A hidden gem in DTLA that I hadn't heard about, but glad I tried it. Affordable and delicious Italian food! I had the pappardelle with ragu, and it was everything I wanted: rich, meaty, and perfectly balanced with their handmade pasta. You can taste the freshness in every bite. My boyfriend went with their signature shrimp pasta, it was a blend of two colored noodles. The shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked, with a sauce that had the right touch of brightness. The vibe is cozy and bustling and parking was t too difficult to find on a weekday at 6 PM. Service was warm and attentive without being overbearing. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to whenever I'm craving pasta that feels both comforting and elevated. read more

After watching a "Here Lies Love" show at Mark Taper Forum in DTLA, this place was recommended by my AI app. So we headed there and it was a few minutes drive from the Ahmanson Theater. Since it was an early dinner at around 3:40, there was no waiting and we got seated right away. The food was delicious and the ambiance was very pleasant. We ordered and shared their signature dish Bianchi and Neri and Frutti di Mare and both hit the spot. The serving was generous and also on the wine which I noticed every place we eat they cut down on the wine serving but not this place. Service was very good. The place got filled up in an hour and by the time we left, there was a long line outside already. Parking is right next to it but it is a little expensive and they validated $6 out of the $20 parking fee. My suggestion is if you can walk from the theater for 12 to 15 minutes then leave your car there for the flat rate $10 feet. read more

Maccheroni Republic - An appetizer that was recommended but not in the menu. A squash flower filled with cheese and fried. Very unique and very good. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The host was very nice and chill- my friend and I came from the Northern California and stayed out in LA for a few days and I had got recommended this spot from one of my intown people and we came here. Waited 20 mins to check in- it was a vibe just walking around - but we get inside the restaurant got seated- we got water, lemonade and tea. For our food- I ordered a Rigatoni Alla Norma. (My friend ordered a Rigatoni Pom'Amore) both dishes were honestly an amazing 10/10. (For a little appetizer meal we had garlic Parmesan bread). My Rigatoni tastes so well flavor was there, the pasta was just right and everything was in-house made tooo which was dope. Overall my experience for a first time visit was solid 10 and they treated me like home. I'd definitely come back again read more

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Came here at the recommendation of a friend and it was fantastic! The outside is pretty unassuming and easy to miss but the inside has that dark wooden cozy restaurant vibes. Service was lovely and welcoming. I went with the signature Bianchi and Neri. The dual colored pasta is fun and perfectly al dente. The shrimps were plump and fresh, and the sauce was creamy and rich. Pretty good portion.. I had to stuff myself full to finish it. My friend went with one of the specials - the Fusilli con Spanish octopus. I tried a bite and it was also perfectly cooked and the octopus was soft, not too chewy. If you're looking for Italian in downtown, I'd recommend checking this out! read more

Maccheroni Republic - Fusilli con spanish Octopus, salsa ai peperoni arrosto - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is hands down the best Italian meal I've had in Los Angeles since moving here in 2016. I feel bad for every restaurant I review after this, especially the Italian ones because this will be such a tough act to follow. My friend and I did the Dine LA menu. First off, amazing options, it was so hard to pick but we started with the Carpaccio and the Burrata. That cheese was so darn good and the tomatoes were packed with flavor. We ended up making little sandwiches with the beef, the bread, and the burrata (yay alliteration!) And they were so good. Everything was so fresh, we cleaned the plate. Main course we chose spaghetti Bottarga which is just spaghetti with garlic, oil, and pieces of white fish chopped throughout. We also shared the roasted pork risotto (actual name is long, check the menu). The flavors here were impeccable, well seasoned but not overly salted. The pork was fall off the bone. The risotto was the ideal texture and consistency, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The fish was fresh and not "fishy" in that way that overpowers the dish. The pasta was perfectly cooked. Everything tasted fantastic and complimented the accompaniments well. I didn't think the dinner could get any better but then came dessert. We had the Panna cotta and the cannoli. The Panna cotta was light and sweet, but not too much. It was absolutely delicious....BUT THAT CANNOLI?!? HOLY WOW. What an experience? Spectacular...give me 14! Perfect size, and the taste was off the charts. What a way to end. I'm going to have dreams about that cannoli. Sorry I'm gushing. All in all, one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Flavors were on point. Definitely left an impression. We also had drinks and honestly, the online menu doesn't do them justice with the photos. They tasted delicious - an aperol spritz and a passione l'amaro - great sizes for the price tag. Fabulous service, next course was ready soon after we cleared our previous plates (and we did clear them) and our server was charming, had a great sense of humor and checked in on us several times. We sat outside which was lovely. Inside looked a bit cozy but outside was spacious and the heatlamps weren't overpowering. Great experience. Okay, this was a novel but it was truly a phenomenal dining experience (I'm out of adjectives). I feel like Maccheroni did what restaurants that participate in Dine LA should do, which is put the items they do extremely well on this menu so people are forced to eat their best. And if this wasn't their best, I can't wait to go back. I wish I had a 6th star. read more

