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Maccheroni Republic
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Maccheroni Republic
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
A long-running DTLA trattoria focused on fresh daily pasta and generous, comforting plates that keep locals coming back. The open front patio and casual flow make it easy for repeat lunches or low-key dinners. Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition highlights strong value and dependable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bianchi & Neri, Lasagne di Carne, Maccheroni Stellari
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fresh pasta trattoria with Bib Gourmand value in the Historic Core.
Who should go: Locals craving reliable, casual Italian.
When to visit: Lunch for easier seating; early dinner for patio.
What to order: Bianchi & Neri, lasagna, stellari pasta.
Insider tip: Go earlier to avoid the sidewalk line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but tight during peak dinner hours; nearby paid lots along Broadway and 7th usually have open spaces.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and tees are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate—pleasant background energy, but you can still hold a normal conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on weather and patio demand—lines start early.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong—several pastas and starters naturally lean vegetarian, with clear menu labeling.
Vegan options: Light—some items can be modified, but dedicated vegan options are limited.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—certain dishes can be made gluten-free upon request, but availability varies depending on daily pasta prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, low-stakes date—fresh pasta, friendly service, and outdoor seating keep things comfortable without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—most guests walk in. Arrive early for dinner to avoid the sidewalk line, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with approachable pastas, quick service, and an upbeat atmosphere. Best for ages 4+ who can sit comfortably on the patio.
Best For
Better for: Fresh house-made pasta at a strong value, especially for casual lunches or group-friendly dinners in the Historic Core.
Skip if: You want a more upscale Italian experience, chef-driven tasting menus, or a quiet, intimate atmosphere—other DTLA spots fit those lanes better.
Maccheroni Republic
8.9
Across from Grand Central Market, Maccheroni Republic is a downtown staple for housemade pastas and a deeply satisfying lasagna di carne. It leans rustic rather than flashy, with long-simmered sauces and fresh noodles drawing locals and visitors for pre- and post-theater meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna di Carne, Pappardelle Bolognese, Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Casual trattoria with housemade pasta and a standout baked lasagna.
Who should go: Pasta traditionalists craving red-sauce comfort downtown.
When to visit: Early dinner before theater or peak Grand Central crowds.
What to order: Lasagna di Carne, pappardelle Bolognese, daily specials.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early—lines build fast at peak dinner hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and nearby blocks is limited during peak dining hours; pay-to-park garages at Pershing Square and Grand Central Market are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and simple tops are common, but many diners dress slightly elevated for pre-theater meals.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is generally comfortable, though the room gets lively during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without joining the waitlist early, especially between 6pm–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are seated quickly except on busy market days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian pastas and starters are available, including meatless baked dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most pastas and sauces contain dairy or egg, but some vegetable-based dishes can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Not fully gluten-free; fresh pasta is wheat-based, but a few non-pasta entrées and salads work for gluten-averse diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—rustic Italian comfort, warm lighting, and reasonable pricing make it relaxed but still special. It's ideal for a low-pressure dinner where good food does the talking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a wait, especially at dinner. Joining the online waitlist or arriving early (5–5:45pm) dramatically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids 6+ who enjoy pasta and can handle a moderately busy dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portion sizes and simple pastas work well.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, housemade pasta with a homey, slow-cooked feel—particularly the lasagna, which stands out for depth of flavor and generous portions.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth service, a fully gluten-free pasta program, or a quieter, fine-dining Italian experience.
Maccheroni Republic
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Maccheroni Republic is a longtime Downtown pasta specialist across from Grand Central Market, known for handmade, reasonably priced Italian plates and a shaded front patio. It’s a go-to for carb-friendly lunches with clients or colleagues who want comforting bowls of pasta without white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bianchi & Neri black-and-white pasta, Agnolotti di osso buco, Violetta di melanzane baked eggplant
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fresh, affordable housemade pasta in a casual, central Downtown setting.
Who should go: Clients and teams who appreciate handmade pasta and wine.
When to visit: Early lunch to avoid the wait and secure patio seating.
What to order: Bianchi & Neri, agnolotti di osso buco, Violetta di melanzane.
Insider tip: Arrive before noon; they don’t take lunch reservations and lines build quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm—metered spots along Broadway and nearby cross streets. Several paid lots sit within a 2–3 minute walk, including garages near Grand Central Market. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Business-casual attire fits well for lunch meetings, but jeans and relaxed outfits are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours; conversation is still manageable. Patio seating is slightly quieter than indoors.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–50 minutes since they don’t take reservations and stay busy, especially around 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes depending on arrival time; before noon is often a walk-in, after 12:15pm lines grow quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple pastas and starters can be ordered vegetarian, and many sauces are naturally meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but possible; a few pastas can be made vegan if you omit cheese, though options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: They offer gluten-free pasta upon request, but availability may vary and cross-contamination is possible given the open pasta prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a casual, low-pressure first date where comforting pasta and an easy-going atmosphere help break the ice. Not ideal if you're looking for something more intimate or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive before noon for lunch or before 6pm for dinner to minimize waiting. The line moves steadily but can get long during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The casual setting, pasta-focused menu, and shaded patio make it suitable for families. Best for school-age kids who enjoy simple pastas; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for handmade pasta at a strong value, quick-moving lunch service, and business-casual meals without pretense.
Skip if: Skip if you need a quiet, extended meeting space, refined fine dining, or extensive dietary customization.
