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Nardò Italian
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Nardò Italian
7.9
Gianni Chiloiro's homage to his Puglian mother launched in 2024 with contemporary Southern Italian dishes and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from a custom Stefano Ferrara oven. Bright murals and tropical plants create Instagram-ready surroundings, though the kitchen is still finding its rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nardò Pizza, Gnocchi Ortolana, Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Naples-imported wood-fired oven and Puglian family recipes from 2024
Who should go: Pizza enthusiasts and fans of vibrant modern Italian design
When to visit: Weekend brunch or happy hour for outdoor patio
What to order: Margherita pizza, diavola, artichoke salad, tiramisu
Insider tip: New opening means you can still snag reservations easily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, plus public lot behind Culver Hotel ($2/hr). Easier before 7pm weekdays
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the Instagram aesthetic invites stylish but relaxed attire
Noise level: Moderate outdoors, livelier inside - patio tables best for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday, but new opening means availability still exists
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually accommodated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including artichoke salad, margherita pizza, pasta al pomodoro, seasonal vegetable antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, some vegetable-forward dishes available upon request
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF prep, but knowledgeable about celiac concerns and can advise on naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the tropical murals and string lights create romantic ambiance without being too formal, and the wood-fired pizza provides conversation starters. Request patio seating for quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Better odds here than most Culver City spots since it's a 2024 opening. Weekday dinners before 7pm or after 9pm work well; weekends still recommend booking ahead but bar seating usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - outdoor patio accommodates families well, pizza appeals to all ages, and the vibrant decor keeps kids engaged. High chairs available. Best for ages 5+ who can handle 45-min meals.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza from a legitimate Naples oven at more approachable prices than Culver City competitors, plus the outdoor setting beats most Italian spots in the area for California weather dining
Skip if: You want refined, quiet fine dining or need consistently flawless execution - the kitchen is still finding its stride in year one. Go to Osteria La Buca or Uovo for more polished experiences.
Nardò Italian
8.4
Founded by award-winning restaurateur Gianni Chiloiro, this 2024 newcomer brings authentic Puglian cuisine to Culver City with wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from a custom Stefano Ferrara oven imported from Naples. The bright, contemporary space features colorful murals and tropical plants, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families seeking Southern Italian flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi Ortolana, Neapolitan Margherita Pizza, Bucatini al Pistacchio
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Custom wood-fired oven from Naples produces authentic Neapolitan pizza
Who should go: Families and couples seeking upscale Southern Italian
When to visit: Dinner for best ambiance, weekends get busy
What to order: Any wood-fired pizza, gnocchi with pesto, seasonal crème brûlée
Insider tip: The Diavola pizza offers perfect spice balance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm. Public lot on Washington Blvd ($3-5). Weekends more challenging - arrive early or use ride-share.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans perfectly fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy. It's Culver City, not stuffy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - you can hold conversation but expect pleasant buzz during peak hours. Not quiet, not clubby.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday-Saturday after 6:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes. Dinner reservations still wise Tuesday-Thursday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - multiple wood-fired vegetable pizzas, gnocchi with pesto, burrata appetizers, seasonal vegetable plates. Chef accommodates requests.
Vegan options: Limited but workable - marinara pizza (no cheese), select vegetable dishes. Call ahead for best experience, kitchen will modify dishes.
Gluten-free options: Pizza available on gluten-free crust (not celiac-certified kitchen). Naturally GF options include grilled fish and select appetizers. Inform server of allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress without intimidating, noise level allows conversation, and the wood-fired pizza theatre adds visual interest. Request a table away from the oven if you want quieter ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually work. Weekend dinners are risky - expect 45+ minute waits. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins. Book on Resy to be safe.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love watching pizza-making, classic margherita appeals to picky eaters, and the bright colorful space feels welcoming. Gets louder at dinner so noise isn't an issue. All ages work here.
How does it compare to other Culver City Italian spots? More authentic Southern Italian than most - the Naples oven is real deal, not just marketing. Less formal than Uovo, more elevated than chains. Focus on Puglia vs generic red-sauce Italian.
What's the damage for two people? $80-120 for two with appetizer, two pizzas or entrees, drinks, and dessert. Pizza runs $18-24, pasta $22-28, cocktails $14-16. Not cheap but reasonable for quality.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza (that Naples oven matters), Southern Italian specialties you won't find elsewhere, family dinners where both kids and adults eat well, outdoor dining in nice weather. The Puglian focus sets it apart.
Skip if: You want quiet/romantic ambiance, need extensive vegan options, prefer Northern Italian or red-sauce classics, or want bargain pricing. Also skip if you're looking for quick in-and-out service - this is a linger spot.
