Best affogato ever! I had a great meal that began with the Happy Hour menu and loved it all, and to end with a superior affogato made me really happy. The perfect espresso poured over a silky vanilla bean gelato at the table is to be cherished. Our server was an amiable gentleman who was happy to answer my questions - including his preferred pastas, and more. Caesar salad (with a side of chicken breast) was refreshing and substantial; very shareable. Just enough dressing, not drowning, the crisp romaine alongside homemade croutons nestled within. The Calamari Fritti was expertly cooked and presented: Savory and addictive, it comes with a somewhat spicy red sauce - not as intense as arribbiatta. You'll definitely want to try a Pinsa, a Roman take on pizza. It's small but might pizza, and outstanding. We had the Marguerita, which had delicious gooey mozzarella and basil. Velvety crust with just enough crunch. Ask for some chili flakes to boost your heat. Could have easily stopped there, but grateful that my lunch hour got sidetracked, so we showed up really hungry. We also ordered a pasta, which, frankly, I expected to taste and then box. But no --- the pasta insisted to be loved, and loved it was. While there's a number I'd like to try, with Gilberto's blessing, we got the Bolognese. Served with tagliatelle (though they sounded flexible on your choice of noodle), this was wonderful. No curveballs, no razzmatazz, but simply a hearty, flavorful, meaty dish. The table side parmesan is of course something to say yes to. Wines by the glass at Happy Hour are good and a nice deal. Very enjoyable here. In addition to our server, the owner (I think), and another member of the team circulated and stayed visible, available and friendly. Dining alfresco is fun; there's a lovely afternoon breeze and it's not too close to the street. I look forward to returning to try more dishes, Happy Hour or not. Still, will likely still finish with the affogato. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Caesar with a side of chicken, Margherita Pinsa, Fritti Calamari (hidden) - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

As someone who worked in hospitality for years, I don't throw around five stars. Cesare earns them. The pinsa with French Brie and peaches? Order it. Don't think about it, just order it. The food is creative and really well executed. But the real story here is the owners. This husband-and-wife team is on the floor, hugging guests hello, making everyone feel like a regular from the first visit. That energy flows straight to the staff. Warm, attentive, no attitude. The crowd is half the fun too. Cedars doctors, young couples on first dates, families, neighborhood regulars. All ages, all vibes, everyone having a great time. That mix doesn't happen by accident. It happens when a place genuinely has soul. Go. Sit at the bar if you can. You'll be back. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Disappointed. My son was so very excited to take me here for Mother's Day. He took it upon himself to work out extra hard, after he made the reservation in order to have so many carbs. We entered with three occupied tables, so I figured either the place was not booked or we were extremely early and could expect excellent service. We ordered water, took a minute for the waiter to come and take our order but that's ok, we still needed a little time. Then I let my son order for us. He was precise and we put everything in at once. The focaccia took about ten plus min to arrive... ok, that's a bit excessive but ok. Another ten minutes pass and the pizza arrives... it's a flatbread. Prosciutto and cheese. Decent flavor, heavy on the cure. Then we wait for our spaghetti and veal ravioli. The loud table next to us finally left... the other table next to us got their check and still we wait. And wait. And wait. We basically ran out of things to talk about. 30-45 min pass and my son was getting pretty irritated. He was trying to make this dinner perfect since it's his last while he lives with me... but nothing. I was starting to get full from the water soaking into the bread that I ate. I guess my son made serious eye contact with our waiter because I saw him giving an angry stare off into the distance and the waiter came and said something must have happened to the computer and that the order didn't go in or something. I said that we had waited long enough, please box up this pizza and we will be done. (It was now my other child's evening closing time). The food comes back boxed within seconds (well at least that's a priority). Then he asks if we wanted anything, no sir. Not here. The check came and my son paid and we kind of tipped. Much less than the 25% I customarily tip. My son felt so bad like he himself ruined my Mother's Day. None of this would ruin my day. It's not about a restaurant. It's about being so lucky to be their mom... but nevertheless it truly has saddened him that it wasn't this perfect evening he mentally thought it would be. The interior is ok... darker and has what seems like family heirlooms etc. I think it would have been nice enough if the service wasn't so poor. But the whole incident has tarnished anything that could have been seemingly charming. Such a bummer. read more

