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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central LA's best

Authentic Italian food

Italian meals that feel like a kitchen in Rome rather than a tourist-focused imitation.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
Colori Kitchen image 1
Colori Kitchen image 2
Colori Kitchen image 3
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Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with a homey vibe and charming plant ambiance. Atmosphere feels like visiting an Italian mama's house, relaxed and warm. Small space with about nine tables, popular for romantic dinners and casual nights out.

Italian dishes come with homemade pasta and a genuine Milanese flair. The atmosphere includes greetings in Italian by an Italian woman, adding to the authentic vibe.

Freshly made pasta stands out with dishes like lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and Bolognese noodles. The menu also features authentic Italian options such as burrata, rack of lamb, and carbonara, all prepared with care.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and made from scratch."

"The homemade pasta here tastes authentically Italian and delicious."

"The homemade pasta here is amazing and made from scratch."

Good to know

1

You can bring your own wine to Colori Kitchen without a charge.

2

Colori Kitchen moved from downtown to Harvard Heights, which is a nicer area.

3

The prices are reasonable, especially for the quality of food.

02
Da Barbara image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen reveals a home-style Italian setting with beautiful decor and sumptuous plates. Atmosphere feels like dining in a cozy Italian home, quiet and inviting. Guests bring their own wine, enhancing the intimate, personalized experience.

Cozy and intimate setting creates an authentic atmosphere. Italian dishes focus on fresh ingredients highlighted by the chef's soul rather than heavy seasoning.

Meatballs antipasti come out super light. Pasta features unique citrus zest flavor combinations. The Chilean sea bass stays delicate and juicy. Desserts include panna cotta with berries compote.

People are saying

"The food here is traditional, full of flavor, and made with love."

"The Italian food here feels like it's cooked by a tiny grandma from Bologna."

"It felt like an intimate, authentic Italian home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are needed to secure a table at Da Barbara.

2

Da Barbara allows customers to bring their own wine without a cork fee.

3

Guests need to BYOB as Da Barbara does not have a liquor license yet.

03
Cesare Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a refined and elegant setting. The vibe feels like family and neighborhood comfort, blending coziness with a touch of sophistication. Attentive service complements the high-quality ingredients and authentic Italian experience.

Food captures authentic Italian flavors with fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. Dishes deliver a genuine taste that feels like being in Italy.

Focaccia with olive oil and garlic starts the meal well, especially paired with filet mignon carpaccio. The menu includes Bottarga Pasta, Branzino, veal milanese, and tiramisu, all prepared with care and flavor.

People are saying

"This Italian food is the best I've ever had."

"I loved their fennel salad; it was packed with flavor."

"You'll feel like family here with the owners' genuine hospitality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Lunch service is now available, expanding dining options.

3

Expect higher prices compared to similar restaurants in the area.

04
Marino Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Intimate Italian dining space with old-world charm and timeless elegance creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Warm, familial energy blends with refined design and exceptional hospitality, evoking a sense of home and special occasion. Heated outdoor seating adds a comfortable option for guests.

Offers delicious Italian food with a focus on authentic dining that captures the true Italian experience.

Freshly made pasta shines with dishes like Macceroncini Amatriciana and ravioli with truffle. Seafood options include flavorful pasta with clams and calamari, while desserts feature a small but exceptional tiramisu.

People are saying

"The food and hospitality made me feel like family."

"The Italian food here makes you feel so welcome."

"I experienced an authentic Italian dining experience with unforgettable food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Valet parking is available for a hassle-free arrival.

3

Tomato Wednesdays feature dishes from Sal's personal garden during summer.

05
Melodia Restaurant image 1
European restaurant

European restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and vinyl record-themed decor. Live music and carefully curated playlists create a welcoming vibe that suits both casual and special occasions.

Authentic Russian food offers a tasty and elevated experience. The waiter provides a truly authentic Russian experience that complements the cuisine.

Bolognese stands out with rich flavor, while the Osso buco offers tender, perfectly cooked meat. The menu blends Italian with Ukrainian and Russian influences, featuring tasty chicken and mushroom pasta and a fresh tomato and burrata salad.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food here is fresh, tasty, and thoughtfully prepared."

"I found the authentic Russian food here to be flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers free parking, which is a significant convenience.

2

The plaza has limited parking, so street parking may be necessary on busy days.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of food served.

