By 
This post was originally published in May 2019. It was last updated in February 2025.
Pasta, my favorite food! Although Los Angeles doesn’t have a big population of Italian Americans like New York or Chicago, there is no shortage of options to indulge in a delicious handmade pasta.
I cherished eating pasta as a kid. When I spent summers in Brazil, after our swimming lessons, my sister and I would run straight to the kitchen completely famished, eager to eat Spaghetti and meatballs. Delicious is a big understatement – to this day, I can still remember the joy and the pleasure of eating pasta as a kid.
If there’s one thing that you learn about living in a US metropolitan area like Los Angeles, it’s that there are different types of Italian restaurants. In Europe, Italian restaurants fall into one category. In LA, there’s a whole plethora of Italian restaurants for every occasion: hipster Italian, romantic expensive Italian, casual Italian, ultra-expensive celebrity hotspot Italian, mom-and-pop Italian restaurants and even food stands.
After living in LA for almost 10 years, I’ve had a fair share of pastas all over the city. I remember one time I really wanted to try out this new Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, and my dad happened to be in town. The wine he ordered was mediocre and the pasta was decent at best. I was so disappointed! This goes to show that just because a restaurant is modern and trendy, the food might not live up to it.
For the sake of my bank account and my schedule, this post took me months to write!
When I started this LA pasta expedition, I was pleasantly surprised to find so many hidden Italian gems in this city, some of them located in the most inconspicuous places!
Buon appetito if you go to any of these places after reading this article!
Fabio’s Pasta
1301 Ocean Front Walk # 7, Venice, CA 90291
Located on the perennial Venice Beach Boardwalk, Fabio’s Pasta is the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall. Run by Fabio, a born and raised Italian, Fabio’s Pasta’s mission is to bring high-quality pasta to the US at a reasonable price.
I remember going Fabio’s walk-up window in February and sitting down on a beautiful sunny day, indulging in his delicious homemade pasta. The bolognese sauce was absolute heaven. The next time you’re on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and you want to grab a bite, head over there! If I want to have good pasta, the Boardwalk would be the least of the places I would think of going. When I went there for the first time, he pointed to a group of Italians who were enjoying his pasta. “They love it”, he said.
The quality of the homemade sauces really speaks for itself. This delectable sauce was very rich and the consistency, as well as the seasoning were perfect. Besides the heavenly sauce, the pasta is also handmade by Fabio! Although there are many Italian restaurants in Venice, the vast majority aren’t actually run by Italians. When I asked Fabio if he was from Italy, he put his hand on his chest and proudly declared, “of course!” Enjoy an al-fresco eating experience with authentic Italian pasta dishes while soaking in the ocean breeze. It doesn’t get better than this.
Instagram @Fabiospasta
Long Beach
Café Gazelle
191 La Verne Ave, Long Beach, CA
I know many Long Beach locals will tell me to gatekeep this place, but I would be doing this blog a disservice. Cafe Gazelle is one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Los Angeles. If you take a stroll on Second Street, you will see a handful of busy Italian restaurants. However, what sets Café Gazelle apart from the others is that it’s tucked away on a residential street off of Second Street. You would never know about it unless someone told you or you happened to live on that street.
Cafe Gazelle only boasts 6 tables, which makes for a perfect intimate dining experience. This is also why you should go early to avoid a line! I went with my dad at 5:00pm, right when they opened and thank God we were seated right away! After our dinner, we took a leisurely stroll on Second street. When we passed by Café Gazelle about an hour later, there was already a line out the door! There are no reservations — it’s first come, first served.
When you go to the restroom, you will have to walk through the kitchen, where you will see a huge countertop with mounds of dough and a big pasta machine.
So, what should you order there? Without a doubt, the linguini artichoke! My dad ordered a different kind of pasta, but it was not as delicious as my linguini artichoke. The portion was also very substantial. I don’t know if the other dishes will live up to the hype but that linguini artichoke is surely worth the trip to Long Beach.
Note: You cannot share an entrée or split a dish.
My second favorite Italian restaurant in Long Beach is La Parolaccia Osteria, where the Pizzolo is actually from Italy! Outstanding quality and great prices. Vino E Cucina is more high-end, but it’s also a great option for great handmade pastas.
