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Carasau
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Carasau
8.3
Sardinian chef Vincenzo Porcu brings rare island specialties to Culver Steps' cozy patio. Culurgiones potato ravioli and fregola di mare showcase hand-rolled pasta traditions seldom found in LA, while imported Sardinian wines and attentive service create an intimate neighborhood escape.
Must-Try Dishes:
Culurgiones, Fregola di Mare, Saffron Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: LA's rare showcase of authentic Sardinian cuisine and regional wines
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking Italian regions beyond standard fare
When to visit: Dinner for full menu, weeknight for intimate patio
What to order: Potato ravioli with mint, seafood fregola, cauliflower veloute
Insider tip: Free parking in private lot behind Culver Theater
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in private lot behind Culver Theater - rare perk in this area. Street parking also available on adjacent residential streets.
Dress code: Smart casual with European flair - nice jeans and a button-down work, but locals often dress up for the romantic patio setting
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - outdoor patio design and smaller capacity keep it peaceful even when full
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - book ahead for patio tables
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes - lunch service is relaxed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta dishes and vegetable preparations, including the standout cauliflower veloute. Chef accommodates requests.
Vegan options: Limited but possible - chef can modify pasta dishes with olive oil base instead of butter/cheese. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen can prepare most dishes gluten-free with advance notice. Fregola substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the cozy patio creates natural romance without trying too hard, and the unique Sardinian menu gives you something interesting to discuss. Not overly loud or stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes, especially before 7pm. Weekends are riskier - the patio fills up by 7:30pm. Bar seating available as backup, and the intimate bar area has its own charm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+ - the patio setting works for families, and simple pasta options available. Gets more date-night atmosphere after 8pm. Younger kids better at early dinner (5:30-6:30pm).
How's it compare to Uovo or Forma? More intimate and specialized - while those offer broader Italian menus, Carasau focuses on rare Sardinian traditions you won't find elsewhere. Less scene-y, more neighborhood gem.
Do they take dogs on the patio? Yes - the outdoor patio welcomes leashed dogs, and staff often brings water bowls. One of Culver City's better dog-friendly dining options.
Best For
Better for: Choose Carasau for authentic regional Italian you can't find elsewhere in LA, intimate date nights on a charming patio, and discovering Sardinian wines. The hand-rolled pasta and island specialties justify the premium over standard Italian spots.
Skip if: You want classic red-sauce Italian, need a large group (space is limited), prefer indoor dining year-round, or want a buzzy scene - this is intentionally low-key and neighborhood-focused.
Carasau
8.2
Chef-owner Vincenzo Porcu brings authentic Sardinian cuisine to this intimate restaurant, showcasing regional specialties rarely found in Los Angeles. Since opening, the restaurant has offered unique dishes like Culurgiones and Fregola di Mare alongside traditional pizzas, with a cozy patio and café serving Italian coffee and pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Culurgiones, Fregola di Mare, Truffle Rigatoni Alfredo
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Only Sardinian restaurant in LA showcasing regional Italian specialties
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking authentic regional Italian cuisine
When to visit: Dinner on patio, private parking lot available
What to order: Potato-filled ravioli, fregola pasta, house-made gelato
Insider tip: Try the Seadas dessert, a traditional Sardinian specialty
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind restaurant - rare find in Downtown Culver. Street parking also available on nearby residential streets
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - locals come in jeans, but you'll see some dressed up for date nights
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - small dining room keeps it cozy, patio even quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - café side operates walk-in friendly during day
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - traditional Sardinian cuisine has many vegetable-forward dishes, plus margherita and vegetable pizzas
Vegan options: Possible with modifications - chef can adapt pasta dishes, but limited pre-set options since cuisine relies on pecorino cheese
Gluten-free options: Limited - Italian restaurant focused on house-made pasta, but may accommodate with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for it - intimate patio setting, unique cuisine gives you conversation starters, and it's impressive without being pretentious. The Sardinian focus shows you did your homework.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner yes, weekend dinner risky. Small restaurant (seats about 40) fills up Friday/Saturday. Café side works for casual coffee and pastries anytime.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who'll appreciate the food - has familiar pizza plus adventurous options. More intimate setting than rowdy family trattoria, so better for older kids who can sit through courses.
How does this compare to other Culver City Italian spots? Trade the familiar red-sauce comfort of Farfalla for genuine regional cooking you won't find elsewhere in LA. More authentic and unique than Piccolo, less scene-y than Uovo on Washington.
What if I've never had Sardinian food? Chef Vincenzo guides you through the menu - start with Culurgiones (those special ravioli) to experience something new, then try Fregola di Mare if you like seafood. Pizza's there if you want something familiar.
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Italian experience - only Sardinian restaurant in LA, intimate date nights on the patio, discovering rare dishes like Seadas dessert, supporting chef-owned neighborhood gem with parking
Skip if: You want classic Italian-American with red-sauce standards, need large group seating (40-seat restaurant), want guaranteed walk-in weekend dinner, or prefer lively/buzzy atmosphere over intimate setting
Carasau
8.4
Sardinian specialist serving handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas in an intimate setting with heated patio. Owner Vincenzo Porcu brings authentic island flavors through dishes like saffron ravioli and fritto misto, paired with carefully curated Sardinian wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron Ravioli, Fritto Misto, Pizza with Porcini and Arugula
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Rare focus on authentic Sardinian regional cuisine from restaurateur with Drago family pedigree
Who should go: Couples seeking intimate ambiance and regional Italian specialties
When to visit: Dinner Wednesday-Saturday for full menu, weekend brunch available
What to order: Cauliflower soup, any ravioli, tiramisu with Sardinian wine
Insider tip: Free parking in private lot makes this accessible hidden gem stress-free
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free private lot behind restaurant - rare luxury in Culver City, makes this stress-free
Dress code: Smart casual with romantic edge - dark jeans and nice top work, but lean polished
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - 60-seat space designed for date night talking
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended Friday-Saturday, 30-45 min walk-in wait common
Weekday lunch: Brunch only on weekends, dinner walk-ins typically accommodated Wed-Thu with 15-20 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - Sardinian cuisine naturally vegetable-forward, multiple pasta and starter options
Vegan options: Limited but possible - can modify some pastas, better to call ahead for chef accommodations
Gluten-free options: Available - kitchen can substitute gluten-free pasta for most dishes, no dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal for 2nd-4th dates - intimate 60-seat space and slower Sardinian service style create romantic vibe but might feel intense for first meetings. Heated patio offers slightly more casual option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Wednesday-Thursday evenings with 15-30 min bar wait. Weekend dinner requires reservation - book 5-7 days ahead. Patio seats sometimes available as walk-in backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - intimate date-night atmosphere and slower regional Italian service don't suit families. Teens comfortable with adventurous food welcome.
How does it compare to nearby Italian spots? More specialized than Uovo or Destroyer - this is regional Sardinian cuisine vs. broader Italian. Less scene-y than Margot, more authentic. Choose this for culinary discovery over social dining.
What's the damage for two people? $120-160 for two with wine - pasta/pizza, shared starter, dessert, bottle of Sardinian wine. More affordable than Culver City's higher-end Italian competition.
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Italian experience with rare Sardinian specialties, free parking convenience, romantic intimacy without pretension, discovering wine varietals you won't find elsewhere
Skip if: You want trendy scene energy, need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends, prefer fast-casual dining pace, or want classic red-sauce Italian-American comfort food