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After a mediocre first visit years ago, I came back with an open mind for an 11-person birthday party at 2:30 PM on a Sunday. Because they do not take reservations, the zero-wait seating was only possible because the restaurant was pretty empty at this off-peak hour. I would absolutely never wait an hour in line for this place, but the timing worked out perfectly for us today. The staff was definitely much more attentive this time around, though that may simply be because the dining room was mostly empty. On a positive note, they finally fixed a major pet peeve of mine: for a restaurant making fresh pasta, serving pre-grated cheese out of a jar was a terrible look. Today, they actually had a server spooning the cheese onto our plates as desired, which is a massive upgrade over the old shakers. Our waiter Ivan and his crew were incredibly nice throughout the meal. The food itself was a mix of highs and lows. The bone marrow appetizer was a massive hit, and most guests really enjoyed their pasta dishes, though one person felt the sauce didn't live up to the pasta itself. I ordered the fennel herb salad with grilled Norwegian salmon. The salmon was tiny--likely only two ounces for $21--but it did have a beautifully executed crust and great flavor. The fennel salad, however, was horrible and completely all over the place; I couldn't even tell if I was eating fennel or citrus, and I will definitely choose something else next time. For dessert, Luisa's olive oil cake completely lacked sweetness and flavor, but the chocolate fudge cake was excellent. The real standout was the Tiramisu, which easily ranks as one of the best I have ever had. The major downsides come down to bad execution and rising costs. They only serve Americanos instead of drip coffee, but they made ours with room-temperature water instead of boiling water. Once cream was added, we were left drinking entirely cold coffee. Furthermore, their corkage fee has skyrocketed from $10 to $30, which felt excessive since I had to open the bottle and pour it myself. Parking is another financial headache. Finding street parking in downtown is impossible, so you have to use the adjacent lot. It costs $22, and even with the restaurant's $6 validation, you are still out $16. While they are designated as a Michelin Bib Gourmand--one of only about 65 in Southern California--don't confuse this with a star rating. It simply means good quality food at an excellent value. Between the cold coffee, the tiny salmon portion, the $30 corkage fee, and the $16 parking, this restaurant is simply no longer a good value. However, the experience was still a step up from my last visit. Detailed Report Card Location: B Venue/Ambiance: B- Food Quality & Temperature: B- (Taking other guests' feedback into account) Service: A Menu Selection: B+ Value: B- (Factoring in food, parking, corkage, and portions) Overall Grade: B (4 Stars) read more

Small, adorable restaurant near grand central in La, Maccheroni Republic has all the makings of an amazing restaurant, but just doesn't quite hit it for me. Let's start with the positives. The staff is very friendly, the ambiance is beautiful. They have a very small inside, but a decent sized patio. There are heaters so even on a cold night the patio stays open. You're surrounded by shrubbery which shields you from the outside world. Based on ambiance, it'd be a great date spot. Now for the not so positives. Parking is either street or garage. There is a garage right next door, but it can get expensive. They do offer a validation which knocks a few dollars off. This restaurant does not accept reservations and because it's small the wait can get long. Fortunately, we came around 5-6 on a Friday and were able to get seated right away for the patio. The inside had a small wait, but it was only about ten minutes. Luckily, if there is a wait you can wander over to grand central and peruse the selections there while you wait. The drinks were tasty and refreshing. We went with cocktails but there is a large selection of wines. The food was just okay. We started with calamari and salad. The calamari was fried well and the dip was tasty. Not overly salty. The salad was fine. Standard arugula salad with endive. The pastas were a let down. They were cooked al dente but weren't a home run. We ended with the tiramisu which was delicious especially paired with a cappuccino. All in all the meal was fine the ambiance was great but I'd likely not return. read more

