Angelini Osteria
Celebrating more than 20 years in L.A., Angelini Osteria is best known for its authentic Italian cuisine with a side of honorable hospitality. With staples such as sea urchin linguine and lasagna verde, there’s a reason Angelini Osteria has withstood the test of time.
Antico Nuovo
Antico Nuovo has consistently wowed diners with its seasonal Italian fare featuring high-quality ingredients and exceptional wines. Chef Chad Colby elevates every dish with an artisanal approach, be it duck liver pate, beef cheek and veal tongue ragu bolognese or the Tuscan-grilled pork ribs.
Bestia
Italian for “beast,” Bestia was opened by husband-and-wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis in 2012. The downtown L.A. hot spot specializes in wood-fired cooking, exceptional pastas and a stellar wine program. Menu staples include a classic margherita pizza and cavatelli alla Norcina. Don’t forget to snag something off the dolci menu, especially the crème fraîche panna cotta.
Cento Pasta Bar
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, chef Avner Lavi of West Adams hot spot Cento is known for making elevated, delicious handmade pasta. Menu favorites include the Gem Caesar, sweet corn agnolotti and the can’t-miss spicy pomodoro. For dessert, try the decadent banana pudding tiramisu.
La Dolce Vita
One flashy Italian player holds court in 90210. La Dolce Vita had a past life with Frank Sinatra as an investor and several ex-presidents as diners. With its reopening in early 2023, it returned in full force thanks to hospitality group Call Mom. With a posh twist on a classic red-sauce establishment, La Dolce Vita delights taste buds with branzino piccata, spaghetti and meatballs, lemon-parmesan bucatini and more.
Donna’s
Donna’s presents East Coast Italian dining right in Echo Park. Cooking up dishes with an L.A. sensibility, you’ll find plenty of California ingredients stuffed in this flavorsome menu. Just consider the must-order garlic bread, parmesan-loaded Tonnato Caesar and possibly one of the best chicken parmesans in the city. Moreover, this neighborhood gem effuses an Italian spirit down to the friendly staff and laid-back vibes.
Felix Trattoria
Felix—chef Evan Funke’s ode to pasta—offers a traditional Italian menu infused with fresh California-grown ingredients. With beloved starters such as the Polpette Della Maestra Alessandra (prosciutto di Parma, mortadella di Bologna and salsa verde) and olive oil-doused focaccia, plus renowned pasta and pizzas, Felix has been one of the hardest restaurants to book for years, for good reason.
Funke
After opening Felix and Mother Wolf, chef Evan Funke’s culinary track record continues with the three-story Funke in the heart of Beverly Hills. Indulge in time-honored recipes and handcrafted pasta before heading to the rooftop Bar Funke for sleek cocktails in this opulent Southern Californian-meets-Italian setting.
Giorgio Baldi
Santa Monica harbors a white-tablecloth darling whose name needs no introduction: Giorgio Baldi. Ravioli filled with sweet corn in white truffle sauce, pan-fried veal chops and porcini mushroom risotto rank among the specialties. With its ivy-covered patio and top-notch service, Giorgio Baldi provides the epitome of Italian fine dining.
Osteria Mozza
This upscale Melrose institution masterfully balances an energetic atmosphere with satisfying, full-bodied cuisine by L.A. restaurateur giant, chef Nancy Silverton. Grab a seat at the bustling mozzarella bar to sample imported cheeses before diving into the legendary ricotta and egg raviolo. Finish your meal with a sinfully delicious slice of rosemary olive oil cake to seal the deal on this Michelin-starred institution.
