LA's Best Italian Restaurants - FINAL DRAFT

Got carbs? 

A guide to LA's best (carb-loaded) Italian restaurants. 

For a city that is known for its gluten-free options, LA surprisingly has plenty of carb-loaded, Italian restaurants that are worth every second spent in traffic. From authentic pasta that will transport you to the streets of Rome, to authentic pizza that will make you wish you were in Napoli, LA’s Italian food scene is truly a slice of heaven.  All it takes is a quick car ride (well, maybe not so quick, this is LA after all). As an American-Italian born and raised in LA, today we will dive fork-first into my favorite Italian restaurants in LA (and trust me, I have tried them all). 

 

When exploring the Italian food landscape, it’s important to understand that each restaurant has its own personality. This list offers something for everyone, from the classic ristorante that embodies elegance and precision, to the warm trattoria that has the charm of family gatherings, to a casual osteria that celebrates simplicity by using fresh, local ingredients (Tourist Italy). Although I’ve always had a passion for Italian food and tradition, my interest peaked when I took a cooking class in Florence, and learned more about the importance that tradition plays in Italian food culture—something I deeply respect and admire. So join me as we dig into LA’s Italian dining scene. These spots are worth the trek when it comes to quality, tradition, and ambiance. Buon apetito! 

 

Osté 

For those wanting to save calories and still indulge, Osté has the best Roman pizza you will find. Their “pinsa” dough is made with a high concentration of water and an intricate fermentation process, making the pizza extra light, low in fat and calories, and easy to digest for those with hot girl IBS (if you know, you know). I first learned about pinsa dough on a trip to Rome, and it’s a game-changer. What used to be an ancient roman way to preserve ingredients that might otherwise go to waste is now a great alternative for when you are craving a lighter pizza (Saturdays in Rome). Now, I suggest saving room for dessert—and you might want to splurge with the calories or ditch the dairy-free diet. Their butterscotch budino and chocolate tart are out of this world but be warned: you might be begging for an exercise bike by the end of the meal.  

 

Ospi

Ospi in Venice offers an American spin on Italian cuisine—blending American influences with classic Italian favors. Although this might sound like a ploy to get you to eat your greens, their kale salad alone might make you want to embrace eating healthier. But the real star of the show? Everything vodka. Pizza alla vodka. Penne alla vodka. Even crispy provolone with vodka sauce (this is a must). Oh, and if you are planning on hitting the Venice bars after dinner, maybe even a shot of vodka? Now, you might be wondering what a Slavic spirit has to do with Italian cuisine. Italians claim that the recipe originated during the 1970’s in the heart of Italy, while Americans claim that the sauce was created by an American-Italian chef named Chef Luigi Franzese in New York City (Varano). The ongoing debate of whether penne alla vodka originated in Italy or New York City remains unsolved, but one thing is for sure, it’s become a staple on both sides of the Atlantic! Ospi brings a California vibe to Italian cuisine.

 

Locanda Portofino 

Tucked-away on Montana Avenue is my personal favorite, Locanda Portofino. From the friendly Italian staff to the high-quality ingredients, this place is a staple on my list of LA’s best Italian restaurants. With a blend of Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, Locanda Portofino is as authentic as it gets. For my pasta lovers out there, I assure you, you can’t go wrong with anything here. If you ask me, I would get the tagliatelle alla porcini every time—it never fails to impress. The use of porcini mushrooms, which originated in the forests of Northern Italy, has become an iconic Italian delicacy due to their unique and potent flavor (Bettina). Whether it’s pasta or risotto, any dish that involves porcini is a bite of heaven. The Pasta Project, a great site if you are looking for authentic Italian recipes, says that tagliatelle, a pasta that is porous and rough in texture, is ideal for thick sauces as porcini (DeBono). This dish is a must-try for anyone that appreciates the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. 

