Village Pizzeria

131 N Larchmont Blvd, Hancock Park, CA 90004 323-465-5566

Description: LARCHMONT VILLAGE. Founded by Brooklyn-ites, this pizza joint is decorated with New York-inspired memorabilia and strives to keep the spirit of the Big Apple alive with delicious, hand-spun pizzas. Dough is made daily and contains no additives; toppings are ripe, fresh California produce. Choose from Neapolitan (thin) or Sicilian (thick) crust, and then pile on ingredients like homemade meatballs and sausage, roma tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pineapple, feta cheese, breaded eggplant, and cilantro. Hero sandwiches and pastas can also be had.
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Via Veneto

3009 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-399-1843

Description: SANTA MONICA. This dimly lit, cozy restaurant offers delectable Italian fare and plenty of atmosphere. Wall sconces and candelabras illuminate steaming plates of lobster ravioli, perfectly cooked risottos, langostini, and filet mignon with porcini mushrooms. Fresh fish specials are also particularly good. Due to the small space, noise levels rise quickly, but that doesn't stop patrons from deeming the place great for a date or a romantic dinner. N.B. Rock guitarist Warren Cuccurullo is a part-owner, so don't be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two.
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Valentino

3115 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-829-4313 +13108294313

Description: SANTA MONICA. For years, award-winning Valentino has provided not only excellent Italian cuisine but impeccable service and a vast wine list as well. Antipasti include carpaccio and Italian bread salad, while pasta and risotto options are perfect in their simplicity ­ try potato and spinach gnocchi or garlic-infused spaghetti with clams. Representative entrees include swordfish with onion and olive caponata, grilled squab in honey-fig-red wine sauce, and osso buco. The wine list has over 1000 choices, including vintage ports; several grappas are also available. Tasting menu is $55 without wine; $95 with wine pairings.
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Pizzicotto

11758 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood, CA 90049 +13104427188

Description: BRENTWOOD. Superb pizzas reign at this noisy Italian restaurant in tony Brentwood, a casual, fun place that attacts Brentwood locals and visiting celebrities. In addition to pizzas, the pastas are homemade ­ try the gnocchi, which is rumored to be the best in town. This little (the emphasis is on little) place with the big servings is always busy so don't go without a reservation. Casual dress is fine.
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Piccolo

5 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291 310-314-3222

Description: VENICE. "Intimate" is an understated way to describe this postage stamp-sized restaurant just a few steps away from the beach. Taking cues from the other Venice, this tiny spot serves authentic Italian dishes, rich in flavor and exactingly prepared. Diners enjoy candlelit tables and black-and-white photographs of Venezia while savoring entrees like roasted breast of duck in aged balsamic vinegar sauce and pistachio-crusted lamb loin. A five-course seasonal tasting menu can also be had.
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Madeo

8897 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 310-859-0242

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Being situated below street level gives this upscale, old-fashioned Northern Italian restaurant a special ambience that attracts both stars and star-gazers. Famous for its veal and carpaccio dishes, the establishment also serves first-rate Tuscan soup, eggplant parmigiana, and ravioli stuffed with Italian sea bass. A favorite for power lunches and special dinners, the restaurant is often quite packed, so expect a bit of a wait.
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Locanda Veneta

8638 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 310-274-1893

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Locanda Veneta is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, thanks to its elegant atmosphere, award-winning cuisine, and world class wine selection. Featured menu items include ricotta and spinach ravioli in a fresh asparagus sauce, veal scaloppini, and grilled jumbo shrimp with lots of garlic. The service is almost as renowned as the food, which adds to the overall appeal. This place is very small and very popular, so reservations are essential.
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Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi

114 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402 310-573-1660

Description: SANTA MONICA. At this engaging restaurant, the owner cooks while his daughter seats customers ­ and they rarely meet strangers. Tuscan cuisine is the attraction, as illustrated by pasta e fagioli soup, veal Milanese, and a variety of raviolis and gnocchis. Daily specials are always a good choice, and the wine list is extensive and variable in price. A favorite with celebrities and other Hollywood types.
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Il Pastaio

400 N Cañon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-205-5444

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. At Il Pastaio, brothers Celestino and Giacomino Drago spin the sort of culinary magic that's made their whole family famous in Southern California. Working with the freshest pastas and produce, the chefs prepare antipasti, duck ragout, and penne with swordfish to please even the most discerning palates. Risottos are abundant and always unique, and truffle-cheese fondue is an excellent choice for polishing off the evening.
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Il Buco

107 N Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-657-1345

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Another Drago establishment, Il Buco impresses diners with its rustic Italian authenticity ­ from the black and white pictures of the "homeland" adorning the walls to the various Italian tenors playing on the sound system. The menu is as authentic, with sweet, pumpkin-filled ravioli, thin-crusted Neapolitan pizzas, and osso buco complemented by an exalted wine list.
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Carlitos Gardel

