Italian Restaurants

Since opening in 1956, La Scala has been popular with locals and entertainment industry types alike, with its comfortable red booths and drawings of Hollywood figures lining the walls. Traditional Italian fare is complimented by an exceptional wine list supplied by Owner Jean Leon’s personal vineyard, Chateau Leon, in Spain. The restaurant is revered for its Chopped Salad, but other menu highlights include the Steamed Mussles served in a broth of garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce, and the Tiramisu served with fresh whipped cream and berries. The quality of ingredients has never faltered in the restaurant’s long history, and …

Another great restaurant from the Amici folks that has the great authentic Italian ambience and cuisine we all expect. The menu is filled with classics such as thin crust pizzas, many pastas, artichoke and hearts of palm salad, and the traditional osso buco.

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.

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 …

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.

Toscana sits in the heart of Brentwood and offers simply delicious Northern Italian dishes. Wrapped in posters of old Italy, the dining room has a rustic decor and low key atmosphere. Try such dishes as Brasato Al Barolo, braised beef with Barolo wine served with spinach and mashed potatoes, or the San Pietro Al Limone, John Dory with lemon and capers. Toscana even has their own cookbook available for those who want to try to cook up some of these delightful dishes in their own home. They even offer take-out for any item on the menu! Give your taste buds …

Vincente offers an intimate setting and a sleek, yet unpretentious, atmosphere that blends the dining room and open kitchen seamlessly. Diners are treated to Chef Nicola Mastronardi's unique Italian cuisine, from house made pastas to wood-fired rotisserie. Paying homage to the restaurant’s namesake, the late Mario Vincente, the restaurant follows his vision of a small-scale venue where diners can simultaneously learn about Italian cuisine while enjoying the Chef’s enticing creations.

This Italian restaurant may seem like just any old option from the vast choices in Los Angeles, but this venue is known more their diversions that involve food rather than the food itself. Every once in a while on a special date Piccolo will have patrons enjoy a five course meal that is based off the wines they choose. It is a very random, mysterious game that is just right for the adventurous eater. For those seeking ambiance and serenity the restaurant’s location with a great view towards the horizon will do just fine. Inside one can enjoy elegant dining …

Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi is a family managed restaurant that has been serving the Los Angeles area for over fifteen years. The restaurant offers simplicity, authenticity, the love for tradition, and full respect for their customers. Try such dishes as Risotto with roasted peppers and Dungeness crab or Sweet Corn Agnolotti with mascarpone and truffle butter. They even sell their own tasty sauce so you can make your own dishes at home. This is nice place for getting together with family and friends to enjoy a good meal and wonderful service.

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.

Aroma settles in a quaint venue that is nestled away off West Sunset Boulevard. Patrons can feel like they are in a very homey Italian eatery surrounded by friends and family. The atmosphere is laid back and classy at the same time due to the inclusion of several paintings across the walls. Enjoy a great wine before dinner while browsing a menu full of pastas and meats with savory flavors. The staff and chef are always complimentary and love meeting customers and getting their opinions of the dishes.

After seven years of success in the North Hollywood Arts District, Paul Hibler and David Sanfield took their Pitfire Pizza concept downtown in 2005. Across from St. Vibiana’s Cathedral and in the shadow of skyscrapers, office workers flood this modern Italian café at lunch for thin-crust pizzas, hearty pastas, and market-fresh salads. At night and on weekends, the rush subsides and Pitfire offers a more relaxed dining experience with the same value. Order at the counter, where a board lists seasonal specials and fresh-baked desserts are on display. To drink, there’s fresh sangria and watermelon lemonade, plus wine and beer.

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.

Don't be surprised if you see the ever-present owner Robert Simon welcoming you to his restaurant. The cozy atmosphere is paired wonderfully with the classic, luxurious appearance of the restaurant. Some tasty bistro classics like baked brie and apples and maple leaf farm duck two ways are great dishes to try. Don’t leave without trying their chocolate soup, a chocolate soufflé served with vanilla bean ice cream. While the restaurant does offer great bistro classics, a majority of the food is a fusion of French and California tastes and cooking styles. With creative and delicious dishes, you will want to …

If your idea of a great meal is garlic, garlic, and more garlic, head to Restaurant Row on La Cienega and visit The Stinking Rose. Executive Chef and owner Andrea Froncillo has created a garlic lover’s paradise, featuring great food in a wildly fun, garlic-themed atmosphere. Fantastic for large parties, the restaurant boasts a varied menu with specialties including roasted crab, prime rib, pastas, and giant tureens of steamed clams, all bathed in garlic. Don’t forget to visit "Dracula’s Grotto," one of many ornately decorated rooms, and to try Gilroy’s Famous Garlic Ice Cream.

With its earth-tone walls with floral accents and copious mirrors, Panzanella strikes a new balance between a formal dining venue and casual trattoria. Served along side a dozen classic pastas and risottos is a sizable soup selection including the signature bread-thickened ribollita.

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.

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 …

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!

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 …