Best Instagram Worthy Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles
35 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura
The only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on Rodeo Drive
Essential Picks
Michelin-starred temple to Italian creativity where chef Mattia Agazzi transforms seasonal ingredients into playful masterpieces under the guidance of Massimo Bottura. The rooftop setting above Gucci's flagship store creates an exclusive escape where risotto masquerades as pizza and tortellini swim in liquid Parmigiano pools.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto Camouflaged as Pizza, Emilia Burger, Tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano
What Makes it Special: The only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on Rodeo Drive
#2
LA Puglia
9.1
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
9.1
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
Notable Picks
#4
Funke
8.9
Chef Evan Funke's pasta laboratory showcases handmade pasta crafted using 150-year-old Italian techniques in a glass-enclosed workspace. The three-story art deco space features a rooftop bar with sweeping Beverly Hills views and agnolotti so delicate they must be seen to be believed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, Cacio e Pepe, Neapolitan Pizza
What Makes it Special: Live pasta-making theater in a chrome and glass laboratory
#5
Antico Nuovo
8.8
Antico Nuovo delivers refined Roman-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, modern setting. With a focus on handmade pastas and wood-fired meats, the kitchen led by Chef Chad Colby is a destination for thoughtful Italian cooking. Locals appreciate its intimate dining room and seasonal menu changes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al forno, Smoked Gnocco Fritto, Dry-Aged Ribeye Fiorentina
What Makes it Special: Handmade pastas and refined wood-fired mains.
8.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A grand, high-volume Downtown institution that pairs reliable Italian comfort with a patisserie and market feel. Pastas and pizzas come out fast and consistent even at peak crowds, and the bright, bustling room works well for kids, groups, and celebrations without feeling like a compromise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, House-made pastas (ask for daily standouts), Macarons and pastries from the patisserie counter
What Makes it Special: A Downtown Italian powerhouse with a full patisserie that keeps families happy.
#7
Élephante
8.8
This buzzy rooftop Mediterranean hotspot channels coastal Italian vibes with its cactus garden, ocean views, and wood-fired dishes. Since 2018, it's been the see-and-be-seen destination for whipped eggplant spread, handmade pastas, and scene-y weekend brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Wood-Fired Pizza, Vodka Rigatoni
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable ocean views and scene
8.8
Evan Funke’s pasta temple centers a glass-walled laboratorio, turning out regional Italian shapes with taut textures and deep sauces. Reservations are coveted; couples come for handmade pastas, an Italian-leaning wine list, and low-lit buzz.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle Ragù, Sfincione
What Makes it Special: Handmade pasta crafted in a visible, temperature-controlled laboratorio.
#9
Alba
8.6
A stunning New York import bringing Italian vacation vibes to Melrose with chef Adam Leonti's exceptional bread and pasta program. The retractable roof and vibrant design create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates both adults and children.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta, Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Sea Shells Lobster Cardinale
What Makes it Special: Award-winning baker chef creating exceptional breads and handmade pastas
#10
Bar Funke
8.6
Chef Evan Funke's rooftop bar crowns his eponymous restaurant with panoramic Beverly Hills views and abbreviated menu featuring handmade pasta highlights. The walk-in-only policy creates an accessible luxury experience with impeccable cocktails and the restaurant's famous salt-studded focaccia served three stories above street level.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sfincione Palermitano Focaccia, Fiori di Zucca, Seasonal Handmade Pasta
What Makes it Special: Walk-in rooftop access to Evan Funke's pasta mastery without the reservation hassle.
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria from Naples opened in January 2024, bringing wood-fired tradition and imported Italian ingredients to Belmont Shore. The restaurant transformed a former dreary space into a bright, modern setting with both indoor fireplace charm and dog-friendly outdoor patio seating with firepits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOC Pizza, Marinara Pizza, Chocolate Lava Cake
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Naples pizzeria tradition using imported Italian ingredients and wood-fired ovens
8.6
Michelin Bib Gourmand Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria by Sprinkles founders and Naples-born pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi features 64-year-old Italian starter slow dough fermented for two days. The Silver Lake location imports stone-ground flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fior di latte mozzarella from Italy, creating distinctive pliable crusts singed perfectly with creative toppings like Cacio e Pepe pizza earning critical acclaim.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Neo Margherita, Corbarina with Squash Blossom
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Neo-Neapolitan pizza with 64-year-old Italian starter imported ingredients
8.5
Beverly Hills' first authentic Florentine sandwich shop serves massive focaccia creations with imported Italian ingredients like truffle cream and white onion agrodolce. The namesake Lorenzo sandwich balances mortadella, parmigiano sauce, and toasted pistachios in perfect harmony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lorenzo (mortadella & pistachio), Cotto (prosciutto & truffle cream), Rafaello (stracciatella & pesto)
What Makes it Special: Daily-baked focaccia meets premium Tuscan ingredients
#14
Cecconi's
8.4
This Soho House restaurant brings Northern Italian dining to Melrose with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and cicchetti served in a palm tree-surrounded garden patio. The kitchen delivers modern interpretations of Venetian classics with California produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Branzino, Lobster Spaghetti, Burrata with Prosciutto
What Makes it Special: Garden patio feels like dining in Italy.
