The 18 Best Italian Restaurants in L.A.

Whether you are in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, enjoy our list of L.A.'s' best Italian restaurants. We consider many to be among the best restaurants in the city in general, which you can find more of here.

And if you're up for a culinary adventure, check our lists for best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas, Orange County and San Diego.

1. Angelini Osteria & Ristorante

Celebrating over 20 years in L.A., Angelini Osteria is best known for their authentic Italian cuisine with a side of honorable hospitality. With staples such as Sea Urchin Spaghetti and Lasagna Verde, there’s a reason Angelini Osteria has been awarded for being a top Italian restaurant in the world. Head to the Palisades Village for a bite at the brand new Angelini Ristorante to sample other tasty Italian dishes like penne rosa and ribeye tagliata. Trust me, they’ll have you saying Grazie. Beverly Grove: 7313 Beverly Blvd., L.A.; Pacific Palisades: 1038 N Swarthmore Ave., LA. Website

2. Jon & Vinny’s

With a brand new location in Beverly Hills, Jon & Vinny’s is a classic L.A staple. Indulge in Little Nats Pepperoni Pizza for lunch and the notorious Spicy Fusilli Vodka Pasta for dinner. Offering takeout and delivery, Jon & Vinny’s is a favorite in the city. Don’t forget your dessert—cookies anyone? Beverly Hills: 456 N Bedford Dr., LA; Brentwood: 11938 San Vicente Blvd., L.A.; Fairfax: 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. Website

3. Bestia

Italian for “beast,” Bestia was opened by husband and wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis in 2010. The DTLA hotspot's menu specializes in handmade pasta and fresh, local ingredients. Menu staples include a classic margarita pizze and cavatelli alla norcina. Don’t forget to snag something off the “Dolci” menu, especially if it’s the mascarpone rice pudding. 2121 7th Place, DTLA, Website

4. Bianca

Sweet and savory? Yes, please. Bianca Bakery specializes in Italian, French and Argentinian influences, offering both decadent bakery treats alongside their restaurant specials. From crispy croissants and organic focaccia to entree specials such as Gnocchi Madeo and Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, Bianca Bakery will have you coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, Website

5. Felix Trattoria

Dine al fresco under the stars as Felix, with deep-rooted Italian culinary traditions, offers a delightful menu with fresh California-grown ingredients. With infamous starters such as the Polpette Della Maestra Alessandra, which are pork meatballs served with salsa verde and Parmigiano Reggiano and the Fiore pizza with its light burrata di campana and squash blossoms, Felix is a dining experience out of this world. 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, Website

6. Da Michele

Home of authentic Neapolitan pizza with imported ingredients from Naples itself, Hollywood's Da Michele transports you to the heart of Italy right in the heart of Hollywood. Seated on the patio, diners sit within the lush garden to dine for brunch, lunch and dinner. They’re also hosting various events such as Drive-In movie nights where you can order food without leaving your car. Talk about dinner and a show. 1534 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, Website

7. Olivetta

Located poolside at the swanky Kimpton La Peer Hotel, Olivetta’s menu combines the Italian and Californian coast. Signature dishes include Chef Michael Fiorrelli's Bucatini with arugula-cashew pesto, Chopped Kale Salad and Whole Roasted Organic Chicken. Paired with an original cocktail like the Tequila + Carrot, Olivetta’s cool outdoor ambiance has got it all for anyone. 9010 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, Website

8. Dan Tana’s

Serving the L.A. community for over 50 years, Dan Tana’s is a cozy spot with a strong sense of family. With the classic red and white gingham tablecloths under the string lights, Dan Tana’s sense of community is just as strong and comforting as its food. Freshly baked bread and a well sought-after Chicken Parmesan, this West Hollywood eatery is a legendary spot you won’t want to miss. 9071 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, Website

