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Little Dom's
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Little Dom's
8.2
This Los Feliz Italian tavern serves refined brunch classics like eggs benedict with house-cured pancetta in a charming neighborhood setting. The vintage-meets-modern interior with marble counters and leather booths creates an upscale yet approachable backdrop for beautifully plated dishes. The attached deli counter adds casual appeal while the main dining room maintains intimate sophistication perfect for Sunday brunch photography.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Italian Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian-influenced brunch in a charming neighborhood tavern with deli counter
Who should go: Couples seeking elevated yet relaxed brunch with Italian flair
When to visit: Saturday brunch before noon for patio seating availability
What to order: Eggs benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, Bloody Mary with house pickles
Insider tip: The front patio tables offer prime people-watching on Hillhurst Avenue
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst Avenue and side streets, typically easier before 11am on weekends. Public lot on Avocado Street (2 blocks) charges $8 flat rate
Dress code: Casual-chic - polished brunch attire works best. Think sundresses, nice denim, button-downs. Athletic wear feels out of place
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - conversation flows easily though weekend brunch creates ambient buzz
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes, Wednesday-Friday brunch particularly easy
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including frittatas, avocado toast, ricotta pancakes, and Italian-style vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options possible with modifications (avocado toast sans egg, fruit plates). Better vegan brunch options exist nearby
Gluten-free options: Moderate - some naturally GF options (eggs, salads) and GF bread available for substitutions, though not a specialty focus
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for early-stage dating - the refined-casual vibe removes pressure while the Italian charm adds romance. Brunch dates here signal effort without intimidation. Patio tables offer natural conversation flow with built-in people-watching breaks
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday brunch (Tue-Thu) usually yes within 15 minutes. Weekend brunch arrive before 10am or after 1:30pm for best walk-in odds. Weekend dinner requires reservations - they book up 3-5 days ahead for prime times
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle sit-down meals - the upscale-casual atmosphere works for well-behaved children. No kids menu but pancakes and simple pasta options available. Toddlers better suited for the attached deli counter section
How long should I plan for brunch? Budget 75-90 minutes for relaxed weekend brunch experience. Service is attentive but unhurried, matching the leisurely neighborhood vibe. Weekday brunch moves slightly faster at 60 minutes
Is the deli counter worth checking out? Absolutely - grab house-made focaccia, imported Italian goods, or prepared salads to-go. It's a neighborhood secret for weekday lunch when the dining room feels too formal. Counter service is quick and prices are more accessible
Best For
Better for: Little Dom's excels at intimate, unhurried brunch with Italian sophistication that feels neighborhood-authentic rather than scene-y. Choose this over trendier spots when you want refined food and charm without Instagram crowds or excessive waits. The deli counter hybrid makes it uniquely versatile
Skip if: You want pure scene energy and Instagram spectacle - this leans more intimate neighborhood gem than viral hotspot. Also skip if you need extensive vegan options, large group accommodations (tables max at 6-8), or late-night dining (kitchen closes earlier than nearby competitors)
Little Dom's
7.9
All-day Italian-American gathering spot open since 2008 with vintage bar vibes and a menu spanning breakfast pizza to wood-fired dinners. The laid-back neighborhood energy and sidewalk seating make it equally suited for scrambled eggs bruschetta or evening meatball sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Little Dom's Burger, Breakfast Pizza with Sunny-Side Up Egg, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rare all-day Italian serving everything from breakfast through late night
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars and families wanting reliable Italian-American classics
When to visit: Weekend brunch for breakfast pizza or after-work drinks
What to order: Breakfast pizza, Little Dom's burger, wood-fired margherita
Insider tip: The vintage bar imported from Pennsylvania is perfect for solo dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive but manageable on Vermont Ave side streets. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for dinner.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and a nice top works perfectly. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Conversational - vintage bar area gets lively but dining room stays comfortable for talking.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, especially Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, rarely more than 10-minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including margherita pizza, pasta dishes, and vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta with olive oil and vegetables, but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, but no GF pizza crust
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for brunch or early dinner. The relaxed vintage vibe takes pressure off while still feeling special. Bar seating works great if conversation flows; booths if you want more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and off-peak hours (before 6pm, after 9pm) are usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend dinners book up - make a reservation or expect 30-45 minute waits. The bar is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu available, high chairs provided, and the casual atmosphere welcomes families. Best before 7pm when it stays more family-oriented; later it shifts to date night and bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: All-day dining flexibility - the rare Italian that nails breakfast pizza, lunch sandwiches, and proper dinner. Perfect for neighborhood regulars who want one reliable spot for any occasion.
Skip if: You want elevated Italian fine dining or innovative modern takes. This is classic Italian-American comfort done well, not culinary adventures. Also skip if you need easy parking or quiet ambiance on weekends.
