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Trattoria Farfalla
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Trattoria Farfalla
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
This family-owned Los Feliz trattoria since 1988 creates wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas alongside handmade pasta and authentic Italian specialties. The bustling neighborhood gem uses imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes, with unique offerings like the Brasiliana pizza topped with skirt steak and chimichurri.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Santino with Sausage, Rigatoni al Tre Funghi
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas with creative California-Italian fusion toppings
Who should go: Families seeking upscale Italian in a welcoming trattoria setting
When to visit: Dinner reservations recommended; outdoor patio in good weather
What to order: Wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta with fresh daily sauces
Insider tip: Gluten-free pizza and pasta substitutions available upon request
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 8pm, competitive after 6pm. Plan to arrive early or use rideshare for weekend dinners.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly. Los Feliz neighborhood vibe, not overly formal.
Noise level: Moderately lively - conversation-friendly but energetic during peak dinner. Inside gets buzzy; patio more relaxed.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended Friday-Sunday.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - typically seated within 10-15 minutes Tuesday-Thursday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 8+ options including margherita pizza, pasta primavera, eggplant parmigiana, and seasonal vegetable antipasti.
Vegan options: Moderate - 3-4 adaptable options. Can do marinara pizza without cheese, pasta with olive oil and vegetables. Ask about daily preparations.
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free pizza crust and pasta available. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination; mention allergies when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for early dates (1st-3rd). Warm lighting, conversation-friendly noise level, and shareable pizzas create natural interaction. Request patio for more intimate setting. Skip on busy weekend nights when it gets hectic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) - yes, usually within 15 minutes. Friday-Sunday dinners - risky. If no reservation, arrive right at 5pm opening or after 9pm, or plan to wait 45+ minutes at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming for ages 3+. Simple pasta and pizza options kids love, crayons provided, staff patient with families. High chairs available. Best for families: weeknight dinners (less crowded) or weekend lunch (more relaxed service).
How does the Brasiliana pizza actually taste? It's their signature fusion move - tender skirt steak with bright chimichurri on wood-fired crust. Surprisingly balanced, not gimmicky. The char from the oven complements the herbaceous sauce. Order it if you're adventurous; stick to classics if you want traditional Neapolitan.
Is the outdoor patio worth requesting? Absolutely during good weather (March-November). String lights, more space between tables, quieter for conversation. Gets chilly after sunset - bring a light jacket. Request when booking; it fills up first on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Authentic wood-fired Neapolitan technique with California creativity (like the Brasiliana pizza), family-owned warmth, and neighborhood consistency since 1988. Beats chain Italian spots on ingredient quality and charm; beats trendy pizzerias on value and welcoming service for all ages.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian or tasting menu experiences (try Osteria Mozza instead). Also skip if you need guaranteed quick service - their popularity means waits. For pure traditional Roman-style pizza, Pizzana in West Hollywood edges them out.
Trattoria Farfalla
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned since 1988, this ultimate neighborhood trattoria delivers exceptional housemade pasta in generous portions that locals have relied on for decades. Focus on the pasta section of the menu where pesto gnocchi and ravioli di magro shine alongside wood-fired pizzas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli di Magro, Pesto Gnocchi, Rigatoni Tre Funghi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Nearly 40 years of consistent pasta excellence with takeout-friendly portions
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars seeking reliable Italian without frills
When to visit: Weeknight dinner when craving carb-healing comfort food
What to order: Any fresh pasta, insalata farfalla with hidden pizza, tiramisu
Insider tip: Order pasta only - skip pizzas and entrees for best experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - easier before 6pm, free after 8pm. Small lot behind restaurant fits 6-8 cars
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and t-shirt totally fine, locals come as-is
Noise level: Conversational - cozy dining room stays relatively quiet even when full
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation Friday/Saturday 7-8pm, faster before 6:30pm
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - no wait except occasional lunch rush 12:30-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent pasta options like pesto gnocchi, ravioli di magro, and multiple vegetarian pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with oil-based pastas and marinara, but no dedicated vegan menu
Gluten-free options: No - pasta-focused kitchen with limited GF options, not recommended for celiac
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want low-pressure comfort - quiet enough to talk, affordable, no pretense. Skip if trying to impress with trendy factor
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights - just show up. Weekends call ahead or arrive before 6:30pm to avoid 20-30 min wait
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - families are the core clientele. High chairs available, kids menu, generous portions for sharing, patient staff accustomed to children
How long does dinner take? Plan 60-75 minutes for full meal - service is attentive but not rushed, perfect for lingering over wine
Is takeout as good as dining in? Yes - pasta travels exceptionally well in their generous portions, locals rely on it for weeknight dinners
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort pasta at neighborhood prices with zero attitude - beats trendy spots for consistent quality and portions that actually satisfy
Skip if: You want innovative modern Italian, scene-y atmosphere, or impressive date location - this is proudly old-school neighborhood comfort
Trattoria Farfalla
7.9
Family-owned since 1988 serving straightforward Italian fare where the pasta section shines. The brick-walled trattoria offers calm neighborhood dining with standout gnocchi and ravioli, though pizza and entrees fall short.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli di Magro, Pesto Gnocchi, Farfalle with Salmon
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Pasta-focused menu with house-made noodles and generous portions
Who should go: Pasta lovers seeking no-frills neighborhood Italian
When to visit: Early weeknight arrival avoids long waits with reservations
What to order: Stick to pasta only - skip pizzas and entrees
Insider tip: Insalata Farfalla hides flatbread at bottom like hidden pizza
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find in residential Los Feliz, free after 6pm on most blocks
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly for this neighborhood spot
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - brick walls dampen sound, easy conversation throughout
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options with marinara, pesto, or vegetable-based sauces
Vegan options: Limited but workable - marinara pastas can be made without cheese, ask about egg-free pasta
Gluten-free options: Not recommended - pasta is the highlight here and gluten-free versions aren't offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - intimate brick-walled setting with quiet ambiance and shareable pasta plates create natural conversation flow without pretension
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner or early arrival (before 6:30pm) yes, but Friday-Saturday after 7pm expect 30-45 min waits - just book ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Very - relaxed neighborhood vibe, generous pasta portions to share, and staff accustomed to families. High chairs available.
How long has it been around? Family-owned since 1988 - nearly 40 years of neighborhood consistency with the same ownership
Do they take large groups? Yes for parties of 6-8 with advance notice - call ahead as the cozy space fills quickly on weekends