0 Followers
Bacetti Trattoria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bacetti Trattoria
7.9
This Roman-inspired trattoria opened in 2021 with chef Joel Stovall (formerly Orsa & Winston) leading a sprawling menu of antipasti, housemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. The California-chic space feels like a posh '70s ski lodge with natural Italian wines and rustic dishes, though execution can be uneven—the iconic focaccia ebraica remains consistently excellent while other items fluctuate in quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Ebraica with Honey Butter, Strozzapreti Cacio e Pepe, Suppli Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Architecturally stunning Roman trattoria with family-style prix fixe for large groups
Who should go: Design enthusiasts and natural wine lovers seeking Echo Park ambiance
When to visit: Reserve for dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5pm, walk-ins welcome
What to order: Mandatory focaccia ebraica, cacio e pepe pasta, pork chop maiale
Insider tip: Adjacent Tilda wine bar is perfect for pre-dinner drinks with Bacetti views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, arrive early or use ride-share. Sunset Boulevard has meters with evening availability.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and a blouse work, but this crowd leans stylish. Think LA dinner party, not bistro.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - you can have conversation without shouting, though it gets energetic during peak weekend dinner.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only Tuesday-Sunday starting 5pm. No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple housemade pastas, wood-fired vegetables, and antipasti. The focaccia ebraica is vegetarian and mandatory.
Vegan options: Limited but possible - can modify pastas and request oil-based dishes. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Very limited - this is a pasta-focused trattoria. GF pasta available but misses the housemade magic that defines the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for the design-conscious. The moody '70s ski lodge aesthetic creates natural conversation starters, and the sharable format keeps things relaxed. Just know it's popular and can feel scene-y on weekends—Tuesday-Thursday is more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky. Walk-ins are accepted, but expect 60-90 minute waits on weekends. Your best bet: arrive right at 5pm opening or try Monday/Tuesday. The adjacent Tilda wine bar makes the wait tolerable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+. The family-style format works for families, and pasta is universally loved. However, the trendy vibe and later hours (5pm start) skew adult. High chairs available but not a ton of kid-specific menu options.
How much should I budget per person? $60-85 per person with wine. Pasta dishes $18-28, mains $28-42, plus the mandatory focaccia ($12). Natural wine program runs $45-90/bottle. Groups doing the prix fixe pay $65/person.
What's the deal with the focaccia everyone mentions? It's focaccia ebraica—a Roman-Jewish specialty that's sweet, crispy, and unlike any focaccia you've had. It's Bacetti's most consistent dish and essentially mandatory. Budget the $12.
Best For
Better for: Instagram-worthy Roman ambiance, natural wine selection, and design-forward date nights in Echo Park. The California-chic space is more impressive than most neighborhood Italian spots, and the focaccia ebraica is legitimately unique.
Skip if: You want consistent execution across the menu—quality fluctuates beyond the focaccia and standout pastas. Also skip if you need quiet conversation, prefer traditional red-sauce Italian, or want more accessible parking. For rock-solid consistency at this price point, try Sotto or Osteria Mozza instead.
Bacetti Trattoria
8.3
Roman-inspired neighborhood trattoria featuring house-made pasta, natural wines, and elegant vaulted-ceiling interiors that create an intimate European atmosphere. The focaccia Ebraica with honey butter is legendary, while pastas like strozzapreti cacio e pepe and campanelle with wild mushrooms showcase traditional techniques with California ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Ebraica with Honey Butter, Strozzapreti Cacio e Pepe, Campanelle with Wild Mushrooms
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Roman authenticity meets Echo Park charm with exceptional natural wine selection
Who should go: Wine lovers and couples seeking authentic Italian ambiance
When to visit: Dinner reservations via Resy, or early arrival for bar seating
What to order: Focaccia, gemme salad, any house-made pasta, and natural wine
Insider tip: Arrive without reservations around 5pm for bar seats with full menu access
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm but usually findable within 2 blocks. Sunset Boulevard lot 5-min walk. No valet.
Dress code: Elevated casual - dark jeans and nice tops work, but you'll see cocktail dresses. Skip athleisure.
Noise level: Intimate - vaulted ceilings create warmth without echo. Perfect for conversation and romance.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 6:30pm. Book on Resy or arrive by 5pm for bar seats.
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - closed for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options, seasonal vegetables, salads. Chef understands vegetarian Italian cooking.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2-3 pasta dishes can be modified, vegetable sides available. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - pasta is the star here. GF pasta available but not house-made. Better for gluten-sensitive than celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal for second or third date when you want romance without pressure. Intimate setting and wine-focused atmosphere creates natural conversation. Price point ($80-120 per couple) signals effort without intimidation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating is your best bet - arrive by 5pm or try after 9pm. Weekend tables without reservations are nearly impossible. Weeknight walk-ins occasionally work around 5:30pm, but expect to wait 30-45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for kids under 10. No kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, and tight spacing between tables. If you must, come before 6pm on weekdays when it's quieter.
How's the wine program? Natural wine paradise - 90% of list is low-intervention European wines. Staff extremely knowledgeable. If you prefer traditional wines, ask for guidance or choose elsewhere.
Can I come solo? Absolutely - bar seating is perfect for solo diners. Staff is welcoming, you can watch pasta-making, and natural wine flights make it easy to explore.
Best For
Better for: Choose Bacetti over Bestia or Felix when you want authentic Roman execution over LA Italian innovation, natural wines over traditional lists, and neighborhood intimacy over scene energy. Better for conversation than Republique, more romantic than Osteria Mozza.
Skip if: You want traditional wine lists (Osteria Mozza better), large groups 6+ (Chi Spacca more accommodating), or guaranteed seating without planning (Pizzeria Sei has faster turnover). If you're gluten-free, Gjelina offers better options.