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    Jemma Hollywood

    4.4 (461 reviews)
    PriceyItalian
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    JEMMA HOLLYWOOD ATMOSPHERE

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    Casual
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    Spicy Rigatoni
    Tiffany L.

    I give Jemma 5 stars for being a restaurant in Hollywood, but overall as a restaurant I give it 4 stars. I go to Hollywood very often and finding a good restaurant in the area is no easy feat, so this place really stands out for me. Their lunch menu is fairly small, only offering 4 kinds of pastas and 3 kinds of pizzas. I really enjoyed the spicy rigatoni for how al dente it was cooked, and for how the sauce wasn't overly creamy and had nicely thin fresh parsley on top. For the pizza Margherita, I liked the dough they used more than the flavor, which I thought wasn't very memorable. We got the crispy calamari as well, and this was our favorite. It was fried perfectly crispy and the squid itself was really substantial. Why am I giving this 4 stars? Mainly because I think the food, for what it is, is a bit pricy. The vibe of this restaurant feels a bit fancy but the food doesn't really amount to it. Granted, I did go for lunch, so I don't know if their dinner menu might have offered a different experience. Overall, a great place to go to before or after a show at Pantages. Since it is pricy, I see myself coming here if it's a special occasion.

    Kara S.

    Would definitely go again. Great service, good food, love the ambiance. A little too dark for my old eyes but thank goodness for the lamps on the tables :) We made reservations and I was the first one there. I ordered for the table and our server was kind enough to work with me on when to put in each order. We ordered the kale salad, the agnolotti, Margherita pizza, eggplant Parmesan and the cauliflower. Everything was so good. A lot of people ate there and saw a show at Pantages after. So convenient to just walk over. If you are looking for a good place to eat before your show, try this place out.

    Special menu - Phantom of the Opera with The Phantom martini
    James H. L.

    Jemma fires perfectly on every cylinder - unique, interesting offerings, an amazing interior decor scheme that evokes a lot of fantasies and luxury, mixologists behind a masterful bar, and service options that include expert knowledge of the menus, perfect pacing on delivery to your table and many post Theatre options, including discounted valet storage of your car during the show, and holding onto your leftovers so you don't have to try to juggle them in the theater. Northern Italian dishes with complex and inspired sauces are delightful to explore. Their preparation for eggplant Parmesan is inspired by slow roasting in a dry oven without the traditional, heavy olive oil application leading to a dish that has wonderful roasted eggplant flavor along with a spicy Arrabiata sauce. Even the specials that they think of for each new show over at the theater are creative and absolutely delicious. There's no wonder why you need reservations for even the bar seating at this place. But I think you'll find whenever you visit this particular wonderful establishment, they demonstrate the finest level of customer-focused dining available at less than stratospheric prices. easily accessible from the Hollywood Vine, Metro Station and valet parking in front off of Vine Street.

    5.9.26
    Carroll N.

    5.9.26 I made a 6:45 pm reservation for two on a Saturday and recall waiting about 10 minutes since our table wasn't quite ready. The lobby is fairly small with limited standing room, but I did think the champagne vending machine was a fun and unique touch. Our server was friendly, and we ordered the chicken Milanese and a pepperoni pizza to share. I enjoyed the chicken and found it well-seasoned, though my husband felt the opposite and preferred the pizza. The restaurant is dimly lit, which adds to the ambiance, but the two-seat tables are placed very close together. It can feel a bit cramped getting in and out of your seat, and the noise level makes conversation somewhat challenging at times.

    Perfect Old Fashioned
    Jon N.

    3.5 stars There's a lot to like about Jemma. I expected attitude but there really was none. Hostess was very nice, and server, Caroline, was an absolute gem! It's dark and was bustling when we arrived, but conversation was easy. When the show at the Pantages started, more than half of the restaurant left. We were one of 2 tables by 830 pm on a Tuesday night. Drinks were creative and good although, at $20+ per drink, IMO they're overpriced. Wife got a Diet Coke and it's the tiny bottles at $5 each. The food was very good, overall. Starter, Emmy's Cheese Bread was delicious. Chicken Parm was excellent. Tagliatelle and Capellini were very good, and Orecchiette got mixed reviews. My wife originally ordered it and there was a black licorice taste that really put her off. Caroline was lovely and replaced it with the Capellini and meatballs which my wife enjoyed. I have to say, while I was happy they don't follow the current trend of serving their pasta al dente, I thought it a tad bit overdone. Still, pretty tasty. Finished with Canolli that was bomb! They tack on a 4% Employee benefits fee that you can request be removed. Just so tacky, especially with the already high ticket items; pastas at $30-$50 a plate, Cheese Bread $20, cocktails $20+ per... It's just gross to tack on more, but whatever. Excellent pre-show dining, and while not perfect, we'd return.

