0 Followers
Alba
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Alba
8.6
A stunning New York import bringing Italian vacation vibes to Melrose with chef Adam Leonti's exceptional bread and pasta program. The retractable roof and vibrant design create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates both adults and children.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta, Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Sea Shells Lobster Cardinale
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Award-winning baker chef creating exceptional breads and handmade pastas
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge Italian cuisine
When to visit: Dinner under retractable roof on clear evenings
What to order: Focaccia, orecchiette, any fresh pasta
Insider tip: Chef wrote cookbook about bread-making and showcases those skills here
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, street parking very limited in Design District - Uber recommended
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans ok but lean stylish, no flip flops
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can talk without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, even bar seats fill up
Weekday lunch: Usually can get seated within 15-20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options plus creative vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - can modify pasta dishes, call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, kitchen takes precautions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic retractable roof, impressive enough to impress, but not so stuffy you can't relax
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially dinner - try calling day-of for cancellations or arrive at 5pm sharp
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but upscale kid-friendly - kids menu available, high chairs provided, best before 7pm when scene gets more adult
Best For
Better for: Best bread program in LA, unique retractable roof experience, perfect Instagram shots with design
Skip if: You want quick casual Italian, on tight budget, or prefer quiet intimate dining over trendy scenes
Alba
8.6
NYC import's West Coast debut brings sophisticated Italian dining with a retractable roof and buzzy energy. Chef Adam Leonti's tableside orecchiette with burrata and the stellar chicken alla diavola create Instagram-worthy moments in this pink-hued, Wes Anderson-esque dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Chicken Alla Diavola, Sea Shells Lobster Cardinale
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Hottest new Italian reservation with retractable roof dining
Who should go: Style-conscious couples wanting LA's buzziest scene
When to visit: Reservations release weekly, book immediately
What to order: Orecchiette, chicken diavola, espresso martini
Insider tip: Bar seats available first-come first-served for walk-ins
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited - rideshare recommended
Dress code: Smart casual required - think date night chic, no shorts or flip flops
Noise level: Lively but conversational - you can talk but expect energy
Weekend wait: Impossible without reservation, 2+ hour bar wait
Weekday lunch: 30-45 min for bar seats, dinner still needs reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent pasta options and vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, call ahead to confirm
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, kitchen trained on prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for second or third dates - impressive but buzzy energy might be overwhelming for getting-to-know-you conversations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely for dining room. Try bar seats after 5pm on weekdays, but expect 1-2 hour waits on weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children - adult-focused atmosphere, no kids menu, and late-night energy doesn't suit families
Best For
Better for: Instagram moments, impressive dates, and experiencing LA's hottest scene with that unique retractable roof
Skip if: You want intimate conversation, casual vibes, or don't care about being seen at the trendy spot
Alba
8.5
This 2025 NYC transplant from Prince Street Hospitality brings "vacation Italian" cuisine to a stunning indoor-outdoor space with retractable roof. Chef Adam Leonti's signature lasagna anchors a menu that balances fine Italian dining with California sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Lasagna, Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Focaccia Della Casa
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Buzzy NYC hotspot with retractable roof and tableside pasta service
Who should go: Scene-seekers and pasta enthusiasts
When to visit: Reservations post weekly, set availability notifications
What to order: Signature lasagna, agnolotti, espresso martinis
Insider tip: Bar seating is first-come, first-served if tables are booked
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited and metered until 8pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jeans ok but elevate with nice top and shoes
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can hold conversation but expect energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 30 min wait possible, bar seats usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta dishes and vegetable-forward antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - 2 pasta options, can modify some dishes upon request
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, separate prep protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you both enjoy trendy scenes - beautiful space and shareable dishes, but can get loud and scene-heavy on weekends
Can I get a table without a reservation? Try bar seating which is first-come, first-served - arrive by 6pm for best chance, or check for last-minute cancellations
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended - upscale atmosphere, late dining crowd, and price point make it better for 16+ or special occasions only
Best For
Better for: Special occasions wanting NYC-level dining in LA, Instagram-worthy meals, and unique retractable roof experience
Skip if: You want casual Italian, family dining, or don't care about the scene - plenty of great neighborhood Italian spots for less
Alba
8.1
New York's Prince Street Hospitality brought their 'vacation Italian' concept to this 10,000-square-foot space featuring a retractable striped roof and custom murals. Chef Adam Leonti's menu includes tableside orecchiette with burrata and black truffle agnolotti.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti with Black Truffle, Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Chicken alla Diavola
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: NYC import with Italian garden atmosphere and retractable roof.
Who should go: Scene-seekers and celebration groups
When to visit: Early week for easier reservations
What to order: Truffle agnolotti, focaccia, chicken diavola
Insider tip: VIP room upstairs for special occasions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Melrose gets competitive after 5pm
Dress code: Elevated casual - think designer jeans and nice tops, Instagram-ready attire encouraged
Noise level: Buzzy and energetic - better for animated groups than intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, peak lunch 12:30-1:30pm may have 15 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and appetizer options, plus vegetable-forward sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pastas and salads, chef willing to accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - several naturally GF dishes, separate pasta available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the scene is buzzy and see-and-be-seen rather than intimate. Great for impressing someone who loves trendy spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins nearly impossible Fri-Sat dinner. Best bet: weekday lunch, late night (after 9:30pm), or grab seats at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - loud, scene-focused, no kids menu. Better for teens who appreciate the Instagram factor.
Best For
Better for: The retractable roof and garden party atmosphere beats other Italian spots for special celebrations and group energy
Skip if: You want authentic neighborhood Italian or quiet romantic dining - try Bestia or Chi Spacca instead