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la area - restaurants
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review a restaurant
Do you know of a restaurant in LA that you'd recommend to your friends? Please review
it!
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Had a great or awful dining experience at an
Italian Restaurant in the Los Angeles Area? Tell us about it
and we'll share it with our readers.
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360 Restaurant and Lounge, 6290 Sunset Boulevard (Penthouse,
19th floor),
Los
Angeles (323) 461-8600
360 provides a selection of Italian
cuisine, seafood, or burgers in an upscale atmosphere. They entertain the
weekenders with jazz and for those looking for action during the week 360
becomes a dance club on Tuesday and Wednesday. Restaurant hours are 6
pm to 10 pm, except Friday and Saturday, 6 pm to 12 am. Entrees
range $8 - $25 and reservations are strongly suggested. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com) |
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Adriano's Ristorante,
2930 N. Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles (310) 475-9807
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Allegria, 22821 Pacific Coast Hayway, Malibu (310) 456-3132
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Alto
Palato, 755 North La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood (310) 657-9271
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Antica
Roma, 452 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills (310) 550-1673
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Armani
Caffe', 9533 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills (310) 271-9940
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Artisano
Ristorante, 77 Berth, San Pedro, (310) 832-1815
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Asti, 2425 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica (310) 449-1894
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Atrio
Cucina, 1032 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades (310) 459-9423
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Avanti
Trattoria, 101 Santa Monica Plaza, Santa
Monica, (310) 393-1655 |
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Balducci's
Trattoria, 300 North
Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills (310) 858-0445 |
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Bellapasta,
Los Angeles (213) 488-0400, (213)
488-0356
Bellapasta is one of the finest lit restaurants in
the Downtown area, that is if you enjoy natural lighting. The ceiling is
one big skylight which makes for a very open atmosphere to eat in.
Bellapasta serves a satisfying Italian cuisine, not
to mention their great selection of beer and wine, at an average of
$10 a meal. Their hours are 11 am to 3 pm, Monday
through Friday and 11 am to 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday.
(by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
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Bellini's Trattoria,
12021 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, (310) 477-4057
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Benvenuto Caffe',
8512 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, (310) 659-8635
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Bistro Venezia,
3400 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, (310) 325-0999
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Bonellos Italian Restaurant,
24503 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita (310) 325-5000
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Borelli's Pasta & Pizza,
22231 Palos Verdes Boulevard, Torrance (310) 316-8500
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Brogino's, 2423 Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, (310) 370-4827
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Bruno's Ristorante, 3838 South Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, (310)
397-5703
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Buca di Beppo 505 W. Foothill
Blvd. Claremont, CA , (909) 399 3287
Without descending a single step, Buca di Beppo plunges you into one of
those basement dining rooms found below countless Italian markets in Chicago
and other Italian-American enclaves. Answer "yes" when the hostess or host
asks if it's your first visit and you'll be led through the kitchen on the
way to your table. And, no, your eyes AREN'T playing tricks on you. Those
are REAL customers dining at a REAL table INSIDE the kitchen. You are shown
to your banquet sized table unless you've had the foresight (and enough
people) to reserve the Pope's Table (complete with a bust of John Paul II
in the middle of a Lazy Susan). Menus are painted on the wall amidst bric-a-brac,
Christmas lights and enough Italian-American memorabilia to chronicle the
experiences of whole generations. Appetizers, salads, entrees, side dishes
and desserts are ALL family sized, feeding 2 to 4 handily with plenty to
take home. BE CAREFUL ordering wine. A 3-litre jug of imported Chianti is
a ! ! ! ! whopping $60. Service is VERY fast but not rushed. Entrees may
arrive while you're still savoring the salad and garlic bread but since
they're so big, they don't go cold at the table. The rules: Bring a few,
heck, a LOT of friends; arrive hungry; taste everything on the table; don't
fight over the left-overs. And be sure to bring a camera. (by JoeEkaitis@anthro-animal-art.com)
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Buca Venezia,
39 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, (310) 376-0211
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Buona Vita, 439 Pier Avenua, Hermosa Beach, (310) 379-7626
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Buona Vita Trattoria,
9045 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, (310) 276-9089
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Biscemi's Pizza,
1110 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro, (310) 519-7775
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C & O Trattoria,
31 Washington Boulevard, Marina del Rey, (310) 823-2530
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Caffe' Angelino,
8735 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, (310) 246-1177
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Cardini, 930 Wilshire Blvd.
(in the Wilshire Grand Hotel & Centre), Los Angeles, (323)
227-24644
Serving northern Italian cuisine in an elegant
atmosphere. Prices range from $12-28. Lunch hours are from 11:30 am to 2
pm, Monday through Friday. Reservations are required and there is a full
bar. Parking is available in the garage for $3 with validation.