06
Detroit Pizza Depot (Hollywood) image 1

Space blends Detroit-style pizza culture with West Coast ease, featuring steel trays and a sports-like vibe. Atmosphere stays chill and friendly, with games on and music playing. Regulars enjoy authentic pizza and a relaxed spot to escape daily stress.

Pizza here captures the authentic Detroit-style with a thick, crispy crust and rich cheese blend. It matches the style found in Michigan, offering a genuine taste experience.

Pizza features a thick focaccia-like crust with a house marinara sauce. Toppings include bacon, ricotta, Parmesan, and everything bagel seasoning. Desserts like tiramisu come moist and topped with Oreos.

People are saying

"The vegan pizza here is delicious and satisfies cravings."

"The Detroit Style Pizza has a perfectly crispy crust and cheesy goodness."

"This Italian food is so good, you'll forget to take a picture."

Good to know

1

Detroit Pizza Depot is open until midnight.

2

Parking is available in a dedicated lot, but can be an issue during peak hours.

3

Pizzas cost around $20 and can feed two people.

07
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar image 1

Majestic olive tree anchors a spacious patio with live piano music enhancing an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. Playful industrial loft design blends tradition with innovation, inviting guests to linger. Energy shifts smoothly as live music transitions to a DJ deck later in the evening.

Menu features authentic Italian flavors with a variety of dishes including amazing pasta and great desserts. The ambiance aims for beauty but the dining pace can feel rushed, affecting the overall authenticity.

Fresh ingredients and unique flavors stand out in dishes like Branzino and Pesto Flatbread and pea pasta. The truffle fettuccine cooks al dente with balanced richness, and the agnolotti shows clear passion in preparation.

People are saying

"The live music here creates amazing vibes and ambiance."

"The Italian food, especially the short rib and pesto pizza, was fine."

"The pasta here is handmade and tastes so authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9pm.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

08
Pino's Sandwiches image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers authentic Italian sandwiches with 100% imported meats and cheeses and fresh bread baked on site. Warm, cozy space features light yellow walls and a small patio for street views. Energy stays lively and welcoming, echoing a Florentine neighborhood vibe.

Sandwiches feature an authentic Florentine touch with Tuscan-style flavors on freshly baked bread. Ingredients are high-quality and perfectly balanced, delivering a truly authentic Italian taste.

Fresh pesto and premium Italian meats like Prosciutto Parma and Mortadella define the sandwiches here. Daily baked focaccia bread made with imported Italian flour adds a golden crust and airy texture to each bite.

People are saying

"This sandwich is packed with authentic Italian flavor and pizazz."

"The Italian food portions are so generous, they're like two meals."

"These Italian sandwiches feel like a little slice of Florence."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the restaurant, accessible via an alleyway.

2

Expect authentic Tuscan-style sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients.

3

Vegan and veggie options are available on the menu.

09
Cafe Angelino image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with cozy, old country vibe and an intimate patio creates a laid-back atmosphere. Energy feels positive and welcoming, reflecting traditional Italian simplicity. Neighborhood spot known for its family-owned feel and unpretentious style.

Fresh Italian pasta stands out with genuine flavors. The menu focuses on authentic Italian food made with care.

Authentic Italian pasta comes with the option to choose any type. Dishes like Melanzane, Spicy Calamari, and Potato Gnocchi showcase a rich tomato sauce. The panna cotta stands out as a creamy dessert, while the cotto e funghi pizza and boscaiola pasta offer solid choices.

People are saying

"It's an intimate, authentic Italian spot with a cozy vibe."

"The seafood here is so generous, the plate overflows with mussels and clams."

"I tried authentic Italian pasta, and the clams were so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for a meal for two.

3

They charge an additional $3 after 4 pm.

10
Civico 2064 image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with indoor-outdoor decor featuring white and beige tones and plants creates a beautiful, charming atmosphere. Noise level is high, giving a lively, disco-like energy. Offers vegan menu options and an open kitchen that connects chefs and diners.

Offers authentic Italian dishes with quality ingredients and traditional cuisine. Includes vegan options alongside classic flavors.

Tiramisu stands out with a rich, loving flavor in every bite. The vegan dishes impress, especially the vegan carbonara with its great pasta texture and the vegan pesto offering a fresh mix of greens.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully prepared and full of flavor."

"I loved the gluten-free pasta's texture and sauce cling."

