10 of the best Italian restaurants Los Angeles to book now

Il Pastaio has stood as a cornerstone of high-end Italian dining in Beverly Hills since 1994, located at the prime intersection of Canon and Brighton Way. The atmosphere is quintessential 90210—buzzing, sophisticated, and perfect for people-watching from the sun-soaked sidewalk tables. This institution is the creation of the Drago brothers, led by executive chef Giacomino Drago, whose family has significantly shaped the Italian food scene in Southern California with other hits like Via Alloro. Often featured in The Hollywood Reporter as a power-lunch staple, the restaurant is known for its consistent quality and welcoming, energetic vibe. You should focus on the paccheri alla Giacomino or the signature pumpkin-filled tortelloni, which have remained favorites for decades. The kitchen’s philosophy centers on the simplicity of the Sicilian coast, utilizing fresh seafood and artisanal pastas to create a menu that feels both timeless and vital. It remains a definitive entry among the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles.

Élephante transports diners to the Mediterranean coast from its stunning rooftop perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. The design epitomizes coastal chic, featuring custom furniture, natural stone, and tigerwood that make it feel more like a private beach house than a restaurant. This concept from veteran restaurateur Nicholas Mathers and the Wish You Were Here Group—the team behind other hotspots like The Eveleigh—is a constant fixture in The Infatuation for its unmatched sunset views. The menu leans heavily into light, vibrant flavors, with the whipped eggplant and the spicy vodka pasta serving as the undeniable stars of the table. Élephante’s approach combines a relaxed SoCal aesthetic with a rigorous commitment to seasonal sourcing and breezy, coastal Italian soul. It is the ultimate destination for those who want their meal served with a side of panoramic horizon and high-energy hospitality.

Casaléna brings a sprawling, multi-level Italian experience to Woodland Hills, offering a sophisticated retreat for the San Fernando Valley. The space is vast and beautifully appointed, featuring a central atrium with a retractable roof, lush greenery, and intimate fire pits that create a resort-like ambiance. This ambitious project is led by the Casaléna family, who aimed to bring the polished energy of the Westside to the Valley, and it quickly caught the attention of Eater LA for its grand scale and refined execution. The menu features a robust selection of wood-fired pizzas and coastal-inspired mains, with the Wagyu meatballs and the truffle tagliatelle standing out as signature highlights. The kitchen philosophy revolves around a modern Mediterranean lens, emphasizing clean flavors and premium cuts of meat. It serves as a social hub where the environment is just as carefully crafted as the menu, providing a grand sense of occasion for every diner.

La Pizza & La Pasta is the beating heart of the massive Eataly marketplace, offering a vibrant and educational look into the world of Italian staples. Located on the third floor of the Westfield Century City, the restaurant is surrounded by the sights and smells of a bustling market, making for a sensory and lively dining environment. As part of the global Eataly empire, the restaurant follows the strict standards set by founders who champion the Slow Food movement, earning praise from the Los Angeles Times for its accessibility and high-quality ingredients. The menu is a dual-threat powerhouse, featuring authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in wood-burning ovens and pastas like the classic tagliatelle alla Bolognese. The unique selling proposition is the direct link between the plate and the market; every ingredient used in the kitchen can be purchased just steps away. This transparency and dedication to Italian biodiversity make it a pillar of the local scene.

Bacari Silverlake offers a whimsical, indoor-outdoor Italian experience that captures the bohemian spirit of the Silver Lake neighborhood. The setting is a true standout, featuring a multi-terraced garden hidden behind a nondescript facade, complete with a massive tree growing through the deck and intimate lighting that feels like a private forest. This location is part of the Kronfli brothers’ growing empire, which includes other neighborhood favorites like Bacari W. 3rd, and has been recognized by Eater for its romantic and lively atmosphere. The kitchen, led by chef Lior Hillel, specializes in cicchetti—Mediterranean-style small plates designed for sharing. Standout dishes include the chorizo stuffed dates and the glazed pork belly, which pair perfectly with the extensive wine list. The philosophy focuses on creating a communal, high-energy environment where the flow of food is continuous and the hospitality feels like an extension of home.