Funke
9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
After spending 15 years in Bologna, immersing himself in the origins and the art of making pasta, Chef Evan Funke has brought his Italian culinary knowledge into his three LA restaurants. His first restaurant, Felix, opened on the quiet side of Abbot Kinney in 2017. In 2022, he opened Mother Wolf, which focused on Roman cuisine. Funke, which opened in 2023, focuses on traditional pasta-making methods that have been used since ancient times. The common theme in Evan’s restaurants is the reverence for the artisanship, quality, and tradition of pasta.
I’ve been to all his three restaurants, but my favorite by far is Funke. If you want to be transported to different Italian regions, the pasta at Funke is the place to go. This was truly one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had in LA. It’s pricey but worth it. Read my full review here.
With Funke, Chef Evan proves that pasta is not a one-dimensional dish. In Italy, there are so many types of pasta and sauces that vary from region to region. For example, Liguria (northern Italy) is famous for the al Pesto pasta, whereas on the Almafi Coast, the linguine with clams reigns supreme. It’s fascinating.
Felix and Mother Wolf are great as well, but the attention to detail that goes into each dish at Funke is unparalleled. It’s also more upscale and pricier than the other two. Since Funke is Evan’s most recent business venture, you can usually find him there inside a glass-enclosed room making the pasta by hand. This is a very laborious and time-consuming process, whereas in his other two restaurants, the pasta is served in larger qualities because they are made with bronze-cut machines. When I ate my ravioli dish at Funke, the waitress let me know that this was the same ravioli Evan was making by hand when we walked in.
Antico Nuovo
4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Located between the border of Larchmont and Koreatown, Antico Nuovo draws inspiration from the Italian countryside. Their carefully selected menu features traditional handmade pastas, vegetables and fish dishes. If you go, don’t forget to order their honeycomb ice cream! This, alongside their focaccia bread, went viral during quarantine!
This dish has been one of our biggest successes for our rebranding/reincarnation to @anticonuovo___la
@anticonuovo___la
Piccola Luna Raviolis with Sweet Corn and Chanterelle Mushrooms 🍄 😋
Little Doms
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Since its opening in 2008, Little Dom’s has become a fixture in Los Feliz. This cozy bistro with delectable breakfast offerings, cocktails, and classic Italian American staples is the best hangout spot in the area. The old-school interior was inspired by the Rat pack era of the 1950s and 1960s.
Whenever I think of Little Doms, I think of the slew of celebrities that have been photographed at this restaurant. Although I can’t speak for other menu items, they truly have one of the best Spaghetti and meatballs in the city!
In 2022, Resy.com interviewed Little Dom’s general manager, Jessica Schmidt. When they asked her about the most beloved dishes at Little Dom’s, the Spaghetti and meatballs was at the very top of the list!
“People love the spaghetti and meatballs. We’re really known for the meatballs, which are quite large: They’re a mixture of beef and pork, with a little fennel seed for flavor, and are served with our housemade spaghetti and a rich Bolognese meat sauce.”
Met Him At A Bar
801 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Every time I drive by this place in the afternoon, it’s jam-packed! Met Him At A Bar is the sister restaurant of Met Her At A Bar, which is right across the street. While the latter is a great option for brunch, Met Him At A Bar only opens in the afternoons and their main specialty is homemade pasta. The interior is very hip, casual and intimate — which will make for a great dinner. Whether you’re with friends or you want to go solo and sit at the bar, Met Him At a Bar hits the spot!
Colapasta
1241 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Italian restaurants in Santa Monica are a dime a dozen. Many of them are touristy and the food is nothing to write home about. So, what makes this one stand out? The chef, Stefano Lorenzo, was awarded a Michelin star for his previous stint in the former restaurant La Botte, also in Santa Monica. If this isn’t enough, Colapasta has also been included in the Michelin Guide!
Colapasta takes pride in its farm-to-table approach and affordable prices. The menu features pasta dishes from different Italian regions, using only locally sourced ingredients, most of them coming from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
If you want to have a decently priced five-star pasta dish in a casual atmosphere, and most importantly, cooked by a Michelin-starred chef, Colapasta awaits you!