Maccheroni Republic
8.8
Maccheroni Republic is a pasta-focused trattoria across from Grand Central Market where vegetarians get real menu power with multiple meatless pastas, antipasti, and daily specials. Since the early 2010s, it has become a downtown standby for housemade noodles, fair prices, and a sidewalk patio that works for both casual dinners and low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti ai Quattro Sapori, Ravioli di Zucca, Bruschetta di Panzanella
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Downtown pasta specialist with multiple dedicated vegetarian plates and fair pricing.
Who should go: Vegetarians wanting serious pasta in a lively downtown trattoria.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners before peak lines or early weekend lunches.
What to order: Spaghetti ai Quattro Sapori, Ravioli di Zucca, vegetarian antipasti.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early and request patio seating facing Broadway.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and nearby 3rd/4th Streets is limited during peak hours; best bet is the paid garages around Grand Central Market (typically $6–$12). No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests come in jeans and a nice top; slightly dressy works well for date night.
Noise level: Moderate. The patio is easier for conversation while the indoor room can get lively during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without joining the waitlist early, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; often seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent selection — multiple vegetarian pastas, antipasti, and rotating specials.
Vegan options: Limited but possible; a couple of dishes can be modified and staff is knowledgeable about ingredient swaps.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta options available; not a dedicated GF kitchen but staff accommodates with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The patio’s warm lighting and relaxed trattoria feel make it ideal for a casual but charming first date, especially if you want something affordable without feeling cheap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate primarily on a walk-in and waitlist system. Join the online waitlist early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes. Families are common during earlier hours, and the pasta-focused menu is kid-approachable. No specific kid amenities, so best for children 6+ who can sit through a full meal.
Best For
Better for: Outstanding fresh pastas at a lower price point than most downtown Italian spots, especially for vegetarians who want real menu depth rather than one token dish.
Skip if: If you need a guaranteed reservation, a fully vegan menu, or a quieter white-tablecloth experience, consider alternative Italian or plant-based spots nearby.
Maccheroni Republic
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Maccheroni Republic is a downtown pasta house where families share big bowls of handmade noodles on a lively patio steps from Grand Central Market. Since 2012 it’s become a Bib Gourmand–recognized standby for affordable fresh pasta that works as well for family dinners as it does for casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maccheroni Stellari, Bianchi e Neri, Ravioli di Zucca e Patata Dolce
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Handmade pasta with Bib Gourmand value in a relaxed, kid-welcoming trattoria.
Who should go: Families wanting handmade pasta in a casual downtown trattoria.
When to visit: Arrive early for dinner to avoid long waits with kids.
What to order: Maccheroni Stellari, Bianchi e Neri, Ravioli di Zucca e Patata Dolce.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist online as you walk over to cut down patio line time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets can be tight during peak hours; several paid lots sit within a 1–2 block radius, typically $8–$15 depending on the time.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families show up in jeans, tees, and light layers. No need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on the patio; conversations are doable, but expect energetic ambient buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without getting on the waitlist early, especially for larger family groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal to no wait, though outdoor tables may fill first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options; several dedicated vegetarian pastas and antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited; some appetizers and customizable pasta builds, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available on request, but not all sauces are GF—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates—handmade pasta, fair pricing, and a lively patio create a relaxed setting. Not ideal if you're looking for a quiet or intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; they operate primarily on a walk-in system. Joining the waitlist online before arriving significantly reduces line time during dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very; the patio layout works well for strollers, portions are shareable, and the staff is accustomed to families. Best for ages 3+ due to the lively energy and wait times.
Best For
Better for: Affordable handmade pasta in a casual, outdoor-friendly setting—rare value compared to pricier trattorias downtown.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, formal service, or extensive vegan options; other nearby spots may fit those needs better.
Maccheroni Republic
8.6
Maccheroni Republic is a handmade pasta house by chef Antonio Tommasi and partner Jean-Louis DeMori where families share big bowls of fresh noodles on a lively patio across from Grand Central Market. Since 2012 it’s become a downtown standby and Bib Gourmand favorite for weeknight family dinners and pre-theater carb loading without white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bianchi & Neri, Squid Ink Risotto, Agnolotti di Ossobuco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand pasta specialist where handmade noodles and fair prices make downtown Italian feel accessible for families.
Who should go: Families craving serious pasta without fine-dining formality.
When to visit: Arrive early evening to avoid waits with hungry kids.
What to order: Bianchi & Neri, Squid Ink Risotto, Agnolotti di Ossobuco.
Insider tip: Join the list right at opening and request a patio table for easier stroller and kid maneuvering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broadway and neighboring streets; several paid lots within a 1–3 minute walk, but they fill quickly during Grand Central Market peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families arrive in everything from jeans and tees to slightly dressier pre-theater outfits.
Noise level: Moderate and lively, especially on the patio; conversation is easy at most tables but expect ambient downtown noise.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes, especially between 6–8pm; the walk-up list can build quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait to 10 minutes; walk-ins are the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dedicated vegetarian pastas and antipasti that don’t feel like afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veganizable starters and pastas upon request, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: They offer gluten-free pasta substitutions on select dishes, though not all sauces can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual, cozy, and pasta-focused rather than candlelit formality; the patio has a lively charm that works well for low-pressure first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a walk-up list. Arrive early or right at opening for the shortest wait, especially with kids or groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the patio layout accommodates strollers, the menu is straightforward for most ages, and service is used to families; best for ages 5+ due to the bustling environment.
Best For
Better for: Fresh handmade pasta at accessible prices with a lively outdoor setting ideal for families and groups.
Skip if: You want fine-dining ambiance, extensive vegan options, or a guaranteed reserved table at peak hours.