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Antico Nuovo
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Antico Nuovo
8.8
Antico Nuovo delivers refined Roman-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, modern setting. With a focus on handmade pastas and wood-fired meats, the kitchen led by Chef Chad Colby is a destination for thoughtful Italian cooking. Locals appreciate its intimate dining room and seasonal menu changes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al forno, Smoked Gnocco Fritto, Dry-Aged Ribeye Fiorentina
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Handmade pastas and refined wood-fired mains.
Who should go: Date night, foodies, pasta aficionados
When to visit: Evenings for the full chef’s tasting
What to order: Lasagna, Fiorentina steak, gnocco fritto
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $12, street parking limited after 6pm; nearby lots available for $10-15.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans acceptable but most guests dress up for the occasion.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is easy, but the dining room is lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation; reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with several creative options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, but staff can accommodate with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area, gluten-free pasta and bread available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the intimate setting and elevated cuisine make it ideal for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays, but expect a wait of 45-60 minutes on weekends; reservations strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older children or adults; limited high chairs and no kids' menu, but families are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Refined Roman-inspired pasta and wood-fired meats, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and chef-driven creativity.
Skip if: Seeking casual Italian or a large group setting; better alternatives exist for family-friendly or budget Italian.
Antico Nuovo
8.6
Antico Nuovo specializes in rustic Italian plates by Chef Chad Colby, combining housemade pasta and seasonal mains in a warm, open-kitchen space. Highly rated for thoughtful service and expert execution, Antico is a date night favorite with a loyal following for signature ice creams and artisanal entrées.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Liver Pâté, Broccoli Chicory Caesar, Seasonal Pastas
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven rustic Italian with open kitchen and signature pastas.
Who should go: Pasta lovers, date nights, serious foodies
When to visit: Dinner hours, especially weekend reservations
What to order: Duck liver pâté, caesar, seasonal pastas
Insider tip: Order housemade ice cream for standout finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited valet available for $10, metered street parking fills quickly after 6pm—rideshare strongly recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—dress up jeans or a chic outfit works, but guests often opt for polished looks.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but manageable, table conversation is easy most nights.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min wait without reservation, frequently booked out for peak slots.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several antipasti, pastas, and veggie-forward mains are available.
Vegan options: Limited—may accommodate with modifications, but main menu tends to feature dairy and egg.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations—ask about gluten-free pasta or risotto, but cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—the candlelit ambiance, open kitchen, and attentive service set a relaxed-yet-special mood for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted for bar seating, but main tables are rare without advance booking, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults and older teens; high chairs and kids' menu not offered, and the vibe leans adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Destination-worthy pastas, charming hospitality, and a romantic scene set it apart from LA's other upscale Italians.
Skip if: If you need a quiet, kid-oriented spot or vegan-focused menu, look elsewhere.
Antico Nuovo
7.8
Antico Nuovo delivers rustic Italian in a cozy Beverly Blvd space, featuring handmade pastas and market-driven vegetarian specials. The old-world hospitality and intimate wooden interiors create a distinct mood for an elevated but unpretentious meal in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Cavatelli, Charred Broccoli, Wood-Grilled Bread
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Handmade pastas and rustic Italian vegetarian specials in cozy surrounds.
Who should go: Pasta lovers, date-night seekers, old-world Italian fans
When to visit: Dinner—especially weekends for nightly specials
What to order: Ricotta Cavatelli, Charred Broccoli, Market Veg Plates
Insider tip: Vegetarian specials rotate—ask servers for the day's best option.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $12; street parking gets crowded after 6pm and can be challenging.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests opt for a polished look—dressy tops, jackets, or dresses.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to carry a conversation, though the room is lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Typically 45-60 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are possible but timing is unpredictable.
Weekday lunch: No wait—lunch service is much quieter and reservations are rarely necessary.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most menu items are vegetarian or can be adapted.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 2-3 vegan dishes, ask about off-menu market options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta is available and prep can be accommodated if requested when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—a warm, intimate ambiance and friendly staff make it an excellent choice, especially if sharing handmade pastas is your style.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible if you come early on weekdays, but reservations are highly recommended on weekends for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens; no kids’ menu, and the space focuses on adult comfort and conversation rather than family amenities.
