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Cento Pasta Bar
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Cento Pasta Bar
8.7
Seasonal, Italian-contemporary cooking where handmade pasta is the main event, shaped by chef Avner Levi’s refined technique and subtle Mediterranean accents. The courtyard setting and open-kitchen energy make it a neighborhood date-night anchor that still feels relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beet Spaghetti with brown butter & whipped ricotta, Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni, Sweet Corn Agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-driven pastas with California produce in a standout courtyard.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and couples seeking a polished neighborhood dinner.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and a calmer patio.
What to order: Beet spaghetti, spicy pomodoro rigatoni, corn agnolotti.
Insider tip: Ask for a seat facing the pasta station for a front-row view.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.6
Chef Avner Levi’s West Adams pasta bar blends Italian technique with Mediterranean brightness in a courtyard setting that feels built for lingering. Handmade pastas and wood-kissed seafood lead, with small plates that reward sharing and a dessert list that keeps people ordering one more thing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni, Sweet Corn Agnolotti, Key Lime Pavlova
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized pasta-focused Mediterranean-leaning dinner spot in a dreamy courtyard.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and date-night diners.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and calmer patio.
What to order: Spicy pomodoro rigatoni, corn agnolotti, any seasonal crudo.
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that night—pasta shapes rotate and staff will steer you right.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.6
Chef Avner Levi’s West Adams pasta house serves standout bowls like the beet spaghetti in brown‑butter poppy sauce and a dramatic banana‑pudding tiramisu, making it a go‑to for date‑night and anniversaries in the neighbourhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro (rigatoni, Calabrian chili, truffle ricotta), Beet Spaghetti (brown butter, poppy, whipped ricotta), Banana Pudding Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A neighbourhood Italian‑contemporary pasta destination with wow dishes and design touches.
Who should go: Couples and food‑savvy diners celebrating something.
When to visit: Evening, for 5:00pm dinner onward.
What to order: Spicy Pomodoro, Beet Spaghetti, Banana Pudding Tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask for the patio under the string‑lit tree for the best ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be challenging after 6pm. Valet service is offered for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but aim for a slightly dressy look to match the trendy vibe.
Noise level: Moderate – the ambiance allows for a comfortable conversation, but it’s best to come prepared for some lively energy, especially on weekends.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations are recommended for evening visits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few vegetarian-friendly options on the menu, including the beet spaghetti.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 options that are vegan-friendly, but it’s best to ask the server for recommendations.
Gluten-free options: Yes - the restaurant offers gluten-free options, and they take extra care with a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely! The romantic atmosphere, combined with flavorful dishes, makes it a great spot for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it’s possible, especially during weekday lunches, it’s highly recommended to book ahead, particularly for dinner or on weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Cento Pasta Bar is more suited for adults and couples. The ambiance is trendy and intimate, making it less ideal for children. It’s best for ages 12 and up.
Best For
Better for: This place excels at creating a romantic, Instagram-worthy atmosphere paired with high-quality, inventive pasta dishes.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual family-friendly meal or a place with more basic pasta options, you might prefer a more traditional Italian spot nearby.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.9
Tucked away in West Adams, Chef Avner Levi’s pasta‑forward spot serves standout dishes like spicy pomodoro and beet spaghetti in a courtyard setting — a go‑to date night and pasta destination. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro rigatoni, Beet spaghetti with brown butter and ricotta, Banana pudding tiramisu dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: One of L.A.’s most consistent pasta destinations with creative execution.
Who should go: Couples or pasta obsessives wanting elevated comfort.
When to visit: Dinner time, 6–8 pm for best ambiance.
What to order: Spicy Pomodoro rigatoni; beet spaghetti; banana pudding tiramisu.
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating under the lit tree in the courtyard—it’s quieter and scenic.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.9
At this tucked‑away West Adams spot from chef Avner Levi, handmade pastas like the beet spaghetti and spicy pomodoro shine alongside a leafy courtyard and strong wine list. Locals favour it for its ambient patio and creative Italian‑Mediterranean fare. With its quieter residential setting, it often flies under the downtown radar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro rigatoni, Beet Spaghetti with brown butter & poppy, Squid Ink Mafaldine with ‘nduja & prawns
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Exceptional handmade pastas in a stylish courtyard setting.
