Skip to main content

Best Hidden Gems Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Save
Our Top Pick
Da Barbara
Chef-driven, tasting-style Italian served in a tiny, home-like space.

Essential Picks

$$$ Hollywood Italian
An intimate, reservation-only Italian dining room where Chef Barbara Pollastrini serves a seasonal tasting-style menu of handmade pastas and refined secondi in an apartment-like space. Portions are composed and elegant rather than oversized, and the experience leans more toward a special-occasion dinner than a casual neighborhood meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliolini al Pomodoro, Polpettine di Barbara, Seasonal Gnocchi of the Day
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven, tasting-style Italian served in a tiny, home-like space.
$$$$ Santa Monica Italian
Award-winning Southern Italian restaurant specializing in authentic Pugliese cuisine with handmade pasta and traditional lasagna. Gambero Rosso International named it Restaurant of the Year for its commitment to regional authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Lasagna with Beef Ragu, Fresh Orecchiette with Braciole, Panzerotti Fried Pizza Pockets
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Pugliese restaurant in LA with ingredients sourced directly from Italy

Notable Picks

$$ Pico Robertson Italian, Pizza
Tokyo-leaning Neapolitan pizza omakase energy in a compact Pico-Robertson room. The crust is ultra-light with blistered lift, and toppings stay disciplined and seasonal. A high-demand local institution where the pies consistently justify the wait.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita, Bismarck (egg-topped white pie), Seasonal vegetable pie
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-influenced Neapolitan technique with relentlessly consistent pies.
8.7
$$$$ Santa Monica Italian
An intimate Italian hideaway where a Tuscan-style fireplace sets the stage for exceptional homemade pasta and grilled meats. Wine Spectator's Grand Award winner with museum-quality art and only 16 tables creates exclusivity perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes: White Corn Ravioli with Truffles, Wood-Grilled Branzino, Osso Buco
What Makes it Special: Secret club ambiance with fireplace cooking and Grand Award wine list.
$$$$ West Hollywood Italian
The Vietina family's Northern Italian institution relocated to 1 Hotel with a coveted patio and continues serving authentic cuisine after 35+ years. Three generations of family ownership create a warm atmosphere that welcomes multi-generational dining.
Must-Try Dishes: Penne Madeo, Branzino in Salt Crust, Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: 35+ year family legacy with authentic Northern Italian recipes
8.6
$$$ Venice Italian
Chef Antonio Murè’s townhouse restaurant leans romantic, with Northern-leaning pastas, tableside warmth, and a serious cellar. It’s a quieter, candlelit setting tailored to conversation and lingering courses.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliolini al Tartufo, Red Beet Tagliolini with Quail Ragù, Tiramisù
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven pastas in a charming 1900s house with intimate rooms.
$ Santa Monica Italian
Since 1925, this legendary deli serves the famous Godmother sandwich alongside imported Italian groceries and fresh pasta dishes. The no-nonsense counter service and packed atmosphere speak to its enduring popularity among locals seeking authentic Italian provisions.
Must-Try Dishes: The Godmother Sandwich, Burrata Caprese, Fresh Pasta Salads
What Makes it Special: Century-old institution with imported Italian specialties
$ Eagle Rock Italian, Pizza
Since 1955, Casa Bianca has served generations with hand-tossed pizzas, classic Italian Specialties, and a lively, family-first vibe. Sister-owned and packed nightly, it’s beloved for crisp-edged sausage pies and loaded calzones in a bustling, old-school setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Sausage Pizza, Eggplant Parmesan, Homemade Lasagna
What Makes it Special: Decades-old, family-run pizzeria with an Eagle Rock legacy.
8.6
$$ Santa Monica Italian
Northern Italian trattoria where Chef Domenico Salvatore crafts thin-crust pizzas and homemade pastas in an open kitchen, with standout Ossobuco alla Milanese slow-braised to perfection. The family-style warmth and reliable quality have made this a local favorite for years, with GM Sorin greeting diners like old friends.
