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Andre's Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Andre's Italian Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Open since the 1960s, Andre’s is a counter-service institution inside a Wilshire plaza, known for red-sauce pastas, pizza slices, and combo plates at prices that feel frozen in time. It’s where families, office workers, and longtime regulars line up for steaming plates of spaghetti and eggplant parm that deliver comfort more than flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Eggplant Parmigiana, Vegetable Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Decades-old, cafeteria-style Italian where red-sauce plates and pizza slices stay remarkably affordable for the neighborhood.
Who should go: Anyone craving old-school red-sauce comfort without spending much.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner when the steam tables are freshly stocked.
What to order: Spaghetti with meat sauce, eggplant parm, vegetable lasagna.
Insider tip: Combo plates stretch easily into two meals if you add pizza or garlic bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in the plaza; usually open spots except during peak lunch hours. Nearby residential street parking is generally available with some meter restrictions.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, tees, and everyday outfits fit right in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate cafeteria-style noise; easy enough to talk across the table but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak early-evening hours; the line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait — typically 0–10 minutes even at rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — vegetable lasagna, eggplant parm, pizzas, and simple pastas with red sauce or marinara.
Vegan options: Limited — plain marinara pasta and a few sides are workable but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta or pizza; those with sensitivities should stick to salads and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or low-pressure meetups than a formal first date. Counter service and cafeteria seating make it relaxed and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant is entirely walk-in. Tables turn quickly, and the line moves steadily even during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are a core part of the crowd. Simple pastas, pizza slices, and fast service work well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic, budget-friendly red-sauce comfort that feels nostalgic and consistent across decades.
Skip if: You want upscale Italian, craft cocktails, or a quiet, sit-down dining room — other Miracle Mile spots fit those needs better.
Andre's Italian Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Andre’s is an old-school counter-service Italian cafeteria where trays of lasagna, spaghetti, and chicken parm have fed Mid-Wilshire for decades. Huge portions, low prices, and thousands of repeat customers make its baked lasagna one of the area’s most beloved red-sauce comfort meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Lasagna, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Eggplant Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Decades-old cafeteria line serving big, budget-friendly lasagna plates.
Who should go: Families and nostalgia hunters craving red-sauce classics.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before the cafeteria line spikes.
What to order: Beef lasagna, side salad, garlic bread.
Insider tip: Split a lasagna and another pasta to sample more sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot with limited spaces behind the building; overflow street parking on 3rd and 6th is usually available but can be tight during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; shorts, tees, and workwear are all normal in the cafeteria line.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s cafeteria-style, so there’s ambient chatter but easy conversation at the tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, mostly due to the cafeteria line rather than seating shortages.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a nearby office crowd hits all at once.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pasta plates, salads, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most sauces contain dairy; salads are the main vegan-friendly option.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—no dedicated gluten-free pasta or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates old-school, no-frills charm. It’s counter-service and casual, so it works better for comfort-food bonding than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations at all. Seating is first-come cafeteria style, and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—big booths, simple pastas, low noise, quick service, and portions built for sharing make it ideal for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Huge, comforting lasagna plates at extremely friendly prices—ideal for families, nostalgia seekers, or anyone craving classic red-sauce Italian without the fuss.
Skip if: You want upscale service, handmade specialty pastas, or a destination Italian experience—go to a sit-down trattoria instead.