Who should go: Couples or food‑savvy groups seeking something elevated.
When to visit: Evenings Tuesday–Sunday, dinner service.
What to order: Spicy Pomodoro rigatoni, Beet Spaghetti, Key Lime Pavlova.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating under the tree‑lights for best ambience.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.6
Chef Avner Levi’s West Adams pasta bar balances Italian comfort with Californian creativity, anchored by house-made noodles and a standout wood-fired grill. The courtyard setting turns dinner into a slow, social affair, while the menu rewards ordering wide and sharing. It’s a neighborhood favorite that still feels like a destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy pomodoro rigatoni, Beet spaghetti with brown butter and ricotta, Mole-braised osso buco
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seasonal pastas with a quiet fine-dining brain in a laid-back bar format.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and couples wanting a courtyard dinner.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for the patio glow.
What to order: Spicy pomodoro, beet spaghetti, one grilled large plate.
Insider tip: Ask for bar seating if you want the full open-kitchen feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be challenging after 6pm. There's also valet service for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but lean dressy for the best experience.
Noise level: Moderate - the ambiance allows for conversation without needing to raise your voice.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with several options.
Vegan options: Limited - typically 2-3 options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes! The relaxed courtyard setting and focus on sharing dishes make it an intimate, low-pressure environment ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's best to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as this neighborhood favorite can get quite busy. However, weekday lunch is typically walk-in friendly.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more tailored for adults and couples, the menu is flexible enough for kids to find something enjoyable. It’s more suitable for older children who can appreciate the slow, social dining experience.
Best For
Better for: Cento Pasta Bar stands out for its unique blend of Italian comfort and Californian creativity, with standout house-made pastas and a wood-fired grill. The courtyard dining and open kitchen experience also offer a more intimate, trendy vibe compared to standard Italian spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quick, casual meal or if you prefer a more traditional Italian setting, other restaurants in the area might be a better fit.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.4
Cento delivers handmade pastas with a wine-bar sensibility in a laid-back West Adams courtyard. Flavors lean bold and seasonal, with a tight menu that rewards repeat lunches. It’s elevated without being fussy, ideal for a lingering business catch-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy pomodoro rigatoni with truffle ricotta, Beet spaghetti, Gem Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Destination-level pasta in a casual neighborhood wine-bar setting.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and client lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for maximum calm.
What to order: Spicy pomodoro, seasonal pasta, Caesar salad.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal pastas if available.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.9
A Michelin-recognized West Adams pasta and wine spot where several pastas and small plates can be done gluten-free on request, and the kitchen’s technique shows in every sauce. The leafy courtyard and open kitchen make it a natural pick for slow dinners that still feel neighborhood-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy pomodoro rigatoni (gluten-free pasta swap), Beet spaghetti with brown butter and ricotta (GF swap), Charred octopus with romesco
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Michelin-listed pasta bar that reliably accommodates gluten-free diners without downgrading flavor.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and GF diners wanting a real night out.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier reservations and calmer vibe.
What to order: GF spicy rigatoni, beet pasta, octopus.
Insider tip: Ask for the GF pasta with whichever seasonal sauce is newest.
Cento Pasta Bar
8.7
Seasonal, Italian-contemporary pastas in a laid-back West Adams courtyard setting. The kitchen plays with bright produce-driven flavors while keeping technique tight, making it a splurge that still feels approachable for families earlier in the evening. Service is polished but friendly, and the patio is a big plus for kids and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni with ricotta, Beet Spaghetti with brown butter and poppy seeds, Banana Pudding Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Handmade pastas with California-seasonal twists in a standout courtyard.
Who should go: Families wanting a special-but-relaxed pasta night.
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest seating with kids.
What to order: Spicy pomodoro rigatoni, beet spaghetti, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Grab a patio table under the tree if you can.