The 20 Best Italian Restaurants In Los Angeles

From Thai Town to Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic and diverse culinary cities in the country. That said, though New York City is known for its endless amount of top-notch Italian food, Los Angeles is also home to some of the most amazing hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and refreshing antipasto. Whether you're looking for a fancy and romantic dinner spot to celebrate amore or a more classic and laid-back Italian joint, Los Angeles is full of variety when it comes to Italian cuisine.

Since Los Angeles is so saturated with great (and not so great) restaurants, knowing which spots are actually worth the time and money can be a bit overwhelming. From the coast of Santa Monica to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, there are several amazing restaurants scattered across town. That said, we're here to help narrow down your options with this list of the best Italian places in L.A.

Located on Beverly Boulevard, Angelini Osteria from Chef Gino Angelini is an Italian staple in Los Angeles. With a brand new location in Pacific Palisades, Angelini Osteria proves that Italian cuisine is a true work of art when it comes to creating decadence out of simple ingredients. The outdoor courtyard separates guests from the bustle of Beverly Boulevard, creating a quiet and romantic oasis for both lunch and dinner.

The wood-burning pieces make for a tasty appetizer, and those who appreciate the more decadent and luxurious side of life will surely be interested in the white pizza with black summer truffle. If you're craving something lighter, the ahi tuna tartare appetizer and swordfish carpaccio are fresh and flavorful. Of course, you can't come to Angelini Osteria without ordering some pasta. The Tagliolini Limone is bursting with zesty flavor — and best of all, you can grab a jar of Limone sauce to go so that you can master this dish at home.

Located in the heart of Venice, Ospi is a charming restaurant right up the street from the beach. Serving lunch, brunch, and dinner, Ospi ensures that locals and visitors can enjoy classic Italian food with a modern twist for any meal. The pizzas are known for having cracker-thin crusts that are inspired by Tonda Romana-style techniques. That said, if pizza isn't your top choice, there are plenty of other delicious dishes to explore.

When it comes to appetizers, the crispy provolone is perhaps the most popular and beloved option, famous for its cheesy pull that has made its way around Instagram. For pasta, the spicy rigatoni and traditional spaghetti both bring a taste of Italy to the west coast, while the butter chicken parm-style makes for the perfect protein pairing. While Ospi has a solid selection of wine — as any great Italian restaurant should — the cocktail list also features a diverse array of concoctions and libations.

Osteria La Buca has two locations in Los Angeles, with one on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood and one in Sherman Oaks. The menu focuses on traditional recipes that come straight from Italy, but the use of locally-sourced California ingredients adds a freshness and vibrancy to these classic dishes. The menu is also based on the seasons, ensuring that creativity and innovation never slow as guests are able to enjoy high-quality produce that is enjoyed when it is at its prime.

Everything is made in-house, and the aroma of freshly baked bread, pasta, and pizza dough fill the air upon walking inside. The appetizer options range from lighter fare such as hamachi crudo to more filling dishes like pork meatballs. The clam pizza pie boasts bold flavors thanks to the use of lemon, chili flakes, and red onion, and bucatini carbonara is decadently rich without being overpowering. If you're looking for a satisfying side dish for the table, the crispy artichokes with parmesan and oregano is a great option.

As the name suggests, Colapasta in Santa Monica specializes in the art of pasta. Featuring seasonal salads that use the freshest of ingredients and artisanal pasta that transports guests straight to the heart of Italy, Colapasta is a severely underrated restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica. The menu is kept incredibly simple, featuring only one soup, a couple of salads, and several different kinds of pasta.

Though Colapasta does not serve liquor or cocktails, the wine list features some amazing award-winning bottles that pair perfectly with different menu items. The organic pastas range from lasagna to squid ink bavette to gnocchi. That said, one of the most flavorful and decadent pastas on the menu is moringa agnolotti which is made with fontina cheese and truffle butter. Another unique yet tasty pasta is the casunziei which is a beet ravioli in brown butter sauce and topped with poppy seeds.

Under the same ownership as Ospi in Venice, Jame Enoteca serves up fresh Italian cuisine that uses locally-sourced ingredients from nearby markets. This focus on freshness and seasonal eating results in high-quality dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and of course, hand-rolled pasta. Chef and co-owner, Jackson Kalb, has worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs at restaurants like Melisse and Alinea, ensuring that this level of expertise translates through the food at Jame Enoteca.

