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Ettore
Master Critic Review
Ettore
7.9
This wine bar and restaurant inside the Original Farmers Market pairs organic wines from Ettore's Mendocino winery with housemade pastas and Italian small plates. The renovated space features a heated back patio perfect for wine-centric dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi Sorrentina, Red Wine Tagliatelle, Braised Lamb Shank
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Only restaurant pouring organic wines from their own Mendocino winery
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts seeking organic pairings with Italian cuisine
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm for wine specials, heated patio year-round
What to order: Pillowy gnocchi, red wine pasta, lamb shank
Insider tip: Wine tasting recommended before dining to select bottle pairing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in Farmers Market lot (3+ hours), enter from Fairfax or 3rd. Can get busy on weekends but spaces usually available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - date night attire works but jeans and nice top perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate inside, quieter on back patio - conversation-friendly at both
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait at bar inside Farmers Market, patio reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes, no reservation needed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including gnocchi, multiple pasta dishes, seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 pasta options can be modified, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Some options available - certain proteins and salads, limited pasta alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate back patio setting, wine-forward vibe creates conversation flow, and being inside Farmers Market gives you a backup plan to stroll if dinner goes well
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, weekend dinners iffy. Bar seating usually available but heated patio fills up - book ahead for that. Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservation strongly recommended
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for older kids (10+) - it's a wine bar atmosphere. Farmers Market location means you can distract them with other food stalls if needed. Not ideal for toddlers at dinner service
How long does dinner typically take? Plan 90 minutes for full experience with wine pairing. Can do quick 45-minute meal at lunch if needed, but wine-centric concept rewards slower pace
Is the wine really that special? Yes - it's their own organic Mendocino winery, not found elsewhere in LA. Staff knows every bottle intimately. Do the tasting flight ($18-24) before committing to a bottle
Best For
Better for: Organic wine obsessives, intimate patio dining without typical LA patio noise, combining dinner with Farmers Market browsing. More authentic wine program than typical Fairfax spots
Skip if: You want trendy scene energy (this is mellow), need extensive vegan options, or want traditional red-sauce Italian - this is more modern wine bar with pasta