Must-Try Dishes: Ossobuco alla Milanese, Homemade Tagliolini, Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza
What Makes it Special: Open kitchen showcasing Chef Domenico's pasta-making and Ruth Reichl-praised home-away-from-home atmosphere
8.5
$$$ Marina del Rey Italian, Wine Bars
Casa 12 is an intimate Italian ristorante just off the Venice Pier, combining candlelit tables, live-music nights, and handmade pastas for a classic romantic date formula. Guests praise the lobster ravioli, slow-cooked Bolognese, and grilled octopus as much as the warmly lit room and European-feeling sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Ravioli, Fettuccine Verdi alla Bolognese, Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: Cozy Italian spot near the pier with handmade pastas and live music.
8.5
$$ Santa Monica Italian
Michelin Bib Gourmand winner where Chef Stefano De Lorenzo crafts handmade pasta at an open station, sourcing ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. The intimate 30-seat space offers front-row seats to pasta artistry at remarkably fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes: Calamarata with Stracciatella, Handmade Tagliatelle, Daily Pasta Special
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized pasta made fresh daily at exceptional value.
$ Westchester Italian
Open since 1960, Compari's Trattoria is a neighborhood institution where Northern-leaning Italian plates, including a well-loved lasagna, share menu space with pizzas and creamy pastas at friendly prices. Reviewers consistently praise warm service, reliable execution, and a cozy, slightly retro room that feels very local Westchester.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, House Special Pizza
What Makes it Special: Decades-old local trattoria with dependable lasagna and standout value.
$$ Westwood Italian
This longtime Westwood favorite serves a traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese built on house-made pasta and slow-cooked meat sauce. Regulars come for the steady kitchen, warm welcome from the Peloni family, and a dining room that works as well for romantic dates as it does for multi-generational dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna alla Bolognese, Gnocchi ai Quattro Formaggi, Tirami Su
What Makes it Special: Family-run Northern Italian spot renowned for classic lasagna and attentive, longtime staff.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Italian
Frank Sinatra's former haunt maintains its retro Italian charm with leopard-print carpets and vintage chairs from 50 years ago. This storied trattoria serves classic red sauce dishes and chopped salads in an atmosphere that channels old Hollywood glamour with modern Beverly Hills energy.
Must-Try Dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Parmigiana, Caesar Salad
What Makes it Special: Sinatra's booth still bears his name in this Hollywood time capsule
$$ Santa Monica Italian
This beloved family-owned trattoria has served generous portions of customizable pasta for over 30 years, letting diners choose their noodles and sauces for personalized combinations. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a neighborhood institution where servers know regulars by name.
Must-Try Dishes: Create-Your-Own Pasta Combinations, Misto Salad, Veal Marsala
What Makes it Special: Build-your-own pasta concept with over 20 sauce options
$$ Westchester Italian
A Westchester standby since 1971, Italy's Little Kitchen does crowd-pleasing, red-sauce Italian with a notably hearty meat lasagna and housemade pastas that locals treat as weeknight staples and casual celebrations alike. Portions are generous, the room is bustling, and the lasagna is classic in style—layered, saucy, and baked until the edges caramelize.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna (layers of pasta, ground beef, meat sauce, ricotta & mozzarella), Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood Italian spot with old-school, saucy lasagna and housemade pastas.
$$ Torrance Italian
La Bella Napoli is a compact, mostly takeout Neapolitan-style spot where a Naples-born owner turns out thin, blistered pies and a short list of pastas and salads. South Bay locals treat it as their go-to for proper Italian pizza, with frequent neighborhood awards backing up the steady stream of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, Diavola pizza with spicy salami, Chicken parmigiana with side salad
What Makes it Special: Neapolitan-inspired pizza and Italian takeout run by a Naples-born owner.
$$ Los Feliz Italian
Authentic trattoria from the Seganti family bringing Emilia Romagna and Tuscan traditions to Los Feliz since 2014. Daily housemade pasta and sauces fill red-checkered tables in this bustling corner spot where the aromas of fresh focaccia and slow-simmered ragù greet every guest.
