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Vitello's Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Vitello's Restaurant
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Outdoor Dining Oasis
California-inspired contemporary Italian anchoring Tujunga Village since the early 1960s with housemade pastas, fresh branzino and salmon, and an upstairs jazz lounge. The restaurant underwent a modern redesign while maintaining its classic Italian warmth, offering outdoor dining on the village sidewalk and weekend jazz brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Branzino, Frank's Favorite Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Studio City landmark with jazz club upstairs and California-Italian fusion cuisine
Who should go: Families, date nights, jazz enthusiasts, special occasions
When to visit: Weekend brunch or dinner with upstairs jazz performance
What to order: Carbonara, fresh branzino, meatballs with spicy sauce
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating on Tujunga Avenue for village atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Tujunga Village streets, typically easy to find. Small public lot nearby. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and button-down work fine, but locals often dress up for special occasions
Noise level: Moderate downstairs (conversation-friendly), lively upstairs during jazz sets
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday nights, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, risotto, and salads easily adapted
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pastas with marinara or aglio e olio, ask server for customization
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic but not intimidating, noise level allows conversation, and the upstairs jazz option provides built-in entertainment if conversation lulls. Outdoor tables are especially date-worthy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners and lunches, yes - usually fine. Friday/Saturday nights, risky - expect 30-45 minute waits. Weekend jazz brunch books up, definitely reserve ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families are regulars here. Classic Italian comfort food kids love (meatballs, pasta with butter/marinara), accommodating staff, and booths for containment. Upstairs jazz lounge is 21+ only.
How's the jazz brunch? Popular weekend draw with live music upstairs - arrives early (10:30-11am) or book ahead. Combines brunch menu with Italian classics and cocktails in intimate lounge setting.
What's the outdoor seating like? Sidewalk tables along Tujunga Avenue with village people-watching. Great for mild evenings, but exposed to street noise and exhaust. Request it specifically when booking.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian-American done right with live entertainment option - superior to chain Italian for authenticity and atmosphere, better than trendy spots for reliable crowd-pleasers and multi-generational appeal. The jazz element makes it unique in the area.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian or quiet romantic intimacy - this is lively and traditional. Also skip if seeking bargain Italian ($$$ pricing) or if you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends.
Vitello's Restaurant
7.9
Long-standing Studio City Italian landmark serving California-inspired contemporary cuisine with classic dishes like piccatas and marsalas alongside fresh fish preparations. The upstairs jazz club and outdoor patio create a nostalgic yet updated dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Branzino
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Historic venue with upstairs jazz club and renewed culinary focus
Who should go: Couples wanting dinner-and-show combo or nostalgic charm
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday evenings for live jazz upstairs, weekend brunch
What to order: Carbonara, fresh fish specials, house-made desserts
Insider tip: Check Feinstein's schedule upstairs for pre- or post-dinner jazz
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $10-12, limited street parking on Tujunga Ave - arrive 10 min early to circle
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - date night attire recommended, jeans acceptable if paired with nice top
Noise level: Moderate downstairs dining room - can conversation comfortably. Upstairs jazz club louder during performances
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta options plus vegetable sides, eggplant parmigiana available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes (marinara, aglio e olio), ask about daily vegetable prep
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, separate prep upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting and nostalgic ambiance create natural conversation flow without being overly stuffy. The upstairs jazz option gives you a built-in 'extend the night' move if things are going well.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners (Mon-Wed) you'll likely get seated within 20 minutes. Thursday-Saturday after 6pm, expect 30-45 min waits or possible turnaway - book ahead for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids (12+) due to date-night atmosphere. Has standard Italian kids options but the vibe skews adult-romantic. Consider early dinner (5-6pm) if bringing younger children.
Should we do dinner + jazz upstairs or just dinner? Check Feinstein's calendar first - if there's an artist you like, book the combo package. Otherwise, dinner downstairs stands on its own merit without the upstairs commitment.
How does this compare to other Italian in Studio City? Vitello's trades trendy-modern for classic-nostalgic. If you want the Instagram-worthy new spot, go elsewhere. If you want reliable Italian with Old Hollywood charm and optional live entertainment, this delivers.
Best For
Better for: The dinner-and-entertainment package deal - few competitors offer integrated jazz club upstairs. Also wins for anniversary/birthday celebrations wanting both nostalgia and solid contemporary Italian cooking in one location
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian or hyper-authentic regional Italian - this is California-Italian comfort zone. Also skip if you need guaranteed quiet (pre-show energy can bleed downstairs) or easy parking (valet helps but adds cost)
Vitello's Restaurant
7.8
California-Italian neighborhood fixture in Tujunga Village featuring classic preparations alongside fresh fish selections. Upstairs jazz club adds entertainment dimension, while the main dining room delivers piccatas, marsalas, and weekend jazz brunch in a bright, welcoming setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Chicken Parmigiana, Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Studio City landmark with jazz club upstairs since decades
Who should go: Locals seeking reliable Italian with optional live entertainment
When to visit: Weekend jazz brunch or Thursday-Saturday evenings for shows
What to order: Fresh branzino, lasagna, any daily fish special
Insider tip: Arrive when doors open if dining before upstairs jazz show
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building plus street parking - easier than most Ventura Blvd spots
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine downstairs, slight step up for jazz club
Noise level: Conversational downstairs, louder during weekend brunch with live music
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation, longer if catching jazz show after
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated promptly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pastas, risottos, eggplant parm, caprese variations
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Available - GF pasta offered, fresh fish naturally works
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice - romantic enough without trying too hard, jazz club upstairs adds optional sophistication if date goes well. Not so loud you can't talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners usually fine as walk-in. Weekend dinners book up, especially if jazz shows are happening. Brunch gets packed - reserve ahead or arrive right at open.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - main dining room welcomes families, standard kids menu available. Upstairs jazz club better for adults only. Brunch particularly family-oriented.
How long does dinner take? Plan 90 minutes for relaxed meal - service is attentive but not rushed. Factor extra time if seeing jazz show upstairs after.
Is the jazz club worth it? Local favorite for intimate performances - separate cover charge, Thursday-Saturday nights. More neighborhood scene than tourist attraction, which is the appeal.
Best For
Better for: Reliable neighborhood Italian when you want live music options without driving to DTLA - combination of classic food and entertainment under one roof sets it apart from standard red-sauce joints
Skip if: You want inventive modern Italian or peak fine dining - this is comfort classics done well, not culinary innovation. Also skip if you need guaranteed quiet romantic ambiance on weekends.