Bestia is a high-octane Italian powerhouse located in a converted warehouse in the heart of the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. The atmosphere is industrial and raw, defined by high ceilings, exposed brick, and a constant, thrumming energy from the open kitchen. The restaurant is the brainchild of the husband-and-wife duo chef Ori Menashe and pastry chef Genevieve Gergis, who have earned widespread acclaim from MICHELIN and James Beard for their bold, rustic cooking. Their group also includes the equally successful Bavel and Saffy’s, making them one of the most influential culinary teams in the city. The bone marrow gnocchetti and the salami Calabrese pizza are legendary orders that showcase Menashe’s skill with charcuterie and wood-fire. The kitchen’s philosophy is rooted in a nose-to-tail approach, where everything from the bread to the cured meats is made from scratch in-house. It remains one of the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles for those who appreciate high-impact flavors.

Osteria Mozza is a world-renowned destination for Italian excellence, situated at the busy corner of Melrose and Highland in Hollywood. The interior is elegant and theatrical, centered around a white marble mozzarella bar where chefs prepare fresh cheese dishes in full view of the room. This MICHELIN-Starred institution is the work of culinary legends Nancy Silverton and Joe Bastianich, and it has been a darling of The New York Times for over a decade. As a flagship of the Mozza Restaurant Group, it sets the standard for artisanal Italian cooking in America. You must experience the burrata with leeks and mustard vinaigrette or the orecchiette with sausage and Swiss chard. Silverton’s philosophy is focused on the integrity of the ingredient, particularly the artisanal cheeses and handmade pastas that define the menu. It is a masterclass in texture and balance, offering a refined dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Pizzeria Bianco brings a slice of pizza perfection to the Row DTLA, marking the expansion of Chris Bianco’s legendary Phoenix-based brand. The space is bright and industrial, with high ceilings and a massive wood-burning oven that acts as the centerpiece of the operation. Chris Bianco is a James Beard Award-winning chef who is widely credited with sparking the artisanal pizza movement in the United States, and his LA outpost has been met with glowing reviews from Eater and the Los Angeles Times. The menu is intentionally lean, focusing on the crust and the quality of the toppings. The Rosa—topped with red onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary, and Arizona pistachios—is a cult favorite that has been replicated by many but mastered by few. Bianco’s philosophy is one of restraint and respect for the farmer, using only the finest flour and tomatoes to create a product that is deceptively simple and deeply flavorful.

Antico Nuovo is a hidden gem in Hollywood that focuses on the rustic, fire-cooked traditions of the Italian countryside. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner of Beverly Boulevard, featuring a cozy, dimly lit interior with wooden beams and a hearth that gives it the feel of an ancient villa. Chef Chad Colby, formerly of Chi Spacca, has received high marks from The Infatuation and Eater for his dedication to traditional techniques and heritage ingredients. The menu is built around the wood-burning grill, with standout items like the focaccia with ricotta and the slow-roasted meats that change with the seasons. Colby’s philosophy involves sourcing rare varieties of produce and working with small-scale ranchers to find the best possible proteins. The result is a dining experience that feels grounded and authentic, focusing on the deep, smoky flavors that only fire can produce. It is a sophisticated retreat for those who value craftsmanship over trends.

La Dolce Vita is a historic Beverly Hills landmark that offers a glamourous, red-booth Italian experience reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. The space is intimate and windowless, featuring dark wood, leather banquettes, and brass accents that create a private, exclusive atmosphere. Originally opened with the backing of Frank Sinatra and George Raft, the restaurant was recently revitalized by the Med Abrous and Marc Rose team—the same duo behind Genghis Cohen—and has been praised by Vogue and Los Angeles Magazine for its tasteful restoration. The menu is a celebration of “Continental-Italian” classics, with the veal Parmigiana and the Caesar salad prepared tableside serving as essential experiences. The philosophy here is about preserving the legacy of old-school Hollywood hospitality while ensuring the food is executed with modern finesse. It is a place where history feels alive, offering a timeless escape into the luxury and charm of a bygone era.