Must-Try Dishes: Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci, Lasagna Bolognese, Mezze Lune di Ricotta e Noci
What Makes it Special: Fresh pasta made daily with traditional recipes from Brazil's original Pergoletta
#19 Pace
8.4
West Hollywood Italian
Pace is a hillside Italian restaurant known for organic pastas, pizzas, and rustic entrées served in a candlelit canyon setting. Its intimate ambiance and steady execution make it a favored destination for low-key celebrations and date nights. The menu favors classic combinations over experimental dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, Tagliatelle bolognese, Grilled branzino
What Makes it Special: Organic Italian dishes served in a candlelit canyon hideaway.
8.3
$$ Culver City Italian
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
What Makes it Special: LA's rare showcase of authentic Sardinian cuisine and regional wines
$$ Ladera Heights Italian
Chef Luigi Contessi's family-run spot brings homestyle Italian classics to a casual, consistently bustling neighborhood trattoria. Locals flock for scratch-made pastas and the welcoming warmth that makes groups and kids feel at home.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna Bolognese, Ricotta Cheesecake, Tagliatelle with Angus Beef Ragu
What Makes it Special: Owner-chef Luigi's traditional recipes and familial atmosphere.
8.3
$$ Long Beach Italian, Brunch
Chef Jason Witzl's Southern Italian restaurant in Alamitos Beach specializes in handmade pasta made fresh daily with California-sourced ingredients. The intimate neighborhood bistro features a charming front patio and small dining room where the chef's energy bounces between kitchen and table, creating a warm familial atmosphere despite the upscale sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Potato Croquettes, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven pasta showcase with California seasonal ingredients
8.3
$$ Santa Monica Pizza, Italian
Ocean Park neighborhood staple serving both New York-style slices by day and Neapolitan-esque whole pies at dinner. Chef Casey Lane works with renowned baker Jyan Horwitz to perfect naturally leavened dough, creating blistered crusts that support creative toppings like nduja sausage with fermented honey.
Must-Try Dishes: Funghi & Truffle Pizza, Calabrian Sausage, Margherita Slice
What Makes it Special: Dual dough approach offering both NY slices and Neapolitan pies from artisan bakers
$$ Eagle Rock Spanish, Italian
A neighborhood Argentinian-Italian-Spanish market/counter serving standout steak sandwiches, housemade empanadas, and weekly Spanish specials. Locals praise the vibrant deli counter and wine selection, ideal for casual meals and sampling global flavors.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Empanadas, Short Rib Manicotti, Tortilla de Papas
What Makes it Special: Deli-market format offering authentic Spanish and Argentinian specialties.
$$ Los Feliz Italian, Pizza
This Los Feliz cornerstone since 1976 serves Sicilian home-style cooking with signature dishes like Pizza Rosa topped with feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh tomatoes. The family-owned restaurant creates everything from scratch daily, including their famous five-hour Sunday sauce and Tony sauce that can be requested on any dish.
Must-Try Dishes: Pizza Rosa, Lasagna, Chicken Diane
What Makes it Special: Nearly 50 years serving authentic Sicilian cuisine with wood-fired pizza
$$ Westwood Pizza, Italian
Pomodoro Trattoria is a cozy neighborhood room where the Lasagna Classica anchors a menu of pastas, risotti, and veal plates. It’s a go-to for locals seeking hearty, saucy comfort food and a glass of wine without leaving the Westwood Boulevard strip.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna Classica, Gnocchi al Pesto, Polpette Della Casa
What Makes it Special: Casual trattoria known for generously portioned lasagna baked with béchamel and slow-cooked ragu.
$$ Culver City Italian
Sara, an Italian native, brings her mother's authentic recipes to this cozy wine bar where homemade bucatini and flatbreads pair with an excellent selection of Italian wines from all 20 regions. The intimate space draws locals for its warm service and genuine Italian home cooking, from handmade pasta to traditional desserts like pecorino-stuffed pastries.