Best For
Better for: Cozy date nights and authentic vegetarian Italian—handmade pasta and warm service stand out among nearby trendy spots.
Skip if: Consider alternatives if you need vegan-heavy menus or family-friendly seating; also if you prefer a boisterous bar scene over intimate dining.
Antico Nuovo
8.6
Antico Nuovo channels rustic Italian countryside flavors with chef-driven pastas and seasonal fare, balancing sophistication and comfort. Spacious, welcoming interiors make it a fit for family celebrations and special-weeknight dining in greater Melrose Hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti, Porchetta, Housemade Stracciatella
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven Italian fare in a warm, family-accessible setting.
Who should go: Celebrating families, Italian food lovers, groups
When to visit: Weekend nights or family celebrations midweek
What to order: Agnolotti, Porchetta, Seasonal vegetable sides
Insider tip: Check for rotating dessert features from the pastry team.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available ($12); limited street parking can be challenging after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but many guests opt for a slightly dressy look, especially in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz but conversations are easily possible, even with groups.
Weekend wait: Plan for a 45-60 minute wait without a reservation; walk-ins accepted but fill up fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait as lunch service is less crowded, but check hours as lunch is occasionally seasonal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of antipasti, pastas, and seasonal vegetable dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1-2 vegan appetizers and salads, but mains are mostly vegetarian rather than vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some options—gluten-free pasta substitutions available upon request, but not all dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate yet lively ambiance, attentive staff, and shareable pasta plates make it ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible on weeknights or at off-peak times; for weekends, reservations are highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—kids are welcome, with high chairs available and a menu that appeals to all ages; best for children 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Top pick for groups or family gatherings seeking open, comfortable seating and a menu of crowd-pleasing Italian classics.
Skip if: If seeking a completely vegan experience, or if you prefer ultra-quiet, intimate dining—can be energetic during peak hours.
Antico Nuovo
8.8
Antico Nuovo crafts refined yet rustic Italian pastas and wood-fired specialties in an intimate, elegant space near Larchmont. Chef Chad Colby's kitchen emphasizes seasonal California produce and traditional techniques, with standout hand-rolled pastas and signature ice cream desserts. Dine here for modern Italian thoughtfully composed for food lovers who value detail and hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Liver Paté with Focaccia, Seasonal Chitarra Pasta, Vanilla Pistachio Crunch Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Pasta artistry and graceful hospitality led by Chef Chad Colby.
Who should go: Seasonal ingredient enthusiasts and romantic dinner seekers
When to visit: Prime time for pasta: Friday-Saturday evenings
What to order: Duck Liver Paté, Chitarra with mushrooms, Honeycomb ice cream
Insider tip: Request seats near the open kitchen for best chef view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet directly in front for $10 (cash, Venmo, Apple Pay) or try side-street parking on Oakwood or Beverly. Street parking gets tough after 6pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean dressy for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Tables almost always require a reservation; walk-ins may wait 40-60 minutes or more if a spot opens.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several antipasti, pastas, sides, and usually at least one vegetarian entrée.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional vegan antipasti or side dishes, but mains focus on dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options: Some options: meat, fish, salads, and sides are often gluten-free, but no gluten-free pasta.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—the intimate room, attentive service, and impressive pastas add up to a memorable first-date spot, especially if you want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's challenging—there may be limited bar seating for walk-ins, but prime dinner hours are rarely available without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for well-behaved older children; smaller dining rooms, no kid menu, and late hours mean it's better for adults and teens.
Best For
Better for: Standout pasta craftsmanship, polished yet warm hospitality, and decadent desserts—top choice for romantic or celebratory Italian in Larchmont.
Skip if: If you need patio seating, a quick dinner, gluten-free pasta, or a boisterous group vibe, consider alternatives.