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Il Cielo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Il Cielo
8.1
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Established in 1986, this enchanting Tuscan-inspired restaurant features twinkling fairy lights throughout its magical garden courtyard. The Vericella family has created Beverly Hills' most romantic dining destination, consistently named by The New York Times and Los Angeles Magazine as LA's premier spot for proposals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, Lobster Pappardelle, Osso Buco alla Milanese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Fairy-lit garden setting often called LA's most romantic restaurant
Who should go: Couples celebrating engagements and anniversaries
When to visit: Saturday evening under the stars
What to order: Branzino, truffle risotto, tiramisu
Insider tip: Book the corner garden table for best ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - no shorts, collared shirts preferred for men
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation despite full garden
Weekend wait: 2+ hours without reservation, often fully booked
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8-10 options including house-made pasta dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, dedicated fryer for vegetables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - the romantic garden setting breaks the ice naturally, though the $$$$ pricing might feel presumptuous for some first dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible Friday-Saturday nights, try weeknight bar seating after 8:30pm or lunch service for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ given the romantic ambiance and upscale setting - no kids menu, though staff accommodates families at lunch
Best For
Better for: Most romantic outdoor setting in LA with authentic Tuscan cuisine - beats Gjelina and Republique for special occasion ambiance
Skip if: You want trendy scene dining or modern Mediterranean - try Bestia or Bavel instead for contemporary takes
Il Cielo
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Enchanting Italian restaurant with a magical garden patio serving wood-fired pizzas alongside classic Italian dishes. The fairy-tale ambiance and accommodating staff make special family occasions memorable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Quattro Formaggi, Bambini Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Romantic garden setting that kids find magical
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Early dinner for best garden experience
What to order: Wood-fired pizzas, pasta for sharing, tiramisu
Insider tip: Request the covered patio area for kids
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills up after 5:30pm on Pico Blvd
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a decent shirt work, families come as-is
Noise level: Moderate - garden dampens sound, indoor can get lively with families
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, garden tables go first
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify marinara pasta and veggie pizza without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pizza crust available for $4 upcharge, several naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the garden patio is romantic without being stuffy, and pizza keeps it casual. Request a corner table in the garden for privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with a short wait, weekends tough after 6:30pm. Bar seating often available, or put your name down and grab a drink nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - the garden lights fascinate kids, high chairs available, kids menu with crayons. Staff is patient with families. Best before 7pm when it gets more date-night focused.
Best For
Better for: Special occasion ambiance that works for both romantic dates and family celebrations - few places nail both. The garden setting beats most LA Italian spots.
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan pizza or a quiet intimate dinner - it's more California-Italian and can get bustling with families early evening.
Il Cielo
8.3
Established in 1986, Il Cielo transforms dining into a fairy tale experience with its enchanting garden courtyard featuring a transparent rooftop for stargazing. The kitchen delivers well-executed Northern Italian dishes like handmade pappardelle with wild boar and tortellini with burrata cream, making it both romantic enough for date nights and welcoming for family celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Pappardelle with Wild Boar, Tortellini with Burrata Cream, Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Sardinian Fregola
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Garden courtyard with transparent rooftop for dining under the stars
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions and romantics
When to visit: Weekend brunch or dinner under the stars
What to order: Pappardelle, tortellini, fresh fish specials
Insider tip: Request the garden patio for magical evening ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Canon Dr after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable, lean toward dressy for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - garden acoustics allow conversation, livelier on weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, garden seating longer
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min for garden patio
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and risotto options, accommodating kitchen
Vegan options: Limited - chef can modify 3-4 dishes with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, marked menu items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the romantic garden setting breaks the ice naturally, upscale but not intimidating, and the twinkling lights create instant chemistry
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights possible with 30-min wait at bar, weekend dinner walk-ins nearly impossible for garden seating, best bet is weekday lunch
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - high chairs available, kids menu, but the romantic ambiance means better for ages 8+ at dinner
Best For
Better for: The most romantic outdoor Italian dining in Beverly Hills - other spots can't match the enchanted garden atmosphere
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian or bargain prices - this is about classic comfort in a magical setting