Must-Try Dishes: Bucatini with Pancetta, Burrata with Tomatoes, Sardinian Pork Ragu
What Makes it Special: Owner Sara uses her mother's authentic Italian recipes and sources wines from every region of Italy
$ Long Beach Pizza, Italian
Family-owned neighborhood pizzeria serving Long Beach since 2000 with a unique cornmeal crust and generous toppings. The casual spot offers huge slices and whole pies at budget-friendly prices, with locals returning for decades to this East Side staple.
Must-Try Dishes: Meat Lovers Pizza, Veggie Pizza, Italian Calzone
What Makes it Special: Distinctive cornmeal crust recipe and exceptional value with enormous portions
8.2
$$$$ Beverly Hills Italian
Chef Edoardo Baldi's intimate Tuscan hideaway draws A-listers with sweet corn agnolotti swimming in truffle butter and Dover sole prepared tableside. The cramped quarters and open kitchen create an energetic atmosphere where celebrities dine elbow-to-elbow with locals.
Must-Try Dishes: Sweet Corn Agnolotti, Dover Sole, Butterscotch Budino
What Makes it Special: Celebrity spotting central with serious Tuscan cuisine
$$ Los Feliz Italian
Traditional Neapolitan trattoria serving old-world Italian since 2003, formerly home to beloved Mamma Flora whose spirit lives on in rustic family recipes. Brothers Ermanno and Gianni continue decades of restaurant tradition with scratch-made pasta and genuine hospitality in this Los Feliz cornerstone.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna, Rigatoni Antonio, Ravioli alla Ricotta in Pink Sauce
What Makes it Special: Brothers with five decades of LA Italian restaurant heritage
$ Westwood Pizza, Italian
Italian Express doubles as Westwood's all-purpose late-night canteen, turning out pizzas, pastas, and garlic bread until 3 a.m. for students and night-shift workers who need real food, not just snacks. Its menu leans heavy and saucy, matching the late-night crowd's appetite.
Must-Try Dishes: Create-your-own large pizza, Pink sauce penne with garlic bread, Pepperoni and mushroom slice
What Makes it Special: One of the few spots in 90024 serving full pizzas and pastas until 3 a.m.
$ Beverly Hills Pizza, Italian
This family-owned New York-style pizzeria has been serving authentic thin-crust slices since 1992, earning celebrity endorsements and local loyalty with its secret-recipe sauce. The massive slices feature Wisconsin cheese and perfectly crispy-bottom crusts that pass the fold test, making it Beverly Hills' most authentic NY pizza experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Eggplant Parmesan Slice, Classic NY Cheese Slice, Buffalo Chicken Pizza
What Makes it Special: Authentic NY-style pizza with 30+ years of Beverly Hills history
$$ Culver City Italian
Family-run pasta shop in Helms Bakery District where Chef Paola Da Re's century-old northern Italian recipes meet fast-casual convenience. Order at the counter, then settle into heated patios while house-made tagliatelle arrives dressed in slow-cooked sauces that prove cucina casalinga translates beautifully to LA.
Must-Try Dishes: Mushroom Tagliatelle, Black Truffle Pasta, Three Cheese Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: Five-generation family recipes with build-your-own fresh pasta combinations
$$$ Santa Monica Italian
Chef Antonio Murè reimagines his original Piccolo concept with signature fig and potato tortelli alongside creative homemade pastas and fresh seafood. The charming back patio provides intimate neighborhood dining with specialty cocktails and an impressive wine selection focused on Italian varietals.
Must-Try Dishes: Fig and Potato Tortelli, Squid Ink Pasta with Clams, Grilled Lamb Sirloin
What Makes it Special: Chef Antonio's signature dishes from his original Piccolo with creative seasonal twists and full bar
$$ Echo Park Italian
Since 1959, this Echo Park original has served authentic family recipes in an unchanged atmosphere where three generations work side-by-side. The cornmeal-crusted pies spend extra time in well-seasoned Chicago pans, while housemade sausage and hand-crushed tomatoes deliver old-school Italian satisfaction that's kept locals coming back for over 60 years.
