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Alejo's Presto Trattoria Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Alejo's Presto Trattoria Italian Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run since 1991, Alejo's Presto Trattoria is the loud, garlic-scented classic where bowls of pasta and bubbling lasagne come out in big, shareable portions. The menu leans old-school—think chicken Marsala, eggplant specialities, and straightforward baked pastas—backed by strong reviews across platforms over many years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne al Forno, Eggplant Mamma Mia, Chicken Marsala
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school, garlic-forward trattoria with big plates and loyal regulars.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty pastas near LAX.
When to visit: Early evening before the weekend dinner rush.
What to order: Lasagne, Eggplant Mamma Mia, chopped Italian salad.
Insider tip: The complimentary bread with garlicky olive oil is worth saving room for.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot in the strip center fills quickly; street parking on Manchester Ave is usually available but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to nice-casual — jeans, tees, and sweaters are all common; no need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Lively and loud during dinner; expect energetic conversation rather than intimate whispers.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — multiple pastas, eggplant dishes, salads, and classic apps.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and customizable pasta with marinara, but most dishes contain cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta, but some entrees and salads can be made gluten-free; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, casual date than a quiet, romantic one — the portions are big, the garlic is bold, and the room stays lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays. On weekends, plan to wait or arrive early to beat the rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families come often. Kids who like pasta and pizza will be happy; high chairs and space for groups make it easy.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, nostalgic Italian-American comfort dishes in generous portions and a lively, neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You want modern, lighter Italian, a quiet dining room, or gluten-free pasta options.