An Insider’s Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles
From Roman-style pinsas to fresh pastas, explore L.A.’s best Italian spots.
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Updated March 23, 2026
New York City might be top dog when it comes to old-school pizzerias and Sicilian-inspired dining, but over the last decade, Los Angeles has carved out its own beat with a modern take on Italian fare. Though other international cuisines are thriving in L.A., as well, Italian food is a comforting classic that never goes out of style.
From decadent and creamy pastas to wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood, Italian fare is far more diverse and vibrant than most people realize, varying by region. While nothing beats a hearty bolognese or a nostalgic plate of spaghetti and meatballs, more overlooked Italian bites like fresh crudos, quality meats and vibrant tomato salads contribute greatly to any meal—as does an Aperol spritz or bottle of Chianti.
While timeless restaurants like Dan Tana’s and La Dolce Vita are still as popular as ever, more modern interpretations, led by acclaimed chefs like Nancy Silverton, Avner Levi and Evan Funke, bridge the gap between traditional and new. The recent opening of pasta bar Lapaba has created a new genre of Korean-meets-Italian flavors, while places like Pace and Madeo remain dedicated to the classics. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic evening out in Venice or indulge in a pizza that’s straight from Naples, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles.
Where to Find the Best Italian Food in Los Angeles, California
Oste
- 8142 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Famous for its Roman-style pinsas, Oste is a neighborhood Italian joint located in Beverly Grove on West 3rd. Whether you’re sitting on the covered patio or inside at a chestnut booth near the bar, this locally-loved restaurant also does everything from imported burrata salads to steamed mussels and classic pastas. Start with the burrata and beets salad or a cheese and meat charcuterie board, before enjoying a quick cacio e pepe course. Since the pinsas are lighter than a traditional pizza, consider getting both the Patate and the signature Oste with an added topping of Umbria black truffles.
Pace
- 2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tucked along a winding road in Laurel Canyon, Pace is the definition of a “locals only” Italian restaurant. The cozy, old-school establishment is tucked behind a rustic red-brick building right next to the Canyon Country Store. Expect organic ingredients across the entire menu, which focuses on classic recipes with a California influence. Sip on a dirty martini while nibbling on appetizers like the caprese salad and scampi piccanti. The pizzas are great for sharing, but order the linguine and clams or cedar-grilled salmon if you’re in the mood for seafood. End your meal with the butterscotch bread pudding and a scoop of creamy gelato.
Madeo Ristorante
- 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Having just celebrated their 40-year anniversary, Madeo is a family-owned institution that represents the best of L.A.’s Italian scene. Previously located on Beverly Boulevard, it reopened on the Sunset Strip in 2022, debuting a fresh and elegant new space for diners with attentive and friendly service. Madeo prides itself on highlighting traditional recipes ranging from calamari affogati to pasta e fagioli. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the more authentic Italian dishes, ask your server to steer you in the right direction, or stick with crowd-pleasing options like the bolognese, mushroom risotto, chicken milanese or peppery filet mignon. In true Italian fashion, finish off with the creamy and soft tiramisu.
Lapaba
- 558 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Lapaba is a brand-new pasta bar located on the corner of South Western Avenue in L.A.’s Koreatown. Obviously, the main draw is pasta, but before diving into the main course, kick off your meal with a glass of orange wine and a few appetizers. The kimchi suppli has a gooey, melted fontina center, and the little gem Caesar features a hint of Doenjang that adds umami richness. Now for the pasta: the agnolotti and cheesy corn put a Korean BBQ twist on a modern Italian favorite, but it’s the radiatore and galbi jjim that shine with a hearty and flavorful short rib ragu. The tiramisu is solid, but Lapaba’s signature dessert is the brown butter-infused black truffle soft serve.