    Key Lime Cheesecake
    Kimberly D.

    Jemma is the perfect choice for a pre-theater dinner. They are located a short 5 minute walk from the Pantages. Their staff is very friendly and service is fast if they know you are going to the theater. Their Kale Salad is famous for a reason. It is probably the best kale salad I have ever had so far. The dressing is so delicious, the nuts give it the right amount of crunch and the amount of avocado is just right. We also got their Spicy Rigatoni with sausage which is our second favorite dish. Jemma knows how to do pasta very well. The portion size is large enough for two of us to share. The restaurant is always busy and and has a nice vibe. It does tend to get a bit loud, but not too distracting. For some reason we always end up sitting next to really nice people.

    Menu
    Marshay D.

    Ohhhhh Jemma!!! I'm so happy I tried you :) everything was 5/5 for me! The food is shareable as well. We ordered the spicy ragatoni, caesar salad and ospizza which was soooo good!! The pasta was hand made so even better!!! It was very tasty just how I like with great spicy sauce that was flavored with perfection. The Caesar was on point with good dressing and shareable!! Also, for desert we ordered the table side tiramisu that was yummy to my tummy and came with a great presentation! The whipped cream and brandy expresso was clutch!! The service was just as good as the food lol Antonio was our server and he was very attentive and patient!! Very good guy and understanding to make the customers happy!! The ambiance is really nice and cute as well. It's dark inside but good atmosphere. It's located next to the Astar hotel where you can park at as well. They even do dinner and a show here , but I did not get a Chance to get details on that!! However, the only thing I did not like is they charge a fee for support for their workers on the check. I'm sure you can get it off the check if you say something but I did not since the server was good!! Also, they have valet parking that's $33 and you can get it validated. Pretty pricey so try to find public parking if you can! Overall, you have to try Jemma!!! I had a great experience and the food was definitely on point no LIE!! I will be coming back

    Eggplant Parmigiana
    Evan W.

    Had a lovely, pre-theater dinner at Jemma, where I haven't eaten in quite some time. I was by myself, and the hostess graciously slipped me into a seat at the bar (just know, those seats get reserved, too), and my server quickly took my drink order: a proper gin martini with olives, which he made swiftly and perfectly, nice and cold with a good balance between gin and vermouth. To eat, I ordered the Spicy Eggplant Parmigiana, and it was a very pleasant surprise. The eggplant is not fried, but roasted to a soft and sweet consistency with the outside somehow maintaining its form and sporting a tasty, caramelized bite. Atop the expected sauce and cheese, crisp breadcrumbs added the crunch missing from the fry, and it all worked really well. The spice was noticeable without being overwhelming, and I really enjoyed the extra zest added to the dish. This is a terrific, different expression of a common item, and it really hits home well. Ambiance is lively and convivial without being pretentious. There's music, bright conversation, and muted lighting that helps you settle in and get comfortable. And there's one other great thing about Jemma: if you ARE going to the theater, you can leave your car at their valet and get a discount by showing your ticket -- AND, the restaurant will hold your leftovers for you!! A real gem in the heart of Hollywood.

    Chicken Parm Sando
    Lanae F.

    Very pretty restaurant right around the corner from the Pantages Theatre. Grabbed lunch with a friend. We shared the cheese bread which came with two dipping sauces-a ranch and tomato sauce, the tagliatelle, and the chicken Parmesan sandwich. Solid items. Good flavor at fair prices but I wouldn't say anything was spectacular. For drinks, the espresso martini was very good. I would not order the hot girl summer again. It was very tiny...I felt a little cheated.

    Hector, excellent barman with great people skills, foreseeing customer's needs. Momentous Mori Cocktail
    Gary I.