Pura Vita
8274 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
320 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach, CA 90277
For the life of me, I could not believe that this place was vegan! Pura Vita is the first plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the US. Since they have limited pasta options during brunch time, I ordered the Spaghetti Pomodoro and I have to say that it ranks as one of the top pastas I’ve had in Los Angeles. The taste of the sauce was pretty close to the one my mom used to make when I lived in Spain. To say that I was completely mesmerized is a big understatement. The noodles were perfectly fresh and the dollop of almond ricotta was also a big winner for me – how did they make it so creamy and flavorful? How?! Every bite was pasta heaven, and my only regret was not having added the meatballs. This Pura Vita location is on the smaller side, however, there is ample seating at the bar. The exposed brick-wall and the cozy atmosphere was very reminiscent of the gastropubs in New York City.
Pura Vita is located on the busy stretch of Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. If you blink, you might miss it! There is ton of available parking on the residential streets.
Pura Vita is the perfect place to enjoy delicious and hearty vegan food in West Hollywood. Don’t forget to make reservations if you’re going there for dinner!
Downtown LA
There are so many Italian food gems in Downtown LA. Here are a few you can’t miss!
Colori Kitchen
2019 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006
Chef Luigi Barducci Contessi and his wife Paola opened Colori Kitchen in 2006. Raised in Verona, Luigi was always fascinated by American culture, specifically with the iconic motorcycle brand Harley Davidson and blues music, which originated in the Deep South. After moving to the States, Luigi worked at Locanda Veneta in Beverly Hills for a few years, and then at Ca’Brea, where he was the Executive Chef for 16 years. When he met his wife, they embarked on this business venture and opened Colori, which translates to “color” in Italian.
Colori Kitchen takes pride in offering an authentic Italian experience through homemade food and affordable prices. You can also bring your own bottle at no additional cost! The space is very quaint and homey, perfect for an intimate night!
Maccheroni Republic
332 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Located right across Grand Central Market lies Maccheroni, another Italian gem in DTLA. Most of the staff at Maccheroni Republic is Italian. This statement should be enough to drop everything and head straight to Downtown LA, but wait, there’s more! Not only is the pasta handmade every single day, but they also use organic flour and semolina. For cheese lovers, order the Rigatoni Pom’ Amore. You can thank me later!
Rossoblu
1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Although Chef Steve Samsom was born and raised in the US, he spent annual summers with his grandparents in Bologna. From an early age, Steve would also help her mom, who’s from Bologna, in the kitchen.
This early exposure to Italian culture made Steve fall head over heels for Italian food – so much that he dropped out of med school to pursue a career as a chef. Rossoblu is a love letter to Bologna, where besides pizza and pasta you’ll find risotto, fried seafood, meat dishes, and of course, the traditional lasagna Bolognese.
Steve has made numerous TV appearances and his restaurants have been featured in the most prestigious LA publications, such as the LA Times, Zagat, and the Michelin Guide!
Factory Kitchen
1300 Factory Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Just like Rossoblu, Factory Kitchen is one of the many industrial warehouses turned into restaurants, with an open kitchen and walls from the former space. If you go there, order their specialty pasta, the Mandilli Di Setta, a silky and delicate sheet of pasta bathed in a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce. This pasta, which translates to “silk handkerchief”, is a staple in the Italian region of Liguria.
UNION
37 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Qurantine takeout
I went to Union in May 2020. The host, David, was super nice and walked me through the menu. Some pasta dishes are spicy and I’m not someone who tolerates spiciness very well. Based on this dietary restriction, he recommended the Torchetti pasta, and was also kind enough to omit the chilies.
This pasta was unbelievable! The amalgamation of the pork ragu, the rosemary, the ricotta cheese and the homemade pasta was magical. The ragu meat was tender and jam-packed with flavor in every bite. I later learned that Union locally sources their ingredients, which really showed in the quality of the overall dish. The pasta itself was good, but it was all about the ingredients. I loved it so much that I savored every bite as long as I could because I didn’t want to finish it! It was a solid 10/10. If you love Italian food and you want to treat yourself to a five-star meal, this is the place!
Silverlake
Speranza
2547 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles 90027
I already raved about this restaurant in a previous post. For those who don’t know, Speranza has been Silver Lake’s best kept secret for many years. I went back a second time with my dad and it delivered the same amazing results as the first time I went by myself! My dad absolutely loved it and mind you, he’s not a pasta lover. Speranza is the perfect place to enjoy a pleasant al fresco dining experience, where you sit outdoors surrounded by greenery and cozy heat lamps. If you’re chilly, the staff will provide you with blankets.