Nardò Italian
8.1
Contemporary Southern Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas alongside fresh pasta. Opened in 2024, this welcoming space balances traditional techniques with modern California sensibilities through dishes like bucatini al pistacchio and branzino.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nardò Pizza, Bucatini al Pistacchio, Branzino
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fresh wood-fired approach with happy hour specials and contemporary Italian vibe
Who should go: Couples wanting approachable Italian with craft cocktails
When to visit: Friday-Saturday evenings or weekday happy hour 4-7pm
What to order: Any wood-fired pizza, artichoke salad, tiramisu or crème brûlée
Insider tip: Street parking only, arrive early or plan for nearby garage
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 6pm ($1.50/hr), free after. Downtown Culver garage 2 blocks away ($3/hr). Arrive 15min early on weekends.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans with blouse/button-down works, but most lean date-night dressy. Avoid gym wear.
Noise level: Moderate with lively buzz - can easily converse at your table but has energetic atmosphere, especially at bar
Weekend wait: 30-45min without reservation after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended Friday-Saturday.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including margherita pizza, pasta pomodoro, artichoke salad, and seasonal vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara pizza without cheese, select pastas with modifications. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Limited - no GF pizza but some pasta can be modified and salads available. Not celiac-safe kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting and buzz without being stuffy, approachable menu takes pressure off ordering, and reasonable prices ($40-60pp with drinks) don't feel excessive. Happy hour 4-7pm is smart move for earlier meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend dinners book solid - make reservation 3-5 days ahead or try happy hour bar seating which is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for 8+ who can sit through a meal - has pizzas kids love but date-night vibe and noise level make it less ideal for toddlers. No kids menu but pizzas are shareable.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes for relaxed dinner with apps and mains. Can stretch to 2+ hours with dessert and drinks. Quicker 45-60min lunch service available.
Is the happy hour worth it? Absolutely - 4-7pm weekdays features $2 off all drinks and select pizza specials. Great value and still full menu available. Bar and high-tops only during HH.
Best For
Better for: Choose Nardò when you want approachable Southern Italian with date-night energy but not white-tablecloth formality. Better cocktail program than typical pizza spots, better value than Culver City's pricier Italian options, and newer/trendier vibe than old-school red sauce joints.
Skip if: Need guaranteed quiet conversation (go to Simonette or Pasjoli instead), want extensive gluten-free/vegan options, bringing kids under 8, or seeking classic Northern Italian - this leans Neapolitan/Southern. Also skip if you need easy parking - the street situation frustrates some.
Nardò Italian
7.9
Southern Italian restaurant opened June 2024 featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas alongside handmade pastas and traditional dishes from 150-year-old family recipes. The contemporary space emphasizes fresh pasta as much as pizza, with standout wood-fired pies complementing an extensive Italian menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Fettuccine al Cinghiale
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Full-service Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza using 150-year-old family recipes
Who should go: Diners seeking complete Italian experience beyond just pizza
When to visit: Dinner for full menu experience with cocktails and wine
What to order: Margherita and Diavola pizzas, but don't skip the pasta program
Insider tip: Finish with housemade tiramisu or seasonal crème brûlée
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically available weekdays but fills up 6-7pm weekends. Culver City garage 2 blocks away ($3/hr). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and button-down works, but you'll see everything from date night dresses to business casual
Noise level: Moderate to lively - comfortable conversation at your table but gets energetic when full. Request corner tables for quieter experience.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, book ahead for prime times
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including marinara pizza, multiple pasta dishes, and seasonal vegetable antipasti
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara pizza without cheese, select pasta with olive oil, confirm with server on dough preparation
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pizza crust, limited pasta options - not ideal for celiac but can accommodate modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the Date Night Magic vibe is real. Lighting is flattering, noise level allows conversation, and the Southern Italian focus gives you something to talk about. Request a table near the back or patio for more intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) you'll likely get seated. Weekend dinners get packed 7-9pm - make a reservation or expect 30-45 min wait. Bar seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - they have highchairs, simple margherita pizzas kids love, and pasta options. Best for families before 7pm when it skews more date night. Patio seating gives kids more breathing room.
How does this compare to other Culver City Italian spots? More polished and full-service than casual pizza-only spots. The pasta program and 150-year-old recipes distinguish it from generic Italian chains. You're paying slightly more but getting restaurant-quality cooking, not just good pizza.
Is the pizza actually Neapolitan or just 'Neapolitan-style'? Legitimate wood-fired Neapolitan technique - soft, leopard-spotted crust with proper char. Not the thin-crispy American style. Expect center moisture and knife-and-fork eating, especially on loaded pies.
Can I just come for drinks and skip dinner? Yes - the bar serves cocktails and Italian wines, and you can order small plates or just a pizza to share. Not a dedicated cocktail bar vibe, but works for pre-dinner drinks or casual wine and appetizers.
Best For
Better for: Choose Nardò when you want the complete Southern Italian experience - wood-fired pizza PLUS pasta, antipasti, and desserts from family recipes. The contemporary setting and full bar program make it better for date nights and special occasions than casual pizza-only spots.
Skip if: If you only want quick pizza and nothing else, there are faster options. Also skip if you need extensive gluten-free accommodations or want a quiet, intimate setting - this gets lively and energetic when full.