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La Bruschetta Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Bruschetta Ristorante
8.5
This longtime Westwood favorite serves a traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese built on house-made pasta and slow-cooked meat sauce. Regulars come for the steady kitchen, warm welcome from the Peloni family, and a dining room that works as well for romantic dates as it does for multi-generational dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna alla Bolognese, Gnocchi ai Quattro Formaggi, Tirami Su
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Family-run Northern Italian spot renowned for classic lasagna and attentive, longtime staff.
Who should go: Families, longtime Westsiders, and classic red-sauce Italian lovers.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner for full-room energy without feeling rushed.
What to order: Lasagna alla Bolognese, four-cheese gnocchi, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask about nightly specials; lasagna pairs especially well with their house Barolo by the glass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential blocks is available but competitive after 6pm; meters run later, so check signs. Limited private-lot spaces behind nearby storefronts may open after business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational throughout most of the room, with a gentle hum during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during prime hours; faster for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including pastas, salads, and a few specials depending on the night.
Vegan options: Limited selections; most pastas and sauces include dairy or eggs, but salads can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available on request; kitchen is accommodating but not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm, family-run atmosphere balances charm and comfort without feeling overly formal. A good choice for an intimate but relaxed evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays or early evenings. Weekends can fill quickly, so call ahead for wait-time estimates.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff is welcoming to families, portions are shareable, and the menu has approachable pasta dishes suitable for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Classic, comforting Northern Italian flavors with a personal, old-school touch—ideal for diners who appreciate consistency and a family-run vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy, modern Italian, craft cocktails, or a high-energy scene—other Westwood spots offer a more contemporary take.
La Bruschetta Ristorante
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
La Bruschetta is a long-running Westwood trattoria where chef-owner Angelo Peloni serves traditional Italian plates, seafood specials, and housemade pastas in a quiet dining room. Locals use it for unhurried dinners with serious wine and old-school hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne all’Indiana, Lasagna alla Bolognese, Gnocchi al Pesto
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Family-run since 1984 with scratch-made pastas and personalized hospitality.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting classic, unhurried Italian dinners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend evenings with time to linger.
What to order: Penne all’Indiana, Lasagna alla Bolognese, Gnocchi al Pesto.
Insider tip: Request seasonal off-menu pastas or seafood; Angelo often obliges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Westwood Blvd and surrounding residential blocks is the primary option; meters free after 8pm but can be tight during peak dining hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished—button-downs, dresses, or elevated jeans with a blazer feel right for the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The dining room stays calm enough for easy conversation even during busy weekends.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; walk-ins are typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pastas, salads, and vegetable starters are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — can accommodate with simple pasta preparations or vegetable plates, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available upon request; many entrées are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The quiet dining room, warm service, and unhurried pacing make it ideal for meaningful conversation and a relaxed, grown-up first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or early weekends. For peak dinner hours (7–8pm), a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy traditional Italian dishes. The room skews adult and calm, so very young children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: A more intimate, old-school Italian experience with personal touches from the chef-owner and a quieter atmosphere than the trendier Westwood spots.
Skip if: You want modern Italian small plates, energetic crowds, or patio seating — other Westwood options will fit those moods better.