Italian Restaurants

One of Brentwood’s premier Italian restaurants, Osteria Latini offers an expertly executed and eclectic array of Northern Italian cuisine. Head chef and owner Paolo Pasio brings his extensive knowledge from years as a restaurateur to this, his grandest achievement. The bistro-style of the restaurant, with it’s pine walls and dark wood floors, sets an intimate setting perfect for a quiet dinner with the family, or a romantic dinner with that special someone. A wide range of daily specials such as the Suckling Pig, Homemade black and white linguini with Lanostinos, and Osso buco with saffron risotto assures that regular diners … Learn More »

Sor Tino in Brentwood is a casual Italian hotspot that serves variations of traditional Florintine cuisine, in the form of Chef Agostino Sciandri’s signature homemade pastas, risottos, and brick oven pizzas. The ochre-colored dining room features a wood-burning oven turns out thin-crusted pizzas, while entrees from the open kitchen such as sea bass with tomatoes and rosemary-grilled chicken, provide substantial fare for guests looking for a hearty meal. Guests rave about the Gnocchi, Lobster Ravioli, and Parpadelle with Wild Boar Ragu. For a taste of good Norther Italy cuisine in the heart of Brentwood, Sor Tino is a fine option. Learn More »

Chef-owner Sal Marino, has delighted Los Angelenos for the past decade with his contemporary, market-driven approach to traditional Italian cuisine. Centrally located near the intersection of the 10 and 405 freeways, Il Grano draws a steady crowd of well-heeled Westsiders craving pristine crudo, house-made pastas, and unpretentious entrees. He writes a new menu every month, to capitalize on “whatever swims in the ocean and grows on Mother Earth.” Noted sommelier Peter Birmingham keeps pace with inspired wine pairings and pastry chef Corinne Sidelsrud’s desserts share Marino's seasonal approach, minus the swimming ingredients. Learn More »

Ristorante Mamma Gina has been serving authentic Florentine cuisine in Italy since 1956 and in California since 1986. Located in Palm Desert, this restaurant offers a wine bar with an exceptional happy hour menu that runs from opening until closing. The lunch and dinner menu is comprised of soups, salads, appetizers, Paninis, pastas, and entrees. The Brodetto Di Pesce Fresco is a specialty: Cioppino style fish stew with fresh catch of the day, calamari, mussels, clams, scallops, and shrimp in a light saffron and tomato sauce. Another favorite is the Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola: Homemade potato dumplings with a gorgonzola cheese … Learn More »

The Lemon Leaf Café in historic downtown Lancaster offers a fusion of Greek, Italian, and American cuisine. Regarded as a local hidden gem, this quaint restaurant is bright and airy with a European café aesthetic. Menu selections include salads, pastas, pizzas, wraps, and baguettes. In addition to a full coffee bar, the café also offers a wide variety of international beers and wines. Two noteworthy dishes include the Portabello Mushroom Triangoli with sautéed arugula and applewood smoked bacon in a gorgonzola cheese sauce, and the Gamberetti Rucola Pizza with grilled shrimp, arugula, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. … Learn More »

Old world Tuscan dishes are the specialty at Ago Restaurant located on Melrose Avenue and Clinton Street in the heart of West Hollywood. Guests can be reassured that they will dine on great Italian food at a restaurant that is co-owned by the Godfather himself, Robert Di Nero. The Chef and co-owner, Agostino Sciandri, grew up in the lush countryside of Tuscany where he learned to perfect his Northern Italian culinary style. At Ago, guests can experience the full progression of an Italian dinner, starting with an Antipasti of Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese, or the Polipo e Patate, grilled octopus in … Learn More »

Via Alloro is the brainchild of brothers Giacomino and Tanino Drago. The restaurant, named after the street that they grew up on in the town of Galati Mamertino in Sicily’s Messina region, boasts an authentic family oriented atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes from Italy, including soups, salads, pasta, pizza, risotto, as well as appetizers and entrées based on fish, chicken, beef, lamb, and sausage. Maintaining fine dining aspects with a heated patio and formal location, Via Alloro is a great place to host a party or sit down for some authentic Italian cuisine. Learn More »

La Traviata is opulent and ornate, a place where guests can lavishly celebrate the grandest of occasions. The restaurant’s décor pays homage to the style of the nineteenth-century opera house, with crystal chandeliers, sweeping silk drapes, high ceilings, and ornate inlaid wood. The opera theme continues to the entertainment, with live piano nightly, and piano-accompanied vocalists on Fridays and Saturdays. But where homage to the past permeates the ambiance, the menu is refreshingly modern, an inspired blend of unique, novel creations such as Kumquat Coco Prawns and house-made smoked Duck Ravioli, peppered with fresh takes on Italian classics such as … Learn More »

A very traditional Italian trattoria, Da Pasquale has been around since 1989. This comfortable restaurant features outdoor dining warmed by heat lamps and also indoor settings with the tastefulness of home. Italian dishes range from pastas to pizza and every serving made by the family-run business is full of dedication and flavor. Almost everything is handcrafted and made from scratch so one can feel that they have just stepped out from home to another ‘home dining’ setting. De Pasquale also offers an extensive list of Italian wines that can accommodate any taste. Learn More »

A hop, skip, and a jump down from the main thoroughfare of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, you'll find La Botte. Meaning “wine bottle” in Italian, La Botte is owner Stefano de Lorenzo’s upgraded version of his popular, postage-stamp-sized Piccolo Ristorante in neighboring Venice. The wine concept glows in a warmly elegant décor of variegated wine stained wood flooring and wine cask wainscoting. A “vino paradiso” exists in La Botte’s 1,600 bottles of wine. Chef Luigi Fineo creatively infuses contemporary freshness into the Northern Italian appetizers, pasta, and entrees for an authentic Italian dining experience that will have you … Learn More »

