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Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna
8.3
Traditional Northern Italian trattoria from restaurateur Stelian Tasu featuring housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection. The old-world charm combines with California freshness in a welcoming space that accommodates families while maintaining upscale trattoria authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Lasagna, Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Stelian Tasu's family recipes honoring his father's original Studio City trattoria
Who should go: Italian cuisine enthusiasts, special occasion diners, wine lovers
When to visit: Dinner reservations recommended especially Friday-Saturday
What to order: Chicken parmigiana, homemade lasagna with Bolognese, focaccia bread
Insider tip: Sister restaurant to Terra e Mare with elevated Italian approach
Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna
7.7
Traditional trattoria offering homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian-American favorites in a casual neighborhood setting. The outdoor patio and extensive wine selection provide comfortable dining, though service consistency varies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiano, Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Neighborhood trattoria with fresh ingredients and house-made focaccia
Who should go: Locals seeking reliable Italian without pretense or high prices
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday when full menu available, valet from 5pm
What to order: Homemade lasagna, fresh pasta specials, house tiramisu
Insider tip: Outdoor patio provides best ambiance for romantic meals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available from 5pm ($12), limited street parking on Ventura Blvd - arrive early or use valet
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work fine, no need to overdress
Noise level: Moderate inside, quieter on patio - easy conversation without raised voices
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, vegetable risotto, plus customizable pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with modified pasta dishes (marinara-based), ask server for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, separate pizza crust option upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially the outdoor patio - romantic ambiance without being overly formal or expensive, noise level allows conversation, and Italian comfort food keeps things relaxed. Request patio seating when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners before 7pm usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend dinners book up - make a reservation or expect 30-45 min wait. Lunch is reliably open for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, standard Italian-American menu kids recognize (pasta, pizza), and tolerant of noise. Works well for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed neighborhood Italian when you want quality without pretension - better value and more approachable than upscale Italian spots, more authentic ingredients than chain trattorias, ideal for regulars who want consistency over experimentation
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian cuisine, need guaranteed flawless service, or seeking a special occasion splurge - service inconsistency and traditional menu won't satisfy adventurous diners or those celebrating major milestones
Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna
7.6
Family-run trattoria from Terra e Mare's owner serving housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian-American classics since its redesign. Close-quarters authentic atmosphere with outdoor patio, premium beer and wine selections, and fresh focaccia that consistently earns praise from neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellacci di Zucca, Chicken Parmigiana, Artichoke Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Intimate family-run trattoria with housemade pasta tradition
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars seeking consistent Italian comfort food
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday for full lunch and dinner service
What to order: Housemade gnocchi, lasagna, any pasta with sage cream sauce
Insider tip: Valet-only parking in tiny center; street parking nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet only in small shopping center lot - arrive early or use street parking on Coldwater Canyon
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine for this neighborhood spot
Noise level: Intimate and close-quarters - easy conversation but you'll hear neighbors
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday - call ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Tuesday-Friday lunch - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - request dairy-free pasta with marinara or pomodoro, confirm with kitchen
Gluten-free options: Not advertised - Italian-American classics heavily pasta/bread focused, limited options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - romantic intimate setting but close table spacing means limited privacy. Better for relaxed conversation than impressive wow factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, weeknight dinner maybe, weekend dinner risky. It's a small space that fills up - regulars book ahead. Call day-of to check availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - family-run Italian spot with classics kids love (pasta, pizza, lasagna). Outdoor patio better for active kids than tight indoor quarters. No kids' menu but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Consistent neighborhood Italian without pretension - housemade pasta quality at moderate prices, intimate family atmosphere, reliable comfort food execution that beats chain trattorias
Skip if: You want impressive date-night ambiance, need extensive gluten-free/vegan options, prefer modern Italian innovation over traditional red-sauce classics, or require easy parking access