Italian on the west side
My mom is coming to town from New York and staying in Santa Monica. I'm looking for a good italian restaurant that is unpretentious...something like La buca on Melrose.
Any thoughts for BH, Brentwood, Culver City, westwood, Santa Monica?
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You may want to give Pecorino at wirl. In the old Zax location in BW. A little pricey but good wine selection, pasta and fish. The service is fantastic. I entertain there at least once a week for lunch and dinner.
You may also want to try Divino in the Barrington Village in BW. I have never been there but for years people have been raving about it to me. Anyone have an opinion on Divino?
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Based on what you're looking for, I think Osteria Latini is the best bet. Nice space (if a bit loud), good food (if somewhat unadventurous), and the best vibe of the Brentwood Italian restaurants. The staff is really nice and make you feel at home. The Branzino and Bolognese are delicious.
I used to love Pizzcotto but does anyone else agree that it can be really hit-or-miss? I only go there now on off hours for pizza or pasta, after having a couple of really bad meals.
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There is a tiny restaurant on Westwood Blvd. (couple blocks sount of Wishire) called Pomodoro. very homey and friendly, good food, great tiramisu. As far as ambiance, it's not quite as dim and romantic as La Buca, but it definitely has a similar Italian vibe. been going there for years and really enjoy it.
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Wow. Interesting how some are interpreting your question. Although unpretentious, primarily because of Maureen Vincenti's solid presence, Vincenti is one of the most expensive restaurants in L.A. and you should know that going in if La Buca is your comparison. Same of La Botte from what I read here and elsewhere with possible attitude. Also, pricey but good in the Brentwood area would be Divino and Pahlmeri but, again, remembering my fine meal at the reasonable La Buca I'd probably be inclined to recomend Pizzicotto or Osteria Latina in Brentwood, or Il Forno, Fritto Misto (already suggested) or even La Vecchia in Santa Monica.
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techbod
Jan 6, 2007 02:55 AM
I third Pizzicotto. Reservations are a must. If they try to seat you upstairs, don't take it as a slight. It's actually kind of cozy up there in the rafters and you're away from the cold night air and tight quarters downstairs. Try the strezzopretti (sp?) w. sausage. One of my favorite reliable pastas in town.
La Botte on Santa Monica Blvd is very cozy and warm, but a bit on the pricey side. However, the deal of the century if everyone likes veal is the roasted veal shank. We ordered one and it would easily have fed 4. And the whole room stares and marvels at the presentation of the dish, wishing they'd had the good sense to order it. The server attempted to sell us TWO of these (each meant to serve 2 people) but we wisely stuck with one and it was fantastic. We also ordered a nice bottle of wine so they didn't throw us "bargain hunter" attitude.
Good luck.
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More Culver City, our favorite options for casual but fabulous italian food:
Giovannis Trattoria (on venice, kitty-corner from Natalee Thai) www.giovannistrattoria.com Bring your own wine.
Ugos Cafe (downtown Culver City) www.cafeugo.com Good wine bar next door and small wine list.
Warning though, these spots are becoming very popular and Giovannis doesn't take reservations. We've had up to a 20/30 min wait, but the food is always worth it.
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re: chemjen
I'll second Giovannis. Good reviews on this board sent us there last night; they were spot on. The eggplant roll with fresh ricotta and a light and sprightly tomato sauce was a delicious appetizer for two. Wife loved her Chicken Florentine; I enjoyed the beef lasagna. Everything was well made. No wait at all at 5:30 p.m. on a Friday night and still several tables when we left around 7. Parking lot is tight. Not atmospheric, not pricey, but serious food here.
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re: belladre
SauceSupreme
Jan 7, 2007 06:13 PM
Piccolo is nice, but with that wait list it's nothing but unpretentious. Sure it's a neighborhood joint, but it's hard to stay low key when you're waiting 45 minutes for a table. You could theoretically wait outside on the boardwalk, but most people just opt to sit on the stairs and sip on wine.
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Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills is fantastic! I haven't been in many years, but I used to love Pizzicotto in Brentwood.
Il Pastaio
400 N. Cañon Dr.
(Brighton Way)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-205-5444Pizzicotto
11758 San Vicente Blvd.
(bet. Gorham & Montana Aves.)
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-442-7188›1 Reply -
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wilafur
Jan 5, 2007 10:06 PM
although much more ritzy than la buca, vicenti in brentwood is a solid choice for good italian eats on the westside.
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