Really good Italian in the Valley?

[BigBrother]

Hey all, have a family dinner coming up and want something good, preferably between Sherman Oaks and Encino on Ventura. Something setting-wise along the lines of Marmalade Cafe, La Frite, etc. (convivial, fun, social!) If that can be found with great food, we'd have our match.

Anyone have tips?

Thanks!

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La Frite
15013 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

[carter]

Of all the recs received so far, only Panzanella and Ca del Sole.
Last meals at tiredmisu, oliva both missed the mark in a big way.
La Cava - ok,
Spumoni - ok
Mezzomondo - better than ok.
None of them are particularly fun, however.
Of course it your idea of fun is Marmalade, well you might like some of them.

[BSW6490]

Il Teramisu on Ventura at Woodman is very good. Has a full bar. Much better food than Marmalade or La Frite.

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La Frite
15013 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

[vinosnob]

Ca' del Sole has been consistently good for me (mostly for work-related dinners).

[archer]

Agree w/ Ca' Del Sol as well (altho it's in North Hollywood, a little east of OP's request for Sherman Oaks). If the weather's good, highly recommend their patio.

[bigredd]

Panzanella. Large menu, comfortable and reasonably good service.

[omakase]

Another vote for Panzanella - 14928 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.

[archer]

I really like La Cava, a relatively new Italian on Ventura, about a block east of Woodman. Delicious homemade pasta, fairly creative cooking and very warm, friendly ambiance.

[Servorg]

You should give Emilio's Presto Trattoria a try and see what you think.

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Emilio's Presto Trattoria
16234 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

[Famous Blue Raincoat]

It's no Osteria Mozza, Il Grano or Valentino, but Il Tiramisu in Sherman Oaks is nice, friendly and reasonably priced. They will work with you if you want to do a prix-fixe menu for a larger group btw.

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Il Grano Restaurant
11359 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[cdub]

i typically have a good time at oliva. they have pretty decent lobster specials.

[paprkutr]

I like Oliva too, but it can be a little loud. If you go, try sitting in the first room.

[Kitchen Queen]

Spumoni Sherman Oaks on the Blvd. Intimate, friendly and used to have great food. Haven't been in awhile tho. Great house wine too.

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Spumoni Restaurant
14533 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

[chuck]

Not quite like Marmalade Cafe but for good Italian food I like Gio Cucina on Ventura Blvd a little west of the 405. Its a small place upstairs in a mini mall next to the Land Rover dealer.
www.giocucinanapoletana.com

[mucho gordo]

You won't go wrong at Gio Cucina. When I went, my favorite dish, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, wasn't on the menu but they were able to make a superb one for me.

[Jack Flash]

Slightly east of Sherman Oaks, Mezzomondo Trattoria has been our favorite Valley Italian for many years.

http://www.mezzomondotrattoria.com/