0 Followers
Il Pastaio
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Il Pastaio
8.2
This Drago family institution has served fresh handmade pasta in Beverly Hills since 1994, earning celebrity status with dishes like the Justin Bieber pasta. The charming fountain patio and classic Italian interior provide the perfect backdrop for truffle-laden brunch dishes served tableside from cheese wheels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Justin Bieber Pasta, Truffle Pasta in Cheese Wheel, Eggs Benedict Italiana
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tableside cheese wheel pasta and celebrity-named dishes
Who should go: Pasta purists and celebrity spotters
When to visit: Weekend brunch on the fountain patio
What to order: Any pasta from the cheese wheel, burrata
Insider tip: The Justin Bieber pasta isn't on the menu - just ask for it
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking with 2-hour meters until 6pm
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - nice jeans and a stylish top minimum, many dress up
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio quieter than inside for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Walk-in usually fine except Friday power lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and appetizer options, cheese-forward menu
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify pasta with marinara, ask server
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pasta, but risotto and salads available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the fountain patio is romantic without being too intimate, sharing cheese wheel pasta is a fun conversation starter, and the Beverly Hills scene adds energy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but weekend brunch books 2 weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, or try early dinner at 5pm
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch and early dinner - they'll make butter pasta off-menu, high chairs available, but gets scene-y after 7pm
Best For
Better for: Theatrical pasta service and celeb-spotting beats other Beverly Hills Italian spots for the Instagram moment
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian - go to Bestia or Mother Wolf for more innovative takes
Il Pastaio
8.3
A Drago family institution for 23 years on Restaurant Row where the bustling patio remains the power lunch spot of choice. Over 20 housemade pasta dishes range from butterfly pasta with smoked salmon to lobster linguine in spicy tomato sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine Lobster, Butterfly Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Risotto ai Frutti di Mare
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: The see-and-be-seen patio defines Beverly Hills dining
Who should go: Deal-makers and social butterflies
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business, weekend for leisure
What to order: Any housemade pasta, seafood risotto, arugula salad
Insider tip: Patio tables book fast - request when reserving
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, nearby public lot $8 with validation, street parking scarce during lunch rush
Dress code: Beverly Hills smart casual - business attire for lunch, designer jeans acceptable for dinner
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio gets loud during peak lunch, inside quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, patio wait longer
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for patio during power lunch hours (12-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8+ pasta options, salads, and vegetable antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 pasta dishes, ask server for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for dinner - romantic patio ambiance and not too loud inside. Lunch is more business-focused and might feel too transactional for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Indoor tables usually available with 20-30 min wait. Patio requires reservation or arrive at 5:30pm/2pm for best shot at walk-in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for well-behaved kids 8+ given the business crowd. High chairs available, kids menu includes simple pastas. Weekend dinner more family-friendly than weekday lunch.
Best For
Better for: Patio scene and people-watching beats any Italian spot in BH. More authentic pasta than Spago but less pretentious. Best business lunch Italian in the area.
Skip if: Want intimate romantic atmosphere (too scene-y), seeking cutting-edge Italian (it's traditional), or need quiet conversation space during lunch hours.
Il Pastaio
8.8
This Drago family institution on Little Restaurant Row has been delighting Beverly Hills since 1994 with handmade pasta made fresh daily. Their small green and white lasagna verde features delicate layers with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and baby arugula.
Must-Try Dishes:
Small Green and White Lasagna, Squid Ink Risotto, Linguine with Lobster and Crab
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Pasta made fresh by hand daily in full view
Who should go: Power lunchers and pasta purists
When to visit: Friday nights for guaranteed lasagna availability
What to order: Lasagna verde, squid ink risotto, arancini
Insider tip: Request patio seating to watch the Canon Drive scene
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at dinner, metered street parking until 6pm (2-hour limit), public garage on Crescent Drive
Dress code: Beverly Hills smart casual - nice jeans acceptable, but lean toward business casual for dinner
Noise level: Lively but conversation-friendly - patio quieter than main dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, often fully booked
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and risotto options, plus seasonal vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, best to call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, staff well-versed in modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic patio, not too loud, impressive without being pretentious. The handmade pasta station is a natural conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch walk-ins usually fine weekdays. Dinner requires reservations Thursday-Saturday. Bar seats often available for spontaneous visits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for lunch and early dinner (before 7pm). High chairs available, simple pasta dishes can be made plain. After 7pm becomes more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Authentic handmade pasta and seeing Beverly Hills power players over Jon & Vinny's trendy crowd. More consistent than Osteria Mozza, better outdoor seating than most Italian spots on the Westside.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian (try Bestia) or need a quieter, intimate setting (try Madeo). Also skip if you're on a tight budget - portions don't match the premium prices.
Il Pastaio
7.8
This bustling corner trattoria from the Drago family features handmade pasta hanging in windows and serves sophisticated Italian fare to packed tables. Though not traditional brunch, weekend lunch offers lighter options perfect for midday dining, with standout fresh pasta made tableside in the cheese wheel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli di Spinaci e Ricotta, Bucatini all'Amatriciana, Cheese Wheel Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Handmade pasta prepared daily in-house since 1994.
Who should go: Italian food lovers seeking authentic pasta
When to visit: Weekend lunch for quieter experience
What to order: Cheese wheel pasta, spinach ravioli, arancini
Insider tip: Justin Bieber's namesake rigatoni is surprisingly good
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited on Canon Dr, public lot 2 blocks away
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans acceptable but lean upscale for dinner
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation possible but expect energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation on Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, no wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and appetizer options clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes with marinara, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for dinner dates - romantic lighting, not too loud, impressive cheese wheel show creates talking points. Skip weekend peak times for better intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually works, but dinner requires booking 2-3 days ahead. Bar seats available for walk-ins if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for lunch/early dinner - they have high chairs and simple pasta options. After 7pm becomes more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Tableside cheese wheel pasta theatrics and handmade pasta quality beats most Beverly Hills Italian spots
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining or traditional Sunday brunch fare - try Cecconi's or The Ivy instead
Il Pastaio
8.3
Drago family's 23-year-old bustling trattoria serves over 20 homemade pasta dishes on Beverly Hills' Restaurant Row. The popular patio is prime for people-watching while enjoying linguine with lobster and crab or butterfly pasta with smoked salmon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine con Aragosta e Granchio, Butterfly Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Gnocchi Paradiso
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Drago family legacy with 20+ house-made pastas
Who should go: Business lunchers and casual Italian lovers
When to visit: Lunch for patio seating and people-watching
What to order: Linguine with lobster, gnocchi, Caesar salad
Insider tip: Reserve patio tables well in advance for prime lunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, metered street parking limited during lunch rush (12-2pm)
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - business attire for lunch crowd, smart casual for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - patio can get lively but indoor tables allow normal conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12:30-1:30pm), walk-in friendly otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, salads
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes with marinara, ask server
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto dishes, salads, but no GF pasta available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for lunch dates - patio offers built-in conversation starters with people-watching. Dinner can be louder and more family-oriented
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches usually manageable with 15-20 minute wait. Weekend dinners risky - call ahead or expect 30+ minute wait at bar
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - accommodating to families, kids menu available, though prime business lunch hours (12-2pm weekdays) lean more professional
Best For
Better for: More authentic pasta selection than chain Italian spots, better patio scene than nearby competitors, consistently executed classics
Skip if: You want innovative Italian - menu hasn't changed much in years. For trendier scene try Funke or Osteria Mozza instead