Cento Pasta Bar
- 921 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Located in L.A.’s historic West Adams neighborhood, Cento Pasta Bar is a Michelin Guide restaurant by chef Avner Levi. Though it originally started off as a pasta pop-up, the permanent location has become a beloved staple, and you’ll find the chef’s counter consistently busy with foodies mingling over a bottle of orange wine. For a more intimate and cozy ambiance, request a table on the sandy, string-light-adorned patio. The gem Caesar is coated in a generous topping of Parmesan cheese and flavorful breadcrumbs. You can’t skip the popular spicy pomodoro, which is served with creamy ricotta cheese topped with a small pool of basil oil, or the sweet corn agnolotti. Don’t forget to save room for the banana tiramisu, and if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, opt for the light and delicate Rice and Rose.
Colapasta
- 1241 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Colapasta is a small, charming, no-frills Santa Monica restaurant with a dedicated following of loyal patrons. Organic, locally sourced ingredients are used to make menu highlights like the casunziei, a half-moon ravioli filled with red beets and cooked in a decadent brown butter sauce, then topped with crunchy poppy seeds. If you’re a fan of truffles, the moringa agnolotti is a must. There are only a few apps; opt for the bresaola and burrata salad. Though they have a small selection of wines available by the glass, you can also bring your own bottle for a $10 corkage fee.
Chi Spacca
- 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Chi Spacca is a gourmet Tuscan-style steakhouse by restaurateur Joe Bastianich and chef Nancy Silverton. Inspired by Italian butcheries, Chi Spacca focuses on sustainably sourced meats and farmers’ market produce. Unlike most Italian joints in Los Angeles, pasta is not the start of the show at Chi Spacca—head next door to Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza for that, and to Pizzeria Mozza for pizza. From grilled octopus to hanger steak to milk-roasted pork loin, the meat-heavy mains are seasoned to perfection with fresh herbs, intricate spices and house-made sauces. The savory pies are also a unique standout.
Angelini Osteria
- 7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Since 2001, Angelini Osteria, led by chef-owner Gino Angelini, has been a hub for Angelenos seeking consistent Italian cuisine in an elevated yet inviting fine dining setting. The pastas are famous, but spend some time checking out the starter section—antipasti highlights include the swordfish carpaccio, beef tenderloin tartare and roasted veal bone marrow. The prosciutto and melon is also worth ordering, when in season. Though all of the pastas (and the iconic lasagna verde) are artfully made, the taglioni limone is the most popular, and you can even grab a jar of the signature sauce to-go inside the restaurant store. Angelini Osteria also offers a solid takeout operation for when you’re craving a cozy evening at home.
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
- 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele brings a true taste of Napoli to Los Angeles. The original pizzeria in Naples is actually called the “Sacred Temple of Pizza,” but even when dining in Southern California, guests are treated to the exact same recipes and ingredients they’d enjoy in Italy. The romantic patio features overhead string lights, a cozy brick fireplace and a small pizza bar, creating a romantic scene that pairs perfectly with a glass of barbera. The Margherita pizza is an obvious classic, but you can always double the decadence with extra Fior di Latte, or go all out with the luxe truffle pie.
Donna’s
- 1538 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Since opening in the summer of 2023, Donna’s has become one of the most popular Italian-American restaurants on the Eastside. Both the menu and atmosphere at this Echo Park eatery pay homage to the classic Italian joints scattered across New York, and the drinks are just as impressive as the food. Order the Donna’s spritz along with marinated, cheese-stuffed peppadew peppers before sharing the garlic bread and meatballs with the table. Though everything from the chicken parmesan to the mushroom gnocchi is excellent, we recommend the risotto alla zucca for your entrée and the tiramisu for dessert.
Ospi
- 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
- 11677 San Vicente Blvd #200, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Ospi’s original location in Venice is a Westside institution worth braving traffic. The elegant yet minimalist dining room is always buzzing with beachgoers looking to cure their craving for the restaurant's famous crispy provolone with vodka sauce. Though the pizzas are tasty, the pastas are what make a lasting impression, and no visit to Ospi, or any of its sister restaurants, is complete without the spicy rigatoni alla vodka. End the evening with the Nutella mousse and an espresso martini. In 2024, the owners also turned the former Jemma di Mare in Brentwood into an Ospi, offering a slightly more convenient, centrally-located option for Ospi fanatics.
