Good Italian restaurants are abundant in Los Angeles but if you want excellent authentic Italian cuisine look no further – I’ve got you covered with this list of my top 11 favorites!
I’m half Italian on my father’s side, my grandma is from Pollo del Colle, a small town near Bari and my grandpa is Palermo, Sicily so I grew up eating authentic Italian cuisine. I have also lived in Los Angeles off and on for many years so I’ve made it a priority to seek out the best Italian eateries across the city.
Here are my favorite authentic Italian restaurants from Santa Monica to Hollywood. Buon Appetito!
DAN TANA’S, WEST HOLLYWOOD
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: Homemade Gnocchi
Dan Tana’s has been around since the 1960’s and is one of the most iconic restaurants in Los Angeles. This spot offers delicious, authentic Italian food in an old school Hollywood setting. Dan Tana’s is open till 12:30am on Sunday and 1am every other night making it a popular late-night spot for celebrities and anyone looking to grab an excellent Italian meal after hours. One piece of advice ladies – avoid sitting at the bar which is known as a pick-up spot for high priced prostitutes!
IL PASTAIO, BEVERLY HILLS
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: Agnolotti Homemade Ravioli
Il Pastaio is an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills owned by renowned chef Giacomino Drago. The food is amazing and they have a nice outdoor patio on Canon Drive that is perfect for people watching. Their clientele includes many high profile celebrities as well as dedicated regulars.
LA SCALA, BEVERLY HILLS
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: La Scala Original Chopped Salad
LA SCALA TO GO, BRENTWOOD
Price: $$ Suggested Dish: Jean Leon Chopped Salad
If you are in Santa Monica and don’t want to make the drive over to Beverly Hills La Scala also has a second spin-off location in Brentwood. This location is a more low key and casual but still offers the same excellent authentic Italian food.
PEPPONE RESTAURANT, BRENTWOOD
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: Spinach or Mushroom Ravioli
BESTIA, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: Cavatelli alla Norcina Dumplings
LOCANDA PORTOFINO, SANTA MONICA
Price: $$$ Suggested Dish: Penne alla Siciliana
IL CAPRICCIO, LOS FELIZ
Price: $$ Suggested Dish: Penne Arrabiata
PIZZERIA MOZZA & OSTERIA MOZZA, HOLLYWOOD
Price: $$ Suggested Dish: Margherita Pizza or Funghi Misti
Pizzeria Mozza, located in Hollywood serves up mouth-watering pizza with amazing, thin, fluffy, yet crispy dough. All the ingredients are fresh and the atmosphere is vibrant with romantic mood lighting. Next door try Osteria Mozza, their upscale sister restaurant which offers a wider array of authentic Italian dishes and an excellent wine list.
TOSCANA, BRENTWOOD
CAPO, SANTA MONICA
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS WRAP UP
Do you know of any amazing Italian restaurants in LA to add to this list? Please share tips or questions in the comments below.
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