(by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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Chianti Italiano Ristorante,
8045 Vineyard Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Northeast corner of Foothill
Blvd. and Vineyard Ave.) (909) 941-0047
Owner and head chef Sartraj Singh (don't ask, just eat) brings world class
cuisine to a "strip" shopping center occupied by a pager store and a video
rental place. Seating choices include tiny "bistro" tables for 2 in the
lounge, tables for 4 or more in the pastel pink main dining room and a banquet
room that handles overflow seating when it's not reserved. Baskets of freshly
baked bread parade across the table as you enjoy their a la carte entrees
and side dishes like Gnocchi, various chicken dishes and, of course, pizzas
built on a foundation of olive oil painted bread dough. All of the desserts
are made on the premises. The restaurant also hosts winery dinners a couple
times a year in which a representative from a winery or a distributor lectures
diners on what to taste for as each wine (served in full glasses) is poured
before each of the up to 7 courses. Special note of interest: the entire
kitchen, in what was once another store in the shopping center, is visible
to the public. Just go around back and watch the show for a while before
going in! (by JoeEkaitis@anthro-animal-art.com
) |
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Ciao Trattoria, 815
W. Seventh Street (in the
Fine Arts Building), Los Angeles (213) 624-2244
Serving Italian
cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. Prices range from
$6-13. Hours are 11 am-10 pm, Monday through Friday. Reservations are suggested
and there is a full bar. Street parking is available,
in the Fine Arts Building. V alet parking for dinner. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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Cicada, 617 S. Olive Street,
Los Angeles (213) 488-9488
From the 30 foot high ceiling to the plush custom designed bar and lounge,
Cicada has combined 1920's Art Deco with contemporary design elements
to crteate an extraordinary atmosphere unique to Los Angeles. The European
Style is further complimented by a sophisticated menu with regional recipes
from the North of Italy. Ideal for special events and private parties.
Lunch hours are 11:15 to 2:30 Monday through Friday. Dinner hours are
Wednesday through Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm. Valet parking available. (by
la@virtualitalia.zzn.com ) |
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Italy's Little Kitchen,
8516 Lincoln Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 645 - 1220
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La Bella Cucina,
949 South Figueroa, Los Angeles (213) 623-0014
Serves northern/country Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Pizza,
pasta, salads and specialty dishes prepared with a healthy lifestyle in
mind. Dishes are lower in fat, cholesterol, calories and sodium. All menu
items are available for take out. Lunch averages $10 and dinner is about
$14. Beer and wine are available. Free parking in the rear after 6
pm. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com )
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Mangia Mangia Caffe', 505 South Flower (on Plaza Level at ARCO Plaza),
Los Angeles (213) 683-1122
Like a true Italian mama, Mangia Mangia Caffe serves hearty portions
of authentic northern Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Soups, salads, pastas, pizzas and panini sandwiches range from $3 to $7. Hours are 11am-4pm Monday through Friday. Delivery and catering are available as well as free parking with minimum order. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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Massimo Ristorante,
110 East Ninth Street, Lobby C, Los Angeles (213)
689-4415
The popular Massimo Restaurant attracts lunch date and
evening rendezvous patrons by the score. The menu reflects a rustic
Italian cuisine found only in Florence. What's more, the sleek and
contemporary Italian decor creates a casual feel perfect for meeting
friends and acquaintances. There is a full bar as well as a pool table.
Meals range between $10-$20 and their hours are 11:30 am - 3:30 pm for
lunch, Monday to Friday and a grilled menu 5 to 8 pm for those at the bar.
(by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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Napoli Italian Restaurant , 24960
Redlands Boulevard, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (I-10, Tippecanoe-Anderson exit)
, (909) 796-3770
Your next trip from L.A. to the desert or vice-versa should include a side
trip to Napoli. Like most fine little Italian eateries, it's located AWAY
from Restaurant Row but right next door to a Hometown Buffet. That hasn't
hurt their business at all. Indeed, quite a few diners headed for Hometown
Buffet decide at the last minute to be affordably pampered at Napoli. The
wine list spans the Atlantic. Dinner for 2 with a few extra added attractions
just barely burns a $50 bill. One entree of particular note is the Chicken
Parmegiana, NOT your typical swimming-in-marinara-sauce drippy slap of chicken.
Instead, a thin layer of marinara sauce hides under a mantle of melted Parmesan
covering a whole boneless breaded chicken breast. It's served with a side
of pasta and soup or salad. If you still have room, have the Cappuccino
ice cream and an espresso for an eye-opening dessert. (by JoeEkaitis@anthro-animal-art.com
) |
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Notte
Luna, Italian Trattoria, 113 North Meryland Avenue,
Glendale (818) 552-4100
Notte Luna, Glendale's newest affordable, upscale Italian eatery, is opening
its doors just in time to celebrate the New Year with a Millennium bash
where revelers will have the chance to experience the new restaurant.