    Jemma is in the former Cleo, which featured Cuisine Nouvelle Mediterranée from the Levant, eastern Mediterranean with huge, dramatic murals featuring old school actresses playing the role of Cleopatra. Now Jemma is a full on New American featuring aspects of Italian cuisine. Redesigned to increase capacity intelligently with all sorts of configurations to meet the needs of different parties. I chose the bar since many bartenders tend to take you under their wing since they take territorial pride in seeing satisfied customers under their watch. Hector was no exception. He made sure my cocktail and order came out in due order. Thank you for excellent, aware service. 1) Jame's Kale Salad: Exemplary salad where all the greens and other ingredients were at the peak of flavour & freshness. Complex combination of frilly, fibrous Kale, alium funk green onion, hint of green herbal cilantro, crunchy toasted almonds, creamy avocado. All is tossed in almond oil and what may be mild Japanese rice vinegar dressing with a touch of sea salt and grating of Grana Padana, cousin to Parmigiano Reggiano. There is an ever satisfying Umami to make this addictive if you're a rabbit food aficionado. 2) Mandili di Seta: Silk Handkerchief is thin, flat, al dente pasta with a green spinach, powdered almond, heavy cream sauce touched with woody, warm spice, aromatic Nutmeg which reminds me of egg nog since it too is garnished with a grating of nutmeg. Pre pandemic Factory Kitchen had Mandili that had a bit more taut tension for a better mouthfeel, but Jemma's version is very good. 1-2a) Memento Mori Cocktail: Memento Mori (Latin for "remember [that you have] to die") I opted for gin, dirty for more brined olive undertone, green olives garnish. It was artfully shaken in front of me and ceremoniously poured. I was left the shaker to pour out the extra Martini into the classic stemed Martini glass. 3) Cannoli Siciliani is a work of art. Extra thin, ethereally light, fried dough shaped into a tube filled with vanilla scented Ricotta cheese that seems almost like a Crème Pâtisserie having a sweet, triple cream richness. The ends of the tube with the Ricotta jutting out is plugged with nutty, roasted Pistachio (pees tah kee oh). The Cannoli seems to be individually filled with Ricotta just before serving since the shell retains its light, crispy, airy texture. Another exemplary dish. Jemma has some accomplished cooking going on. Service at the bar can't be beat. Definitely a repeat visit is in order. 4+ stars PS Suggest looking at the show schedule at the nearby Pantages. I went at 6pm and there was a line to get into the restaurant, and the tables were already jam packed. By 7:15pm, the restaurant emptied since the theater goers had to rush to the 7:30pm showing.

    Pepe-Roni
    Aja M.

    Wanted to try this place for a while and finally got a chance as we were seeing a show at the Pantages. I loved the vibe and the host and the server were friendly. Drinks came out quickly, the Sangiovese was great. We got Emmy's Cheese Toast (very quickly a favorite of mine), meatballs and the crispy provolone for the group to share and those also came out fresh and hot. I ordered the pepe-roni pizza and now I'm going to be dreaming of it for days because it was so good. The dough was great, everything was flavorful and I topped off my dinner with an affogato. Absolutely would come here again!

    Rashmi V.

    We came to Jemma on a Friday night and were surprised to snag a reservation just two hours beforehand. Even better, we lucked out with metered street parking right by the restaurant and skipped the valet fee. The space is dim and cozy, and we were seated right away. Our server was friendly and attentive the entire evening, which really stood out. The food, though, was pretty average. The kale salad was excellent easily the best thing we ordered. We also tried the spicy rigatoni, a pepperoni/jalapeño/pineapple pizza, and tiramisu. The rigatoni looked promising but was overly al dente and lacked flavor. The pizza was the biggest disappointment the pepperoni tasted strangely like ham and there was barely any pineapple. We ended up sending it back. For dessert we chose the tiramisu, my first time trying it. The server prepared it tableside, which was fun to watch, and we both enjoyed it. Overall, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was nice, but the mains just didn't deliver. I'm not sure I'd return unless I stuck to salads and dessert.

    Martini in a frozen glass
    Cathy A.

    Staff & drinks definitely 5 stars, but the food is closer to a 4. This is our go-to restaurant before seeing a show at the Pantages Theater. Hector at the bar always makes our experience wonderful. Our favorite thing is when we get a new frosted glass when our martini is half empty. If martinis aren't your thing, the cocktails are great too. The kale salad is excellent, and that is saying a lot, as I don't normally like it. The branzino looked more like a fried taco, so needless to say, we were disappointed with that dish (I forgot to take a photo of it). The meatball appetizer is solid, but I have had better. The tableside tiramisu is always fun for a celebration and great for photos, but it tastes just ok. Overall, I will continue to come here again and again.