#15
Donna's
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
This lively red-sauce joint channels retro East Coast glamour with gold curtains, gaudy fruit-tree wallpaper, and pinwheel lasagna on practically every table. From the team behind Bar Flores and Lowboy, Donna's serves elevated Italian-American classics with California ingredients and incredible cocktails, creating a buzzing atmosphere where garlic bread achieves legendary status and chicken parm earns genuine applause.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Spicy Fusilli alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: TikTok-famous red sauce joint that actually delivers on the hype
#16
Roberta's
8.4
Brooklyn's legendary pizzeria brings Neapolitan-style wood-fired pies to Platform's sun-drenched patio. The Bee Sting pizza balances soppressata, chili, and honey with cultish precision, while house-made pastas and inventive salads round out a menu that respects tradition without being precious about it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original Pizza, Japanese Sweet Potatoes
What Makes it Special: West Coast outpost of Brooklyn's iconic pizzeria with cult-favorite pies
#17
Ellie's
8.3
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
#18
Ghisallo
8.3
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
#19
Malbec Market
8.3
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.
#20
Mona Pasta Bar
8.3
Mona Pasta Bar is an intimate, design-forward room where house-made pastas meet a tightly curated natural wine list. The menu leans on rich, saucy classics and seasonal vegetables, making it a stylish spot for pre-show dinners or slow nights over a bottle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Lumache alla vodka, Burrata & Tomato with warm focaccia
What Makes it Special: Minimalist, wine-bar-style pasta counter with in-house noodles and natural wine.
#21
Uovo
8.3
This pasta bar flies handmade noodles overnight from Bologna, serving authentic regional Italian dishes at a counter surrounding the open kitchen. The no-reservations policy and quick service make it ideal for families seeking quality without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe on Cheese Wheel, Traditional Bolognese, Carbonara
What Makes it Special: Fresh pasta flown daily from Bologna, Italy
#22
Via Veneto
8.3
Since 2001, Fabrizio Bianconi's intimate 40-seat trattoria features homemade pastas and locally-sourced organic ingredients with celebrity following. The candlelit narrow space with chandeliers creates authentic Italian ambiance, while dishes like tuna tartare and sampling ravioli platters showcase refined technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tartare, Ravioli Sampler, Rigatoni with Truffle Meat Sauce
What Makes it Special: Owner Fabrizio's Rome-to-California journey creates fine dining without austere atmosphere beloved by celebrities
#23
Cento Pasta Bar
8.2
What started as a $14-pasta pop-up inside a Downtown wine bar became a West Adams destination with a courtyard under twinkle-lit trees. The spicy pomodoro rigatoni with orange-hued sauce and ricotta dollop consistently ranks as the move; beet spaghetti in brown butter with poppy seeds photographs as well as it eats. Valet-only parking reflects the neighborhood logistics; 5pm arrival secures street spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni, Beet Spaghetti, Sweet Corn Agnolotti
What Makes it Special: West Adams pasta bar with a beet spaghetti that put them on the LA map
#24
Il Pastaio
8.2
This Drago family institution has served fresh handmade pasta in Beverly Hills since 1994, earning celebrity status with dishes like the Justin Bieber pasta. The charming fountain patio and classic Italian interior provide the perfect backdrop for truffle-laden brunch dishes served tableside from cheese wheels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Justin Bieber Pasta, Truffle Pasta in Cheese Wheel, Eggs Benedict Italiana
What Makes it Special: Tableside cheese wheel pasta and celebrity-named dishes
#25
Little Dom's
8.2
This Los Feliz Italian tavern serves refined brunch classics like eggs benedict with house-cured pancetta in a charming neighborhood setting. The vintage-meets-modern interior with marble counters and leather booths creates an upscale yet approachable backdrop for beautifully plated dishes. The attached deli counter adds casual appeal while the main dining room maintains intimate sophistication perfect for Sunday brunch photography.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Italian Breakfast Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Italian-influenced brunch in a charming neighborhood tavern with deli counter
#26
Il Cielo
8.1
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Established in 1986, this enchanting Tuscan-inspired restaurant features twinkling fairy lights throughout its magical garden courtyard. The Vericella family has created Beverly Hills' most romantic dining destination, consistently named by The New York Times and Los Angeles Magazine as LA's premier spot for proposals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, Lobster Pappardelle, Osso Buco alla Milanese
What Makes it Special: Fairy-lit garden setting often called LA's most romantic restaurant
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Comfort Food Classics
A specialty kosher Italian spot with a pizza-forward menu and a slightly more polished feel than the corridor slice shops. Families get craftier pies and a broader Italian bench in a casual room that still moves quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pie, Truffle mushroom pizza, Nutella calzone
What Makes it Special: Handcrafted kosher pizzas with a more chef-driven touch.
