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Il Nido
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Il Nido
8.1
Chef Sandro Oliverio from Calabria crafts generational family recipes into homemade pasta dishes at this candlelit Italian nest. Black truffle tagliatelle and cacio e pepe showcase fresh-daily pasta alongside warm hospitality in an intimate setting with rustic Mediterranean decor and free validated parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Black Truffle, Cacio e Pepe, Vodka Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Calabrian recipes with daily housemade pasta
Who should go: Italian food purists seeking traditional handmade pasta
When to visit: Romantic dinner in candlelit ambiance
What to order: Black truffle tagliatelle, cacio e pepe, any fresh pasta
Insider tip: Free validated parking weeknights after 4:30pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validated parking in rear lot - get ticket stamped inside. Easy access weeknights after 4:30pm, can fill up weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual works perfectly - nice jeans and a button-down fits the vibe, but you'll see some dressier guests on weekends.
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - low lighting and acoustic-friendly space means you can actually hear your date.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - book ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options like cacio e pepe, plus seasonal vegetable preparations
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara-based pastas available, call ahead for best options
Gluten-free options: Not ideal - pasta is the star here and made fresh daily with traditional wheat flour
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for it - candlelit ambiance creates romance without being stuffy, noise level allows conversation, and the pasta gives you something to bond over. Just book ahead for weekend evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, especially before 6:30pm. Weekends are riskier - they fill up Friday/Saturday. Bar seating sometimes available as walk-in backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids who like pasta - not a screaming toddler place due to intimate setting, but families with elementary+ age kids fit in fine, especially earlier dinner times.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Calabrian techniques and housemade pasta that tastes like someone's Italian grandmother is in the kitchen - you're getting real regional cooking, not generic red-sauce Italian.
Skip if: You want trendy/modern Italian fusion, need extensive gluten-free options, or prefer high-energy bustling trattorias - this is traditional, intimate, and focused on pasta mastery.
Il Nido
8.7
Chef Sandro Oliverio from Calabria crafts generational family recipes into homemade pastas that have locals raving. The candlelit ambiance and genuinely warm hospitality from host Johnny create an intimate experience where black truffle tagliatelle and cacio e pepe shine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Black Truffle Sauce, Homemade Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Short Rib Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic Calabrian family recipes passed through generations
Who should go: Anyone seeking genuine Italian home cooking with soul
When to visit: Early dinner around 5:30 PM for relaxed service
What to order: Black truffle tagliatelle, vodka sauce pasta, meatballs
Insider tip: Free validated parking at 15456 Ventura Blvd lot after 4:30 PM weekdays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validated parking in lot at 15456 Ventura Blvd after 4:30 PM weekdays; street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets evenings/weekends
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly, locals often dress up for special occasions
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - candlelit ambiance keeps volume low enough to hear across the table
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7 PM; reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including vegetarian pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and seasonal vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with modifications to pasta dishes (olive oil-based sauces, vegetable options)
Gluten-free options: Limited - traditional homemade pasta is the star here; some protein and salad options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely perfect. The candlelit ambiance creates romantic intimacy without being over-the-top, and the genuine warmth from host Johnny puts everyone at ease. Conversation flows easily thanks to moderate noise levels, and the food is impressive without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Hit or miss depending on timing. Your best bet is arriving right at 5:30 PM opening or coming on a weekday. Weekend evenings after 7 PM expect 30-45 min waits. Reservations are your safest play for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming to families, especially for early dinners (5:30-7 PM). Kids love the classic pastas and meatballs, and the staff treats families with genuine warmth. The intimate candlelit setting later in the evening skews more date night.
How are the portions? Generous and satisfying - pasta portions are authentic Italian-sized (not oversized American), but rich enough that most people are comfortably full. Expect to have room for dessert if you skip appetizers.
Is it worth the drive from other parts of LA? If you're serious about authentic Italian home cooking, yes. This isn't trendy Italian - it's generational family recipes executed with soul. Worth the trek from across the Valley or Westside for a special occasion.
Best For
Better for: Authentic family-recipe Italian with genuine warmth over trendy scene-y spots; intimate date nights where conversation matters more than being seen; homemade pasta lovers seeking true craftsmanship over fusion creativity
Skip if: You want innovative modern Italian, need extensive gluten-free pasta options, prefer loud energetic dining rooms, or are looking for Instagram-famous dishes over traditional execution