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Sara The Wine Bar
Master Critic Review
Sara The Wine Bar
8.3
Sara, an Italian native, brings her mother's authentic recipes to this cozy wine bar where homemade bucatini and flatbreads pair with an excellent selection of Italian wines from all 20 regions. The intimate space draws locals for its warm service and genuine Italian home cooking, from handmade pasta to traditional desserts like pecorino-stuffed pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini with Pancetta, Burrata with Tomatoes, Sardinian Pork Ragu
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Owner Sara uses her mother's authentic Italian recipes and sources wines from every region of Italy
Who should go: Date nights and wine enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian flavors
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 5-7pm or dinner for intimate atmosphere
What to order: Homemade bucatini, any flatbread pizza, seasonal pasta specials
Insider tip: Private parking lot behind building makes this easier to access than street parking suggests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind building - easiest parking in the area. Street parking also available on Sepulveda but fills quickly evenings
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfect. No need to overdress
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - cozy space designed for talking
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including multiple pasta dishes, flatbreads, and seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited but available - can modify some flatbreads and pastas, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Limited - not ideal for celiac due to pasta focus, but some salads and wine pairings available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely perfect - intimate lighting, great wine selection, and conversation-friendly noise level. The cozy atmosphere feels special without being stuffy, and sharing flatbreads is a natural icebreaker
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday evenings you'll likely get seated within 15-20 minutes. Weekend dinners get packed - make a reservation or arrive right at 5pm for happy hour seating
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ or date night without kids. The intimate wine bar vibe and limited space make it less ideal for young children, though well-behaved older kids are welcome
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes for a relaxed meal with wine. Service is attentive but the vibe encourages lingering, especially with their excellent wine selection
Is the wine selection really that good? Yes - Sara personally curates bottles from all 20 Italian regions, including harder-to-find producers. Staff knows the list well and makes great pairing recommendations
Best For
Better for: Authentic homemade pasta and intimate wine-focused experience. Better wine knowledge than most Italian spots in the area, and the private parking is a huge advantage over Sepulveda competitors
Skip if: You want a large group dinner (space is cozy/small), need extensive gluten-free options, or prefer modern Italian over traditional home-cooking style. Also skip if you're not into wine - that's the focus here