Worthy Picks
7.9
This Roman-inspired trattoria opened in 2021 with chef Joel Stovall (formerly Orsa & Winston) leading a sprawling menu of antipasti, housemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. The California-chic space feels like a posh '70s ski lodge with natural Italian wines and rustic dishes, though execution can be uneven—the iconic focaccia ebraica remains consistently excellent while other items fluctuate in quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Ebraica with Honey Butter, Strozzapreti Cacio e Pepe, Suppli Cacio e Pepe
What Makes it Special: Architecturally stunning Roman trattoria with family-style prix fixe for large groups
#29
Bottega Louie
7.9
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Upscale Italian-French restaurant, market, and patisserie featuring elegant weekend brunch with famous macarons and pastries. The sophisticated interior and covered patio provide a refined setting for special occasion dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Hash, Belgian Waffles, Famous Macarons
What Makes it Special: Combination restaurant and patisserie with stunning pastry displays
#30
Marina
7.9
Farm-to-table Italian meets California's seasonal bounty around a stunning wood-fire oven. The lush patio creates an oasis where rustic Italian traditions blend with local farmers market finds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Pizza, 24-Month Prosciutto San Daniele, Squash Blossoms
What Makes it Special: Wood-fire oven centerpiece with farm connections
#31
Nardò Italian
7.9
Gianni Chiloiro's homage to his Puglian mother launched in 2024 with contemporary Southern Italian dishes and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from a custom Stefano Ferrara oven. Bright murals and tropical plants create Instagram-ready surroundings, though the kitchen is still finding its rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nardò Pizza, Gnocchi Ortolana, Branzino
What Makes it Special: Naples-imported wood-fired oven and Puglian family recipes from 2024
#32
Pasta Stories
7.9
Inside the Tokyo Central PCH food court, Pasta Stories serves Japanese-style spaghetti that riffs on Italian technique with regionally themed sauces like Kyoto matcha cream and Osaka wagyu meat sauce. Portions are generous for the price, making it an intriguing, fast-casual option when you want pasta without a full sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osaka wagyu beef meat sauce spaghetti, Kyoto matcha cream pasta, Yokohama Napolitan spaghetti
What Makes it Special: Japanese-style pasta bar in a food court setting with inventive sauces.
#33
Burrata House
7.8
A single-concept Italian counter shop that builds every panini around whole burrata flown in from Italy, pressed into house-baked ciabatta with enough crunch-to-pillow ratio to justify the narrow menu. Late-night hours and a small free lot make it a reliable carb run in Palms when most kitchens have already closed. The format is grab-and-go with limited seating—come for the sandwich engineering, not the ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & Burrata Panini, Pesto Cream & Fennel Sausage Pasta, Crudo Panini
What Makes it Special: Every panini is built around whole, fresh burrata flown in with 100% Italian ingredients, served on house-baked ciabatta that's crunchy outside and pillowy inside.
#34
Cosetta
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Chef Zach Pollack's Westside Italian restaurant features California-inflected cooking with wood-fired pizzas and market-driven dishes. The plant-filled patio welcomes families with crayons and sippy cups while maintaining appeal for adult diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Mozzarella Sticks, Margherita Pizza, Chocolate Peanut Butter Budino
What Makes it Special: One of few spots successfully balancing toddler-friendly touches with grown-up culinary ambition
7.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Melodia Restaurant blends Italian and Eastern European dishes in a softly lit space suited for group dinners and small celebrations. Its menu spans pasta, seafood, and comfort dishes, offering flexibility for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood pasta, Chicken Alfredo, Potato vareniki
What Makes it Special: A cross-European menu offering both Italian and Slavic comfort dishes.