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When I'm in DTLA and craving pasta, Maccheroni Republic is always my go-to place. The fresh pasta really makes a difference, every dish I've tried has been flavorful and absolutely delicious. The complimentary bread is a nice touch and yummy, especially while waiting for your food. Service has always been great, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality you're getting. On top of that, the restaurant itself is a cute little spot with a cozy, welcoming vibe. Highly recommend if you're in DTLA and in the mood for some amazing pasta. I'm always happy to come back here! read more

If you were to ask me about my favorite spot for pasta, I would instantly recommend Maccheroni Republic. Every dish is chef's kiss, and the service is always inviting. My go-to order is the Bigoli della Nonna, which I can't resist getting every time. The wine selection is also reasonably priced. While they don't take reservations, the wait is definitely worthwhile, especially since the restaurant is conveniently located right across from Grand Central Market--perfect for browsing while you wait! Note: you can even buy their fresh pasta to cook at home. read more

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Pastas on point! No reservations unfortunately so recommend going on an "off time" such as a weekday evening. We went on a Monday and didn't have to wait. They have wines and cocktails available but you can bring your own wine for a $30 corkage fee. The pastas are the highlight here so definitely recommend if you're looking for a good plate of pasta. For appetizers, we really enjoyed the Grilled Calamari. We went with the Spaghetti and Meatballs and the Bianchi and Nero pasta, which is their signature dish. Very decadent and cooked expertly! For dessert we got the Ricotta Cheesecake and was smooth and not too sweet! Service was attentive and the ambiance was intimate and great for a date or a small group. read more

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This place was so delicious and I enjoyed every part of the meal! I came with my friends and ordered the Bianchi & Neri, which is their signature dish, the Papperdelle al Cinchiale, and the Rigatoni Pon'amore. For starters, we had the fried calamari and drinks. Their cocktails were all so delicious and I would highly recommend! My favorite was the Bianchi & Neri and loved the mushroom bits in it. We had to wait a little over an hour to get seated so I would recommend coming early to place your name down. They do not take reservations and it is first come first serve. There is a public parking right next to the restaurant but I do not think they valet and it cost $20. Pricey but also LA prices. There is also a bar across the street with pretty affordable drinks so that was a nice place to wait for our spot. Overall everything was amazing and I would def want to come back again! read more

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I went here for a friends birthday dinner, we were agroup of 6 and didn't have a long wait, although the restaurant is walk-in only and typically very busy, especially on a Saturday night when the vibe is buzzy. Everyone loved the pasta, bread, calamari and desserts. Love bringing people from out of town here! read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've been here many times now. I always order the Bruschetta, the Rigatoni Pom' Amore, garlic bread and Crema Di Viniglia (best dessert!!). There might be some variation occasionally we add the Burratina or a soup. I love this restaurant. The servers are great, the outside seating is fab and the food is always amazing. Always. Forever a fan!!! read more

Came here for the first time after a friend recommended it, and it did not disappoint! The place has a super cozy and cute vibe really great atmosphere. We ordered a few dishes. The Bruschetta Di Panzanella, Carpaccio Di Carne, and the Rigatoni Pom'amore. Everything was honestly delicious. The bruschetta and carpaccio were both super fresh and flavorful, but the rigatoni really stood out. I'd never had khorasan short tube pasta before, and it was SO good. The sauce was creamy and just hit the spot. Service was also amazing. Our server took the time to explain each dish, which we really appreciated. You can tell they know their stuff and actually care. Definitely coming back! read more

