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Miceli's Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Miceli's Italian Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Miceli's is Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant, a red-sauce institution where multi-layered lasagna is baked under a canopy of wine bottles and show-tune-singing servers. The trio of Aunt Angie’s Original, chicken, and spinach lasagnas makes it a go-to for hearty, old-school comfort before or after a night on Hollywood Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aunt Angie's Original Lasagna, Chicken Lasagna with spinach and pink sauce, Spinach Lasagna with marinara
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Decades-old Hollywood institution serving multiple house lasagnas with live piano.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Hollywood red-sauce comfort.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live piano, birthdays, and big plates.
What to order: Aunt Angie's Original Lasagna, Chicken Lasagna, garlic cheese toast.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth near the piano for peak old-Hollywood energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd is limited and competitive; nearby paid lots typically run $10–$20 depending on events. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for the classic Hollywood ambiance.
Noise level: High during peak hours due to live piano and singing servers; expect energetic room volume with limited quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during showtime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the spinach lasagna, salads, and several pastas are reliable vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited — the menu is traditional and cheese-forward; expect only a few modifiable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free pasta options are available, but lasagna cannot be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want nostalgic Hollywood charm and a lively, music-filled atmosphere; less ideal if you prefer quiet or intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, but waits are long on weekends due to live music and large groups. Walk-ins are easiest before 6pm or later in the evening after the dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are large, and the singing servers entertain younger diners. Best for ages 5+ who can handle louder rooms.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce comfort, group celebrations, and a lively old-Hollywood experience with live music.
Skip if: You want modern Italian, a quiet dinner, or lighter, contemporary pasta dishes.
Miceli's Italian Restaurant
8.1
Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant leans into old-school charm with red booths, checkered tablecloths, and singing servers backed by a live pianist. The food is straightforward and hearty, but the combination of history, atmosphere, and generous portions keeps generations of locals and visitors coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aunt Angie's Original Lasagna, Miceli's Special Pizza, Shrimp Scampi
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Decades of history, live music, and classic Italian-American comfort dishes.
Who should go: Groups wanting a nostalgic Hollywood night with hearty plates.
When to visit: Evenings when the piano and singing servers are in full swing.
What to order: Aunt Angie's Lasagna, Miceli's Special Pizza, Shrimp Scampi.
Insider tip: Request a booth near the piano if you want to be close to the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings along Las Palmas Ave; limited metered street parking can be found on adjacent blocks but fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and comfortable attire are perfectly fine, but many guests lean a bit dressy for the classic Hollywood vibe.
Noise level: High during peak dinner hours due to live piano and singing servers—conversation is possible but expect a lively, energetic room.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–70 minute wait without a reservation, especially during peak live music hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a minimal 5–10 minute wait; quieter overall.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetarian-friendly pastas, pizzas, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes contain cheese or butter; a few pasta or salad modifications are possible.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some dishes can be prepared without gluten, but no dedicated GF kitchen space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a fun, theatrical night with live music and old-school charm. Not ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting—the room gets lively quickly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common, but waits can be long during dinner hours. Arrive early or close to opening if you want faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are frequent, and the energetic, music-filled atmosphere keeps kids entertained. High chairs and large booths help accommodate groups with younger children.
Best For
Better for: A nostalgic, entertainment-forward dinner with hearty portions and a classic Hollywood feel—especially great for groups and visitors wanting the full show.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, contemporary Italian cooking, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options—better to choose a more modern Italian spot nearby.