Those who want to know exactly where their food is coming from will be pleased to find that they can see a list of all of the farmers that Jame Enoteca works with on the restaurant's website. This El Segundo restaurant has a menu that is simple yet luxurious, and some major highlights include the mandilli pasta with almond and pine nut pesto, The 'Gundo meatball sandwich, and the Nutella cake for dessert. Jame Enoteca also sells some retail products including pasta sauces, hats, and t-shirts.

Serving the beachside community of Santa Monica since 2004, Piccolo has since expanded to a second location nearby in Venice, as well as a bit further away in Pasadena. Piccolo has mastered the art of creating an upscale and trendy atmosphere that is met with classic Italian cuisine and vintage wines. Chef Muré focuses on creating an unforgettable dining experience that centers on perfect pairings for an elevated meal from start to finish.

Though the menu has a ton of mouthwatering options to choose from, the signature dish at Piccolo is the Potato and Fig Tortellini on a Parmesan Fondue, making it a must-order for cheese-lovers. The calamari grigliati is a light appetizer that is served on a bed of Swiss chard, and the tagliatelle with duck ragu is a delicious option for those who prefer a red sauce to a creamy white sauce. There are also a few vegetarian options such as the golden beet carpaccio and watercress salad.

Carnivores craving Italian food will absolutely love chi SPACCA. This Italian steakhouse is home to a variety of protein-forward dishes that use high-quality cuts and catches. Those that prefer seafood to steak will enjoy dishes like the grilled octopus, grilled calamari, and whole roasted branzino. That said, when it comes to red meat, the options are virtually endless. From pepper steak to beef and bone marrow pie, this Italian steakhouse focuses on flavor and tender textures.

However, if you're looking to truly go all out, the $285 50-ounce Flannery dry-aged porterhouse steak is the way to go. The veggie sides are all very sizable and great for sharing, and between the creamed corn and roasted cauliflower, there really is something for every kind of diner. If you're able to save room for dessert, the butterscotch budino is a decadent and caramel-forward treat that allows you to end your meal with a massive smile on your face.

Between its prime location in the heart of West Hollywood and its rich history, Dan Tana's has been serving loyal locals and curious visitors for more than 56 years. The classic white and red checkered tablecloths and hanging Chianti bottles create a transportive atmosphere that takes guests back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The waiters and bartenders are all dressed in tuxedos, creating a unique and nostalgic dining experience that is hard to come by nowadays.

The menu is huge, featuring tons of old-school classics like calamari, shrimp scampi, and mozzarella marinara. The menu is also separated by meats, fish, pasta, veggies, and chicken, making it easier to browse items and find your desired dish. There is also a large list of desserts to enjoy, and you'll definitely want to save some room for the famous lemon cheesecake Deanne or some classic cannolis.

Located within the historic Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles, Sparrow is a modern Italian restaurant that serves coastal cuisine in a chic and sleek setting. Upon walking into Sparrow, guests are greeted with stunning black and white photography, dim lighting, and cozy corners that are hidden by grand curtains. While wine undoubtedly pairs best with Italian food, the cocktails at Sparrow are so breathtaking in their display and flavor combos, that it is worth ordering at least one. The Basilicata is fruity and fresh, featuring notes of strawberry and basil.

If you are dining with a group, starting off with a pizza makes for a great appetizer that isn't too filling. That said, the bluefin tuna tartare is a lighter option that is better suited for two people. When it comes to pasta, the bone marrow agnolotti is incredibly flavorful without being too rich, and the polenta with black truffle is a decadent side dish. Sparrow also has a wonderful brunch menu served Saturday and Sunday, with tasty offerings like a Caprese omelet, crab cake benedict, and tiramisu waffle.

Giorgio Baldi is no stranger to having paparazzi outside their front door. Due to the high volume of high-profile clients, Giorgio Baldi has become known as a celebrity hotspot. However, the food is the true star of the show at this Santa Monica staple. One of the best things about dining at Giorgio Baldi is its location — right across from the beach — providing a stunning setting and a comfortable ocean breeze.

Since this is one of the premier Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, it is great for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays. If you're looking for something creamy and dreamy, pretty much any of the risottos will cater to your craving. That said, the risotto paveron with Dungeness crab is a solid selection for seafood lovers. There are also some great vegetarian options such as the asparagus ravioli which features creamy ricotta and a rich buttery sauce.