Must-Try Dishes: Special Pizza with Sausage & Pepperoni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Echo Park's original 1959 pizzeria with recipes unchanged for 65+ years
$$ Westchester Italian
Family-run since 1991, Alejo's Presto Trattoria is the loud, garlic-scented classic where bowls of pasta and bubbling lasagne come out in big, shareable portions. The menu leans old-school—think chicken Marsala, eggplant specialities, and straightforward baked pastas—backed by strong reviews across platforms over many years.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagne al Forno, Eggplant Mamma Mia, Chicken Marsala
What Makes it Special: Old-school, garlic-forward trattoria with big plates and loyal regulars.
$$ Santa Monica Pizza, Italian
Family-owned for over 30 years, this old-school Italian gem serves authentic handmade pizzas and traditional dishes. Red checkered tablecloths and genuine hospitality create a warm home-away-from-home atmosphere just blocks from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes: NY-Style Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: 30+ year local institution with authentic Italian family recipes
$ Studio City Italian, Pizza
Founded by the late Ed LaDou who invented California-style pizza for Wolfgang Puck, this Tujunga Village gem continues his legacy with creative designer pies featuring unexpected combinations. The famous maternity salad reportedly induces labor, making this a Studio City institution for pregnant locals and adventurous pizza lovers alike.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ Chicken Pizza, Spinach Truffle Oil Pizza, The 'The' Salad
What Makes it Special: California pizza pioneer Ed LaDou's legacy with innovative toppings
$$ Westwood Italian
Just up from the village core, House of Meatballs lets you pair a rich baked beef lasagna with its namesake meatballs and customizable sauces. The space is casual but lively, drawing both students and neighborhood families for comforting plates and easy group orders.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Build-Your-Own Meatball Bowl
What Makes it Special: Casual meatball-focused spot where baked lasagna and mix-and-match sauces feel tailor-made for comfort cravings.
8.1
$$ Sherman Oaks Italian
Chef Sandro Oliverio from Calabria crafts generational family recipes into homemade pasta dishes at this candlelit Italian nest. Black truffle tagliatelle and cacio e pepe showcase fresh-daily pasta alongside warm hospitality in an intimate setting with rustic Mediterranean decor and free validated parking.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliatelle with Black Truffle, Cacio e Pepe, Vodka Rigatoni
What Makes it Special: Authentic Calabrian recipes with daily housemade pasta
$$ Pico Robertson Italian, Breakfast
A kosher bakery-cafe that goes bigger than expected with its showpiece “100-layer” lasagna. The bake is deeply stacked, saucy, and built for shareable comfort without feeling heavy. Great when you want lasagna in a casual daytime setting.
Must-Try Dishes: 100-Layer Lasagna, Shakshuka, Borekas
What Makes it Special: Kosher cafe doing a signature ultra-layered lasagna worth the detour.
$$ Culver City Italian
This family-run market has served Culver City for over 50 years, offering house-made sandwiches stuffed with Italian deli meats, fresh pasta, imported groceries, and a wine selection spanning all Italian regions. The Vera family maintains old-school authenticity with their meatball and pastrami sandwiches soaked in Italian-seasoned au jus, alongside bakery-fresh cannoli and seasonal panettone.
Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Sandwich with Red Sauce, Meatball Sandwich, Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli
What Makes it Special: Over 50 years of family tradition with imported Italian products unavailable elsewhere in LA
Palms Italian
A design-driven event caterer operating since 2007 that builds fully custom menus drawing from Pan American, European, and Asian traditions rather than offering fixed packages. Clients consistently single out the from-scratch passed appetizers and plated presentations as a cut above standard catering, with a 96% recommendation rate on wedding platforms. Positioned squarely in the luxury tier with venue minimums starting at five figures, so this lands best for hosts who prioritize bespoke food design and polished execution over budget efficiency.
