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Lorenzo California
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lorenzo California
8.5
Beverly Hills' first authentic Florentine sandwich shop serves massive focaccia creations with imported Italian ingredients like truffle cream and white onion agrodolce. The namesake Lorenzo sandwich balances mortadella, parmigiano sauce, and toasted pistachios in perfect harmony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lorenzo (mortadella & pistachio), Cotto (prosciutto & truffle cream), Rafaello (stracciatella & pesto)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Daily-baked focaccia meets premium Tuscan ingredients
Who should go: Italophiles seeking authentic Florentine flavors
When to visit: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm, avoid weekend rush
What to order: Lorenzo sandwich, Cotto, fresh pasta specials
Insider tip: Take sandwiches to Beverly Gardens Park for a picnic
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico with 2-hour meters, small lot behind building fills by noon
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - anything from athleisure to business casual works
Noise level: Bustling lunch spot energy - fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: Shop closes at 5pm, no dinner service
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min peak lunch rush (12-2pm), walk-in otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including caprese and eggplant parmigiana focaccia
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify vegetarian options without cheese
Gluten-free options: No - focaccia is the foundation, no GF bread alternative
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than romantic dinners - great for low-pressure meet-ups with excellent food as conversation starter
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - first come, first served with limited indoor seating and some outdoor tables
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous eaters - sandwiches are large enough to share, but ingredients lean sophisticated
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian ingredients and proper focaccia technique unmatched in LA sandwich scene
Skip if: You need dinner service, extensive dietary accommodations, or prefer classic American deli style
Lorenzo California
8.1
Authentic Florentine sandwich shop run by owners from Florence serves exceptional focaccia sandwiches with premium Italian ingredients. The small cafe atmosphere buzzes with locals seeking truffle cream, mortadella, and parmigiano combinations on house-made bread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lorenzo Sandwich, Chicken Milanese Special, Fresh Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Florentine recipes with exceptional focaccia
Who should go: Sandwich aficionados and quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:30pm
What to order: Lorenzo sandwich, daily pasta special, lemon mousse
Insider tip: Call ahead for takeout to avoid 20-minute wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Little Santa Monica, usually spots within 2 blocks, free 2-hour limit
Dress code: Completely casual - come as you are, it's a sandwich shop
Noise level: Bustling cafe energy - expect background chatter but conversations are easy
Weekend wait: 15-20 min for seating, closes at 7pm Saturdays
Weekday lunch: 20-30 min during 12-1:30pm rush, no wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including caprese and truffle cream focaccia
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify vegetarian sandwiches without cheese
Gluten-free options: No - focaccia is the centerpiece, no GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual lunch dates - low-key atmosphere takes pressure off, but skip for dinner dates seeking ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served with limited seating, best odds before noon or after 2pm
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but limited - kids love the sandwiches but very small space, no high chairs, better for takeout with families
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian sandwiches that rival what you'd find in Florence - beats All'Antico Vinaio for freshness and local charm
Skip if: You need a full dinner menu, dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian, or dining space for groups larger than 4