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been here twice now and both times have been great! you can really tell the pasta is fresh it's amazing. service is good and i love the overall vibe of the place. prices are equivalent to most other italian restaurants, and for it to be in LA as well, really not bad at all. will definitely be back again at some point. read more

Favorite place for pasta in DTLA! Lovely Service and the waiters are always so attentive. Everything was delicious. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ambiance - cozy downtown LA restaurant. Love the brick walls. Ambiance is comfortable and unpretentious. We were the first to arrive at 5 pm. By the time we left at 6:40 pm, the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday. Food - we ordered the shrimp cake appetizer. It was so flavorful and the caramelized onion was perfect with it. It was not greasy even if it was the right amount of crispy. Our server recommended the Negroni to with our pasta order. It was refreshing and wonderful. I ordered their signature dish, Blanching Neri, a black and white spaghetti pasta with shrimp, mushrooms, roasted pancetta tossed in a creamy bisque. The shrimp was tender, the pasta was freshly made al dente, the pancetta was crumbled and crispy and the sauce was the right amount. It was an incredibly generous serving. I was in heaven! No wonder it is their signature dish. My hubby ordered the frutti de mare which had linguini pasta with pan flamed fresh clams, bay scallops and shrimps in a spicy tomato sauce. It wasn't spicy though. The seafood were tender and plentiful. Again, another generous portion. Hubby wished that instead of the red sauce that it would be a pink sauce ( cream and tomato sauce). Anyway, the flavor was good. It could have used a little bit more sauce but pasta was perfectly al dente. Finally, we share an order of tiramisu for dessert. He had cappuccino and I has a regular decaf coffee. Overall, we were very pleased with our meal. This is now our favorite Italian restaurant. I'd like to try their lasagna next time. Our bill came to $137, including an 18% tip which they automatically added to the bill. Service - our servers were very attentive, promptly gave us bread as soon as we sat down. They were very good at clearing our used and empty dishes and filling our glasses with water. They consistently checked in on us to see if we needed anything. The service we received was excellent. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Bianchi & Neri - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Absolutely delicious pasta. I love pasta and this was a treat. The restaurant is smaller with an outdoor patio. Patio is well heated so don't be scared to sit out there. Interior is well designed, this place is date night worthy! Service was great, wait staff knows the menu and will guide you on whatever you're looking for. Bread is complementary which in this day and age is a huge plus! Homemade Pasta is delicious, and sauce complements it well. Nice drink menu too! I can't wait to go back. read more

Everytime I come here it's so nice! The pasta is a bit pricey and mid portions but veryyy tasty!! The seating and ambiance is very romantic and classy the service is always fast and efficient. The Lasagna di Carne is very yummy also the Pappardelle Chicken Alfredo! Fresh pasta makes all the difference (: read more

Maccheroni Republic - Seating - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dog friendly!!! This spot is amazing. Party of 6, with my little buddy making it 7. We shared 4 pasta dishes, arugula salad and beef carpaccio. My bad, did not take food pictures. But believe me, trust me... beautiful presentation and delicious. Service is outstanding. Made us feel like family. You almost forget you're in DTLA. Parking is pricey, but $6 off with validation. $16 total. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Heard - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A true gem of LA. The best staff, vibes on point, great crowd - and some of the best pasta dishes in town. Everything, I mean everything, made from scratch with love. The owner is there most every night making certain that things room like a well oiled machine, and everyone is happy. Simply one of the best examples of what makes our fair city so wonderful and unique. read more

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My friends and I waited almost 2 hours for a table. Conveniently, grand central market is across the way so we got a pre-dinner snack. We ordered the bruschetta, salad, and 3 pasta dishes. The bruschetta was so basic and not worth. The bread was hard and the tomatoes lacked flavor. The salad was also just ok. As for the pasta dishes, I liked the pasta itself as it was cooked to al dente. The chewiness of the noodle indicated its freshness which I appreciated. However, the pasta dishes were soo salty. It seemed as if they salted the pasta water a little too heavily or something. It was pretty busy so maybe they just had an off night? Service wasn't terrible. The staff is overall friendly. Parking is in the structure next to the restaurant. They will validate the parking ticket so make sure to bring it with you. It takes off like $5 or so read more