Very well done, authentic Italian food. My wife and I will definitely revisit this restaurant. Lasagna was surprisingly light and filling (if that makes sense) it was enough food to be full but was really easy to eat. Pepperoni pizza was so fresh and loved the Roman style bread making and cooking. My kids never fish their whole pizza including the crust. This pizza, they demolished. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Dinner room is very beautiful. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Really good Italian food! We love the grilled calamari salad, the penne, spaghetti bottarga and the grilled branzino especially the spinach that comes with it. It was seasoned perfectly.It tastes just like the spinach at Madeo, but with a slightly bigger portion. They also have my favorite dessert from Madeo, Nonna's Cake, and it's just as delicious. Everything tastes very similar to Madeo, but at a slightly lower price. The service is excellent, and the restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. We'll definitely be back! read more

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A nice Italian restaurant directly across the street from Cedars Sinai. Walked across the street and had a margherita pizza and Peroni. Great happy hour prices and service. Sat on the outside patio. Second time here. The last time I had lunch here I ordered the eggplant parmesan and it was delicious. Looking forward to visiting again snd trying something new. read more

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Wow, is this place great. They have the best Italian food in Beverly Grove. There is nothing not to love. It is family owned and I think a guy named Cesare is the chef and owner. He is adorable. We saw him there. What a nice guy. This place is stunning inside and out. It is so very comfortable. Make a reservation, this place is now super popular. It is fine dinning and expensive so get over that. The service is just great. They have the best staff that go out of their way to keep you happy and comfortable. They have the best drinks--we had a couple. My photos did not come out well so I called them and they said we have two of what you had and you can use. I did. Better than mine could be. There is nothing not to love here. Their lamb chops are so great their veal scaloppini is great. We love their pasta and salads. Even their figs are great. Go there. read more

Cesare Ristorante - My photos came out bad so I called and they said I could use two of theirs. But this is what we got. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I came to celebrate my 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend. He found the most perfect place to celebrate our very special day. It's family owned and immediately when you walk into the space you feel so welcomed. Pamela the co owner of this beautiful restaurant immediately after sitting us down, offered to take a picture of me in my dress and also of me and my boyfriend. She was so sweet! We ordered the rosemary bread for an appetizer which was delicious specially drizzled with some olive oil. I ordered a red blend to pair with my bolognese entree, which paired perfectly! The bolognese was delicious, perfect on the salt and quickly disappeared off my plate unfortunately. My boyfriend ordered the Maitò which he raved about, and so did I. Not too sure what the sauce was made out of besides tomato and basil but that was one of the best penne pastas I have tried in the longest. Thank you for making this night such a special one. This place is one of one. read more

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Wonderful wonderful. We stumbled upon it while waiting for something at cedars and have gone back several times since. Food amazing staff incredible, kind attentive but not hovering . Owners present and lovely to connect with. read more

Fabulous!! I had my 60th birthday dinner here and they went above and beyond to make it a special and delicious dinner. Can't wait to return read more

We decided to try Cesare because of the good reviews, and had a hybrid happy hour/regular menu dinner at the bar. Our favorite dish was the buffalo burrata salad with tomato and basil. The tomato's were sweet and acidic which is sometimes hard to get in the winter, and the burrata was from buffalo milk which gives it a nice tangy flavor. The other items we tried were all ok but nothing really stood out. The pinsa margherita was tasty but a bit disappointing because the crust was more like regular pizza than the light airy crust pinsa should have. The tuna tartar seemed like good quality tuna but lacked in flavor. A little salt or sesame oil may have brought out the flavor. The atmosphere is very upscale with a nicely appointed dining room. We were there early and there were only a few tables seated so it was pretty quiet, and you could easily have a conversation with your companions which was nice. read more

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Dining at Cesare feels like stepping back into my study abroad days in Italy. From the moment you sit down, the owners personally greet each table, welcoming you like family in a way that immediately sets the tone--warm, unpretentious, and genuinely Italian. That feeling continues with the small details, like the olives and generous shards of Parmesan placed on the table as you're seated, just as you'd find in a neighborhood restaurant. The food itself is where Cesare truly shines. The ravioli--famously highlighted by Forbes--is delicate and deeply comforting, while the grilled calamari is perfectly tender with a subtle smokiness. The shrimp scampi is rich and mouthwatering without feeling heavy, and the pasta Bolognese delivers that slow-simmered depth that only comes from doing things properly. What makes it all even more special is that every dish is made to order. Nothing feels rushed or pre-prepared--each plate arrives with intention, reinforcing that same slower, more meaningful pace of dining I remember from Italy. Cesare doesn't try to reinvent Italian food--it simply honors it. And in doing so, it brings you right back to the kind of meals that linger long after the table is cleared. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've gone several times for lunch. Wonderful quality food with exceptional taste, and a reasonable price. Excellent service. I highly recommend it. read more

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Friendly welcoming service, delicious dishes and such a romantic vibe! Checked off all the boxes. Hubby and I had a fantastic dinner. We started with a fresh baked focaccia half garlic and half rosemary equally fantastic. He had the Bolognese and I lucked up on their Lasagna special. We've spent many a night in Italy so this felt like we were transported right back. Everything was exquisite. So much so that I did something I rarely do -- forgot to take pictures of our entrees! I guess we were too caught up in the moment and taking it all in. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We really recommend Cesare Ristorante! We had lunch one day and loved it. We brought friends back for dinner and it was delicious. The ambience is lively and relaxing. The homemade ravioli and the wood fired oven pizza was amazing. The service and drinks as well. Go! read more

Amazing family restaurant with a great great food and good service and I love love the owners. They are amazing and very, very friendly. read more

What a gem of a restaurant! Small, intimate space with truly personalized service and outstanding plates. Servings are visually more petite but incredibly filling. I highly suggest you start your meal with olives and Parmesan and end it with the Mille fuille. If you want to actually be able to talk over dinner and hear the conversation while not being rushed out of the restaurant, this is your spot. read more

Came here last night for the first time. Had been wanting to try it out after walking by last week, and also hearing the owner Cesare used to own Madeo. Was greeted by Cesare and his wife Pamela, and had an incredible experience. The food was delicious -- got a salad, ravioli and branzino with tomato sauce. Our waiter Gilberto was so nice to, we really vibed. Said he's been working for the family for 25 years. Overall, super grateful we found this place. Will definitely be back read more

Cesare Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing food. Wonderful flavors. Owner was very nice and accommodating. We enjoyed the whole experience and love to go back to try more things in their menu. read more

Cesare Ristorante - Branzino fish and Maito pasta - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I am a bit late to the party eating at Cesare. But I am now a fan The restaurant is a perfect size with an inviting dimly lit decor. The bar is populated with wine bottles as they await their liquor license. Which is why I question the reason for such a high $50 corkage fee However the service and the food were all top notch. Our server was Philipo who was professional, personable and attentive When we first got there, the restaurant was 50 percent full at 7 pm. By 8:30 pm every table, the bar and outside tables were packed Here is what we had We started with the focaccia pinsa bread and pear & cheese pinsa that were delicious. I recommend the pear pinsa The artichoke salad was one of the best in the city although a bit small on the portion side The meatballs were addictive and I soaked the pinsa in the well balanced sauce The pesto gnocchi sauce was great but not a huge fan of gnocchi Linguini with clams were cooked perfect and the sauce and clam sauce were bringing me to the east coast shores with every bite. The clams were a decent size for west coast restaurants- not tiny manila clams that have no business calling themselves clams. The mushroom risotto was loaded with umami and I loved the nutty yet creamy texture of the risotto The Branzino was one of the best in the city. Fresh and the piccata was almost infused into the fish There were vegetables too. Spinach and green beans that were farm fresh and clean All this food and $50 corkage fee for four people before tip was $350. This is a great place for a birthday or anniversary, unless you are loaded- then go once a week! I will be back and recommend you try Cesare as well read more

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Nestled in busy Third Street is this cozy restaurant. Simply put, the food is impeccable. Humble ingredients and plating bring you home, with the taste so comforting to the taste buds. I got the penne alla maito for lunch, and it was amazing-- definitely one of my favorite meals. Against the backdrop of Los Angeles, where it is nearly impossible to find good parking because of how busy and awake the city is, the restaurant quiets it down with the owner's welcome and foods' incredible and homey tastes. Go during their lunch hours, if you can, to avoid the heavier dinner rush and order the French Brie and Peaches pinsa for starters. read more

It's not cheap, but it's delicious and worth it. Cute place; cozy but upscale vibe. We were a walk-in early in dinner service on a weeknight and it wasn't busy at all. Our server was also the owner I think and was nice and helpful. Everything we ordered was really good, especially the spaghetti bottarga. read more

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The Veal Milinese is the best I've ever had. Killer Shrimp risotto! Food is just amazing. Everyone was thrilled with their dinner and place has very comfortable vibe. The service is incredible from the minute you walk in. The owner meets you and seats you at nice table. Reservations recommended but on a week night can walk in . Great place if you are visiting someone at the hospital or anytime. Just incredible food! Good for date night, quiet girls night, or family dinner. Can dine solo at the bar or a table. Anyway everyone in the restaurant seemed happy. We will be back again and again. Happy to make this a regular place. Very happy. read more

This place is super cute, we visited for lunch. Calamari, bolangnse, caesars salad and tiramisu were all super. The service was great as well. Thanks so much. read more

Last Friday I had dinner at Cesera Ristorante, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. From the moment we walked in, it felt warm and personal. There's a quiet charm to the space. Nothing overdone. Just inviting, intimate, and genuinely delightful. The kind of restaurant where you instantly exhale. The food was exceptional. Every dish that came to the table was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. You could tell there's real care behind what's coming out of that kitchen. I was honestly blown away. It's rare to find a place that feels both elevated and comforting at the same time, but this is exactly that. What really stood out was the overall feeling of the night. It didn't just feel like a good dinner. It felt like we had found something special. A place you want to return to again and again. Everyone at the table spoke so highly of their experience. One guest said something I loved. She said, "The next time I have a night to myself and want a beautiful dinner alone, I picture coming here, sitting at the bar, ordering the ravioli and a glass of wine. I can't imagine a better, peaceful night out on a date with myself." That says it all. Cesare Ristorante feels like that kind of place. Charming. Delicious. Memorable. I can't wait to come back. read more

Just had one of the best NY Steaks I've ever eaten. The tagliata di carne is perfection! The roasted potatoes are also delicious and perfectly crispy outside while soft inside. The focaccia with rosemary drizzled with olive oil is a great start as well. We had the tiramisu and the chocolate mousse ~ both amazing!!! Can't wait to go back! read more

Had a fantastic experience at Cesare! I went with coworkers for a team dinner, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We ordered burrata, carpaccio, meatballs, and the brie pinse for apps - and then we all got our own individual entrees. Everything was delicious, but my favorites were the brie pinse, burrata, and tagliata di carne. (the steak was a BEAUTIFUL presentation - lots of thin slices displayed in a circle). Overall the food was delish, the environment was warm, inviting, and friendly - and I would definitely return again. read more

Every single thing we ordered was delicious! We started with the eggplant and burrata with a delicious bottle of super Tuscan followed by spaghetti battarga - a delicious Sardinian dish. The eggplant was some of the best we have ever had. Great ambiance and always happy to support a family business. Highly highly recommend read more

I visited Cesare Ristorante for dinner with my colleague, and the entire experience was flawless. It's an exceptional find just outside Beverly Hills with a cozy, family-owned atmosphere and incredibly welcoming service from the owners and staff. The food is fantastic and everything we ordered hit the mark. I highly recommend starting with the Focaccia and the Polpette della Nonna (meatballs). For the mains, the Rigatoni Bolognese is rich and comforting, and the Scaloppine al Limone is a true standout. Make sure to save room for the Tiramisu! Outstanding authentic Italian food,, and genuine hospitality. Five stars. read more

The restaurant has potential, but my experience was fairly average. The presentation was nice, but the flavors didn't leave much of an impression. The service was friendly, although it could have been more attentive. Overall, it was decent, just not particularly memorable read more

The handmade fettuccine alfredo was incredibly creamy and coated the pasta perfectly. I highly recommend trying their classic tiramisu for a sweet and satisfying finish to your dinner. read more

I just wish I could explain how amazing this dinner was! My fiance found this restaurant for date night & it was such a hit. First, Cesare himself and his beautiful wife Pamela are there every night ensuring everything is running perfectly. The food is just next level. The pasta in the video is the one with fish eggs and the photo is the Veal risotto. This was the type of meal that just made you want to keep eating! Unreal taste and ambiance. Service was impeccable. We can't wait to be back!! read more

Cesare Ristorante - Veal Shank Risotto - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We absolutely love this hidden gem! They have the best Italian food and now have a full bar with cocktails! The owners Pamela and her husband are super sweet and personable and make it feel like home. The food & the staff are exceptional :) read more

We've been here a few times and will keep coming back for the best high quality Italian in the city. Every dish feels hand crafted. The zucchini ravioli had me swooning with a light cream sauce and delicate handmade pasta. The linguini ala vongole- perfect fresh clams, unctuous sauce. We've had the steak and it's the perfect flavor. You can't go wrong. Our server had just come back from Italy the night before and we usually have the same attentive service from this same guy who happens to be a talented contributor in other ways to the decor aside from his friendly smile. The leather booths and beautiful interior make for a wonderful date night but it's a great weeknight getaway for us anytime we need that real Italian hospitality. read more

My husband and I had such a great experience here. From the moment we walked in, it felt warm and welcoming, like we had stumbled onto something special. The food was incredible. Everything tasted thoughtful and beautifully prepared, and you can tell there's real care behind the ingredients and the execution. We shared a few dishes and kept looking at each other like, "Okay, this is really good." It's rare to find a place that feels both elevated and comfortable at the same time, but they've nailed it. What I loved most is that it feels like a hidden gem. I genuinely can't wait to come back with friends because I already feel like I have the best surprise up my sleeve. It's that kind of spot you're excited to introduce people to. We'll definitely be back soon. read more

From the second you walk in you are greeted with warm smiles, and the amazing service continues throughout your meal! The wine selection elite The food even better! We had a little bit of everything but the pesto pasta will linger in my mind for days! Already planning a reason to go back! read more

Cesare Ristorante - Burrata - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great food with amazing service. A must go. If you like Italian, fresh pasta. You can bring your own wine. read more

Went for lunch ... Bad attitude from the host / owner. Food was underwhelming. Sat in an empty restaurant and still had to wait for service and food . read more

I tried this for a lunch and glad I did. Beautiful and thoughtful dining inside or outside. I op-ed inside dining, scanned the lunch menu and chose a Cecio de Pepe flatbread. Delightful and flavorful. I accompanied this with a Boston Lettuce Cesar Salad. So fresh and light. I walked past this place in the evening and with all the lights twinkling it was a most inviting place to have an evening meal. read more

TERRIBLE!!! I genuinely wish I could give zero stars. We came here for Valentine's Day expecting a romantic, enjoyable evening, and instead it turned into one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had. First of all, the food was absolutely unacceptable. My boyfriend was served raw, completely undercooked food. Not "slightly pink." Not "a little under." Completely raw. It was shocking that it even left the kitchen. Within hours he started feeling sick -- and he was sick for an entire week afterward. That is beyond disappointing; it's dangerous and irresponsible. The service made everything worse. Staff seemed overwhelmed, inattentive, and dismissive when concerns were brought up. On Valentine's Day, when you know you'll be busy, you would expect a restaurant to be prepared. Instead, it felt chaotic and careless. Everyone was getting the wrong orders and people were smooshed together. To top it off, the restaurant was freezing the entire time. Not slightly chilly -- freezing. Everyone around us was visibly uncomfortable and complaining. People were eating with coats on. It completely ruined any chance of a romantic atmosphere and honestly probably contributed to how many people felt unwell afterward. Valentine's Day is supposed to be special. Instead, we left frustrated, disappointed, and dealing with the aftermath of food poisoning. We will absolutely not be returning, and I strongly caution others to think twice before dining here. read more