Los Angeles's Best Italian Restaurants

Bestia in Los Angeles stands out in a city full of dining choices by offering consistently good food that keeps people coming back. Even with limited time in town, many make a point to return because they crave what Bestia has to offer. Its straightforward approach focuses on quality cooking that remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

It’s so many great restaurants in SoCal, why should I go back to any restaurant, when I travel there with limited time? Yet I made a point of visiting Bestia every time bc it’s THAT good- just solid good food that you crave for more. Their roasted bone marrow with homemade gnocchi is addictive. You have to check it out when you’re in LA.

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Mother Wolf is Chef Evan Funke’s homage to Rome, set in the historic Citizen News Building in Hollywood. Its glamorous Art Deco interior and lively atmosphere offer a glimpse of old Hollywood charm while focusing on authentic Italian traditions. You’ll find a balance of classic influences and contemporary energy in this bustling Los Angeles destination.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Evan Funke’s latest project offering Italian food, specifically focused on the city of Rome. While in LA, this was one of the hotspots many people were talking about, so we knew we had to check it out. First of all, you can see right away there has been invested a lot of money in this place, with all the glamorous decoration and the interior design. The place can be a little too loud sometimes. Now, focusing on the dishes we ordered, we had the following: * Ricatoncini all vaccinara. * Tonnarelli cacio e pepe. * Spaghetti all’amatriciana. * Gamberi in salsa verde. * Pizza margherita. * Pizza diavola. * Torta della nonna. * Torta di olio d’oliva. The food was overall pretty good. The prawns were nice, the pizzas were good, (but we personally prefer pizzas napolitanas compared to the pizza romana). The cacio e pepe was our favorite pasta and dish of the meal, it had a nice texture and nice flavor and the desserts also were good.

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L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a relaxed spot in Hollywood that blends old-school Neapolitan roots with a modern Californian vibe. It has an airy layout, cozy fireplaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels ideal for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. The open, inviting space makes it easy to enjoy a taste of Italy right in Los Angeles.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Might just be LA’s best pizza. On the one side knowing a great pizza place in a city is important (pizza can fill all kinds of needs — from quick snack, to comfort food, to a fun time with friends, even to a romantic dinner). At the same time, I think there is little as contentious as a pizza place — I think it’s rare for even two foodies to agree on the best pizza joint in a city. So let me start by saying that for me a great pizza is an Italian style pizza, not the cheese and gluten monstrosities they serve in Chicago (if this last sentence offended you, no need to read further 🙂). Thin crust, crispiness on the edges of the crust, a little burn, nice acidity in the sauce, and overall simplicity, that is what I am looking for in a great pizza. LA might not be a traditional pizza country, with the more famous slices being those strange creations at places like Spago that add salmon and caviar. Nice but way too over the top for me (at least when it comes to pizza.) L’Antica is a special place, on the other hand, a place where I have driven from Santa Monica because I wanted some pizza. It is traditional, old school Neapolitan style pizza, served in a side street of touristy Hollywood, in a place that is modern Californian (with lots of open space) yet cozy and romantic with its several fireplaces. I usually have a Marinara and a salad or pasta on the side. The tomato sauce on the marinara is divine, mouthwatering. I won’t go into the whole connection between this LA restaurant and its Neapolitanian namesake (think more franchise than the second restaurant), but the pizza will transport you to Italy.

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Bacetti is a relaxed Italian spot in Echo Park with a cool interior and friendly service. They specialize in natural Italian wines, creating an easygoing atmosphere for enjoying a meal. Prices feel reasonable for the quality, making it a welcoming place to spend an evening in Los Angeles.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Italian restaurant with natural wines in Echo Park. This was our favorite Italian restaurant of this last trip to Los Angeles. First of all, the whole vibe and the interior is super cool here, and service as in most places in LA, is very very good. The wines are pretty much only Italian and all of them natural or low intervention. Now, focusing on the food, we had the following: * Strozzapreti cacio e pepe. * Blistered sunchoke, labneh, dates & sunflower seeds. * Focaccia Ebraica & honey butter. * Campanelle with portobello, shimeji, oyster mushrooms, thyme & ricotta salata. * Caramelized nut tart with rosemary, salt & pecorino. Also, a part from this, but not pictured (as we came back on a different occasion without a camera) we tried the pizzas. All of the dishes were very nice, but the favorite was definitely the focaccia. The pasta also had a great texture and nice flavor. Overall one of the better restaurants we’ve been to this last trip and also fairly priced for what it is in our opinion.

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Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles highlights a thoughtful balance of California and Italian influences under Chef Nancy Silverton. Its laid-back setting and focus on quality ingredients keep guests coming back. The friendly vibe and consistent attention to detail have earned it a strong following among locals and visitors alike.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

When it comes to great Italian food in the US, people usually think of the East Cost, maybe Chicago. And sure there have been old school Hollywood hang outs like Dan Tana’s or La Dolce Vita (ok they have new owners), but you went to these places not because of the food but for the people and the privacy. Though considering that Italian food is so ingredient focused it makes sense that over the last decade plus there has been a bit of an Italian discovery in LA. And chef Nancy Silverton of Osteria Mozza has been at the forefront of this development. The dishes are not 100% Italian and fully authentic, for those that care, but the California inspired Italian dishes you get at Mozza set their own standard, like the various Mozzarella and Burrata dishes, served from the Mozzarella Bar. The Burrata and Peas I had brought out the creaminess of the Burrata while the peas added crunch and the pesto like sauce provide perfect amount of acidity. The grilled octopus also adds a bit of California in the bed of super fresh celery and green onions. And if you truly want to experience an authentic Italian dish, the Cacio e Pepe can more than compete with the more traditional Italian restaurant competition of Funke’s several Italian restaurants. For desert the olive oil cake was outstanding, tart with an olive candy that added a fun touch and high level of crunch. There is a reason Osteria Mozza has been at the top of the restaurant list for so long, and why even if you show up when they open, the restaurant quickly fills up — great food, rooted in Southern California but heavily inspired by Italy.

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Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles is led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Nancy Silverton and is known for its Californian ingredients and a much-talked-about crust. The casual setting and focus on quality make it a welcoming spot for anyone looking to enjoy a thoughtfully made meal.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

I can’t believe no one has recommended this place yet. Simply the best pizza ever! Been here more than a decade ago and was blown away. I thought maybe it would not be as good as I remember. Afterall, I’ve since eaten at many other amazing pizza places all over the US (including the famous Bianco from Phoenix). But let me tell you, eating Mozza pizza again is like you’ve been kissed for the first time (excitement, wonder, butterflies). It was out of this world delicious. There is something about the dough, just the right amount of moistness and chewiness in the center and the right crispiness (but not dry) on the outside. And when you pick it up, it doesn’t flop. And I love the great toppings. The bone marrows were so good too.

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Quarter Sheets is a casual pizza parlor in Echo Park, Los Angeles, where you can dine in or grab takeout in a relaxed setting. They’re known for putting care into every bite and offering a small selection of drinks. It’s a welcoming spot that many locals say keeps them coming back.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Over the years the only thing I have missed in LA is Pizza. LA has finally figured it out and has several great Pizza options. Quarter Sheets bar pizza is life changing. Fantastic salads, sides and some of the best cakes in LA. Nice focused Natural wine list. They simplt nail it. Reminds me of Robertas in the early days.

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