Best Italian Restaurants in South Los Angeles
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Pastina Trattoria
Family-run with over 30 years of heartfelt service.
Notable Picks
8.6
Pastina Trattoria offers genuine Southern Italian cooking in a warm, family-owned setting known for excellent pastas and attentive hospitality. Consistently praised for signature dishes and accommodating service, it's a go-to for Italian comfort with local credibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Parmigiana, Risotto alla Pescatora, Housemade Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: Family-run with over 30 years of heartfelt service.
An old-school Italian-American supper club that trades on Rat Pack-era atmosphere and a deep-cut comfort menu built around red-sauce classics and stiff martinis. West LA regulars have relied on it for decades as the kind of place where the toasted ravioli and the dim lighting do equal work. Expect supper-club volume on weekends — quieter tables come earlier in the week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Sauce, Toasted Ravioli, Martini
What Makes it Special: Old-school Italian-American supper club with a Rat Pack atmosphere that has kept West LA regulars coming back for decades
Worthy Picks
#3
Tuscan Son
7.7
A scratch bakery and kitchen built on multi-generational Tuscan family recipes, where Chef Massimo runs an in-house bread and pastry program alongside a full brunch menu on Santa Monica Blvd. It lands for the grab-and-go crowd that wants fiordilatte mozzarella on a panino and a proper Meyer lemon bar without sitting down for a full-service meal. Validated outdoor seating and free lot parking keep the logistics simple for a quick weekday pickup or a slower weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caprese Panino with Fiordilatte Mozzarella & Avocado, Mac & Cheese, Grass-Fed Steak & Eggs
What Makes it Special: Chef Massimo brings multi-generational Tuscan family recipes to an in-house bakery and scratch kitchen on Santa Monica Blvd.
7.7
This family-run counter-service spot excels at freshly prepared, casual Italian fare perfect for quick takeout or easy weeknight dinners. Appreciated for its affordability, quality portions, and friendly staff, it's a go-to for locals seeking fast comfort classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Spaghetti Bolognese, Eggplant Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Reliable, affordable Italian perfect for takeout nights.
7.7
A 30-year family-owned chain built around generous portions of Italian-American standards—the kind of place where Chicken Parm and Spaghetti with Meatballs arrive in sizes meant for sharing. Works well for groups and families who want reliable comfort food without surprises, though weekend nights bring the expected family-dining volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Italian-American chain with 30+ years serving generous portions of classic comfort dishes