0 Followers
Palermo Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Palermo Italian Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
This Los Feliz cornerstone since 1976 serves Sicilian home-style cooking with signature dishes like Pizza Rosa topped with feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh tomatoes. The family-owned restaurant creates everything from scratch daily, including their famous five-hour Sunday sauce and Tony sauce that can be requested on any dish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Rosa, Lasagna, Chicken Diane
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Nearly 50 years serving authentic Sicilian cuisine with wood-fired pizza
Who should go: Families seeking generous portions and old-school Italian warmth
When to visit: Weekend brunch or pre-theater dinner before Pantages shows
What to order: Pizza Rosa, any pasta with Tony sauce, chicken soup
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu items—Tony will make anything if he has ingredients
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on surrounding residential streets; easier to find spots before 6pm on weekdays
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and t-shirts are perfectly fine, locals come as they are
Noise level: Moderate to lively - comfortable conversation possible but gets louder during weekend dinner rush
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes typical without reservation; call ahead to get on waitlist
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - multiple pasta dishes, Pizza Rosa, eggplant parmigiana, and custom requests welcomed
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - pasta with marinara, pizza without cheese, will modify dishes upon request
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu or separate prep area; not recommended for celiac diners
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - it's warm and unpretentious with generous portions perfect for sharing, but the family-style atmosphere and moderate noise level make it less romantic than intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekday evenings and lunches - weekends are busier but 20-30 minute waits are manageable. Call ahead during peak times (Friday/Saturday 6-8pm) to get on the list
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly for all ages - family-owned spot welcomes children warmly, offers simple pasta and pizza options, and the casual atmosphere means parents can relax. High chairs available
Best For
Better for: Authentic Sicilian home cooking and generous portions at fair prices - choose Palermo over trendier Italian spots when you want real family recipes, customizable dishes, and old-school warmth over Instagram-worthy presentations
Skip if: You want modern Italian fine dining, date-night romance, guaranteed gluten-free options, or quick service - this is slow-cooked comfort food in a bustling neighborhood setting, not refined or trendy
Palermo Italian Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family-owned Sicilian trattoria serving Los Feliz since 1976, famous for scratch-made dishes including their signature Pizza Rosa and housemade Tony sauce. Generous portions and old-school hospitality define this neighborhood institution where complimentary garlic bread and warm welcomes make every visit feel like coming home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Rosa, Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Diane with Tony Sauce
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Nearly 50 years of family recipes with complimentary Pizza Rosa appetizers
Who should go: Families seeking generous portions and warm Sicilian hospitality
When to visit: Weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas or weeknight dinner
What to order: Pizza Rosa with feta and fresh tomatoes, housemade lasagna, anything with Tony sauce
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu items and arrive early for complimentary garlic bread
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - moderately difficult evenings/weekends. Public lot 2 blocks east on Hillhurst. Arrive 10 min early.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, no dress code enforcement
Noise level: Moderate conversation-friendly - family chatter present but can easily talk across table
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation (5-8pm peak), call ahead seating available
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins welcomed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including eggplant parmigiana, pasta primavera, caprese, and Pizza Rosa
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options with modifications (marinara pastas, veggie pizza no cheese, salads)
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ date or casual romance - warm family atmosphere works for relaxed chemistry but lacks intimate ambiance for impressing someone new. Great if you both value authenticity over scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner: yes. Friday/Saturday 6-8pm: risky without reservation. Call ahead seating honored. Bar seating usually available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, crayons, patient staff, and kids eat free certain nights. Multigenerational families are the norm. Best for ages 3+ (toddler noise won't raise eyebrows).
How long should I plan for dinner? 90 minutes comfortable pace - service is attentive but not rushed. Budget 2 hours for appetizer + entree + dessert experience.
Do they do large groups or birthdays? Yes, this is their specialty - handles parties of 8-15 regularly, complimentary dessert for birthdays, staff will sing. Call 24 hours ahead for groups 6+.
Best For
Better for: Choose Palermo over trendy Italian spots when you want: guaranteed satisfaction over Instagram moments, portions that feed you for 2 meals, staff who remember regulars, and red-sauce classics done right without $30 pasta upcharges.
Skip if: You're seeking: modern Italian innovation, romantic date-night ambiance, natural wine lists, or chef-driven seasonal menus. For that, try Gjelina or Osteria La Buca instead.
Palermo Italian Restaurant
7.6
Family-owned Sicilian restaurant serving Los Feliz since 1976 with home-style dishes made from scratch. Famous for Pizza Rosa and signature Tony sauce, this neighborhood cornerstone delivers generous portions in a casual, welcoming setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Rosa, Lasagna, Chicken Diane
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Nearly 50 years serving scratch-made Sicilian home-style cuisine
Who should go: Budget-conscious couples wanting generous traditional Italian portions
When to visit: Weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas special
What to order: Pizza Rosa, lasagna, shrimp scampi with Tony sauce
Insider tip: Tony sauce (light tomato sauce) available on any dish
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive evenings/weekends. Small lot behind restaurant. Meter parking on Vermont Ave nearby.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine. Neighborhood spot with zero pretension.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversational dining possible but expect family energy, especially weekends.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min walk-in wait Friday/Saturday nights. Call ahead or arrive before 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait. Quick service for lunch crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, pizza varieties, and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited - marinara-based pastas possible, but most dishes use cheese/dairy. Call ahead to confirm.
Gluten-free options: Not their strength - traditional Italian with house-made pasta. May accommodate simple requests but no dedicated GF menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure first dates. Relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, generous portions show you're not pretentious, and affordable prices mean you can offer to pay without stress. Skip if you need quiet intimacy - it's lively with families.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends maybe. They don't take reservations for small parties typically, so it's first-come basis. Arrive before 6pm weekends to avoid 20-30 min waits. Bar seating sometimes available immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. Family-owned spot where kids are welcomed warmly. Simple pasta dishes, pizza, and flexible kitchen for picky eaters. Casual enough that kid noise isn't an issue. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic family-recipe Italian without paying $30+ per entree. Better value and portion sizes than trendy LA Italian spots. More genuine neighborhood warmth than chain restaurants. Ideal when you want traditional comfort over modern innovation.
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine, quiet romantic ambiance, craft cocktails, or Instagram-worthy plating. If you need gluten-free or vegan options as primary focus. If you're seeking upscale date night energy - this is beloved neighborhood casual, not scene-y.