    Lemon cheesecake

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    17 days ago

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    Page 1 of 12

    Jemma Hollywood Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Jemma Hollywood

    Can I dine solo comfortably? Can you make a reservation for the bar area?

    Absolutely and the bar area is my favorite

    How can I contact the restaurant via email? Email on website is not deliverable

    Hey Amie! You can email me directly at Sean.lara@mmh.co. Is Jemmahollywood@mmh.co the email you were trying to reach?

    Any gluten free or vegan options?

    They have both but limited.

    Where do we park?

    There is Valet parking in the building where Jemma is. $20 for Valet, if validated by the restaurant. Perfect parking for the Pantages.

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    Maccheroni Republic

    Maccheroni Republic

    4.4
    (4.6k reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $$

    Maccheroni Republic - Life is full of pasta-bilities!…read more So if you know anything about me, you know that I love pasta more than just about anything. While I can only officially claim about 12% Italian heritage, I'm 100% down for Italian food, especially homemade pasta, any day of the week. I'm spending this week in Little Tokyo for a conference, and while Japanese food is also absolutely my jam, when Maccheroni Republic slid into my Yelp feed, I knew that I had to hoof it over there immediately after we broke for the day. I saw the front of the building, and my heart sank because it looked closed, but then I noted the sign that indicated that the entrance is on the right side of the building through the courtyard. Thank goodness! I strutted through the courtyard, and observed about 15 people waiting for tables. Unbothered, I went up to the host stand and chatted with the stylish maitre'd - Dino - who indicated that he could have a table for me in 7-10 minutes. I proceeded to wait and I watched how he deftly sat the other waiting parties in order without difficulty or notes. To the untrained eye, it might have looked a little chaotic, but Dino absolutely knew what he was doing. About 15 minutes later, Dino sat me at a corner deuce in the inside dining room where I had a nice view of everything. Angel efficiently took my order and did a very good job of overseeing my table as well as about nine others. The dining room is so cute and homey, and the patio is a welcome respite from the bustle and business of downtown. Since I was "da sola" or on my own, I just tried the shrimp cakes and I ordered the Rigatoni all Norma which is one of of my go to pasta dishes since I don't eat much meat. Incidentally, this dish is named after Norma, the famous 19th-century opera composed by Catanese native Vincenzo Bellini. According to legend, a famous Sicilian playwright, Nino Martoglio, tried the pasta and was so overwhelmed by its perfection that he exclaimed, "Chista è 'na vera Norma!" ("This is a true Norma!"), comparing the culinary masterpiece to the musical one. So says Wikipedia anyway. The shrimp cakes were delivered quickly by a sweet food runner who kindly checked on me periodically during my dinner. The four shrimp cakes were accompanied by sauteed onions which paired really nicely with the crispy cakes that were brightened with a spritz from the fresh lemon wedge. She also brought a basket with four slices of Italian bread which I enjoyed with the EVOO and Balsamic that were on the table. My Watermelon Ciao was also so good. It was sweetly tart and such a nice treat on a Monday! Not long after I polished off the shrimp cakes, the rigatoni was delivered and dusted with a generous layer of parmigiana. The little fresh mozzarella pearls glistened on the top of the pasta and slowly melted and oozed into the sauce as I stirred it up. Yum! The rigatoni were al dente and delicious, and they were perfectly sauced. Of course, the eggplant was perfectly cooked as well, I only wish there had been a few more pieces of it - although by the time I ate the last noodle, I was so full! Alas, I had no room for dessert, but I intend to bring some of my conference colleagues back for a meal before the end of the week because it was THAT GOOD. I also loved that this place is NOT pretentious at all. There were all sorts of folks enjoying their food here from medical professionals in scrubs to college kids in shorts and t-shirts, and I was also very casually attired, but I was treated well and welcomed with graciousness and delicious food! Mille grazie Maccheroni Republic, Dino, Angel and everyone at this wonderfully lowkey yet fabulous trattoria.