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The dessert was delish and I had the best Mac and cheese of my life!!!! The ambiance was so nice. You could barely tell you were in the middle of the city. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I would say hands down the best pasta in LA. All of their pasta is handmade in their facility next door. You would think "how special could pasta be" and I'm here to tell you: handmade pasta makes ALL the difference. Their sauces & ingredients they use are all very good and high quality. But it's the pasta that brings it to A+. Great service although some of the waiters I've encountered have had questionable sensibility. The ambiance is also great -- perfect for a date if you're a dude taking a girl out. She will love it. They only accept walk-ins so if you go on a Friday or weekend, expect a 1.5 hr wait. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My family always hyped up maccheroni republic to me and I believed yeah it's probably a pretty good Italian spot. It is by far the best one I've been to and lived up to said hype. The first time having the tortellini was divine and had me wanting to come back for weeks. The two times I have been here the service has been exquisite, attentive and friendly. For the portions and flavor prices are not bad at all well worth the money. Perfect place for any occasion, even saw some people working on their laptops while enjoying some delicious Italian food. Beware for wait times on weekend nights read more

Maccheroni Republic - Tortelloni Burro E Salvia Bianchi & Neri Lasagna Di Carne - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Pretty cool that they do NOT have a reservation system for wanting to go out, and willing to wait and eat. Their system is come and you will be seating within 20 minutes, and it WORKS! The outside is nice, and they have heaters, as it was cold at night, so we felt cozy even with lighter wear. The inside is smaller, and also inviting, but not like the outside. It is a courtyard and runs down the length of the driveway and restaurant. They validate parking in that driveway as well, with no smell of urine! There is security at the door for your mental and perhaps physical comfort. Los Angeles has become such a horrible dump of a place its not even a joke, so this is a plus. Mind boggling why people pay stupid rent prices just to work AND live here. Sure they pay is more, but so is the living expenses. Interesting how the corps have sucked the life of everything around them. Anyways, this ties into the price of dining out. This is not a luxe place where you think; "Ya, I know its expensive, but its a fun splurge". NO, its not that. There is nothing splurgy here. They simply do a decent, better than average job for a less than a splurge price. And the reason I gave this a 3+ star, as it is not pretending to be something it is not. ...Most Pasta dishes are about $25. and the rest fall into place as being a decent deal where you dont feel like you got ripped off for some BS decor and some BS Chef Orsini plating techniques and how the truffle was brought in from his own Nottinghamshire forest by his hound dogs....OR some BS like Bestia. So, if you are here... -I would recommend the grilled Squid starter, the fried is OK, but a bit dry or over fried. Yet still pretty good. -The Burrata Pesto is good as well. -The waiter might say that the Fruiti De Mar is good, but it is not any better than many... Its like 90% of any Fruiti De Mar I have had from $35-55. This one over linguine pasta is the way I prefer, BUT, the pasta doesnt taste good as it overcooks sitting in the broth, there are mussels to work, some shrimp, and I dont remember much else. Its not that its bad, its just not special. I tried the other pasta dishes, and the pasta really stands out and is tasty and something to enjoy. -*So if you come here and it wont be often, go with one of the pasta dish highlights. Another thing in those other Pasta Dishes....The ones with creamy sauces......They are HEAVY!! Lots of butter, or cream heaviness. You feel it after you eat, so you might really want some stiff high Alco-volume drinks to cut through it all, LOL. So for desert, the most popular is the Tiramisu, and it was OK. Major thumbs up for not having a disgusting liquor flavor, though I sensed a spot of sweet Alco in it, but very faint, and may have been the correct thing to use, Marsala wine,(I dont think they used this, maybe a dash of Kahlua) but the coffee flavor was a bit weak, and the custard I think was with some whip cream vs just egg yolk mascarpone and sugar. Not bad, but missing that union of yolk and cheese heft. This desert being a Veneto original, at least they didn't ruin it with some other liquor that over powers it. Service is pretty good as well. They NO LONGER do a Included TIP charge, so you choose how you tip. There is nothing of any such spotlight on the waiters doing their acting presentation or anything. Its "What would you like", and maybe a suggestion on some questions, and to the point, no extra fluff. I think this helps keep things moving on the table turnovers. A plus really. Food comes out very well synced, so that is nice to also see. You are tipping for more than just who took your order. We shall see how my other top 4 Pasta or Italian spots hold up. Il Nido was also pretty good, Uodo was very good pasta. Hom is next on my list. read more