Little Dom's
7.8
This nearly 20-year-old Italian-American restaurant channels Old Hollywood nostalgia with vintage wooden booths and a rat-pack vibe. The warm, comfy atmosphere makes up for sometimes flat execution in dishes like spaghetti carbonara and burrata agnolotti.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rice Balls, Burrata Agnolotti, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Retro Italian-American ambiance with vintage wooden bar and cozy Hollywood booths
Who should go: Couples seeking nostalgic charm over culinary perfection
When to visit: Weeknight dinners avoid weekend crush and Monday special
What to order: Rice balls, agnolotti, Monday three-course deal
Insider tip: Monday night offers three-course dinner for just $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, easier to find spots on residential side streets one block north
Dress code: Casual-chic - jeans perfectly fine but avoid athleisure, most diners lean slightly dressed up
Noise level: Pleasantly buzzy - can easily hold conversation without shouting, livelier during weekend brunch
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including eggplant parm, multiple pasta dishes, and seasonal vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available, best to call ahead for modifications on pasta dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - dim vintage lighting and cozy booths create romantic ambiance without feeling too formal or intimidating, noise level allows actual conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners yes, but expect 20-30 minute bar wait. Weekend dinners absolutely book ahead - they fill up days in advance. Brunch walk-ins possible before 11am.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with well-behaved children - no kids menu but pasta portions are shareable, booths accommodate high chairs, brunch service more family-oriented than dinner
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes for relaxed dinner - service is intentionally unhurried to match the old-school vibe, not ideal if you're catching a show
Is the Monday special actually worth it? Absolutely - $15 three-course dinner is legitimately good value with rotating seasonal menu, though portions are slightly smaller than regular service
Best For
Better for: Romantic atmosphere and nostalgic ambiance over technically perfect Italian food - choose this when the vibe matters more than Michelin-worthy execution
Skip if: You're seeking cutting-edge Italian cuisine or modern interpretations - the menu plays it safe with Italian-American classics rather than innovation
Little Dom's
7.6
Italian-American neighborhood institution serving weekend brunch on vintage Hollywood patio since 2008. The ricotta blueberry pancakes and french toast soufflé outshine the dinner menu, drawing crowds to salvaged-wood bar and red leather booths for sidewalk people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes, French Toast Soufflé, Smoked Salmon Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Nearly two decades of Los Feliz brunch tradition with vintage charm
Who should go: Weekend brunchers wanting sidewalk dining and classic vibes
When to visit: Saturday or Sunday morning for full-service brunch
What to order: Ricotta pancakes, french toast soufflé, anything from brunch menu
Insider tip: Brunch is walk-in only on weekends—arrive early
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - competitive on weekends. Metered until 8pm weekdays. Small paid lot one block east on Hillhurst.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and t-shirt fine for brunch, slightly elevated for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - can hold conversation at table, gets louder at bar and during peak brunch
Weekend wait: 15-30 min with reservation recommended, 45+ min walk-in Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including frittatas, pancakes, salads, and pasta dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with modifications (salads, sides) but not dedicated menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - pancakes and pasta available GF, staff experienced with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for weekend brunch dates - relaxed patio vibes reduce pressure and people-watching provides natural conversation breaks. Less ideal for dinner dates as it gets louder and more crowded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Brunch is walk-in only on weekends - arrive by 9:30am to avoid 30-45 min waits. Dinner takes reservations and strongly recommended for Friday/Saturday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly at brunch with high chairs available and tolerance for noise. Pancakes and french toast are hits. Less suitable for dinner when the bar scene dominates.
How long should I plan to spend here? Budget 90 minutes for weekend brunch (including wait), 60-75 minutes for weekday lunch, 2 hours for dinner service.
Is the patio heated? Yes - patio has heat lamps making it comfortable year-round, though weekend brunch demand means you may not get patio choice.
Best For
Better for: Classic neighborhood brunch experience with Italian-American comfort food in vintage setting. Best for: sidewalk dining atmosphere, consistent quality over nearly 20 years, when you want proven favorites over trendy experiments.
Skip if: You want innovative brunch dishes, need guaranteed patio seating, prefer quieter intimate settings, or prioritize dinner over brunch (their dinner menu doesn't match brunch quality).
Little Dom's
7.6
Italian-American neighborhood institution serving breakfast through dinner since 2008. The vintage wooden bar and Hollywood booths create old-school charm for morning eggs, bruschetta, and fresh-baked goods that anchor the neighborhood's dining scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scrambled Eggs Bruschetta, Poached Eggs, Fresh Pastries
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Worn-in neighborhood standby combining Italian-American comfort with all-day versatility
Who should go: Locals seeking reliable, comforting breakfast in vintage atmosphere
When to visit: Weekday breakfast 8am-3:30pm before lunch crowd
What to order: Scrambled eggs bruschetta, poached eggs, fresh-baked pastries
Insider tip: The vintage wooden bar was purchased in Pennsylvania and resurrected in LA
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst and side streets, typically easier mornings before 10am. Small lot behind restaurant. Arrive early weekends.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine, though some dress up for dinner service
Noise level: Comfortable conversation - vintage booths provide intimacy, bar area livelier during brunch rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait weekday breakfast/lunch, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including bruschetta, egg dishes, pastries, and Italian vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, better for vegetarians than vegans
Gluten-free options: Some options available - inquire about baked goods substitutions, egg dishes naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for breakfast/brunch dates - the vintage Hollywood booths create intimate setting without pretension. Relaxed neighborhood energy takes pressure off. Better than dinner for daytime romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast/lunch: usually yes, 5-10 minute wait max. Weekend brunch: arrive before 9am or after 1:30pm. Dinner Friday/Saturday: reservation strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - neighborhood families are regulars. High chairs available, tolerant of noise, simple egg dishes and pastries kids love. Best during breakfast/lunch service rather than dinner.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood regulars seeking consistent, unfussy Italian-American breakfast comfort. Better than trendier spots for actually getting a table and relaxed service. The vintage atmosphere has authentic worn-in charm rather than designed nostalgia.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge brunch innovation or Instagram-worthy presentations. If you need extensive vegan options or prefer modern minimalist design. Choose elsewhere for special occasion dinners - this shines brightest at breakfast.