0 Followers
Via Alloro
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Via Alloro
7.8
Giacomino Drago's fountain-adorned patios transport diners to Italy with traditional preparations and a neighborhood feel. The covered Canon-side patio offers year-round al fresco dining while maintaining an approachable price point rare for the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso Buco, Branzino al Sale, Pappardelle Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Twin fountain patios create an Italian piazza atmosphere
Who should go: Families and casual date nights
When to visit: Weekend evenings on the patio
What to order: Osso buco, any fish special, tiramisu
Insider tip: Covered patio stays warm with heaters year-round
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, limited street parking fills up after 5:30pm on Restaurant Row
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a decent shirt work, locals often come from shopping
Noise level: Moderate - patio fountains provide pleasant background sound without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, patio seats fill first
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pasta primavera, eggplant parmigiana, multiple salads and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, ask server about daily preparations
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto, grilled fish, salads, but not a specialty
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the fountain patios create romantic ambiance without being overly formal, and $$ pricing won't break the bank. Request the covered patio for best atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait. Weekend reservations strongly recommended, especially for patio seating. Bar seats often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families are welcome, high chairs available, kids love watching the fountains. Classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs keep children happy.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor dining experience superior to most Restaurant Row spots, more authentic Italian than trendy competitors, better value than nearby high-end Italian
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian cuisine or Instagram-worthy presentations - this is traditional comfort food. Also skip if you need a quiet indoor setting.
Via Alloro
8.1
The Drago brothers' contemporary Italian spot features over 100 patio seats wrapped around the building. Their spinach pasta lasagna with beef ragù and béchamel sauce exemplifies modern Italian comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Pasta Lasagna, Pizza Margherita, Fettuccine Boscaiola
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Beverly Hills' largest restaurant patio
Who should go: Sports fans and patio enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend brunch for best atmosphere
What to order: Spinach lasagna, turkey meatballs, pizza
Insider tip: Bar area shows games on 7 flat screens
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking on Canon Drive fills up after 5pm, city lot 2 blocks away
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - jeans and nice top work, slightly dressier for dinner
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio quieter than indoor bar area during games
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, pizzas, and dedicated vegetarian section
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas and pastas, ask for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for $3 upcharge, marked menu items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - the patio creates a relaxed vibe, but avoid game nights if you want quiet conversation. Request patio seating away from the bar area.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually yes, weekends challenging after 6:30pm. Bar seating and high-tops often available for walk-ins. Call ahead for groups over 4.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, patio gives kids room. After 8pm becomes more bar-focused, especially during games.
Best For
Better for: Best patio dining in Beverly Hills with 100+ outdoor seats, ideal for groups wanting to watch games while eating quality Italian, superior outdoor ambiance to other Canon Drive spots
Skip if: Want intimate, quiet dining (try Il Cielo instead), need authentic traditional Italian (go to Osteria Mozza), or on a tight budget (Jon & Vinny's offers similar at lower price)
Via Alloro
8.2
Giacomino Drago's upscale Italian restaurant features two fountain-adorned patios and attracts a celebrity clientele. The menu changes regularly to showcase peak-season ingredients from recipes rooted in the family's Sicilian heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Risotto, Branzino, Tagliatelle with White Truffle
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Double fountain patios creating Italian ambiance
Who should go: Celebrity spotters and outdoor dining enthusiasts
When to visit: Evening on the covered patio
What to order: Daily specials, risotto, fresh fish
Insider tip: Request the covered Canon patio for best atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking on Canon fills up after 5:30pm, public lot 2 blocks away
Dress code: Beverly Hills smart casual - dark jeans acceptable but lean polished
Noise level: Moderate on patios - conversations flow easily, inside can get energetic
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, business crowd peaks 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta and antipasti options daily
Vegan options: Limited - chef can modify 2-3 dishes with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - risottos naturally GF, pasta substitute available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the fountain patios create built-in conversation starters and romantic ambiance without being overly formal. Request the covered patio for best acoustics.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner - book 2 weeks ahead for prime patio spots. Bar and high-tops sometimes available for walk-ins after 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for 12+ given the upscale atmosphere. No kids menu but kitchen accommodates simple pasta requests. Lunch more suitable than dinner.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Sicilian dishes you won't find elsewhere, outdoor dining that rivals any LA Italian spot, spotting entertainment industry regulars
Skip if: You want casual family-style Italian, need extensive vegan options, or prefer modern fusion over traditional preparations