9. Osteria Mozza

Offering “the greatest hits” to Mid-City, Osteria Mozza is known for its excellent craftsmanship of fine eats. Dine on handmade pastas like the Tagliatelle with oxtail ragu, or opt for a dish of Crispy Duck Confit with sauteed sweet corn. Beloved and beholden, owner Nancy Silverton never misses. 6602 Melrose Ave., Mid-City, Website

10. Chi Spacca

Also co-owned by Nancy Silverton, Mid-City's chi Spacca offers a new Italian experience, often called “an Italian steakhouse on steroids.” Experimenting with charcuterie and cured meats, chi Spacca’s menu is an artistry of classics such as antipasti plates of Coppa, Finocchiona, Prosciutto, and star-of-the-show entrees like Porcini-Rubbed Short Ribs. 6610 Melrose Ave., Mid-City, Website

11. Osteria La Buca

Give back while eating well at Osteria La Buca, best known for fresh dishes such as Housemade Ricotta and Spaghetti Carbonara. With fresh-sourced ingredients, everything Osteria La Buca offers does not contain anything synthetic and is sourced from local farmer’s markets or farms. They also online grocery service and have been cooking for hospital staff throughout the city. Sounds like a win-win to us. 5210 Melrose Ave., East Hollywood, Website

12. Alimento

A “soulful” Italian restaurant, Alimento is a breath of fresh air derived straight from a mix of Italian influence and chef Zach Pollack’s combination of Italian and New American cuisine. The Silverlake spot offers a beautiful Casarecce with tomato, burrata and basil, as well as a fresh Farro Salad with raw vegetables and sheep’s milk feta. 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, Website

13. Scopa Italian Roots

Bringing New York to California, Scopa Italian Roots presents a unique “interpretation of old-school Italian food.” With signature dishes and desserts from Chef Antonia’s Rigatoni and Pappardelle, Mini Cannolis and Italian Cookies, Scopa brings together people through food and fresh ingredients. 2905 Washington Blvd., Venice, Website

14. Cento Pasta Bar

With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, Chef Avner Lavi of West Adams hotspot Cento is known for making elevated yet delicious handmade pastas. Menu favorites include beet spaghetti topped with whipped ricotta and brown butter, as well as sweet corn agnolotti. For dessert, try the decadent banana pudding tiramisu. 4921 W Adams Blvd., West Adams. Website

15. Mother Wolf

Owner and chef of cozy Venice staple Felix Trattoria, Evan Funke masters Roman cuisine at his latest swanky eatery, Mother Wolf. The Hollywood restaurant serves up traditional appetizers like fried squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta and crisp, Roman-style pizzas. Accompany dinner with a glass of fine Italian wine from Mother Wolf’s impressive wine list. 1545 Wilcox Ave., Hollywood. Website

16. Madeo

Since reopening on the Sunset Strip, Madeo continues to prepare the best old-school Italian dishes in the 1 Hotel. Inspired by cooking techniques from Italy’s coastal Forte de Marmi, the menu features all of the classics like warm pasta e fagioli, veal milanese and of course, traditional spaghetti alla bolognese. 8490 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Website

17. Lavo Ristorante

Step into an Italian-inspired oasis at Tao Group’s Lavo Ristorante. Chef Ralph Scamardella adds a SoCal flair to the cuisine of southern Italy through plates like semolina sesame garlic bread topped with basil pesto and famous 1-pound wagyu “The Meatball” covered in marinara for dinner. Or, make a reservation for brunch to sample the gianduja waffle topped with caramelized hazelnuts. 9201 Sunset Blvd. Suite 100, West Hollywood. Website

18. Pizzeria Bianco

James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco opened a new DTLA location of his popular Phoenix-based restaurant Pizzeria Bianco just last year. The charming space is the perfect place to share tasty pizzas hot out of the oven. Stars of the menu include the Rosa pizza with red onion, parmigiano reggiano and pistachios, as well as the refreshing market salad with puntarelle and citrus. Pop by for lunch to order pizza by the slice. 1320 E 7th St. #100, DTLA. Website

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