Its exquisite menu and the eclectic décor. Some of the most requested dishes
on the menu include Cioppino (chopped fish, clams, mussels, shrimp and
calamari served in a tomato sauce and served with toasted bread), Salmone
Pizza (mozzarella and smoked salmon), BBQ Pollo Pizza barbecued chicken,
sliced red onions, cilantro, BBQ sauce & mozzarella cheese) and Ravioli
al funghi (filled with mushrooms and ricotta cheeseand served in a pink
sauce). Most dishes on the menu are under $10, giving diners a tremendous
value. Diners who like to eat outdoors will love Notte Luna. s quiet and
secluded garden patio (a rarity in Glendale), which is bathed in warm
lighting, surrounded by planter boxes and an awning to keep guests sheltered
from the elements. Notte Luna pays attention to even the most minute details
to make the dining experience even more enjoyable. For instance, heat
lamps have been specially engineered to radiate warmth evenly throughout
the patio instead of roasting one. Meals range between $8-$20 and their
hours are 11:00 am - 3:00 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm for dinner,
Monday to Sunday. (by nancyn@notteluna.com ) |
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Old
Spaghetti Factory, The, 5939 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles,
CA (323) 469-7149
How many full service restaurants on fabled Sunset Boulevard can you walk
into with $50 and three friends and walk out with change? The Old Spaghetti
Factory, which occupies a building once owned by the Gene Autry Studios,
greets diners with antique eccentricity, a galaxy of chandeliers from a
more elegant time and even an honest-to-goodness trolley car right in the
middle of the dining room. The menu features complete from-salad-to-dessert
dinners for around $6 to $9. In response to the recent trend toward bigger
portions, every pasta item can be upsized for a small charge. A full bar
mixes drinks and pours wine. The sauces have that simmered-all-day taste,
obviously inspired by someone's Nana's recipes. Service is attentive and,
because pasta is so easy to prepare, fast. Water and beverage glasses rarely
get past the half-empty level. Valet and self-parking are available at the
Sunset Boulevard location. (by JoeEkaitis@anthro-animal-art.com
) |
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Olive Tree, 100 South Main Street (diagonal to City Hall), Los Angeles (213)
625-8733, (213) 625-8889 fax
An over-the-counter restaurant serving Italian
food. Prices are under or near $6. Hours are 11 am to
4 pm, Monday through Friday. Delivery and catering are available. Metered street
or lot parking is available. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
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Pasqua,633 West
Fifth Street in the 1st Interstate Sorld Center, Los Angeles (213)
623-8400
555 West Fifth Street, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
601 West Fifth Street at One Bunker Hill, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
800 West Sixth Street, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
300 South Grand Avenue, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
217 Noth Hill Street, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
3458-1/2 Wilshire Boulevard, Los
Angeles (213) 623-8400
333
South Hope Street, Los Angeles (213) 623-8400
serves a full range of hot and iced coffee beverages, homemade
baked goods, panini sandwiches and fresh-tossed salads, and coffee beans in a
casual over-the-counter setting. Hours are from 6 am to 6 pm Mon
thru Fri. Hours may vary. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
)
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Pasta Primavera, 611 West Seventh Street,
Los Angeles (213) 688-0808
Serving Italian cuisine in
a casual atmosphere. Prices range from $5-11. Hours are 11 am to
5 pm, Monday to Friday. Reservations are not necessary. Faxed orders are
accepted by dialing (213) 688-4040. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
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Prizzi's
Piazza, 5930 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles
You will not find a better gourmet pizza in the world. try the eggplant,
smoked mozzarella and sun dried tomato pizza. Divine!
(by Susan D.) |
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San Antonio Winery and Maddalena
Restaurant, 737 Lamar Street , Los
Angeles (323) 223-1401
Serves a delicious Italian buffet in the unique ambiance of a 1917 winery.
San Antonio's own award-winning label is served along with a non-alcoholic
version. Meal prices range from $4-8. Hours are 11 am - 7 pm, daily. Reservations
are not necessary. Private dining accommodations for 25 to 500 are available.
Call for their special events menu. Free lot parking is available. (by
la@virtualitalia.zzn.com)
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Smeraldi's, 506 South Grand Avenue (in the Baltimore Hotel) ,
Los Angeles (213) 612-1562
Smeraldi's Ristorante serves
Italian cuisine in an atmosphere suitable for the business lunch. Prices
range from $7-18. Hours are 6:30am-10:00pm, 7 days a week. Reservations are
suggested and there is a full bar. 2 hours parking is available
fro $4 width validation. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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Tesoro
Trattoria, 300 South Grand
Street (in the California Plaza) ,
Los Angeles (213) 680-0000
Tesoro is
centrally located and moderately priced, Tesoro is ideal for business meetings,
company banquets and private parties. The restaurant offers a complimentary shuttle to
and from the Music Center, is minutes away from the Convention
Center, and is within walking distance of all major Downtown Hotels. Tesoro
is open 11am to 9:30pm Mon thru Fri and 5 pm to
10 pm on Saturday. (by la@virtualitalia.zzn.com
) |
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