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il Capriccio on Vermont
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
il Capriccio on Vermont
8.2
Traditional Neapolitan trattoria serving old-world Italian since 2003, formerly home to beloved Mamma Flora whose spirit lives on in rustic family recipes. Brothers Ermanno and Gianni continue decades of restaurant tradition with scratch-made pasta and genuine hospitality in this Los Feliz cornerstone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Rigatoni Antonio, Ravioli alla Ricotta in Pink Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Brothers with five decades of LA Italian restaurant heritage
Who should go: Families wanting authentic Neapolitan cooking without pretense
When to visit: Tuesday through Friday lunch or weekend dinner
What to order: House lasagna, pasta with pink sauce, lobster ravioli
Insider tip: BYOB with $20 corkage for wine-friendly pasta dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont and side streets, typically available but competitive evenings. Small lot behind building. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - excellent for conversation, intimate trattoria atmosphere
Weekend wait: 15-30 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, minimal to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, vegetable preparations
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pasta dishes, request olive oil-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Limited - primarily traditional wheat pasta, inquire about substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, quiet enough for conversation, unpretentious atmosphere takes pressure off. Moderately priced so you won't break the bank but still feels special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) typically fine for walk-ins. Weekend dinners strongly recommend calling ahead - it's a small space that fills up with regulars.
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming to families - staff genuinely warm with children, simple pastas kids love, relaxed atmosphere where nobody minds a little noise. Best at early dinner hours (5-7pm).
How does BYOB work here? $20 corkage per bottle, no limit on bottles. Bring your favorite Italian wine to pair with the pasta-heavy menu. They provide proper glassware and ice buckets.
Is this authentic Italian or Americanized? Genuinely traditional Neapolitan recipes from brothers with 50+ years restaurant experience. Not trendy modern Italian - think grandmother's kitchen, old-world technique, familiar comfort over innovation.
Best For
Better for: Choose Il Capriccio when you want unpretentious traditional Italian at fair prices with genuine family hospitality - better than trendy spots for authentic Neapolitan home cooking and BYOB flexibility
Skip if: Looking for modern Italian creativity, extensive wine program, gluten-free/vegan focus, or scene-y atmosphere - this is traditional comfort food in a low-key neighborhood setting
il Capriccio on Vermont
8.1
Since 2003, this cozy trattoria serves traditional Neapolitan dishes in candlelit surroundings with burnt-orange walls and gallery art. Brothers Ermanno and Gianni deliver solid old-world classics with friendly service and reasonable pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Norcina, Tagliolini Neri, Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Traditional Neapolitan recipes in art-filled candlelit dining room
Who should go: Couples seeking old-world Italian charm with reasonable prices
When to visit: Dinner service Tuesday through Saturday for full menu
What to order: Rigatoni Norcina, tagliolini neri, homemade gnocchi
Insider tip: Valet parking directly behind restaurant costs only $4
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet directly behind restaurant for only $4 - best deal in Los Feliz. Street parking on Vermont is metered until 8pm, side streets fill up fast on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual works perfectly - nice jeans and a button-down fits the cozy trattoria vibe. Skip the gym shorts but no need for a suit.
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - the small dining room has soft acoustics perfect for actually hearing your date without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins welcome - rarely any wait Tuesday through Friday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including eggplant parmigiana, multiple pasta dishes, and seasonal vegetable preparations. Neapolitan cuisine naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara-based pastas, grilled vegetables, salads without cheese. Call ahead and kitchen will accommodate.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta, but they can modify some dishes. Not the best choice if celiac - cross-contamination possible in small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely perfect. The candlelit ambiance and burnt-orange walls create romance without being over-the-top fancy. Reasonable prices mean no awkward check anxiety, and the intimate setting encourages conversation. Just make a reservation - showing up prepared scores points.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) you'll likely get seated within 15-20 minutes. Friday/Saturday after 6pm? Make a reservation or plan to wait 45+ minutes. The bar area can sometimes accommodate walk-ins if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? It's not anti-kid, but the romantic candlelit vibe and small space make it better suited for ages 10+. No high chairs or kids menu. If you're bringing younger children, early weeknight dinners (5-6pm) are your best bet when it's quieter.
How does it compare to other Italian spots in Los Feliz? Less trendy than newer spots but that's the charm - authentic Neapolitan recipes without the scene. Brothers Ermanno and Gianni have been doing this since 2003. You're paying for consistent quality and old-world hospitality, not Instagram moments.
What's the portion size situation? Proper Italian portions - not oversized American style but not stingy either. Most people comfortably split an appetizer, have their own pasta, and share dessert. The homemade pasta is filling enough that you won't leave hungry.
Best For
Better for: Classic date nights where conversation matters more than being seen. The intimate 20-year track record and $4 valet make it unbeatable for reliable old-school Italian romance without downtown prices. Brothers who actually care run the place - you feel it.
Skip if: You want modern Italian fusion or a scene-y crowd. If you need gluten-free pasta or extensive vegan options, choose somewhere with a dedicated menu. Also skip if you're looking for a big group spot - the small space works against parties of 6+.