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LAVO
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
LAVO
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Outdoor Dining Oasis
This coastal Italian restaurant features a spectacular retractable roof and dramatic 1-pound Wagyu meatball that delights families. Chef Ralph Scamardella balances Southern Italian traditions with California produce in an elegant setting with accommodating service.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Meatball (1 lb Wagyu), Black Truffle Pizza, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Massive 1-pound meatball and retractable roof dining experience
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions or seeking showstopper dishes
When to visit: Weekend brunch or dinner celebrations
What to order: The famous meatball, wood-fired pizza, weekend brunch
Insider tip: One meatball easily feeds family of four as appetizer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking $15, street parking very limited on Sunset Strip - arrive early or use rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - no shorts/flip-flops, jeans ok if paired with nice top
Noise level: Moderately lively - can hold conversation but expect celebration energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typically, quicker turnaround
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including pasta, risotto, and vegetable antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, call ahead to confirm modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, separate prep protocols in place
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's expensive, family-oriented, and quite lively. Better for established couples celebrating milestones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends. Try bar seating or arrive right at opening (5pm). Weekday lunch is more forgiving.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids menu available, high chairs provided, and the giant meatball is a guaranteed hit. Best for ages 5+ who can appreciate the experience.
Best For
Better for: Instagram-worthy celebrations, unique showstopper dishes, family gatherings that want upscale atmosphere, outdoor dining with weather protection
Skip if: Seeking intimate romance, tight budget under $200 for two, want quiet conversation, prefer authentic hole-in-the-wall Italian
LAVO
7.9
Coastal Italian concept with dramatic retractable roof creates year-round alfresco dining on the Sunset Strip. Chef Ralph Scamardella balances Southern Italian influences with California produce, delivering upscale but approachable dishes perfect for impressing a date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Rigatoni Vodka, Burrata
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dramatic retractable roof dining experience on Sunset Strip
Who should go: Couples wanting elevated Italian with LA glamour
When to visit: Sunset dining when roof opens to stars
What to order: Branzino, rigatoni vodka, Italian wine selection
Insider tip: 250 seats but reservations still recommended for prime times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Sunset Strip
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think date night elevated
Noise level: Moderate - intimate conversation friendly despite size
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typically, faster before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - robust selection including housemade pastas
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area, GF pasta available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressing - the retractable roof creates a wow factor without being overly intimate. Upscale but not stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky during dinner rush. Try arriving right at 5pm or after 9pm for better odds. Bar seating usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - sophisticated atmosphere geared toward adults. Better for ages 12+ if bringing children.
Best For
Better for: Sunset Strip glamour with actual good food - unique retractable roof experience you can't get elsewhere
Skip if: You want authentic hole-in-the-wall Italian or are budget-conscious (portions justify price but it's still Sunset Strip pricing)
LAVO
7.9
This 250-seat coastal Italian restaurant from Tao Group features a retractable roof and serves Southern Italy-inspired dishes including a one-pound wagyu meatball. The sun-drenched dining room with Italian furnishings creates a Mediterranean resort atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
One-Pound Wagyu Meatball, Salt-Crusted Branzino, Black Truffle Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Spectacular retractable roof and tableside presentations.
Who should go: Special occasion celebrants and brunch lovers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Friday nights
What to order: Wagyu meatball, tableside branzino, truffle pizza
Insider tip: Private dining room holds 65 guests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15-20, limited street parking on Sunset Strip, nearby paid lots $10-25
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - designer jeans acceptable but lean toward cocktail attire for dinner
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - rooftop acoustics allow conversation at normal volume
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 15-20 min during power lunch hours (12-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and antipasti options, chef accommodating with modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes available, advance notice recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, several naturally GF seafood and meat options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for impressive dates - the retractable roof and views create romance, though the scene can be buzzy. Request a quieter corner table when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime times (Fri-Sat dinner, weekend brunch). Bar and lounge accept walk-ins with better odds before 6:30pm or after 9:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate upscale dining. Weekend brunch more family-friendly than dinner service. High chairs available but atmosphere leans adult.
Best For
Better for: Superior rooftop experience and theatrical presentations compared to other Italian spots on the Strip. Best wagyu meatball in LA and unmatched celebration atmosphere.
Skip if: Want intimate, quiet dining (try Osteria Mozza) or authentic neighborhood Italian (go to Jon & Vinny's). Also skip if budget-conscious - similar quality at half the price elsewhere.