Italian Restaurants

Adopting the iconic canary-colored building familiar to many Venice locals is Ado Ristorante, the brainchild of Co-owner Paulo Cesaro and Chef Antonio Mure’. This rustic Italian cuisine eatery marries the understated sophistication of its earthy décor of exposed wood beams and simple wood seating with a welcoming menu of unpretentious authentic fare. The Taagliolini Rossi is a rich dish of homemade red beets pasta in a Marsala quail egg ragu, and the Tagliata di Cinghiale is a savory delight of grilled wild boar tenderloin served with a white port and raspberry sauce.

Composing a colorful mosaic of Italian small plates, or enotecas, Master Chef Celestino Drago brings the heart of Italy to his aptly named Beverly Hills restaurant, Enoteca Drago. Rustic authenticity is the key to this regional Italian cuisine menu, and seasonal and artisanal ingredients bring the flavors to life. Before one takes a single bite, he or she may gain insight into Chef Drago’s vision by noticing the décor – the cherry wood communal dining table set center stage hopes to encourage a shared dining experience, while the use of weathered stone and touches of terra cotta transport us far …

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did …

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 …

An experience at Osteria Mozza is one of a kind. The brainchild of super-trio Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joseph Bastinach, Osteria Mozza is a modern, urban interpretation of the Italian trattoria. Exquisite preparations start at the Mozzarella bar, which sits in the center of the room and serves as a showcase for Silverton’s hand-made cheeses. Her creations can be sampled alone, but also find their way onto the rest of the menu, joining hand-made pastas, artisanal smoked meats, and inspired main courses, turned out by Executive Chef Matt Molina. Add exceptional service, a lively, energetic setting, and an Italian-centric …

Terroni is a West Hollywood restaurant that serves authentic southern Italian cuisine, using fresh and traditional ingredients straight from Italy, priding itself on using the same cooking techniques used in Italy 100 years ago. This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so it is key to arrive before the crowd. The combination of a rustic and modern decor creates a feeling of comfort for all. Terroni’s specialty is the pizza, which is thin, delightfully airy, and uncut with 30 different options to choose from. Some of these options include Terroni originals like Smendozzata and Li Pecuri. Give Terroni’s a try, your taste …

A South Bay fixture since 1991, laid-back Lido di Manhattan occupies a commanding corner site. The restaurant is bright and open, with artwork by local artist Monica Farrell. The cuisine is California-Italian, with a heavier lean towards the latter. Signature dishes such as lobster won ton tacos, angel hair pasta with jumbo scallops and tiger prawns and charbroiled filet mignon showcase fresh ingredients. The sweet selection of Desserts are all made in house. Wine buffs will find plenty to please, while cocktail lovers can work their way through the lengthy list. A calendar of cooking classes and events keeps things …

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 …

Spaghettini Grill and Jazz Club offers a fun atmosphere, lots of excitement, superb modern and classic Northern Italian cuisine and of course live jazz! Spaghettini is also the home of the now famous Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch. Come for lunch and try the Berkshire Pork lasagna, with broccolini, whole milk ricotta, reggiano, and homemade marinara. Or taste a dinner entrée, such as the Sliced Center Cut Sirloin Steak, with soy-ginger marinade, and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Don’t leave without try a sinfully delightful dessert such as the White Chocolate Cheesecake. Try Speghettini Grill for an unforgettable and delicious experience.

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 …

BottleRock’s philosophy is simple: “passion about wine, beer, food, and the subtle intermingling and fusion of tastes.” This idea pervades the entirety of the wine bar’s menu. Bottle Rock presents an extensive wine list alongside an inventive selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cheeses. The Los Angeles hotspot has two locations: one in Downtown and the other in Culver City. Both locations are part tasting room, part wine retailer, and part quick bites. BottleRock also carries handcrafted beers and sake, and the venue encourages guests to explore new flavors and combinations. Their food menu changes seasonally and is presented to …

Ready for a bit of old world European charm? Look no further than Il Tramezzino. The quaint Italian café is a genuine place of culinary mastery and excellence. The restaurant distinguished itself amongst its Beverly Hills neighbors on “Restaurant Row” by preparing custom baked goods and traditional Italian cuisine. They have an extensive menu that is every bit as creative as it is delicious. Il Tramezzino invites guests to enjoy a temporary European vacation as they dine in a familial, laid back atmosphere with superb service. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delivers and caters. Head out to one …

Located in West Hollywood at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Robertson Boulevard, Cecconi is a classic Italian restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as cicchetti (Italian tapas). You can enjoy a meal inside the refined dining area within the main restaurant, on the terrace, or at the bar with its wood-burning oven. With its simply prepared Venetian-influenced food and drink, Cecconi is the place to go to if you want some fine dining food that is affordable, as it is focused in serving you the finest in quality ingredients.

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 …

Inspired by the hospitable aspects of traditional Italian dining, Nonna of Italy offers a variety of delicious pastas, salads, soups, and deserts for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy Chef Kieth Silverton's innovative take on classic Italian dishes. The restaurant allows for people watching from the patio in the historic Sunset Strip area of West Hollywood. From the wood-fired pizzas, fine seafood, and crispy calamari, to the Apple Tarte Tatin, Chocolate Fondant and the other ever-popular desserts, Nonna of Italy prides itself on its traditional hospitality and traditional Hollywood style.

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 …

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.

Satisfy that craving for classic Italian cuisine at Gino’s Italian Restaurant in Palmdale. Home of the Big Baron Pizza Sandwich, Gino’s has garnered a reputation for offering tasty offerings at reasonable prices. In addition to serving tried favorites like Eggplant Parmigiana and Lasagna al Forno, Gino’s also prides itself on featuring such specialties as Osso Buco and Veal Milanese. Of course, pizza has its rightful place on the menu with 17+ variations of the beloved pie offered daily, and steak sandwiches and submarines round out the menu nicely.

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. …

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 …