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Best of Central LA

Lunch spots with pasta

Made for those who want a midday break centered around a bowl of pasta and a reliable place to sit down.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafe Fresco image 1
Cafe Fresco image 2
Cafe Fresco image 3
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Brunch restaurant

Small cafe with cozy decor and personal touches creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a slice of Ecuador. Comfortable seating and a full espresso bar support a relaxed, inviting vibe. The place draws a mix of patrons enjoying authentic Ecuadorian and American dishes in a family-owned setting.

Chicken pesto pasta stands out as a delicious option on the menu. It appears regularly and gets ordered often.

Extensive menu offers plenty of lunch options alongside breakfast and dinner. Service during lunch is consistently awesome, making it a reliable spot to stay and enjoy a meal.

People are saying

"The breakfast sandwiches here are delicious."

"This lunch spot's meals are delicious and filling."

"The chicken pasta here is delicious."

Good to know

1

They host a perreo and coffee event on select weekends.

2

On weekends, Cafe Fresco serves unmissable Ecuadorian dishes.

3

The Taco Tuesday deal includes three tacos and an agua fresca for $14.

02
Culina Ristorante and Caffè image 1

Italian restaurant offers elegant indoor dining and a gorgeous outdoor garden patio with live music. Atmosphere balances luxury and coziness with tasteful decor and relaxed lighting. Dining experience includes Michelin recognition and a focus on refined Italian dishes.

Pasta dishes feature distinct flavors that blend well with a light white wine sauce. Options like the shrimp pasta come with a salty kick, while the Crested di Gallo e Salsiccia stands out as a savory main course.

Quiet atmosphere suits a private lunch in a luxurious setting. Staff may lack detailed menu information during lunch.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, with distinct flavors that work well together."

"The food at this lunch spot was great!"

"I thought the pasta was possibly the best I had all year."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch.

2

Expect higher prices than listed on the menu due to additional charges.

3

The brunch buffet offers a great selection but may vary in quality.

03
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.

Seafood cream pasta stands out with a fresh, rich sauce that elevates the dish. Comfort options like Ragu Spaghetti and tonkatsu with spaghetti offer hearty flavors, while the tomato pasta delivers a surprisingly tasty twist.

Lunch comes out within 10 minutes and portions are very large, almost bigger than your face. Meals offer freshness and leftovers at a low price.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot has tasty food and really big portions."

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.

04
Nicolas Eatery image 1
Restaurant

Modern restaurant offers cozy indoor and outdoor spaces with an open kitchen and scenic city views. Atmosphere feels like a relaxed piece of France, blending modern vibes with a homey touch. Guests enjoy a calm setting suitable for lunch or dinner, often accompanied by innovative drinks.

Seafood pasta stands out with fresh ingredients and a Michelin star quality feel. Pricing is high, around $30 per dish, but some pasta dishes use palm oil, making them hard to eat.

Lunch features a standout French Onion Soup considered exceptional. The spot draws locals and visitors alike for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a unique vibe.

People are saying

"The seafood pasta here is top notch, like Michelin star quality."

"The seafood stew and lobster roll here are surprisingly good."

"I was blown away by the French toast here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu with a small selection of dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable, with burgers and sandwiches costing around $30 for two.

3

The restaurant is family-run, operated by chef Nicolas and his sons.

05
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.

Fresh pasta comes with rich short ribs and a whole fish option. Vegan dishes include a carbonara with great texture and a remade lasagna that stands out.

Lunch offers panini with fresh ingredients like burrata and heirloom tomatoes, plus a vegan panino with eggplant and olive pate. Servers help with the menu and dietary needs, making it easy to enjoy a sunny sidewalk meal.

People are saying

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

"The pasta here is perfectly cooked and not too heavy."

"This lunch spot's vegan dishes are innovative and surpass expectations."

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.

06
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.

Authentic Italian pasta shines with dishes like ravioli and boscaiola. Pasta customization lets you pick any type you want.

Busy during lunch hours, this spot serves as a solid choice for midday meals. Crowds pick up especially in the evenings and at lunch.

People are saying

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

"This cozy spot has a classic, authentic Italian vibe."

"This lunch spot has a cozy, dim ambiance perfect for dates."

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.

07
Desert Rose image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Red stained glass rose and fire pits create a romantic, casual atmosphere in a spacious patio filled with foliage and comfortable seating. The setting supports hookah smoking alongside drinks and snacks, with heat lamps adding warmth. Lighting is gorgeous and warm, making it ideal for relaxed evenings and group gatherings.

Wide pappardelle noodles come with tender short rib in a rich, savory sauce. Penne pasta also appears, and shrimp pasta includes about five shrimp per serving.

Lunch offers chicken shawarma and fresh salad with really good flavors. The spot suits those who want to read and work while enjoying a meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"I loved the fresh hummus and fire-roasted vegetables."

"The short rib pasta here is delicious and perfectly complemented."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs daily from 4pm to 6pm.

2

Free street parking is available nearby.

3

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

08
Stevie's Creole Café image 1
Creole restaurant

Small, intimate space with six tables and outdoor dining options creates a cozy, homey feel. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming with live music, though it can get crowded and loud. The vibe encourages community and fellowship, reminiscent of a family kitchen.

Creole pasta stands out with sausage, chicken, and shrimp in a rich sauce. The Cajun pasta offers a spicy, flavorful kick. Seafood pasta also delivers a strong, fresh taste.

Lunch offers super delicious and high quality dishes. It suits casual dates and fills in well when nearby spots get crowded.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and hearty."

"I found the Cajun pasta to be the best dish I ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's gumbo was exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of up to an hour during peak dining hours.

2

Street parking is available but requires caution due to permit restrictions.

3

An 18% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

09
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.

Neapolitan pasta offers a comforting flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. The menu also includes a Japanese veggie pasta and other pasta options alongside pancakes and rice dishes.

Lunch draws a busy crowd, especially on weekends. The meals leave a memorable impression with their quality and flavor.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the millefeuille pancakes; they're the best I've had."

"This Neapolitan pasta is so flavorful and comforting."

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.

10
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.

Fresh pasta shines with perfect al dente texture in dishes like Spaghetti Pomodoro and Spaghetti Carbonara made with guanciale and egg yolk. The seafood pasta and pistachio ravioli stand out for their flavor and quality.

Lunch draws a decent crowd, filling most of the seating. The atmosphere gets a bit loud during busy lunch meetings.

People are saying

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

"The pasta here is perfectly al dente and incredibly fresh."

"The food at this lunch spot was delicious and served at just the right time."

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.

11
Miceli's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school Italian restaurant with live piano and singing wait staff creates a nostalgic, elegant atmosphere filled with rustic wood detailing and hanging wine bottles. The vibe recalls classic Hollywood charm and transports guests to a bygone era.

Fettuccine dishes stand out with options like the Pestcatore, a hot, soupy bowl featuring five kinds of seafood. Large portions of lasagna and flavorful chicken francaise pasta also highlight the extensive menu.

Portions are fairly big, making it easy to have leftovers for lunch the next day. The famous lasagna stands out as a solid choice for a filling midday meal.

People are saying

"It's a charmingly old school Hollywood haunt."

"The live music here is wonderful and delightful."

"The singing waiters at this Lunch Spot are incredibly entertaining."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available for two hours with metered parking nearby.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

The restaurant features live entertainment with opera students and a band.

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