"The authentic Italian food here reminds me of my ancestral home."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Civico 2064 has a vegan menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

3

Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.

11
N10 Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant venue blends Old New York and Old LA decor with a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Attentive staff serve authentic Italian dishes and craft genuine Italian cocktails. Live music adds to the refined, inviting energy.

Offers authentic Italian cuisine with great ingredients and flavorful dishes. Presents a truly authentic menu that delivers genuine Italian taste and experience.

Homemade pastas like Tagliatelle al Ragu all’Antica offer comfort and complexity. Pizzas feature a crisp crust with great mozzarella and inventive toppings. The tiramisu is sweet, rich without heaviness, made with genuine care.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, with knowledgeable staff making great suggestions."

"The staff here makes Date Spots feel so welcoming and personal."

"I tasted authentic Italian flavors, especially in the pasta."

Good to know

1

The mandatory 18% service charge is added to all bills.

2

Happy hour is available every day of the week.

3

Private events can be hosted with customizable setups.

12
Lasung House 라성왕돈까스 image 1

Spacious Korean restaurant with a clean, modern interior and bright, cozy atmosphere. Tables feature ordering tablets, adding a tech-savvy touch to the casual vibe. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic but comfortable environment.

Offers authentic Korean tonkatsu with genuine flavors that capture the traditional Donkatsu experience. The menu focuses on delivering true-to-origin dishes in a newly opened setting.

Bolognese spaghetti offers a comforting, home-style flavor that stands out. The tomato pasta and cream seafood pasta also deliver solid, enjoyable tastes with good noodles throughout.

People are saying

"The pork cutlet here is thick, huge, and fried to perfection."

"I was haunted by how good the rose pasta was."

"I found the authentic Korean food surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-40 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

You must order at least one menu item per person.

3

Parking is available, but can be hectic due to limited space.

13
Andre's image 1
Italian restaurant

Building features Art Deco style with high ceilings and white glazed brick create a spacious, historic setting. Atmosphere blends sophisticated yet welcoming vibes with some noise, resembling a nostalgic cafeteria. Crowd tends to be friendly, enjoying a mix of vintage charm and contemporary decor.

Food features authentic Italian flavor with rich meat lasagna full of beef and cheese. Sauce tastes genuine and pasta cooks just right, all at reasonable prices.

Spaghetti stands out with meat sauce preferred over mushroom, served at a cheap price. Desserts include tiramisu and flan, with tiramisu rated highly.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the food to be cheap with generous portions."

"The food here is authentic, with a delicious taste and lots of beef and cheese."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2 for 90 minutes with restaurant validation.

2

The back of the restaurant has a parking lot with an attendant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

14
TAKAGI COFFEE WEST THIRD image 1

Cafe offers a quiet, immersive atmosphere with beautiful Japanese-inspired design featuring warm lighting and wood furniture. It attracts those seeking a cozy, intimate setting with attention to detail in both decor and service. The space includes a patio area that welcomes dogs with water bowls.

Japanese comfort food here tastes very close to authentic, especially the souffle pancakes and hamburger steak set meals. The café offers a genuine Japanese vibe with homemade matcha and a solid coffee lineup.

Carbonara stands out with rich, creamy sauce and savory notes. The Neapolitan pasta bursts with bold flavor and satisfying texture.

People are saying

"I found the fluffy Japanese pancakes to be very good."

"The Italian Food pasta here is really good and fluffy."

"I loved the authentic Japanese-style souffle pancakes, they were so fluffy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially during lunch hours.

15
La Bettola di Terroni image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an intimate setting with gorgeous tile and wood fixtures and a lovely outdoor patio. The atmosphere mixes cool vibes with occasional loudness due to tight seating. Guests enjoy authentic pasta dishes paired with well-curated wines and cocktails.

Spaghetti carbonara features fresh pasta, guanciale, and egg yolk for an authentic taste. Italian dishes stay true to tradition, and pizzas come whole without slicing on request.

Pasta stands out with fresh pasta cooked perfectly al dente, including dishes like spaghetti carbonara made with guanciale and egg yolk, and pistachio ravioli. Classic options like Spaghetti Pomodoro and seafood pasta offer fresh, flavorful experiences.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is authentic and excellent, especially the pasta."

"The patio is a lovely, intimate spot for dining outside."

"I found the Italian food here to be excellent and authentic."

Good to know

1

Meter parking is available around the neighborhood.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

3

Expect wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

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