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La Traviata
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Traviata
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Operating since 1997 in the historic Willmore Building, La Traviata delivers award-winning Nuevo Italian cuisine with live piano music on weekends. Owner Mario creates an operatic dining experience with ornate nineteenth-century opera house décor including crystal chandeliers and silk drapes, while the kitchen turns out fresh pasta and theatrical presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass, Chestnut Mushroom Ravioli, Linguini de Mare
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Historic venue with live piano and operatic ambiance since 1997
Who should go: Special occasion diners, music lovers, date nights
When to visit: Friday or Saturday for live piano entertainment
What to order: Chilean sea bass is legendary, butternut squash ravioli exceptional
Insider tip: Banquet room accommodates up to 115 for private celebrations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive downtown - arrive early or use paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15). Valet not available.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - the ornate opera house setting calls for effort. Nice jeans acceptable but most guests dress up for the occasion.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - live piano adds ambiance but conversation flows easily. Gets louder during weekend performances.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential Friday/Saturday - walk-ins rarely accommodated during prime hours (6-9pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Tuesday-Thursday, typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes, eggplant parmigiana, and the butternut squash ravioli is a signature option
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pasta dishes with marinara and vegetables, but menu skews traditional Italian with dairy/eggs
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic atmosphere with live piano creates natural conversation flow, but the energy level keeps it from feeling too intense. The theatrical setting gives you something to talk about if conversation lags.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, weekends no. Tuesday-Thursday you'll likely get seated within 15 minutes. Friday/Saturday with live music, reservations are mandatory - they consistently book solid during dinner service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, despite the upscale setting - families are welcomed and common, especially for celebrations. The theatrical décor entertains kids, and classic pasta dishes appeal to younger palates. Best for ages 8+ who can appreciate the ambiance.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions requiring wow-factor presentation and live entertainment - the operatic atmosphere and weekend piano performances create memorable moments that standard Italian spots can't match. Best theatrical dining experience in Long Beach.
Skip if: You want quiet intimate conversation (especially weekends), casual low-key Italian, or quick service - this is a destination experience requiring 2+ hours. Also skip if you're looking for modern Italian innovation over classic Nuevo Italian preparations.
La Traviata
8.3
Hidden within the historic French-revival Willmore Building since 1997, this contemporary Italian venue combines exquisite Nuevo Italian cuisine with live piano entertainment. Owner Mario Nasab creates a welcoming atmosphere where dramatic 19th-century opera house-inspired interiors meet modern California-Italian fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguini Mare, La Trav Sea Bass, Chilean Sea Bass
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 27-year tradition of hosting intimate dinners with live piano bar entertainment
Who should go: Romantic couples seeking elegant ambiance with live music
When to visit: Friday or Saturday evenings for Piano Bar performances
What to order: Chilean sea bass, linguini mare, butternut squash ravioli
Insider tip: Happy hour runs 5-7pm weekdays with discounted cocktails and appetizers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm. Public lot at 200 E 3rd St ($8 evening flat rate). Valet not available.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think date night attire. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice top, but this is a dress-up spot.
Noise level: Moderate during piano performances - intimate conversation is possible but you'll have background music. Quieter early evening before the show starts.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended - walk-ins typically 60-90 min wait Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only Tuesday-Sunday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including butternut squash ravioli, eggplant parmigiana, and several pasta dishes that can be modified
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 items possible with modifications. Call ahead to discuss options with kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the live piano creates natural conversation breaks without being too loud, and the romantic lighting in the historic building sets the perfect mood without being overly intimate or stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights (Tue-Thu) you can often walk in before 7pm, but weekends book solid. If you show up without one, hit the bar for happy hour drinks while you wait - the bartenders are great.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - this is a date night venue with a quiet, romantic vibe. Teens and older kids who can appreciate fine dining would be fine, especially for celebrations.
How long should I plan to spend here? Plan for 2-2.5 hours for a full dinner experience. The pacing is leisurely European-style, perfect for lingering over wine and enjoying the piano performance.
Is there a bar where I can eat alone? Yes - the piano bar is great for solo dining. You'll get the full menu, good conversation with bartenders, and feel less conspicuous than a table for one.
Best For
Better for: Live entertainment with your meal - the piano bar element makes this special beyond just good Italian food. Also ideal if you want that hidden gem feeling without sacrificing quality or service.
Skip if: You want casual, quick Italian or are bringing a large group (6+). Also skip if you prefer modern minimalist spaces - this leans theatrical and ornate.
La Traviata
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Nestled in the historic French-revival Willmore Building since 1997, this opulent restaurant serves award-winning Nuevo Italian cuisine with live piano accompaniment. Owner Mario creates a warm, theatrical atmosphere with ornate décor inspired by 19th-century opera houses, while the kitchen delivers modern interpretations of Italian classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguini Mare, Chilean Sea Bass, Chestnut Mushroom Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Opera-themed elegance with 27 years serving Nuevo Italian in historic setting
Who should go: Romantics and celebration seekers wanting dramatic ambiance with music
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday evenings for piano bar and live vocalists
What to order: Linguini mare, Chilean sea bass, Brussels sprouts appetizer
Insider tip: Happy hour runs 5-7pm weekdays except Saturday for great value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, street parking challenging downtown - use nearby paid lots ($8-12)
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - no shorts/flip-flops, suits welcome but not required
Noise level: Moderate with live piano - intimate conversation possible, livelier during performances
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly advised
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including eggplant parmigiana and mushroom risotto
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options, but kitchen accommodates modifications with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, kitchen trained on cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic ambiance with live piano creates natural conversation starters, plus the elegant setting shows effort without being intimidating. Book 7:30pm for optimal music timing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, but dinner requires reservations Thursday-Saturday. Try bar seating as walk-in backup - full menu available and great piano views.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and tweens (12+) - sophisticated atmosphere suits special occasions but may be too formal for young children. No kids menu, but kitchen will modify pastas.
How's the live music - will it overpower conversation? Piano sets the mood without dominating - vocalist performances (8-9pm weekends) are louder but brief. Request tables away from piano if you prefer quieter dining.
Is it worth it for a solo business dinner? Absolutely - bar area attracts business crowd, owner Mario often chats with solo diners, and weekday atmosphere is refined but welcoming. Go Monday-Wednesday for quieter experience.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions requiring theatrical ambiance - the opera house décor and live entertainment create memories beyond the meal. Best theatrical Italian dining in Long Beach with consistent 27-year track record.
Skip if: You want casual, quick Italian or are on tight budget - this is a destination experience with $$$ pricing and 2+ hour dining pace. Also skip for large groups over 6 (space constraints).