7963 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-655-0891

Description: MELROSE. With a reputation built on great beef, this Argentinean-Italian restaurant is a meat-lover's delight. The signature parrilada (a range of barbecued dishes) includes sweetbreads, short ribs, skirt steak, and Italian sausages and is served with a pungent chimichurri sauce. Perfectly cooked meats are tender and juicy, and their presentation on sizzling skillets makes for a dramatic spectacle. The menu is rounded out by a number of salads, appetizers, and pastas.
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Caffe Delfini

147 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402 310-459-8823

Description: SANTA MONICA. Cozy and simple, this Mediterranean-Italian restaurant knows how to take care of patrons. Its care is evident in tasty dishes and expert service. Start with an appetizer sampler that features prosciutto, arugula, melon, tomato, and mozzarella. Then, indulge in a pasta or seafood creation (gnocchi comes highly recommended). End with a serving of tiramisu, and you'll be 100% satisfied! There's a large and varied wine list too.
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Angelini Osteria

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-297-0070

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Chef Gino Angelini heads this osteria (in Italy, a simple, country restaurant where wine and food are the main attractions), and Angelenos couldn't be happier. The space is tiny and crowded, but regulars know that a bit of a wait and no elbow room are small prices to pay for Italian food this luscious. Pumpkin tortelli with butter, sage, and asparagus is a mouthwatering first plate, while dishes like Romagna-style Dover sole, encrusted with garlic and parsley, and a breaded veal chop alla Milanese are excellent secondi.
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Angeli Caffe

7274 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-936-9086

Description: MELROSE. Family-friendly Angeli Caffe has been a Hollywood mainstay for years, and it's no secret why. The menu consists of traditional Italian dishes such as penne all'arrabiata (with spicy chiles and garlic), spinach and cheese ravioli, Tuscan bread salad with fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, linguine alle vongole (with clams and garlic in white wine sauce), and pollo arrosto (roasted garlic chicken). In addition, there are calzones and panini options, plus thin-crust pizzas that are simply delicious. Kids even get to roll out their own pizza dough!
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Pace

2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-654-8583

Description: HOLLYWOOD. This cozy spot ups the charm factor with a predominantly brick interior, art-glass light fixtures, and folksy art that recalls the '60s. There's nothing retro about the menu, however ­ Pace's pizzas are up-to-date with gourmet ingredients and creative taste combinations. Try the Poseidon Pie, with chopped clams, jalapeno, garlic, and chili flakes, or opt for something more traditional with the basic Peace Pie tomatoes, mozzarella, and oregano. Hera's Pie, with pesto, mushrooms, arugula, and fontina cheese, is another popular choice. Appetizers, pastas, and meat dishes complete the menu.
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Il Capriccio on Vermont

1757 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 323-662-5900

Description: EAST HOLLYWOOD. Sporting a casual, friendly mood, this Italian eatery brings diners back again and again with traditional, homemade Italian dishes. Start out with a fresh salad drizzled with zesty Caesar dressing and topped with grated cheese. For your main course, feast on lasagna, rigatoni, or a New York steak ­ everything's good. Finish up with divine tiramisu or a perfectly carmelized crème brûlée. A great value for your money.
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The Palm

9001 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-550-8811

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This venerable seafood and steak spot, with its legendary LA social scene, has built its reputation on an array of dining pleasures. The clubby venue is often frequented by celebs and industry types, and it boasts all the upscale menu standards, including crisp salads, succulent lobsters, and what many regard as the juiciest steaks west of the Mississippi. You'll also find a selection of Italian dishes, especially veal and linguine options. In addition, the great bar can provide an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
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Mulberry Street Pizzeria

347 N Cañon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-247-8998

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. You don't have to go to Italy for a pie that, while thin-crusted, piles on fresh vegetables and white and red sauces worthy of lip-licking. Actress Cathy Moriarty (yes, the one from Raging Bull) attracts movie moguls with her larger-than-life pizzas (literally...these are large pies) and meatball subs, so hang around and you just might spot someone famous with tomato-basil sauce on her cheek.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monic, CA 90401 310-395-8279

Description: SANTA MONICA. Just when "they" said New York was the only big city with unbelievable corner delis, now Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery proves them wrong! Constant chaos engulfs this tiny deli/grocery during lunch hours, as it is known around Santa Monica for its unbelievable fresh-made breads, antipasto and sandwiches. The Godmother is the most hailed of all, loaded with thick cuts of salami, lettuce and tomato. Lines can be long, so while waiting, peruse the gourmet market for its specialty Greek, Argentine and French foods. If waiting is not an option, order online and pick your eats up to-go.
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Abbot’s Pizza

1407 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 310-396-7334

Description: VENICE. There aren't a lot of frills at this pizza place, which locals declare serves up some of the best pizza they've ever eaten. Enjoy oven-fresh pies topped with classic toppings or more interesting pizzas with pesto sauce and an assortment of mushrooms or tequila-marinated chicken. Although toppings get their due, the bagel-like crust is what really puts these pizzas over the edge on the tastiness scale. Casual dress and friendly atmosphere.
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