La Pergoletta Pasta Fresca
1802 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Los Feliz)
2827 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park)
Besides their exquisitely fresh handmade pastas, La Pergoletta is one of the few places in LA that lets you customize your pasta with one of their gazillion sauces. If you choose the raviolis, you can customize the filling as well!
When I wrote this post, the Echo Park location wasn’t opened yet. La Pergoletta Los Feliz sits incospicuously on the corner of a strip mall right next door to a laundromat.
The old-school Italian décor, with the checkered tablecloths, shelves of wine and dim lightning will transport you to an osteria in Rome. The service was stellar – if it’s your first time, the waiters will patiently guide you through the menu. Like I said in the beginning, there are waaaay too many options to customize your pasta!
I had the Fusili Pasta with the pesto sauce and, what can I say? They really knocked it out of the park! The bright flavor of the pesto combined with the mozzarella cheese and the fresh pasta were an experience of textures and flavors. Everything melded together seamlessly!
La Pergoletta has also been Italian-approved multiple times on Yelp by Italian expats, praising its authenticity: affordable, non-pretentious, welcoming and a haven for authentic Italian food.
SPINA
3193 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (Atwater Village)
Although Spina doesn’t claim to be the best Italian restaurant in LA, it’s become the most beloved neighborhood spot in this area since it opened in 2023. As you can see throughout this article, Angelenos love a cozy Italian neighborhood spot!
I have yet to go there, but every time I drive to Glendale and pass by Spina, it’s always packed inside and outside – with droves of people waiting at the entrance to get seated.
The offerings are pretty straightforward: pastas, Italian appetizers, meat and fish dishes, a superb wine selection, and a few classic Italian desserts. In case you were wondering, Spina is first come, first served.
Angelini Osteria
7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
There are quite a few quintessential Italian restaurants on Beverly Blvd: Antico Nuovo, Terroni, and Angelini Osteria. I’ve driven by them countless times. However, when I was in Vegas dining at Carbone (read my experience here), there was a couple sitting next to me at the bar. The man was an Italian American and had lived in LA for 20 years! We were having a deep conversation about Italian restaurants in the US, and he said that Angelini Osteria was, without a doubt, the best Italian restaurant in LA. He was so well-versed in Italian food, so for him to say that, it must be very good! He strongly encouraged me to go and write about it. Stay tuned!
Owner and chef Gino Angelini is from Northern Italy and opened Angelini Osteria in October 2001!
The website says: “Since its opening, Angelini Osteria has become known as simply everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, winning over the city with unassuming and authentic dishes in a warm, intimate setting. Throughout the years, Gino has won numerous honors for his culinary artistry, including the 2007 Artusi Award, the 2011 Galvanina Trophy for Best Chef of the Year, and the 2011 Sigismondo Malatesta d’Oro, the highest civilian award of his home city of Rimini. He is consistently praised by patrons and critics as “the best Italian chef in Los Angeles.” “
Here’s what reviewer Jen B. wrote on Yelp in January 2025: “As an Italian-American living in LA for over a decade (and as someone who used to live on Mulberry Street in NY and spent a lot of time in Italy), I can honestly say Angelini is always my number one Italian restaurant go-to in the area. There isn’t one standout dish for me because EVERYTHING on this menu is seriously incredible.”
Jon & Vinny’s
412 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA (West Hollywood)
11938 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (Brentwood)
4400 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (Windsor Hills)
Ok ok, I know many of you will argue with me on this one. Jon & Vinny’s is Italian-inspired with a hipster flair, but their Fusilli with spicy Vodka is one of the best pastas I’ve ever had. Every time I go, I need to pair this pasta with their marinara braised meatballs, which come with a blob of ricotta cheese and two loaves of perfectly grilled garlic bread. I’ve been to Jon and Vinny’s several times and I have ordered different pastas to explore the menu, but one way or another, I always keep coming back to the spicy vodka. It’s their specialty pasta for a reason!
I love sitting at the Chef’s counter with the heavenly smell of the open wood-fire oven wafting through the air.
Their two newer locations are bigger, but the original location in Fairfax remains my favorite. North Fairfax Avenue is the mecca of streetwear and skater culture, and if you live nearby or have ever driven through Fairfax, it’s a given that you will see young kids lined up at a store for the newest sneaker release. To end your meal with a good cup of coffee, head over to Coffax, which is right next door. You can also go to The Grove instead, which is merely two blocks away.
From my post: “Europe In LA: Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels And Places That Will Feel Like A European Vacation”.
