Any insider tips for Vespaio?

Ask for patio seating early on warm evenings.

What should I order at Vespaio?

Wild boar pappardelle, scallop salad, branzino.

When should I visit Vespaio?

Pre-show dinner or relaxed weekend lunch.

Who should go to Vespaio?

Families, theater-goers, and downtown groups.

Any insider tips for PASTA e PASTA by Allegro?

Sit at the counter to watch pasta finishing.

What should I order at PASTA e PASTA by Allegro?

Mentaiko pasta, uni pasta, crab gratin.

When should I visit PASTA e PASTA by Allegro?

Early dinner to avoid tight seating.

Who should go to PASTA e PASTA by Allegro?

Families and adventurous pasta lovers.

Any insider tips for Eastside Italian Deli?

Call ahead for big family orders to skip the line.

What should I order at Eastside Italian Deli?

D.A. Special, meatball sandwich, cannoli.

When should I visit Eastside Italian Deli?

Weekday lunch; they close early.

Who should go to Eastside Italian Deli?

Families, hikers, and sandwich devotees.

Any insider tips for La Sorted's?

Weeknights are calmer than post-game rushes.

What should I order at La Sorted's?

Mamba pizza, margherita, mortadella sandwich.

When should I visit La Sorted's?

Late afternoon or pre-game evenings.

Who should go to La Sorted's?

Families and pizza-first friend groups.

Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Vespaio

8.7

$$$ Bunker Hill

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players Outdoor Dining Oasis

A polished Grand Avenue staple serving Northern Italian–leaning pastas and mains in a big, comfortable dining room close to The Broad and Disney Hall. Handmade pasta is the draw, and the menu balances familiar family pleasers with seasonal specials, making it easy for mixed-age groups to find a favorite.

Must-Try Dishes: Wild boar pappardelle, Scallop salad with arugula, Branzino with lemon-caper sauce

What makes it special: High-volume, long-running Grand Ave Italian with reliably excellent handmade pasta.

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#2 PASTA e PASTA by Allegro

8.3

$$ Little Tokyo

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings Hidden Gems Heaven

A cozy Little Tokyo pasta house known for Japanese-Italian fusion sauces like mentaiko and uni cream. Portions are generous, the room is casual and kid-friendly, and the playful mash-ups make it a fun family stop after exploring the neighborhood.

Must-Try Dishes: Mentaiko cream pasta, Uni pasta, Crab meat gratin

What makes it special: Japanese-Italian pasta sauces you won’t find elsewhere downtown.

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#3 Eastside Italian Deli

8.1

$$ Victor Heights / Chinatown Edge

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions

A historic, family-run Italian deli dating back to 1929, famous for stacked hot sandwiches and old-school market vibes. The counter-service setup makes it easy for families to grab lunch or picnic-ready bites near Elysian Park.

Must-Try Dishes: D.A. Special sandwich, Italian meatball hot sandwich, Cannoli

What makes it special: Nearly century-old LA Little Italy deli with iconic sandwiches.

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#4 La Sorted's

8.0

$ Chinatown

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Quick Bites Champions Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots

A lively neighborhood pizzeria with airy sourdough-style pies, TVs, and a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. It’s ideal for families who want great pizza before a Dodgers game or a casual Chinatown outing.

Must-Try Dishes: Mamba Pizza, Mortadella focaccia sandwich, Classic margherita

What makes it special: One of LA’s better new-school sourdough pizza rooms outside the core.

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