    First time at this restaurant. The staff was really…read morewelcoming and attentive which really makes a difference when stopping to enjoy good company and food in downtown. We went fairly early in the afternoon , to enjoy Lunch while visiting my aunt. They brought out fresh bread and it was really good, the balsamic vinegar had an amazing flavor . Forgot to snap photos of the appetizers , it's was Brushetta and The bone marrow, both were excellent Every dish came out and was sooo good , a nice portion and every dish was very well balanced and exceeded our expectations. The shrimp tasted very fresh and was perfectly plump and not overcooked. The Ragu with wild board was excellent and ragu was rich and hearty. Lasagna was very rich and decadent and we enjoyed every bite. Gnocchi con carne was delicious as well For dessert we had affogato , espresso was very rich and velvety , with the perfect sweetness. Flourless chocolate cake was amazing . We look forward coming back, the patio was really cute and offered shade and made us feel like we were transported to much calmer atmosphere (love downtown la though ) Above all else , every single staff member we encountered made the experience amazing , we will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    MASCARPONE FLAN
    MASCARPONE FLAN
    Scallops with squid ink risotto

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    Scallops with squid ink risotto
    Cento Pasta Bar

    Cento Pasta Bar

    4.4
    (1.2k reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$$

    Charming laidback outdoor courtyard setting nestled in trees and a lively kitchen-view, counter…read moreseating inside. The menu is inviting with plenty of great options without being overwhelming. Less is more. But let's talk art (culinary, that is). The dishes certainly deserve main features. To start "the best Caesar salad in LA" and I quote which was certainly true. Grilled octopus charred on the inside and juicy at the center. Spicy pomodoro is perfectly al dente and a well-balanced sauce. But, my favorite-- the agnolotti! Wow, melt in your mouth! The flavor profiles of corn, crème fraiche, and old bay were delicious. My only wish -- larger serving of this (smallest pasta serving on the menu). To complete it, banana pudding tiramisu -- delicious too with a firm center and oozy outside. Atala was wonderful and very sweet. Recommendation: come with a group of at least 4 to try more on the menu -- the large plates (branzino and ribeye) looked excellent! Definitely a worthwhile visit.

    I have to admit, I don't eat pasta very often, but damn... the pasta here was amazing…read more Getting a reservation was surprisingly easy through OpenTable, which was a huge plus. We came on a Thursday night as a group of four and the place was pretty busy. From everything I've heard, Cento is one of the more popular pasta spots in LA right now, so I was excited to finally try it. We started with the radicchio salad which was delicious. Light, refreshing, and tangy, a great way to start the meal. For pasta, we ordered the Spicy Pomodoro, Sweet Corn Agnolotti, Broccoli Bucatini, and the Cavatelli Finocchio. Honestly, it was hard to pick a favorite because every single one was excellent. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, the sauces were flavorful, and each dish felt unique. My only complaint is that the portions are a little small. I understand they're meant for sharing, but to be honest I probably could have eaten all four by myself. At around $30 per plate, this definitely isn't a cheap meal. One thing that was a little disappointing was that it was my fiancée's birthday and I had noted it on the reservation. We noticed another table receiving what looked like a special birthday dessert, but nothing was mentioned for us. My fiancée didn't want me to ask about it, so we just let it go and ended up getting dessert elsewhere. Not a huge deal, but it was a bit of a letdown. That said, the food itself was absolutely outstanding. If you're a pasta lover, this place is definitely worth checking out.

    Photos
    The kitchen view from our seats
    The kitchen view from our seats
    Spicy Pomodoro
    Spicy Pomodoro
    Beef Tartare

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    Beef Tartare
    PASTA e PASTA by Allegro

    PASTA e PASTA by Allegro

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$

    This was one of those places I knew nothing about, discovered randomly when looking for places to…read moreeat nearby, took one look at, and said to myself that I definitely needed to try it. Dropped by on a Saturday evening with my brother, no reservation. I was worried we'd be stuck waiting for an hour or more for a table but we were seated in less than ten minutes, despite the fact that it was a full house. The menu has an interesting assortment of traditional Italian pastas, Japanese classics, and Japanese-Italian fusion dishes. It's not a huge menu, but is just the right size to have a number of dishes I wish I could've tried all at once. I went with the bacon and mushrooms Japanese style sauce, which was a dashi and soy sauce base with bacon and mushrooms and a garnish of grated radish and nori. This was incredibly delicious, unique, and a true blend of Japanese and Italian flavors. The bacon was phenomenal and there was a generous amount on the plate. My brother got the arrabbiata. He asked them to not make it very spicy, but it still had a good kick (I definitely wouldn't have asked for it to be milder, but to each their own). The flavors were rich. And in both dishes, the pasta was cooked perfectly. Dinner comes with a complimentary salad and rolls. Our food came out fast, and our server was friendly. The owners were really nice, welcoming people. I loved the vibe of this place, with its dim lighting and quiet, laidback atmosphere. PASTA e PASTA is a gem and absolutely on my must-return-to list on my next trip to Little Tokyo.

    Definitely between a 4 and 5, but I'll round up because the pasta itself was really good…read more We ordered the crab dip, the carbonara and the uni pasta. It started with a sad looking bread and salad so we did not have our hopes up. Then we got the appetizer crab dip and it tasted a little burned. If this is how you start, don't be discouraged. The pasta really turned this whole thing around. The uni pasta was rich and creamy and packed with uni flavor. The carbonara was probably in the top 5 for carbonaras that we've ever had. Service was great and the restaurant had a quaint, super humble look but at least it was clean. Good location if you're doing something near little tokyo.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    PASTA e PASTA by Allegro
    PASTA e PASTA by Allegro

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    Settecento

    Settecento

    4.4
    (1k reviews)
    5.4 mi
    Romantic vibe
    Live music

    Went for a work happy hour. Great food and better service. T is the man!!! He made the experience…read morefull

    Attended the Night at the Library birthday celebration at the L.A. library and saw Settecento steps…read moreaway from the entrance. We made a reservation, while inside the event for 8:30 pm. The hostess at the stand that night was all over the place and people were complaining asking where she went and no one knew, but we all noticed once a line began to build, she would disappear. I would recommend making a reservation just so you have a solid place in line and so you're at least ready to be seated. Angel our server was fun! We loved his energy, it wasn't over the top and it was very mellow, but also he was on top of everything and checked in with us and gave us great suggestions for drinks, appetizers, entrees. I will say, this place looks fancy and expensive and also a dream. The outdoor seating is like you're eating in a countryside in Europe and not in Downtown Los Angeles. We sat outside and our table featured a sofa as one of the seating options. We had the best girl dinner and were able to catch up over drinks and food and Candlelight and I didn't want to leave. I had the pizza, my sister had the filet mignon and one of us had the pasta . The calimari was good as the starter and they also had house bread which was so good. The Settecento pizza was my favorite and their pizzas are delicious, light, airy, full of flavor. My sister said her filet was ok but the mushroom sauce was delicious. For dessert, I believe we ordered the Tortino and the Tiramisu and both were great but the Tortino was a little better. I ordered the Toki Pona to drink and couldn't finish it but it was very good. Definitely recommend eating here to everyone. It's great food, ambiance and our server Angel took great care of us.

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    Settecento
    Settecento
    Settecento

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    Donna's

    Donna's

    4.3
    (694 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$$

    Really loved my time at Donna's. Came here for my sister's birthday dinner and it was amazing…read more The hostesses and our server were fantastic. Appreciated o how our server recommended some of her favorites on the menu. Definitely try the arugula salad if you want to change it up a bit from the usual Caesar salad. The garlic bread was a hit! It was a great mix of buttery on the inside and crispy on the outside. Chicken parm and fusilli was also sooo good! I'd recommend to do family style and share so you can try more of the menu items. The interior is very clean and beautiful. The lighting is a bit dim but it adds to the vibes of the restaurant. Will definitely come back!

    The food was good, but it wasn't blown away as I was expecting, especially considering how hard it…read moreis to get a reservation. I'd heard so much about the garlic bread, but I honestly thought it was just okay. We ordered the broccolini (which was very cheesy), the arugula salad (also very cheesy), the vodka pasta, chicken Parmesan, and the linguine with clams. The linguine was good, but I wish it had a little more seafood than just clams. I'd say the dishes I enjoyed the most were the chicken parmesan and the vodka pasta. The cocktails were actually really good, and I appreciated that they had spritz-style mocktails too. The restaurant itself is cute, cozy, and has a nice atmosphere. Overall, I'm glad I tried it, but I can't say it was necessarily worth the hype.

