Cucina Bene in Sherman Oaks

[Jwsel]

Has anyone tried this place? It's on Sepulveda south of Ventura, across the street from Whole Foods. The last post I could find about it was posted right before it opened and made it sound promising.

[thecitylocal]

I have read several of the comments below and I have to say that they are somewhat off base. From a man who fancies the authentic taste of Italian Food and the food we enjoyed at Cucina Bele was as authentic to the old land as you can get. The tomatoes for the Bruchetta were even imported. The pizza is old-style Roman pizza even in the shape. I traveled from Orange County for dinner and after our meal there, it will be a regular place for my wife and myself. The prices are unexpectably low for the quality of food, and it is much cheaper than the other alternative, flying to Rome for dinner!

[barcelona]

I don't know about flying to Rome... but the food is okay and the location is bad... parking was horrible, I am wondering how these business on Sepulveda are staying open since they took out all the spots in the Back and the street parking is now red zone

[compucook]

We live nearby and like a few things about the place, however last Sunday night's dinner was a real disappointment. The crew seemed to be totally different, both kitchen and FOH. Their pasta is lovely, perhaps homemade and cooked perfectly. I'm less thrilled with their salads. They need work. The salmon with pomegranate is very good as is the cucina bene chicken and the osso buco. Everyone has an occasional off nite, but they really need to stop chopping up all that parsely and basil and over herbing the chopped salad. They also need to kick up the caesar salad, it's too bland.

[akayv]

I found the restaurant to be very good and one can tell so as it seems to always be packed when I'm there. you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. desserts are exceptional. imo it is worth the "special trip"

[TomSwift]

I've been there several times (yes, I DO work on the corner) and it's very good. Better, I think, than Sisley on the corner, but a completely different menu. The thin crust pizzas are a refreshing change. The desserts are rich. They're usually busy during lunch.

[bglicklich]

It's not too bad, if you're in the neighborhood. Not worth a special trip.

The Ravioli Di Noce (pink sauce) was good, and the pizza was thin crust and a 6.

If you work on the corner, give 'em a try. Otherwise, not worth the bother.

[andrewkv19]

I have to disagree. I live in Philadelphia now, and whenever I'm back in Los Angeles, I make it a point to go here. The food is incredible, the prices are more than reasonable, and the owners make it a point to say hello just about every table. I have never been to a better Italian restaurant in America, and when I say that I am mostly taking into account the food. The veal marsala has the best sauce I've ever had, the tomato basil soup is rich a flavorful, and the tiramisu is wow. Every newcomer that I've taken has become a repeat customer.