Los Angeles is a city where global flavors meet local creativity, and Italian cuisine is no exception. From rustic trattorias to glamorous fine dining, LA’s Italian restaurants offer a range of experiences that capture the heart and soul of Italy while embracing the diversity of California. Whether you’re craving traditional dishes like cacio e pepe or inventive takes like lobster squid ink spaghetti, these restaurants showcase the best of Italian culinary traditions with a modern LA twist. Let’s explore some of the city’s standout Italian dining destinations, from neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred marvels.
Sunday Gravy
Location: 1122 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
Brother-and-sister duo Sol and Ghazi Bashirian have transformed their father’s beloved Jino’s into a cozy, retro-inspired eatery that celebrates Italian-American comfort food. Guests flock to Sunday Gravy for approachable classics like spaghetti and meatballs, tagliatelle Alfredo, and crisp antipasto salads. With a warm neighborhood vibe and an affordable wine and beer list, this Inglewood spot has quickly become a favorite for locals.
Uovo
Location: 4635 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
At Uovo, pasta is an art form. By flying in handmade noodles from Bologna, this Marina del Rey restaurant achieves unparalleled authenticity. The streamlined menu focuses on classic Italian flavors, from creamy parmesan tagliatelle to spicy arrabbiata. For those who want to taste it all, the pasta tasting menu—complete with dessert—is a must-try.
Felix
Location: 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Felix is where Chef Evan Funke has perfected the craft of handmade pasta. Situated on Venice’s trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard, this romantic restaurant offers everything from pillowy focaccia to hearty ragù bolognese. Funke’s attention to detail and his dedication to traditional techniques make Felix an essential stop for pasta lovers.
Bestia
Location: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Tucked in the Arts District, Bestia redefines Italian dining with bold, globally inspired flavors. Chef Ori Menashe’s menu pairs familiar dishes like nduja mussels and wood-fired pizza with creative surprises, including lobster squid ink spaghetti. Add Genevieve Gergis’s exquisite desserts, and it’s no wonder Bestia remains a beacon of LA’s culinary scene.
Rossoblu
Location: 1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Rossoblu celebrates Bologna’s rich culinary heritage in a stunning industrial space. Chef Steve Samson serves elegant dishes like tortellini in brodo and wood-grilled branzino. With its warm, inviting ambiance, Rossoblu is perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
The Factory Kitchen
Location: 1300 Factory Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Located in the Arts District, The Factory Kitchen is a testament to modern Italian cooking. Highlights include the mandilli di seta, delicate basil pesto-draped handkerchief pasta, and the iconic focaccina flatbread. This vibrant spot is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food.
Osteria Vera
Location: 11604 W San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Chef Nicola Mastronardi brings Brentwood a cozy yet refined dining experience at Osteria Vera. Dishes like lobster paccheri and chitarra pasta tossed tableside in a wheel of pecorino make this a go-to spot for those seeking authentic flavors in a laid-back setting.
Ospi Brentwood
Location: 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Chef Jackson Kalb’s Ospi offers a fresh take on Italian dining with a California twist. Known for its inventive pizzas, like the Hapa (pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeño), and pasta dishes like spicy rigatoni alla vodka, this vibrant Brentwood restaurant has something for everyone.
Divino
Location: 11714 Barrington Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90049
A Brentwood institution since 1996, Divino delivers classic Italian dishes with Florentine flair. From tableside roast branzino to a stellar wine list, owner-chef Goran Milic has crafted a timeless dining experience that never fails to impress.
La Dolce Vita
Location: 9785 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
This legendary Beverly Hills spot, once frequented by Frank Sinatra, combines old-school charm with contemporary appeal. Signature dishes like veal parmesan and spaghetti marinara are served in a dining room dripping with 1970s nostalgia, making every meal here a time-traveling delight.
Dante Beverly Hills
Location: 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
On the rooftop of the Maybourne hotel, Dante Beverly Hills serves fresh, ingredient-driven Italian cuisine with a side of stunning views. The fennel and orange salad and Dungeness crab ravioli are just the beginning; end your meal with a decadent tiramisu.
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura
Location: 347 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Chef Massimo Bottura’s Gucci Osteria blends luxury with impeccable culinary technique. Located in the Gucci store, this fine dining experience offers California-inflected Italian dishes in a playful yet precise style. The prix fixe dinner menu is a splurge-worthy indulgence.
Funke
Location: 9388 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Chef Evan Funke’s three-story Beverly Hills restaurant is an ode to pasta perfection. The glass-enclosed pasta lab lets diners watch as noodles are crafted by hand, while the menu boasts favorites like sfincione focaccia and handmade tagliatelle.
Donna’s
Location: 1538 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Echo Park’s Donna’s is a lively neighborhood spot offering creative spins on Italian classics. Chef Sathia Sun wows with veal piccata, cheesy garlic bread, and inventive Negronis, all served in a whimsical retro-inspired space.
Angelini Osteria
Location: 7317 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A true pioneer in LA’s Italian dining scene, Angelini Osteria serves timeless dishes like the lasagna verde “Nonna Elvira.” Chef Gino Angelini’s mastery of classic Emilia-Romagna cuisine has made this Beverly Grove restaurant a modern classic.
Antico Nuovo
Location: 4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tucked away in Larchmont, Antico Nuovo serves rustic Italian cuisine with a Californian twist. From focaccia adorned with duck liver pate to house-churned ice cream, chef Chad Colby ensures every bite is memorable.
Dan Tana’s
Location: 9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Dan Tana’s has been a West Hollywood icon since 1964. With its celebrity-studded booths and classic dishes like chicken parmesan, this old-school Italian-American spot remains a beloved destination for timeless comfort food.
Ètra
Location: 737 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Melrose Hill’s Ètra offers a minimalist take on Italian cooking. Chef Evan Algorri’s dishes, like rigatoni gricia and pork ribeye in red sauce, focus on simple, bold flavors. The wine list is equally refined, making Ètra a chic spot for a casual yet impressive meal.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Location: 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
This Hollywood Italian pizzeria serves authentic Neapolitan pies straight from the wood-fired oven. While the pizza is the star, the charming patio and expanded menu of salads and mains make it a great spot for any occasion.
Mother Wolf
Location: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf is a love letter to Roman cuisine. The grand dining room, tuxedoed servers, and standout dishes like tonnarelli cacio e pepe create a celebratory atmosphere, cementing its status as a celebrity hotspot.