Little Italy
638 S Beacon St, San Pedro, CA 90731
A Little Italy in LA? Shocking, right? San Pedro is one of my favorite areas in LA but is usually disregarded due to its far location. Given its close proximity to the Port of Long Beach, San Pedro was once the fishing capital of the United States in the 20th century!
This working-class city also used to be a magnet for European immigrants back in the 1800’s, specifically Italians and Croatians. San Pedro has the 4th largest population of Italian Americans in the US, and in 2018, Downtown San Pedro was commemorated with a Little Italy sign.
While this street bears no resemblance to Italy, you will a few restaurants that offer an authentic slice of Italy in Los Angeles. For more information on Little Italy Los Angeles, visit the official website.
When I published the “Europe in LA” article, they DMed me on Instagram! This is what they said:
“Looking through your article I noticed that you said Long Beach has the 4th largest population of Italians in CA. Actually, it’s San Pedro that has the largest (approx 40,000) of Italian descent! That’s why San Pedro was chosen for Little Italy. There are many multi generational Italian families here!” – @LittleItalyOfLA
I also asked them about their favorite Italian restaurants in LA. With the exception of A1 Imported Groceries & Deli, which is a grocery store, I included all the links to these places. I cannot thank them enough for their invaluable input! I’ve only been to Raffaello’s. FYI, all these places are located in San Pedro!
La Siciliana
347 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Raffaello Ristorante, San Pedro
400 S. Pacific Avenue (at 4th Street) San Pedro, California 90731
Don’t let the sketchy area fool you! I was a bit apprehensive to go there but once I stepped in, I felt as I had just set foot in Italy. I was warmly welcomed by the owner and his son: Gino and Toni. The restaurant is family-style with old-school Italian décor. The register area, which had a few tables, was adjacent to two banquet rooms where two different parties were taking place. Waiters rushed in and out of the kitchen with plates double the size of my head. In Italy, gatherings, big plates and sharing go hand in hand, and Raffaello does an amazing job capturing this Italian tradition. They don’t skimp on the portions!!
I was in the mood for a good meaty tomato sauce. Toni recommended the bolognese sauce with Rigatone instead of Spaghetti because apparently, the Spaguetti holds the meat much better. Since I went by myself, he offered to serve me a half portion instead of the massive servings people were sharing.
Once my dish came, Tony sprinkled the most generous amount of grated cheese I had ever seen in a restaurant. He even asked me if I wanted more! Those fancy places where the waiters gingerly serve a teaspoon of grated cheese can take a seat!
The pasta was piping hot, but after I had the first bite I couldn’t wait a few minutes for it to cool down. It was so good I even burned my tongue! Their meat sauce is probably one of the best pasta sauces I’ve had since I moved to LA. The meat had the perfect texture and the tomato sauce was bursting with flavor. Meat sauces are pretty hard to nail, and you know you’re eating at a good Italian place when the sauces are good. The sauces are what makes or breaks the pasta.
Besides being blown away by my eating experience, I was blown away by the price, which came to just $9!!! What a bargain! Good luck trying to find a place with the same price-quality ratio as Raffaello! I made sure to leave a very generous tip.
They offer you a complimentary Capresse salad as an antipasto. It was good but a bit too salty for my taste.
Tony said that not all of the pasta was handmade, only the following: gnocci, canelone, lasagna and ravioli. However, he assured me that they import the rest of the pasta directly from Italy, so rest assured it’s not coming out of a carton box from the grocery store down the street. Tony was super attentive and checked in on me the entire time despite the fact that he was running back and forth between the kitchen and the rooms where the parties were taking place. The reviews mention the welcoming and family atmosphere, and after eating there, I can totally vouch for it.
Overall, Raffaello was a total surprise. I kept postponing going there for weeks on end, thinking that my eating experience was going to be average and not worth the trip, but that could not be further from the truth. What sets Raffaello Ristorante apart from any other Italian place in LA, besides being run by an Italian family, is that they host parties every few months with Italian musicians, and if it’s your birthday, the crew will sing Happy Birthday to you in Italian!! Oh! Did I mention that their desserts are homemade? If you can’t go to Italy this summer, just head down to Raffaello in San Pedro! With the old-school decor, Gino and Tony loudly talking in Italian over the bustling noise and the authentic Italian food, your Instagram followers might just believe that you’re indeed in Naples.
