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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Sherman Oaks
Best Italian in Sherman Oaks
Master Critic Review
Oliva Trattoria
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Full-service Italian trattoria since 2001 featuring brick oven pizzas alongside comprehensive Italian menu of pastas, seafood, and grilled meats. Floor-to-ceiling murals create warm Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for celebrations, while the prosciutto and arugula white pizza showcases elevated ingredient quality beyond typical pizzerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Gnocchi al Brasato
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Full trattoria experience with private party room accommodating 70 guests
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking upscale Italian beyond just pizza
When to visit: Continuous service lunch through dinner for flexibility, weekends for romance
What to order: White pizza with prosciutto and arugula, gnocchi al brasato, tiramisu
Insider tip: Large parking lot behind Shell station on Moorpark Street for easy access
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large dedicated lot behind Shell station on Moorpark Street - ample free parking, rare for Sherman Oaks
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - dark jeans fine, but skip athleisure for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - Italian warmth without overwhelming volume, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday nights, book ahead for parties 4+
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, continuous service makes timing flexible
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta primavera options, eggplant parmigiana, wood-fired veggie pizzas
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara-based pastas, request dairy-free pizza modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, pizza crust substitution possible with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal - romantic Mediterranean ambiance with floor-to-ceiling murals, moderate noise for conversation, and varied menu removes ordering pressure. Not so formal it's intimidating, not so casual it lacks effort.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner (before 6:30pm) usually fine. Weekend dinners risky - they accommodate 70+ in the private room for events, so main dining can fill fast. Call day-of to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - classic Italian comfort food kids recognize, accommodating staff used to families, and spacious layout. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a proper meal; not a quick-service pizzeria.
How does it compare to typical pizza places? This is a full Italian restaurant that happens to make excellent brick-oven pizza, not a pizzeria. Expect white tablecloths, wine pairings, and $$$$ pricing that reflects comprehensive Italian cuisine.
Good for large groups or celebrations? Exceptional - private party room seats 70, staff experienced with birthdays/anniversaries. Request the private space for groups 15+ to avoid disrupting main dining room.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions demanding full Italian experience beyond pizza - the Mediterranean murals and private party room make it Sherman Oaks' go-to for milestone celebrations. Also better when you want brick-oven pizza quality within a sit-down restaurant format.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quick/casual pizza only (try Lamonica's), need cutting-edge modern Italian (head to Toscana), or prefer intimate 20-seat trattorias. This is celebration-scale dining, not neighborhood hideaway.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm