Best Italian Restaurants in Historic South-Central

82 restaurants available nearby

1. Bestia

4.7

Exceptional(8224)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 179 times today

A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

2. Bacari Adams

4.7

Exceptional(636)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Bacari W. Adams in Downtown Los Angeles is your go-to spot for an extraordinary breakfast experience. Known for its Venetian-inspired small plates, the restaurant offers a delightful array of Mediterranean-infused dishes that make mornings special. One reviewer exclaimed, "Delicious, creative, beautifully plated food at remarkably decent prices," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver Michelin-star quality. The intimate ambiance, coupled with warm hospitality, enhances the dining experience, making you feel right at home. Whether it's the freshness of the Little Gem salad or the rich flavors of their artisanal coffee, Bacari W. Adams ensures a breakfast that's not only tasteful but also memorable. Perfect for starting your day with quality cuisine in a lovely setting.

A photo of The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles restaurant

3. The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles

4.7

Exceptional(3608)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 51 times today

The Factory Kitchen in Downtown Los Angeles is a vegetarian's delight, offering an authentic Italian dining experience with a focus on high-quality vegetarian and vegan dishes. Diners rave about the restaurant's ability to transform simple ingredients into spectacular meals, with one guest exclaiming the food is "absolutely superb!" The menu features a variety of plant-based dishes that highlight the flavors of Italy, making it a top destination for those seeking exceptional vegetarian cuisine. The ambiance, combined with thoughtful service, ensures a memorable dining experience. As one satisfied customer put it, "Every bite was amazing," making The Factory Kitchen a must-visit for anyone looking for top-tier vegetarian options.

4. Rossoblu

4.6

Exceptional(2117)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Rossoblu in Downtown Los Angeles masterfully marries contemporary Italian cuisine with the vibrant spirit of both Bologna and LA. Chef Steve Samson's foundation in authentic Italian cooking shines through dishes like "Olympias tagliatelle," highly praised for bringing guests a taste of Bologna. The restaurant's house-made salumi, soulful pastas, and wood-grilled meats are crafted from market-fresh ingredients, ensuring a delectable and genuine Italian dining experience. Guests rave about the "perfectly balanced" tortellini in brodo and the "mouthwatering" fungi pizza, with one reviewer recalling, "Rossoblu brought me right back to my time in Bologna." With its chic ambiance and welcoming service, Rossoblu stands out as a gem for those seeking top-tier Italian cuisine in LA.

5. Antico Nuovo

4.7

Exceptional(844)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Hollywood

Booked 48 times today

Antico Nuovo in Hollywood, Los Angeles, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Nestled in the vibrant East Larchmont Village, the restaurant is celebrated for its skillful blend of traditional Italian techniques with a modern twist. Chef Chad Colby's mastery is evident in every dish, from the hand-made pasta to the wood-fired meats. Patrons rave about the "incredible" flavors and "unique" dishes, emphasizing the restaurant's ability to offer an "amazing dining experience" with a stellar wine list to match. The ambiance, described as "rustic, warm, with impeccable service," ensures every meal is not just eaten but savored. Reviews consistently highlight the focaccia and pasta as must-try items, making Antico Nuovo a beacon of Italian culinary excellence in LA.

A photo of The Palm Los Angeles restaurant

6. The Palm Los Angeles

4.4

Awesome(3110)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

The Palm Los Angeles, nestled in Downtown L.A., is a celebrated steakhouse renowned for its prime steaks and classic Italian fare. Since 1926, The Palm has been the epitome of steakhouse excellence, offering not only mouthwatering steaks but also an ambiance that combines sophistication with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Diners rave about the impeccable service and the quality of the dishes, with one guest mentioning, "The ribeye was cooked perfectly to med rare" and another celebrating the "old-school Palm style with delicious salad, prime ribeye cooked perfectly." This spot is truly a haven for steak lovers, where every visit is a promise of a five-star meal and a memorable experience. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere, the attentive staff, or the perfectly prepared steaks, The Palm Los Angeles stands out as a top dining destination.