Felix Trattoria
- 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Felix Trattoria is an iconic Westside restaurant by chef Evan Funke and restaurateur Janet Zuccarini of Gusto 54. Guests can watch the pasta being made right in front of them thanks to the giant glass windows that look directly into the kitchen in the center of the dining room. The puffy crust on each pizza boasts a delicate crunch and airy texture, with the Diavola and white quattro formaggi being two of the best. The trofie pasta is a pesto-forward delight, and the linguine al limone is full of zesty, citrusy flavor. Craving something with a bit more substance? The tagliatelle al ragù bolognese is a consistently excellent meaty classic.
Antico Nuovo
- 4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Antico Nuovo transports patrons to the Italian countryside with its traditional menu and classic Italian wine list. The communal tables create a cozy sense of home, and the open kitchen lets you watch as the chefs cook a variety of meats and veggies over the wood-fired grill. Since the menu changes seasonally, there are always new dishes to try, but the savory focaccia, fresh crudo and beef cheek pappardelle are regulars that never get old, as is the hand-churned ice cream and cannoli.
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar
- 8265 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
Created by Francesco Zimone of L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, Florence Osteria & Piano Bar blends live entertainment with five-star service and dining. The cozy red-brick interior features a jazz piano where performers play nightly, while the covered back patio offers more space and privacy, with guests surrounded by an 85-year-old olive tree and sprigs of planted lavender. Sip wines from Tuscany while sharing a plate of pesto cavatelli or truffle-topped fettuccine. The 30-ounce ribeye is a great entrée to share, as is the herbaceous branzino. If you happen to be downtown, stop by the new Florence by the Water restaurant at Hotel Figueroa for a similar menu in a moody, poolside setting.
Mother Wolf
- 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Also from chef Evan Funke, Mother Wolf is a chic, avant-garde restaurant located in the heart of Hollywood. The interior has a grandiose, European feel, featuring tall ceilings, marble accents and opera-inspired motifs and artwork. The Sirene spritz is refreshing and bubbly, but the wine list is out of this world, and you can’t go wrong with a glass of Lambrusco to kick things off. The menu is inspired by Roman cuisine, and the pizzas and pastas shine. The classic Margherita is simple but timeless, and the rigatoni, topped with crispy pieces of guanciale and a rich pomodoro red sauce, is noteworthy. Once you're finished with dinner, head to the speakeasy in the back for a Negroni at Bar Avoja (keep in mind that it’s only open Thursday through Saturday).
Giorgio Baldi
- 114 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Giorgio Baldi is a celebrity-loved Santa Monica hot spot that has been frequented by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Pierce Brosnan and Rihanna. Tucked behind a private wall of greenery, the romantic restaurant uses classic white tablecloths and twinkling lights to set the scene for renowned pastas by the sea. The asparagus ravioli is a must-order, featuring homemade ravioli stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and asparagus. The sweet corn agnolotti and gnocchi al vostro gusto are also local favorites, but the lemony pan-fried Dover sole is an excellent entrée if you’re not in the mood for pasta. Don’t want to travel all the way to the Westside? Stop by the brand new Baldi at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and immerse yourself in a modern take on a Tuscan steakhouse.
Bestia
- 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, 90021
Between the hanging copper pots and exposed brick wall, downtown L.A.’s Bestia, in the Arts District, boasts a rustic, cozy vibe reminiscent of a modern Italian kitchen. Created by chef Ori Menashe and his wife, Genevieve Gergis, Bestia serves up delicate wood-fired pizzas and innovative pastas. The ‘Nduja pizza with avocado cream has a complex yet balanced flavor profile, and the squid ink spaghetti with lobster boasts vibrant spice and acidity in every bite. For dessert, end on a nostalgic note with the “coffee and donuts” or explore the seasonal crème fraîche panna cotta.
