Homemade Pasta and Red Wine Await at These Authentic Italian Eateries
From the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy is without a doubt the ultimate travel destination of the summer. Every time you open up Instagram, someone’s eating homemade pasta or sipping an Aperol Spritz across the sea. That said, if you aren’t able to fit jet-setting to Italy into your summer schedule, these 10 LA restaurants can cure your craving for authentic Italian cuisine. From classic Neapolitan-style pizzas to handmade pasta that packs a flavorful punch, the LA food scene makes it easy to get a taste of Italy without splurging on a pricey plane ticket. From Venice to DTLA, here’s where to make a reservation ASAP. Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
Felix Trattoria
Felix Trattoria is one of the most iconic and beloved restaurants in Los Angeles. Started by Chef Evan Funke and Janet Zuccarini, Felix Trattoria brings authentic Italian flavors and methods to the Westside of LA. The glass-enclosed kitchen gives guests an up-close look at the artistry behind these famous pastas and pizzas, and there is also a plant-filled patio for those who prefer to dine al fresco. The extensive wine list is something out of a sommelier’s dream, and everything from the focaccia to the lemon linguine will have your mouth watering.
Location: Venice
Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
Burrata House
Cheese lovers everywhere will be thrilled to visit the newly opened Burrata House in West Hollywood. This casual and airy eatery is perfect for lunch or meals on the go, and it specializes in paninis, bowls and cold plates that all feature creamy and decadent burrata cheese. The paninis are a must and are made with toasted ciabatta bread, burrata cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, arugula and your choice of cold cuts. Best of all, if you live within the area, you can have all of these cheesy Italian goodies delivered straight to your door.
Location: West Hollywood
Bestia
Translating to “beast” in English, Bestia is a contemporary and innovative restaurant with an industrial appeal in the middle of the Arts District. If you can manage getting a reservation, snag a bar stool and enjoy dinner while admiring the raw copper bar top, or make yourself at home in unique, floating booths. No matter where you choose to get cozy, dishes like the buttermilk ricotta and Peruvian scallop crudo are sure to put a smile on your face. When it comes to your main course, you can’t go wrong with the delectable saffron gnocchi.
Location: DTLA
Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
La Puglia
Located right off of Wilshire Blvd, La Puglia is a bright and airy restaurant with a European flair that features floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalistic decor and a sleek bar. From breakfast to dinner, La Puglia caters to every craving, and all of the baked goods are made with 100% organic flour. This quaint Italian bistro also serves homemade gelato, transporting customers to southern Italy with a variety of fresh flavors. La Puglia offers a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring $8 wine and $12 to $16 bites.
Location: Santa Monica
Giorgio Baldi
What could be better than elevated Italian cuisine right on the beach? Giorgio Baldi is a celebrity hot spot that has been visited by stars like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Tom Cruise. This exclusive restaurant is tucked away behind a wall of greenery, creating a world of seclusion between guests and the nearby bustle of Pacific Coast Highway. This family-owned business keeps things traditional with menu highlights like beef carpaccio, asparagus and ricotta ravioli and roasted veal. Since Giorgio Baldi is a more upscale joint, it is definitely recommended to make a reservation ahead of time.
Location: Santa Monica
Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
Dan Tana’s
Dan Tana’s opened its doors in Los Angeles more than 50 years ago. To this day, it is still one of the most legendary and star-studded Italian restaurants in the city. Between the red and white checkered tablecloths and the hanging bottles of Chianti across the ceiling, Dan Tana’s sets the scene for an unforgettable meal in the heart of West Hollywood. The menu is extensive, ranging from standard spaghetti and meatballs to luxe lobster tails with butter. Be sure to save room for dessert and indulge in a slice of the famous Lemon Cheesecake Deanne.
Location: West Hollywood
Cento Pasta Bar
Since starting off as a small pasta pop-up, Cento Pasta Bar has expanded to a cozy brick-and-mortar restaurant in the historic neighborhood of West Adams. Guests can either sit at the bar that looks directly onto the open kitchen or out on the romantic, string-light-covered patio. The handmade pasta is truly decadent, and some menu highlights include the spicy Pomodoro, beet spaghetti and the squid ink mafaldine. If you’re looking to pair your pasta with a protein, the grilled orata has a fresh yet slightly smoky flavor.
Location: West Adams
Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
Jon + Vinny’s
This hip LA eatery transports guests to the city of Milan. All of the pasta is made in-house by hand, and the spicy fusilli is worth the splurge. The cacio e pepe rigatoni is a flavorful fan favorite as well. When it comes to pizza, there are more than 15 different pies to choose from. The LA Woman is a must-order, and the creamy Italian crust dip takes it to the next level.
Location: Brentwood, Fairfax and Windsor Hills
Angelini Osteria
Chef Gino Angelini has created a true masterpiece with his Beverly Blvd restaurant, Angelini Osteria. Even Wolfgang Puck is known to frequent this elegant Italian eatery, specifically for the salt-crusted branzino. There are plenty of light and refreshing appetizers to choose from, such as swordfish carpaccio, grilled calamari and braised baby artichokes. For the main course, the taglione limone is an absolute must-order, and you can even grab a jar of this zesty lemon sauce to go to enjoy these fresh flavors at home.
Location: La Brea
9/8
Best Italian Restaurants Los Angeles
Osteria Mozza
Nancy Silverton’s Osteria Mozza is located right off of Melrose Ave, and its elegant yet slightly rustic appeal creates a romantic atmosphere for those seeking to find amore over some of the freshest mozzarella around. In fact, one of the most iconic things about Osteria Mozza is the white carrara marble mozzarella bar, where guests are able to enjoy various dishes made with the creamiest of burrata, ricotta and imported mozzarella. Some other favorites include the ricotta and egg raviolo, Nancy’s Caesar salad and grilled beef tagliata.
Location: Hollywood
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