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    Bar area.
    Bar area.
    Broccolini
    Broccolini
    Chicken Parmesan

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    Chicken Parmesan
    L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

    L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

    4.3
    (2.6k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    The best authentic Neapolitan pizza I've had in los Angeles. The crust was incredible, the cheese…read morewas perfect, and the arugula prosciutto pizza was outstanding. The Caesar salad was really good, and the branzino was honestly one of the best I've ever had - great presentation too. The kitchen staff in the back were some latino dudes but tbey clearly know what they're doing because the food tasted very authentic and well executed. I'm giving 3 stars for service because we waited way too long for our bottle of wine. When it finally came out, it wasn't the bottle I ordered, and our waitress Lauren insisted it was the same thing, which felt insulting because it was obviously not the same vintage - it was off by two years. At that point, I just wanted some wine already, so l let it go. That said, the ambiance was great, and the food alone makes this place worth visiting.

    Would I recommend this restaurant? Not really…read more From the outside, the restaurant looks okay and doesn't particularly stand out, but once you walk inside, it's very cute and nicely decorated. The atmosphere is pleasant. Sitting outside in their back patio was enjoyable, while the indoor dining area is cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Everything looks appealing and well-presented, but unfortunately, much of the food lacked flavor. I ordered the Pappardelle Genovese pasta, and although it looked delicious and had plenty of meat, it was surprisingly bland. I even added sea salt to try to enhance the flavor, but it was still only average. The pizza wasn't bad, but it's not something I would order again. The drinks were fine and looked cute, but nothing particularly memorable. My favorite item was the beet salad. It was delicious and well balanced, with mixed greens, goat cheese, hazelnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette. That was definitely the standout dish of the meal. Overall, the ambiance, decor, and presentation were better than the food itself. While it's a nice place to visit and enjoy the atmosphere, I probably wouldn't return for the food.

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    Interior.
    Interior.
    Truffle Pizza
    Truffle Pizza
    Interior

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    Interior
    Mother Wolf

    Mother Wolf

    4.1
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$$

    Mother Wolf continues to set the standard for Italian dining in Los Angeles…read more The service was nothing short of phenomenal. Andrés was an absolute professional--his knowledge of the menu was outstanding, and his recommendations made the entire experience even better. He was attentive, personable, and clearly passionate about ensuring every guest had an exceptional meal. The food was spectacular. Every dish was cooked to perfection, and every bite transports you straight to Rome--except with much more comfortable seating (IYKYK). The quality of the ingredients and attention to detail are evident in every course. And don't skip dessert--the dessert menu is absolutely top-tier and the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. The ambiance ties everything together perfectly. The music creates an energetic, upbeat atmosphere that's ideal whether you're kicking off a night out or winding down after a fun-filled day. It strikes the perfect balance between elegant and lively. Mother Wolf isn't just a restaurant--it's an experience. Between the incredible food, impeccable service from Andrés, and vibrant atmosphere, it's easy to see why it's one of the best dining destinations in Los Angeles.

    A nice dinner spot to give a try if you are craving some good Italian food. I had a reservation but…read moreit didn't get very busy when I was there on a Saturday night. I know this place used to be pretty busy and booked but think the hype might've died down? But I love it cause I was able to enjoy dinner with my friends comfortably. We ordered the arugula salad, squash blossoms, bread, prawns in the salsa verde sauce, oxtail meatballs, the oxtail ragu pasta and carbonara pasta. The salad was delicious and the perfect start to the carb overload coming. It was the perfect amount of lemon that it wasn't overpowering. The squash blossoms were delicious! Definitely one of our top three dishes. The bread was airy and simple, but it was delicious. The prawns and the sauce. *Chef's kiss* The meatballs were delicious and definitely something unique and different. Definitely enjoyed that. The oxtail ragu pasta was delicious. The carbonara pasta was a little undercooked and the flavor wasn't there. It just tasted like butter and pasta.. that was probably our least favorite dish. Everything was good and would be back again to try maybe some other pastas or even the pizzas.

    Photos
    Open kitchen
    Open kitchen
    Polpette Di Coda (Oxtail Meatballs)
    Polpette Di Coda (Oxtail Meatballs)
    Croquettes, least memorable of the night for me but good!

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    Croquettes, least memorable of the night for me but good!

    Jemma Hollywood - italian - Updated July 2026

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