Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown LA (90013)
6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
9.1
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
Notable Picks
8.8
A polished Arts District trattoria where house-made pastas and wood-fired mains land with confident, old-school Italian technique. The airy industrial room keeps it lively without feeling chaotic, and the kitchen’s signature mandilli di seta pesto still sets the bar for the neighborhood. Strong Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition underscores its reliability for both locals and visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mandilli di Seta al Pesto, Prosciutto & Burrata Focaccina, Roasted Branzino
What makes it special: Silky house pastas and focaccinas in a Michelin-noted Arts District trattoria.
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
A long-running DTLA trattoria focused on fresh daily pasta and generous, comforting plates that keep locals coming back. The open front patio and casual flow make it easy for repeat lunches or low-key dinners. Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition highlights strong value and dependable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bianchi & Neri, Lasagne di Carne, Maccheroni Stellari
What makes it special: Fresh pasta trattoria with Bib Gourmand value in the Historic Core.
#4
De La Nonna
8.0
A casual Arts District wine bar built around Roman-leaning pinsa, crisp focaccia sandwiches, and natural bottles. The vibe is social and unfussy, with a menu that’s light enough for aperitivo but solid for a full meal. A newer neighborhood staple that’s more about hang time than formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pinsa Romana (seasonal), Whipped Eggplant Dip & Focaccia, Focaccia Sandwich
What makes it special: Natural wine aperitivo spot with standout pinsa in the Arts District.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A compact Arts District vineria with natural wines and Italian-snack pacing, ideal for grazing rather than a heavy sit-down feast. Pinsa and small plates are cleanly executed, and the staff leans knowledgeable without being precious. Best framed as a wine-first Italian hangout within the ZIP.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pinsa Romana, Speck Truffle Toast, Charcuterie & Formaggi
What makes it special: Natural-wine bar pairing Italian small plates with airy Arts District energy.
7.7
A newer Sicilian-leaning dining room in a restored brick space, serving hearty pastas, arancini, and secondi with a home-style backbone. The patio-forward setup makes it feel celebratory even on ordinary nights. Still early in its run, but already a strong option for warm, traditional Southern-Italian comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini, Seafood Linguine, Mushroom Ragu Lasagna
What makes it special: Sicilian trattoria newcomer with a standout patio and classic comfort plates.