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Pesto's Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Pesto’s Italian is a classic, no-frills neighborhood red-sauce joint where pizzas, big bowls of pasta, and old-school chicken plates come out in portions built for leftovers. It trades design flash for hearty plates and friendly service, drawing longtime regulars who treat it as their weeknight Italian default.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguini al pesto, Spaghetti carbonara, Chicken Marsala
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Old-school red-sauce cooking with huge portions and a loyal following.
Who should go: Families craving hearty pastas and pizza
When to visit: Early dinners and weeknights to avoid peak waits
What to order: Linguini al pesto, carbonara, chicken Marsala
Insider tip: Plan for leftovers—splitting a salad and entree goes a long way.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in the center; generally easy before 6:30pm, tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and everyday wear are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; lively chatter during dinner but still workable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for small groups and families.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable pasta dishes, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified, though there is no dedicated gluten-free pasta; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something laid-back and unfussy; the space is casual, cozy, and geared more toward comfort than atmosphere-forward romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arriving before 6pm or after the prime 7–8pm window usually means little to no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs are available, the staff is welcoming to families, and the menu includes approachable pastas and pizzas for young diners.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, straightforward red-sauce comfort, and family-friendly service compared to trendier South Bay Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, or modern Italian cooking—other neighborhood options will suit those needs better.
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Pesto's is a long-running PCH Italian restaurant best known for sizable, oven-baked lasagna plates in both beef and vegetable versions. The room feels like a traditional neighborhood trattoria, with hefty portions that favor families and groups who want a drawn-out pasta dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Beef Lasagna, Homemade Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Cannelloni
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Features multiple from-scratch lasagna options in a classic, portion-heavy setting.
Who should go: Families and pasta fans craving substantial baked dishes.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for a lingering, sit-down meal.
What to order: Beef lasagna, vegetable lasagna, chicken cannelloni.
Insider tip: Leftovers travel well, so boxing half your lasagna is common.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in the center with generally reliable availability; fills up during peak weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to casual-nice; jeans and relaxed attire fit the neighborhood trattoria vibe.
Noise level: Moderate, with a noticeable weekend hum but still manageable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for walk-ins depending on peak; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with steady but light midday flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable lasagna and several pasta dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—sauces and baked pastas lean dairy-heavy; a few customizable pasta options may work.
Gluten-free options: Some pastas can be prepared gluten-free upon request, though lasagna is not offered GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid for a casual, unpretentious dinner date where comfort food takes center stage; less ideal if you want a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. On weekend evenings, small parties can usually be seated with a short wait while large groups may see longer delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—portions are shareable, the environment is relaxed, and staff are accustomed to families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, traditional lasagna portions and a familiar neighborhood Italian feel that works well for groups and family-style ordering.
Skip if: You want contemporary Italian, lighter pastas, or a quieter, more design-forward dining room.
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Pesto's operates as a casual, pizza-forward Italian spot where most families order pies, pastas, and appetizers for eat-in or take-out. It’s more functional than fancy inside, but the consistently solid pizza and approachable pricing make it a dependable option for weeknight family pizza nights in 90505.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, Homemade Lasagna, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Affordable, pizza-centric Italian with plenty of take-out flexibility.
Who should go: Families wanting easy pizza night without high prices.
When to visit: Busy weekend evenings; order ahead for take-out.
What to order: Pepperoni Pizza, Lasagna, Cheese Ravioli.
Insider tip: Call in large orders early; the kitchen stacks up on Fridays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared shopping-center lot with plenty of open spaces; even weekend evenings usually manageable.
Dress code: Very casual — T-shirts, shorts, and ball caps are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours, but still easy enough for family conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for dine-in; take-out may run 20–30 minutes during the Friday rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait; orders are typically ready quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — cheese pizzas, vegetarian pastas, salads, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — customization possible (no cheese, marinara-only), but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza or pasta; salads may be the safest option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — the space leans functional and casual, better suited for low-key meals than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typically needed. Walk-ins are almost always accommodated quickly, especially on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — simple pizzas, pastas, and booth seating make it easy for families with toddlers to teens. Take-out is a strong option for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable pizza nights, take-out convenience, and reliable crowd-pleasing Italian classics.
Skip if: You want handmade pasta, a polished dining room, or a more celebratory family meal — spots like Gaetano’s or Mama D’s offer a fuller sit-down experience.
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Pesto's is a sit-down Italian restaurant where families lean heavily on its pizza, pastas, and appetizers for low-key weeknight dinners and takeout. The room is simple and comfortable, but consistent pies and approachable pricing keep it in the rotation for South Torrance pizza nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, Homemade Lasagna, Cheese Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Casual Italian dining room where pizza, pasta, and takeout overlap.
Who should go: Families wanting sit-down Italian with reliable pizza options.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends for shorter waits with kids.
What to order: Pepperoni pie, lasagna, cheese ravioli with shared salad.
Insider tip: Pair a large pizza with pastas instead of multiple small pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with plenty of spaces; rarely fills except during peak weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and relaxed attire are all perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; easy for family conversations but can get lively on weekend nights.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on sports/event nights; takeout typically faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—cheese pizzas, ravioli, salads, and several pasta dishes can be made meatless.
Vegan options: Limited; a few salads and customizable pasta options, but confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is often available; pizzas are not guaranteed GF—check day-of availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more functional family Italian than atmospheric date spot; choose it for low-pressure or casual meetups, not romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most families walk in. Arrive early on weekends to avoid short waits, especially with larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—simple menu, quick service, roomy tables, and noise levels that make it easy for young kids. Ideal for ages 3–12.
Best For
Better for: Consistent pies, low-key family dinners, and affordable sit-down Italian without long waits.
Skip if: You want artisanal Neapolitan pizza, elevated ambiance, or extensive vegan options.
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
7.7
Pesto's is a compact PCH spot where pizza, pastas, and subs skew more relaxed than formal, but still work for a low-key Italian date night. Couples often split a specialty pie and salad at one of the small dine-in tables before heading home or down the coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, Homemade Lasagna, Cheese Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Small PCH pizzeria with homemade pies and classic red-sauce plates.
Who should go: Couples wanting a simple, affordable Italian night out.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the takeout rush.
What to order: Pepperoni Pizza, Lasagna, Cheese Ravioli with shared salad.
Insider tip: Call ahead for dine-in pies; the kitchen can run busy on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with limited spaces; overflow street parking on PCH is usually available but can require a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and date-night relaxed — jeans, sweaters, and comfortable outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Generally moderate; you can hold a full conversation, though takeout rushes add brief bursts of activity.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours due to steady takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — cheese ravioli, Margherita pizza, salads, and several pasta plates.
Vegan options: Limited — salads can be modified and select pizzas can be customized without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free dough, but salads and some pasta plates can be adjusted; call ahead for specifics.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key, no-pressure first date where conversation matters more than ambiance. The compact room and casual service keep it easygoing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in friendly. Arrive before the takeout wave on weekends to secure a table quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes — simple pizza and pasta dishes work for most ages, though the space is small and better suited for older kids rather than toddlers with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Affordable date nights, shared specialty pies, and quick meals without the formality of larger Italian restaurants.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, or a long, multi-course Italian dinner experience.