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Di Roma Cucina
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Di Roma Cucina
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Di Roma Cucina is a sit-down Italian spot on Hawthorne Boulevard known for generous portions and a full range of pastas, including a substantial lasagna Bolognese. The atmosphere is comfortable and low-key, drawing regulars who want a classic red-sauce dinner with table service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic sit-down Italian with a hefty lasagna and sprawling pasta menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting straightforward, familiar Italian comfort dishes.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier parking and shorter waits.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, lobster ravioli, chicken parmigiana.
Insider tip: Consider splitting mains; portions and side salads can be sizable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking in the plaza along Hawthorne Boulevard; usually manageable on weeknights but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; guests typically wear comfortable attire suitable for a sit-down family Italian dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; tables can hold steady conversation, though it may rise slightly during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is quick and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including pastas, salads, and customizable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited; some pastas and salads can be modified, but sauces and preparations skew traditional.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is often available upon request; confirm with staff for preparation details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're looking for a low-key, comfortable Italian dinner with dependable service; it’s not overly formal but offers a relaxed sit-down atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and during lunch; weekend dinners may require a short wait, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; staff is accustomed to families, portions are shareable, and the menu has approachable dishes for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Reliable portion sizes, classic red-sauce comfort, and easy group dining without the formality or price of upscale Italian spots.
Skip if: You want chef-driven or modern Italian cuisine with refined plating or a more polished ambiance.
Di Roma Cucina
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Di Roma Cucina is a cozy, family-friendly dining room where a chef-driven menu of pastas, pizzas, and Mediterranean-leaning plates runs alongside kid-friendly favorites. Regulars praise the prosciutto pizza and tiramisu as much as the welcoming staff, making it a comfortable middle-ground for mixed-age family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Pizza, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Housemade Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Chef-led Italian with a warm, neighborhood feel and flexible menu.
Who should go: Families needing crowd-pleasing pasta, pizza, and salads.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend seatings with kids.
What to order: Prosciutto Pizza, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Tiramisu.
Insider tip: Request a booth near the back for quieter family conversations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with ample spaces; generally easy even during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, polos, and relaxed family attire all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak dinner hours but still manageable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, slightly longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and customizable pizzas/pastas with no cheese; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some gluten-free pasta options available; confirm availability before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — the room is warm and inviting, but it leans more family-friendly than romantic. Better suited for relaxed conversation than a refined date-night ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — walk-ins are common, though weekend dinners may require a short wait. Calling ahead for groups is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, flexible menu options, shareable plates, and a comfortable dining room make it ideal for kids ages 3+ and multi-generational groups.
Best For
Better for: Families wanting a chef-driven Italian menu that still feels approachable, with standout pizza and a friendly neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Italian, a quiet romantic dinner, or a fully vegan/gluten-free menu.
Di Roma Cucina
8.2
Di Roma Cucina is a chef-driven Italian Mediterranean spot where housemade pastas, lamb chops, and seafood plates make for a relaxed but grown-up date night. Dimmer lighting, a focused wine list, and a steady local following give it a cozy feel without being too formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Piccata, Penne Vodka Pasta, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-led Italian Mediterranean menu with a warm, intimate dining room.
Who should go: Couples wanting cozy Italian with housemade pastas.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend seatings for quiet.
What to order: Chicken Piccata, Penne Vodka, Lamb Chops with a shared salad.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials; regulars note frequent pasta variations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot with ample evening availability; street parking along Hawthorne is a reliable overflow option.
Dress code: Smart casual; dark denim and a pressed shirt or blouse fit the room’s slightly elevated date-night tone.
Noise level: Moderate — steady conversation hum but still easy to hear your date at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation during peak 6:30–8:00pm window.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner operation; early evening tends to have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — multiple pastas and salads can be prepared vegetarian, plus occasional seasonal specials.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 modifiable dishes; clarify ingredients with your server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several pastas can be swapped for gluten-free versions and many entrées avoid flour-based sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting is warm, the menu is approachable, and the pacing is relaxed, making it ideal for easy conversation without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early; on weekends, walk-ins are possible but expect a short wait during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the room skews adult and date-night oriented, but well-behaved older kids are fine; minimal amenities for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Couples wanting chef-driven dishes and a cozy, slightly upscale neighborhood experience without the price tag of more formal Italian spots.
Skip if: You want buzzy, high-energy dining or extensive vegan selections — other Italian options in the area handle those better.