7. CENTO

4.8

Exceptional(874)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mid-City

Booked 54 times today

Cento, nestled in the vibrant Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a haven for those seeking a truly authentic Italian dining experience. Known for "breaking the Mediterranean mold," Cento delights its guests with an array of dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious. Patrons gush over their meals, describing the spicy pomodoro as something that "hit different" and the sweet corn agnolotti as "very unique and yummy." The restaurant's cozy ambiance complements its standout menu, with one diner raving, "the food is wonderful... the best Carbonara and steak I have ever had. Oh, and the Tiramisu is out of this world." Whether you're seated at the counter watching your dish come to life or celebrating a special occasion, Cento's commitment to quality and authenticity makes every meal a memorable one.

8. Vespaio

4.5

Awesome(2511)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Vespaio offers an exquisite slice of Italy, right at the Emerson. Renowned for its authentic Italian flair, the restaurant is a go-to spot for a power lunch or a pre-theater dinner. Diners rave about the "flavorful Northern Italian/California style food" and the "superb homemade pastas". The ambiance is consistently lauded as "10/10," providing a backdrop to meals that transport your senses straight to Tuscany. With an "incredibly varied wine list" and dishes that never fail to impress, Vespaio stands out as a beacon of Italian culinary excellence, making every dining experience memorable. Join Vespaio to indulge in a celebration of true Italian cuisine.

9. Drago Centro

4.7

Exceptional(3704)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine, where Chef Celestino Drago’s mastery shines through a menu that melds traditional Italian flavors with contemporary flair. The restaurant is praised for its “excellent Italian dinner, great flavour, top taste” and is consistently described as a place that never disappoints. Guests are enamored by the diverse and extensive selection of premium wines and the beautifully designed space that complements every dining experience. With accolades like “If I could give Drago 10 Stars I would,” and a reputation for impeccable service and quality, Drago Centro stands out as a premier destination for Italian dining in LA, promising an unforgettable experience with every visit.

10. Hearts and Flame

4.1

Excellent(257)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Tokyo

Booked 8 times today

Hearts and Flame in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, offers an exquisite European dining experience with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine. Patrons rave about the "perfectly balanced bruschetta with burrata" and the "out of this world pappardelle wagyu," which showcase the restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality. The atmosphere is described as "intimate yet trendy," ideal for any occasion. Guests consistently praise the "exceptional service" and the vibrant setting, including a live music backdrop that adds to the charm. As one reviewer put it, Hearts and Flame is a "must-visit for any Italian food lover," making it a culinary gem in the heart of DTLA.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jesse
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Let me just say that everything we ordered was chef’s kiss 🤌🏻 the ambience and attentiveness of the staff is also top tier. Definitely coming back soon.
More info
BestiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
J
Janet
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Portions are small for brunch. More of a tapas style menu. Service was amazing! The drinks including mocktails were so delicious! The holiday theme is the cutest!
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Bacari AdamsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Andrea
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was our first time there, and it will not be our last. The food was phenomenal. The handmade pasta was superb. Excellent cocktails, too. Our server, Jonte, was gregarious and so engaging. Can't wait to go back, and also to take the pasta making class!
More info
RossobluPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
C
Cecilia
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service, did not rush you to leave like other restaurants. The food was as delicious as always. Never disappoint.
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The Factory Kitchen - Los AngelesPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
J
Jacobvip
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
It’s one of the best restaurants top to bottom in LA. The food is impeccable, the service is top notch and the staff is so kind and cool, and it just is a special place
More info
Antico NuovoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Hollywood
•
4.7

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Historic South-Central

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in Historic South-Central

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82 restaurants available nearby

1. Bestia

2. Bacari Adams

3. The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles

4. Rossoblu

5. Antico Nuovo

6. The Palm Los Angeles

7. CENTO

8. Vespaio

9. Drago Centro

10. Hearts and Flame

See what locals rave about

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