Italian Restaurants

Locanda del Lago serves authentic cuisine from Bellagio and the Lake Region of Northern Italy. This Santa Monica locale overlooks Third Street Promenade and brings a taste of Italy to this coastal town. Since its opening in April of 1991, Lago has provided some of the tastiest dishes to foodies, celebrities and locals alike. Their warm décor and seasonal menu along with an air of casual class enhance the dining experience. Come out to Lago where Europe meets the West Coast and enjoy the outdoor patio for people watching and genuine California sunshine as well as some of the most …

Located just North of Universal Studios along a busy stretch of Cahuenga Blvd, Ca’ del Sole stays true to its name as a sunny spot in an otherwise gloomy culinary scene. Amid the lush greenery of the outdoor patio or beside the fireplace between the two dining rooms, guests can enjoy the authentic and comforting Italian cuisine of Chef Soerke Peters in a quiet, homey atmosphere. The flexible bar menu is great for a small bite alone or to share with friends, and the daily “dinner deal” offers a great three course meal for only thirty dollars. Whether it’s a …

Gaze out over the marina and allow your mind to drift lazily like the boats against the docks as you savor the fresh and tantalizing fare Executive Chef Niederkorn serves up daily. Only twenty minutes from the harried rush of LAX, Café Del Rey transports diners from the bustle of humanity to the calm oasis of a foreign seaside town. Chef Niederkorn presents elegantly prepared and simply adorned seafood dishes that shine by their own freshness and flavor. The Black Spaghetti is made with prawns, calamari, lobster, and bay scallops; and the Mediterranean Meatloaf is taken to another level by …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Exposed wood beams and a fireplace make for a romantic setting at this lovely newcomer at the northern edge of the La Brea Restaurant Row, where the beautiful people flock for fabulous Italian fare including “perfect fritto misto” and amazing pastas washed down by a good selection of wines; the lovely patio, hospitable service, and great value are other reasons it’s always crowded.

Simplicity and authenticy are two words that describe this traditional Osteria. A tiny place, yet a busy room where guests rave about the great food and ambience. A special in olives, polenta and scallops are among the wonderful eats at this great place!

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 …

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 …

The cozy and urban Madeo features a warm and comforting atmosphere, with an immense wood bar and curved booths set among old black-and-white photos of old Italy. The immensely popular hangout offers a varied selection of Northern Italian cuisine, with dishes that include mouth watering veal-stuffed ravioli, classic pizza Margherita, and whole striped bass. The made in-house desserts are the finale to this authentic show, with delights such as mille-feuille with pastry cream and ricotta cheesecake.

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.

In this confection of a restaurant, Il Cielo presents a wondrously elegant and stunningly romantic setting that is sure to bewitch even the most cosmopolitan of patrons. Owner and Executive Chef Pasquale Vericella has meticulously created a destination restaurant where guests can bask in the charms of Il Cielo’s visual beauty and revel in its exquisite Northern Italian cuisine. Nestled in a residential area of fabled Beverly Hills a couple miles east of Rodeo Drive, Il Cielo beguiles guests with a captivating romantic beauty created by its casually elegant décor, twinkling lights, and lush foliage.