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Fritto Misto
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Fritto Misto
8.4
This beloved family-owned trattoria has served generous portions of customizable pasta for over 30 years, letting diners choose their noodles and sauces for personalized combinations. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a neighborhood institution where servers know regulars by name.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create-Your-Own Pasta Combinations, Misto Salad, Veal Marsala
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Build-your-own pasta concept with over 20 sauce options
Who should go: Families wanting generous portions and flexibility
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for shorter waits
What to order: Atomic pasta, mushroom jalapeno ravioli, lunch special
Insider tip: The lunch special under $20 includes salad, pasta, and drink
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind restaurant (15 spots), street parking usually available on side streets
Dress code: Come as you are - families in shorts, couples on dates, totally casual
Noise level: Family restaurant buzz - lively but can still have conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Immediate seating, gets busy 12-1pm with local workers
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive with all pasta customizable, marinara and cream sauces
Vegan options: Yes - can make any pasta with marinara, arrabbiata, or aglio e olio
Gluten-free options: Limited - offers GF penne for $3 upcharge, same prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date - casual vibe and family atmosphere makes it less romantic, but perfect once you're comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm to avoid waits, or put name in and grab a drink nearby
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, crayons, and servers who are patient with customization requests
Best For
Better for: Picky eaters and large groups - the build-your-own concept means everyone gets exactly what they want
Skip if: You want refined Italian or date night ambiance - this is comfort food in a neighborhood spot
Fritto Misto
7.8
A beloved 25-year neighborhood gem serving generous portions of classic Italian-American favorites. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make it perfect for comfortable, unpretentious date nights without sacrificing quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Namesake Fritto Misto Platter, Chicken Piccata, Create-Your-Own Pasta
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Enormous portions and 20+ pasta combinations at fair prices.
Who should go: Couples wanting hearty comfort food
When to visit: Early weeknight dinners to avoid crowds
What to order: Fritto misto appetizer, pasta pancetta, tiramisu
Insider tip: Parking lot behind restaurant for easy access
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind restaurant via alley, usually spaces available. Street parking on Wilshire gets tight after 6pm
Dress code: Casual to nice casual - jeans and nice shirt perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but gets busier on weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, call ahead recommended Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, max 10 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, salads, and vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta marinara or arrabbiata, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto dishes and salads, but no GF pasta available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - cozy booths, dim lighting, and the relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off. Sharing the generous portions naturally creates conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait. Weekend dinners are tough - reserve or arrive before 6pm
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu, and staff is patient with families. The casual vibe means no one minds if kids get a bit loud
Best For
Better for: Generous portions at fair prices - you'll leave full without breaking the bank. More authentic neighborhood feel than chain Italian spots
Skip if: You want modern Italian or lighter fare - this is classic Italian-American comfort food. Also skip if you need a quiet, intimate setting on weekends
Fritto Misto
7.7
Family-owned neighborhood Italian serving massive portions of customizable pasta and hearty classics for nearly 20 years. The welcoming atmosphere and build-your-own pasta options make it a reliable choice for families and groups who value quantity, quality, and that everyone leaves satisfied.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Pasta, Chicken Parmigiana, Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Enormous portions and endless pasta customization options
Who should go: Hungry families and pasta lovers
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for easy seating
What to order: Any pasta with meat sauce, free bread, tiramisu
Insider tip: Lunch specials Monday-Friday offer incredible value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, street parking on Pico and side streets usually available
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, shorts and flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Lively family atmosphere - can be loud during peak times but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, call ahead for large groups
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, lunch specials draw locals
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options with customizable pasta and veggie sauces
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pasta with marinara, check if pasta is egg-free
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third dates - the casual vibe and massive portions are great once you're comfortable eating heartily together
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights, expect 30+ minute waits Friday-Sunday. They don't take reservations for parties under 6
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, crayons provided, and staff is patient with families. Pasta customization keeps picky eaters happy
Best For
Better for: Feeding a hungry group affordably - portions are 30% larger than most Italian spots with better customization
Skip if: You want refined Italian or intimate ambiance - head to Forma or Gjelina instead for date night
Fritto Misto
8.3
This family-owned neighborhood favorite since 2005 serves generous portions of Cal-Italian cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor patio stays packed with locals enjoying customizable pasta combinations and seafood specials at reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Seafood Fritto Misto, Build-Your-Own Pasta, Osso Buco
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Mix-and-match pasta options with 20+ sauce combinations.
Who should go: Families and locals wanting generous portions
When to visit: Early weeknight dinners to avoid crowds
What to order: Fritto misto platter, custom pasta, tiramisu
Insider tip: Monday lunch specials offer exceptional value