Update: This review was written in 2019. Unfortunately, in 2021 Raffaello completely revamped the space, and now it looks like every other LA restaurant with a modern interior. Their unique old-school charm is completely gone. There’s even an outdoor seating area now. Why?? 🙁 😭😭😭😭
Here’s what it looked like then
Now
I’m glad I was able to experience it in its past iteration. Make sure you still pay them a visit!
Buono’s Pizzeria Authentic Italian Pizzeria
222 W 6th Street R-1, San Pedro, CA 90731
2 more locations in Long Beach
Note: La Bocca Felice is permanently closed.
UOVO
Multiple locations
With five locations in LA, UOVO is one of the many options Angelenos turn to when they want good pasta without driving too far. What makes UOVO different from the rest of the Italian restaurants in LA? Their main selling point is that their pasta is shipped overnight from Bologna. They use a type of egg that is only available in Italy and that is specifically used to make pasta. According to UOVO, the result is a pasta noodle superior in taste and quality.
Their tagline is: “The one place outside of Italy that serves fresh pasta made in Italy by hand, by our team in Bologna.”
All the locations sport a modern, minimalist aesthetic, where guests can sit at the bar and get a firsthand view of the chefs crafting the different sauces. If you go to the Marina del Rey location, you can enjoy your pasta while looking out into the marina.
Fatto a Mano, The Pasta Shop
610 Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I knew I had to add this place as soon as I found out that the owner, Marco Perella, was from Italy. This no-frills, small pasta shop in the South Bay has been in business since 2019, and the reviews on Yelp pretty much speak for themselves: great quality, fresh ingredients, generous portions and amazing sauces that are made from scratch. Marco’s impressive resumé includes working as the Banquet Manager at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, as well as at other upscale and well-known hotels around California. He first began working as a pizza maker at the age of 13 in a local pizzeria outside of Milan! Not only is the pasta handmade, but so are their desserts and pizza dough.
L’ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE
1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
L’ANTICA is tucked away on a quiet street in the bustling Hollywood and Highland area. For those who don’t know, L’ANTICA PIZZERIA is the most visited pizzeria in Naples, as well as one of the first pizzerias in the world! This iconic pizzeria in Naples was not only featured in the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, but it also made a cameo in the motion picture with Julia Roberts! Given the success, the team at L’ANTICA has expanded their locations worldwide. We Angelenos are very spoiled by DA MICHELE team in the US. They’ve granted us not one, but two locations in LA (Hollywood and Long Beach) and one in Santa Barbara. New York on the other hand, only has one location.
The LA team from L’ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE is led by pizzaiolo Michele Rubini, who was trained in Naples. I read that his goal is to bring the same essence from the original location. To achieve this, they import the ingredients used at the original restaurant. I’m subscribed to their newsletter and they’re always doing fun events, like pizza lessons and masterclasses by Italian chefs. For the record, these fancy locations in the US are a far cry from the original location in Naples, where it’s chaotic and no-frills with never-ending lines of people waiting to try their massive 5 euro pizzas.
I added this place because although they specialize in pizzas, they also serve delicious handmade pasta dishes. The price point is expensive but hey, you don’t get to eat pasta of this caliber everyday.
The outdoor space, with a blue-tiled pizza oven was inspired by Italian courtyards. If you go, it will feel like you’re somewhere in Tuscany! The bar area features a really spacious living room with a fireplace that looks straight out Architectural Digest Magazine. There’s certainly a welcoming aura that you don’t see in that many places in LA, probably because of its “hidden” location, only known by true Italian connoisseurs. 😉
Pace Restaurant
2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Out of all the Italian celebrity spots in LA, I think Pace does the best job flying under the radar. This Italian restaurant is nestled in the iconic hills of Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood that was a creative mecca for musicians back in the 60s and 70s: Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison, Ringo Starr… No matter how many times I drive through Laurel Canyon, it never gets old!
Since 1999, Pace has been providing Laurel Canyon locals with Italian dishes using seasonal produce and organic ingredients from local farmers’ markets. Someone said that the dark, rustic, and quaint atmosphere inside will make you feel like you’re in a basement in Tuscany. During the warm season, Pace uses the portion of the road next to the dry cleaner as an outdoor seating area, further enhancing the European vibe. Due to limited availability, reservations are strongly encouraged!
What are your favorite Italian restaurants in LA?
What do you think?