) 5pm-10:30pm La Botte may not be the most famous Italian eatery yet, but it’s by far one of LA’s best. Nestled in a hugely attractive sunken dining room dotted with gorgeous wood accents, the cuisine here is Northern inspired and irresistible. Rare and unique appetizers like duck breast carpaccio with gorgonzola and various crudo dishes re absolutely divine, as are all the homemade pastas. Fish and steaks are also cooked to perfection, and this is by far the best service in any Italian joint, from the west side to downtown. The wine list will knock your socks off too – there may not be a better choice for an unusual but stellar Italian meal this side of the Mississippi.
The Top List of Best Italian - Los Angeles, CA