Must-Try Dishes: Mini Chicken n' Waffles, Smoked BBQ Chicken Slider, Lobster and Avocado Tasting Spoons
What Makes it Special: Couture-level event caterer since 2007 that builds custom menus from a Pan American, European, and Asian recipe collection rather than offering fixed packages
$$ Long Beach Italian
A nine-table, walk-in-only Italian bistro in Belmont Shore where handmade pastas and classical preparations come out of a kitchen barely larger than a closet. The 18-seat room rewards couples and regulars who treat dinner as the main event rather than a prelude to something else. Expect tight quarters, no reservations, and the kind of neighborhood loyalty that keeps a place at 87% five-star reviews across 337 ratings.
Must-Try Dishes: Veal Carciofi, Polpette Di Pollo, Spaghetti with Meatballs
What Makes it Special: Nine-table, walk-in-only Italian bistro in Belmont Shore where handmade classics are cooked in a kitchen smaller than most home kitchens
$$ Venice Seafood, Breakfast
Gianbattista “Gianba” Vinzoni’s coastal Italian spot, newly reopened on Rose Ave, brings Ligurian touches like focaccia and seafood pastas to a cozy indoor-outdoor setting. It’s a lower-key date with polished service and thoughtful GF options.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Tagliatelle, Branzino Crudo, Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Coastal Ligurian menu with housemade pastas and GF care.
$ Eagle Rock Brunch, Sandwiches
Open since 1949, Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli is famed for classic Italian sandwiches, fresh cannolis, and friendly counter service. It’s a beloved, old-school spot for takeout brunch favorites or a quick sweet treat in a nostalgic setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Combo Sandwich, Pistachio Cannoli, Tomato Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Family-run bakery serving Italian deli classics since 1949.
$ Torrance Italian
Mama Says is a fast-casual Italian-leaning spot in a small Pacific Coast Highway center where lasagna rotates alongside lighter pastas, salads, and wraps. Regulars appreciate being able to pair a hearty baked pasta with greener options in a counter-service setting.
Must-Try Dishes: House Lasagna (when available), Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Pesto Pasta
What Makes it Special: Mixes baked lasagna and pastas with customizable, lighter counter-service options.

Worthy Picks

$$ Downtown LA Indian, Italian
A Michelin-starred chef's Indian-Californian fusion concept that leans hard into technique-driven reinvention—pot pies filled with butter chicken, rendang built on lobster, tandoori applied to sea bass. The kitchen runs well above the category average for DTLA, but front-of-house staffing can stretch thin on busy nights, leading to uneven service that doesn't always match the price point. Best experienced on a weekday when the dining room is calmer and servers aren't juggling bar duty.
Must-Try Dishes: Butter chicken pot pie, Eggplant bharta lasagna, Tandoori chicken wings
What Makes it Special: Indian spice profiles applied to inventive, comfort-driven fusion dishes.
$$ Brentwood Italian
A family-run second-floor Italian kitchen where all pasta is made in-house daily and black truffles come from the owner's own hunting operation in Italy—details that show up in dishes like the tortellini pasticciati and burrata crostini. The room is quiet enough for real conversation, which makes it work well for couples who want the food to be the focus rather than the scene. Expect a strip-mall exterior that undersells what's happening inside.
Must-Try Dishes: Tortellini Pasticciati al Tartufo Nero, Ravioli di Zucca, Tagliatelle Verdi al Ragù
What Makes it Special: A family-run Italian kitchen on Wilshire's second floor where all pasta is handmade daily and truffles are sourced through the owner's own Italian truffle-hunting operation.
$ Fairfax Wings, Pizza
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. serves Chicago-style stuffed and deep-dish pies from a compact storefront on Melrose. Its focus on heavy, shareable pizzas makes it popular with families and groups. The atmosphere is simple, but the pizza delivers strong flavor and high value.
Must-Try Dishes: Stuffed cheese pizza, Deep-dish sausage pizza, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: Classic Chicago-style stuffed pies in a modest setting.