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ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Downtown LA
Best Lasagna in Downtown LA
Best Date Night Italian in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
PASTA e PASTA by Allegro
7.9
A Japanese-born chain with 20 years of refining its Japanese-Italian fusion formula, built around rich, technique-driven pastas like uni and squid ink that lean harder into umami than a traditional trattoria would. Every pasta order comes with complimentary salad and bread plus oversized portions, which makes the value equation straightforward for Little Tokyo. Tables sit close together and the space runs cozy when full, so set date-night expectations for intimate rather than luxurious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta, Mentai Cream Pasta, Beef Ragu Sauce Spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A Japanese-born trattoria chain (est. 2006) bringing Japanese-Italian fusion pasta to Little Tokyo, with oversized portions and complimentary salad and bread with every pasta order.
Who should go: Date-night couples and solo diners craving Japanese-Italian fusion pasta
When to visit: Arrive early; walk-in only, closed Mondays
What to order: Start with the Gizzard Confit, then the Uni Pasta is essential for first-timers — portions are huge, so one pasta per person is plenty.
Insider tip: Every pasta order comes with complimentary salad and bread, so skip ordering appetizers to save room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited lot parking at $6 cash only; Little Tokyo street parking is competitive—arrive early or plan on a nearby garage
Noise level: Cozy and close-quartered when busy—tables are near each other but noise stays conversational, not overwhelming
Weekend wait: Walk-in only, no reservations; by 6 PM on a Friday the dining room is already full—arrive right at opening (5 PM) or expect a wait; counter seats may open sooner
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, compact space creates a naturally intimate feel with warm, retro-inspired decor and soft lighting. The moderate noise level allows easy conversation, and the beautifully plated Japanese-Italian fusion dishes (like the uni pasta) make for impressive, share-worthy moments. It's casual yet classy — not stuffy, but more refined than a typical pasta spot. Expect a possible wait if you don't time it right, so arrive when doors open to avoid standing in line on your date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? This spot is primarily walk-in, so no reservation is typically needed — but that means you should expect a wait, especially on weekends. Waits range from 10 minutes on slower nights to over an hour during peak weekend dinner hours. Arriving right at 5pm for dinner or 11:30am for lunch gives you the best shot at being seated quickly. The restaurant does have a reservation page on their website, so checking there or calling ahead at (213) 265-7003 is worth trying for busier nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, but with caveats — the casual atmosphere and approachable pasta dishes work well for kids who enjoy noodles, and the space is relaxed enough that families won't feel out of place. However, no dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, and the tight, compact seating means strollers would be difficult to maneuver. Best for kids old enough to sit at the table and share from the regular menu. Earlier seatings (right at 5pm) are ideal to beat the crowds.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the restaurant has a function room available for family gatherings and business events, which is a strong option for larger parties. For standard dining room seating, the compact space means large groups may need to split across tables. Call ahead at (213) 265-7003 to arrange the function room or inquire about accommodating your party size, as walk-in groups during peak hours will face long waits.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available and is pet-friendly. Specific details about whether the patio is covered or heated are not confirmed online. Given the Little Tokyo sidewalk setting, expect a modest outdoor area rather than a sprawling patio. Call ahead to confirm current outdoor availability, especially during cooler months.
Best For
Better for: Intimate date nights or solo counter dining—small, cozy space with Japanese-Italian fusion and counter seats facing the open kitchen
Consider Alternatives If: You need a big group table or dislike tight seating—the space is compact with closely spaced tables
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm