Italian Restaurants In Los Angeles Everyone Should Try

Los Angeles has some of the best Italian food outside of Italy itself. From cozy family-owned trattorias to upscale fine dining spots, the city offers incredible pasta, pizza, and more.

Whether you crave authentic flavors or modern twists on classic dishes, these Italian restaurants will satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting seconds.

1. Osteria Mozza

Walking into this place feels like stepping into a foodie’s dream. The mozzarella bar alone is worth the visit, showcasing fresh cheeses that melt in your mouth.

Chef Nancy Silverton created a menu that celebrates simple ingredients done perfectly. I recommend trying the butterscotch budino for dessert because it has achieved legendary status among regulars.

Reservations fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want to experience this culinary gem.

2. Bestia

This downtown hotspot proves that Italian food can be edgy and exciting. The industrial atmosphere matches the bold flavors coming from the wood-fired oven.

Every dish arrives with unexpected twists that make traditional recipes feel brand new. The house-made charcuterie board showcases the kitchen’s serious skills and dedication to craft.

Expect a wait even with reservations, but the lively energy and incredible food make every minute worthwhile for your taste buds.

3. Pizzana

Neapolitan pizza reaches new heights at this Brentwood favorite. The slow-fermented dough creates a crust that is both crispy and pillowy soft.

Chef Daniele Uditi brings authentic techniques from Naples while adding California flair to the toppings. The Neo Margherita with burrata remains the most popular choice, though every pie delivers excellence.

Multiple locations across LA mean you can enjoy world-class pizza without traveling too far from home.

4. Felix Trattoria

Venice Beach gets a taste of Roman cuisine at this stunning trattoria. Watching the pasta makers work their magic through the glass window becomes entertainment while you wait.

The cacio e pepe is prepared tableside in a giant cheese wheel, creating a theatrical dining moment. Fresh seafood dishes reflect the coastal location, bringing ocean flavors to traditional Italian preparations.

The bright, Instagram-worthy space attracts crowds, so booking ahead ensures you snag a coveted table.

5. Republique

Originally built in 1929, this architectural masterpiece serves Italian-influenced dishes alongside French classics. The soaring ceilings and natural light create an unforgettable dining backdrop.

Brunch here has become a LA institution, with people lining up for the famous pastries and breakfast pizzas. Dinner service showcases seasonal ingredients prepared with both creativity and respect for tradition.

The versatile menu means everyone in your group will find something delicious to enjoy together.

6. Pizzeria Mozza

Nancy Silverton strikes again with this pizza-focused sibling to Osteria Mozza. The fennel sausage pizza has gained cult status among LA food lovers.

Each pie features a perfectly charred crust that provides the ideal foundation for creative toppings. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for family dinners or catching up with friends over shared plates.

Walk-in seating at the bar offers a solution when you cannot score a reservation in advance.

7. Angelini Osteria

Chef Gino Angelini brings authentic Italian hospitality to this beloved neighborhood spot. The handwritten specials board changes daily based on what looks best at the market.

Regulars know to ask Gino himself for recommendations because his passion for food shines through every suggestion. The lasagna verde has been perfected over decades, creating layers of pure comfort.

This place feels like dining at a friend’s home in Italy, minus the long plane ride overseas.

8. Forma

Santa Monica gets serious about pasta at this sleek modern eatery. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs transform simple ingredients into edible art.

Each shape of pasta gets paired with the perfect sauce, showing deep understanding of Italian culinary traditions. The wine list focuses on Italian regions, offering bottles that complement the food beautifully.

Weekend brunch adds Italian breakfast specialties that you rarely find in American restaurants, making mornings extra special.

9. Jon & Vinny’s

This neighborhood joint proves that Italian food does not need to be fancy to be fantastic. The LA son pizza topped with spicy salami has inspired countless copycat attempts.

Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo created a menu that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The garlic bread arrives hot and buttery, setting the tone for a meal filled with generous portions.

Multiple locations mean more people can experience their approachable take on Italian-American comfort food regularly.

10. Terroni

Southern Italian traditions take center stage at this Toronto import. The no-substitutions policy might seem strict, but it ensures every dish tastes exactly as intended.

Recipes passed down through generations appear on the menu alongside natural wines from small producers. The casual vibe encourages lingering over meals the way Italians do back home.

Kids eat free on certain nights, making it a budget-friendly option for families craving authentic flavors together.

11. Mother Wolf

Hollywood dining reaches new levels at this Roman-inspired stunner. The carbonara follows traditional recipes so closely that Romans would approve wholeheartedly.

Every detail receives attention, from the hand-painted plates to the carefully curated music playlist. The wine program focuses on natural and biodynamic bottles that pair perfectly with rich pasta dishes.

Celebrities and food enthusiasts alike flock here, creating a buzzy atmosphere that feels exciting without being pretentious or stuffy.

12. Massilia

Mediterranean flavors meet California ingredients at this coastal gem. The seafood-focused menu changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness always.

Grilled whole fish arrives simply prepared, letting the quality of the catch shine through. The outdoor patio transports diners to the Italian Riviera with its relaxed, breezy atmosphere.

Lunch here offers a midday escape from busy schedules, while dinner service brings romance to any evening out.

13. Gjelina

Venice’s most famous restaurant blends Italian techniques with California sensibility. The wood-fired vegetables taste so good that even dedicated carnivores request seconds.

Sharing plates encourages communal dining, making every meal feel like a celebration with friends. The constantly evolving menu keeps regulars coming back to discover new favorite dishes.

Expect noise and crowds during peak hours, but the incredible food makes any inconvenience fade away quickly.

14. Osteria La Buca

Hidden on a quiet Hollywood street, this gem serves food that tastes like an Italian grandmother made it. The handmade pasta shows up in dishes that warm both stomach and soul.

The small space creates an intimate setting where conversations flow easily between tables. Seasonal specials highlight ingredients at their absolute peak, prepared with time-honored techniques.

Regulars guard this secret spot jealously, but now you know where to find truly authentic Italian home cooking.

15. Stella

West Hollywood gets a dose of Italian sophistication at this design-forward restaurant. The menu balances classic dishes with inventive creations that surprise and delight.

The cocktail program deserves attention too, featuring Italian spirits mixed into drinks that pair beautifully with food. Late-night dining options make it perfect for industry folks and night owls craving quality meals.

The scene here buzzes with energy, creating an atmosphere where great food meets social excitement perfectly.