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 Cali Chilli (DTLA)?

Split a few fusion mains family-style to sample the range.

When should I visit Cali Chilli (DTLA)?

Evenings for the full menu and best vibe.

Who should go to Cali Chilli (DTLA)?

Curious diners who like chef twists on classics.

Best Lasagna 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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Worthy Picks

#4 Cali Chilli (DTLA)

7.7

$$ Little Tokyo

Vibes: Hidden Gems Heaven Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings

Michelin-star-chef Mural Manjunath’s ‘unauthentic Indian’ concept in Little Tokyo offers a playful, cross-cultural take on comfort food. The Eggplant Bharta Lasagna is smoky and spiced, swapping Italian tomato depth for tandoori-style eggplant and paneer-mozzarella layering.

Must-Try Dishes: Butter chicken pot pie, Eggplant bharta lasagna, Tandoori chicken wings

What makes it special: Indian spice profiles applied to inventive, comfort-driven fusion dishes.

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