 

Madeo 

Madeo, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving Angelenos for over 35 years, has been known for their authentic Italian experience and cuisine. Just like an Italian nonna, Madeo is timeless, comforting, and always telling you to eat more! Their menu, inspired by northern Italian cuisine straight from Forte dei Marmi, brings classic family recipes to the California coast. In spite of a desire to turn tables and increase sales volume in a city that is always in a rush, Madeo holds onto its steadfast, old school Italian etiquette. You’ll notice they never approach a table to clear settings while any person is still enjoying their meal—something that is hard to come by these days. In true Italian fashion, don’t be surprised if they leave you lingering at the table for hours waiting for the bill while they let you yap. 

 

Cesare 

From the same family as Madeo, LA’s newest addition, Cesare, has quickly made its mark on LA’s dining scene. With a long family history in the food industry, Cesare brings a modern atmosphere to old traditions. Featuring fresh seafood to pasta passed down from generations, they have perfected the craft of Italian cuisine. A dish worth trying: their spaghetti vongole. Cooked perfectly al dente, this dish is the perfect harmony of simplicity and flavor. As Giuliano Bugialli once said, “The simplicity, the linearity of Italian food is based on very few ingredients and finding the correct balance.” At Cesare, you can expect a warm welcome from everyone there, just like you are part of the famiglia. Whether you are a seafood lover or just craving a delicious plate of pasta, Cesare pays a nod to tradition. 

 

Barrique 

Perfect for a date night, or just a romantic dinner with your bestie, Barrique in Venice molto buono! Imagine dim lights, candlelit tables, and a rooftop terrace, while indulging in some house-made pasta and a pick from their great wine list. Barrique goes beyond the ordinary—with their homemade cacao tagliatelle or red beet tagliolini, every dish is unique. Served on a bed of creamy taleggio fondue, their red beet pasta in quail ragu will leave you longing for the next visit to Barrique. You might even want to finish your meal with a digestivo so you don’t roll out of there in a food coma. This place is the perfect recipe for a night out.

 

I hope your stomach is grumbling by now! But beyond the mouth-watering food, it’s important to recognize that Italian cuisine is much more than just a meal; it is a celebration of tradition, family, and gathering around the table. In Italy, food is a central part of life and is seen as a way to bring people together—meals stretch for hours and families sit around the table sharing stories and enjoying the company of their loved ones. This food culture focuses on fresh quality ingredients and keeping traditions alive by passing down recipes for generations. Each of the restaurants mentioned above offer a unique take on Italian cuisine, bringing the heart of Italy right here in LA. These spots not only serve delicious food but capture the warmth and hospitality that defines Italian culture. 

Works Cited

 

Bettina, Federico. “Porcini Mushrooms: Treasures of the Italian Soil.” Medium, Medium, 7 Apr. 2024, medium.com/@federico.bettina21/porcini-mushrooms-treasures-of-the-italian-soil-43206f151af3. 

 

Castro, Beppe. “Pinsa in Rome Is an Unexpectedly Delicious Take on Pizza.” Saturdays In Rome, 16 Apr. 2024, www.saturdaysinrome.com/blog/pinsa-in-rome/#:~:text=Italian%20Pinsa%2C%20which%20is%20more,flavor%20compared%20to%20traditional%20pizza. 

 

DeBono, Jacqui. (2024, January 24). “Tagliatelle: All You Need to Know.” The Pasta Project. the-pasta-project.com/tagliatelle

 

Leora. “Types of Italian Restaurants: Ristorantes, Osterias, & More.” Tourist Italy, 7 Feb. 2024, www.touristitaly.com/italian-restaurants-types/. 

 

Petruzzelli, Angela. “The Culture of Italy Is Food.” Appetito, 3 Dec. 2023, appetitomagazine.com/features/the-culture-of-italy-is-food.  

 

Varano, Nick. “The History of Vodka Sauce.” Strega North End, stregabynickvarano.com/the-history-of-vodka-sauce/#:~:text=The%20Origin%20of%20Vodka%20Sauce&text=Italians%20claim%20that%20the%20recipe,his%20restaurant%20in%20New%20York. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.