With a blend of Old World styles and a healthy European flair, the Panini Café only serves the finest quality ingredients. Combining the best of both the New and Old World, the café has extraordinarily fresh and healthy food, and upholds the tradition of authentic European cuisine. With a commitment to quality and creativity, the Panini Café is one of the places to dine for those in search of flavorful European food. With a passion for fine cuisine at excellent prices, the Panini Café offers diners a way to take a culinary holiday while never leaving the comfort of Los … Learn More »

A slice of Old Hollywood, Dan Tana’s is still a place to grab a hearty bite to eat while gazing at the stars of the big screen. For more than 45 years, this Hollywood institution has served patrons heaping portions of Italian fare. The staff at Dan Tana’s is nearly as renowned as the client list, Mike the bartender, regarded by many patrons as a Los Angeles treasure, still serves up stiff drinks to those looking to whet their whistles while waiting for a table. Reservations are mandatory, as the restaurant is on the small side, and demand always outstrips … Learn More »

Sparkling lights line the welcoming patio at Il Piccolino Trattoria where the atmosphere is cozy and romantic. The menu offers a range of both casual and exquisite Italian fare, and the service is some of the most gracious around. The kitchen utilizes organic, local, and sustainable produce when possible. The house bread is vegan and the only cooking oil used is extra virgin olive oil, be it for dressing, cooking or frying. Other fine attentions to detail include Balsamic vinegar aged at least a decade, natural gray sea salt, daily fresh seafood, and house made salad dressings. With an eye … Learn More »

Adelmo Zarif’s restaurant has occupied a dazzling Art Deco space in downtown’s historic core since moving from West Hollywood in May 1997. Cicada fills the bottom two stories of the Oviatt Building, featuring towering mahogany pillars, plenty of gold, and pristine white tablecloths. Cicada is a fine-dining establishment that’s especially popular for birthdays, weddings and the occasional marriage proposal. Tokyo native Suzay Cha prepares northern Italian cuisine with Asian accents. The menu changes twice a year, but typically includes Ahi Tuna Tartar with Avocado, Piquillo Peppers and Wasabi Caviar and Pappardelle with Filet Mignon Bolognese Sauce. Learn More »

La Parolaccia means "bad language" in Italian, and for those that are speakers of Italian may notice the staff is swearing up a storm. Done in good spirits and only between staff members, it only adds to the charm of this cozy and inviting Long Beach spot. The menu offers all the traditional favorites expected from two chefs hailing from Milan and Rome. While the Limon cello ice cream alone will guarantee La Paroloaccia Osteria a place in diner’s hearts, it is the service is that is truly outstanding, swearing be damned! Learn More »

Antonello Ristorante serves Italian favorites to Santa Ana residents in a classy, but family friendly environment. The landscape paintings adorning the walls lend the air of vacationing in an Italian villa. Antonello Ristorante’s expansive menu features all traditional Italian courses, from antipasti through secondi. Local favorites include the antipasti Prosciutto, with slices of Italian Parma Prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Marinated Olives. No Italian experience is complete without the Primi, or pasta course. With options such as Ravioli Magro with Spinach, Ricotta, and San Marzano Tomatoes, Fettuccine with Porcini Mushrooms, Fresh Tomato, and Truffle Oil, as well as a Chef’s … Learn More »

Once surrounded by an enormous orange grove, this landmark jewel was built as a family home in 1909. The Victorian decor exhibits extravagance and splendor; with warm tones accented by soft lighting and tapestries exude elegance. The atmosphere is only outdone by the kitchen’s French-influenced Northern Italian fare. The menu is peppered with fame and glamour, with playfully-named dishes such as Sophia Loren Caviar and Cartier Calamari. With 12 private rooms, the White House is ideally suited for private parties and groups; while the elegant ambiance makes the White House an excellent destination for any special occasion, large or small. Learn More »

For a causal night out with family or friends, Chi Chi’s Pizza is the place. This Italian-American restaurant dishes up hungry patrons in the Simi Valley area an assortment of sandwiches, pastas, and pizza in a bustling environment. In the pasta department, Chi Chi’s homemade Spaghetti, Springs, Shells, Rigatoni, and Whole Wheat noodles are smothered with sauce. Pizza lovers can create the pizza pie of their dreams by pilling toppings ranging from classic pepperoni, to anchovies, to Fried Jalapeño peppers, for an extra kick. Those looking for the American side of the menu can order the “Famous Golden Pressure Fried … Learn More »

Piccola Trattoria is a family owned and operated restaurant serving freshly prepared Italian cuisine to the Santa Clarita Valley. The intimate dining area is a great place for a night out with that special someone, while patio dining offers guests the chance to enjoy an outdoor meal. The kitchen is home to a Sicilian pastry chef who has diners raving about the tiramisu and cannolis, so be sure to leave room for dessert. Popular dishes include the homemade lasagna and risotto that changes recipes on a daily basis. In Santa Clarity, check out Piccola Trattoria for some of the finest … Learn More »

For delectable fusion cuisine, blending flavors of the Pacific Rim, Provence, and Tuscany, travel no further than Restaurant Christine. Chef and Owner Christine Brown created an eclectic menu that is both unique and flavorful, incorporating Asian, Mediterranean and French influences to offer a wide variety of tastes. Located in Torrance near the foot of Rolling Hills, Restaurant Christine feels like a cozy Mediterranean villa, and provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal with friends and family or perhaps celebrate a special occasion. A reasonably priced wine list, friendly service, and excellent fare make Restaurant Christine an experience worth repeating. Learn More »