AGO

This elegant Italian hotspot exudes a mix of old and rustic décor with modern finishes. Have a seat in the twinkle-lit patio surrounded by 30-foot Italian cypress and olive trees (to keep the paparazzi away), and get transported on a culinary journey through Tuscany, Liguria and Emilio Romano.

Savour the fresh, authentic Italian fare, such as the creamiest Burrata, Calamari Carpaccio, Veal Ravioli with mushroom sauce, Spaghetti allo Scoglio,and the House speciality, Fritto Misto Mare (mixed fried fish). Wood-burning oven Pizzas are perfectly thin with a crispy crust. Impressive international wine list.

The trattoria is backed by entertainment moguls, including De Niro, the Weinsteins and Ridley Scott, so don’t be surprised to be rubbing shoulders with stars, VIP’s and business execs sealing their next film deal. The romantic al fresco setting makes it the perfect place to take a date, where you can dream of idyllic Italian starry nights as you sip some of the best Chianti in town.

8478 Melrose Avenue       (323) 655-6333

ANGELINI OSTERIA

It is a long-standing argument which restaurant in LA serves the best Italian. Whenever and wherever that dialogue takes place, Angelini is always at the top of everyone’s list.

Hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, Gino Angelini has carved an immovable place for himself in the culinary landscape of LA. After creating Vincenti in Brentwood to critical acclaim in the 90’s, Angelini opened the Osteria in West Hollywood in 2001-- a cozy and celebrated restaurant that is both decadent and amicable.

Traditional and inventive dishes make up the menu: Branzino with aromatic herbs, Lasagna with Beef and Veal Ragu, and Anchovies served with Beets will make the palate swoon. Perfectly thin crust wood oven Pizzas, and the specials of the day ranging from Oxtail to Veal Shank roasted in the same wood oven. Don’t miss the handmade Pastas that are unrivaled.

A competent group of witty and gorgeous Italian waiters enhance the enjoyable dining experience.

The wine list is stunning. A wide selection of Prosecco and sparkling wines leads the way to over 100 bottles from various regions of Italy, along with dependable and delicious California wines by the glass.

7313 Beverly Blvd.      (323) 297-0070

OSTERIA MOZZA

The best bar in LA is not a cocktail bar, nor a wine bar. The king of all is the Mozzarella Bar in the highly appraised Italian eatery, Osteria Mozza. Leave it to super chefs, Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, the brains and creative hands behind this delectable dining experience.

Behold the beautifully elegant, yet modern dining room. Get comfortable on one of the grand leather banquettes, or perch at the bar to experience a culinary journey through Italy, igniting all the sights, aromas and flavors that the country has to offer. Savour the creamiest, melt in your mouth Burratas outside of Italy with a Mozarella tasting— and sample the likes of Burrata with bacon, marinated escarole and caramelized shallots. Or the exceedingly popular Burrata with spiced walnuts, artichokes, currants and mint pesto.

The descriptive menu overflows with the freshest pastas, seafood, meats, and veggie creations. Squid Ink Chitatta Fredi with dungenous crab, sea urchin and jalapeno, or the Rabbit con salsiccia, roasted garlic, lemon and rosemary, will leave you utterly speechless. The tantalizing wine list features a comprehensive selection from top Italian producers.

6602 Melrose Avenue      (323) 297-0100