Checked in and waited about 20 minutes for a table around 7pm! We were surprised the wait wasn't any longer with all the other people waiting. The food was great! We were debating the garlic bread but so glad we chose to get that in the end, the flavor is great! I went with my sister and we both got items off the specials menu and they were both so delicious!! This is my second time visiting and I will come back to try more. Staff is very welcoming, attentive, and professional. We sat outdoors and the space heaters are great for the night chill, also kind that they offered to turn on a second one near us if needed. read more

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Delicious Italian food! We sat on the patio and it was such a great spot, especially in the middle of DTLA. The service was wonderful, everyone was very friendly. It was hard to choose what to order because everything looked amazing. The calamari was delicious and the pasta was cooked perfectly. read more

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Phenomenal pasta! Simply delicious! Had the most amazing "adult" spaghetti. Generous meat and pasta portions. Try the complimentary bread with olive oil and chili oil mixed. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Bignolu Nonna, aka fancy spaghetti - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This has long been one of my favorite Italian restaurants making some of the best pasta dishes in town. It's a pasta aficionados paradise. The great pasta is served by a friendly professional staff. The place is minimalist with a comfortable outdoor patio. Parking isn't always easy but it's worth a short walk from nearby lots. The wine list is short but priced right. Cheers! read more

It was an amazing experience. The outdoor seating was making us feel comfortable. The breeze the lighting everything was just perfect and I would definitely go back. Food was seasoned so well. Creamy and saucy.. loved the texture as well! They were not too heavy and the portion was just about right read more

Maccheroni Republic - Bianchi & Neri Gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Had a great dinner at this iconic restaurant! It's located right across the street from Grand Central Market. Free Parking is tough to find, be prepared to pay. It's first come first served. There's a waitlist you sign up on when you arrive. Once you get in the list you can go across the street to grab a drink while you wait. Once we were sat, we were served right away. The bread and olive oil were delicious! We ordered the mozzarella sticks, lasagna and seafood pasta. The sticks were ok, nothing special. Same for the seafood pasta. The lasagna was really good though! Wish it was saucier but that's just preference. I would definitely get it again. Overall a good experience. Will return to try other dishes eventually! read more

Maccheroni Republic - Entrance - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Was once a hidden gem in dtla. Is now a known gem... glad places like Maccheroni have persisted when others have thrown in the towel. It's a treat to dine here. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Bigoli Della Nonna was awesome. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing amazing amazing! Service, food, ambiance! Ugh I came here for my grad dinner and it was the best decision!

I Blacked Out Somewhere Between the Gnocchi and Enlightenment I walked into this Michelin-star temple of carbs and now I can't eat anything without whispering "al dente" like a prayer. Appetizer: Rolled Eggplant So cheesy and cooked to perfection Main Course: Gnocchi & Agnolotti The gnocchi were so light. Each one melted in my mouth like a starchy little love note. Then came the agnolotti--stuffed with ossobuco and bone marrow, because apparently this restaurant doesn't care if you live. Amazing! Dessert: Olive Oil Cake Moist, citrusy, and somehow both light and dense Ambiance: The lighting is dim but romantic. Plenty of outdoor seating with heaters. Final Thoughts: My only complaint is that I can never eat anywhere else again. This restaurant has ruined me for life. 10/10 read more

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Macaroni Republic wasn't my original lunch plan--not even close. I had intended to eat somewhere in the Original Farmers Market, but after getting off the A Line at 7th & Metro, I couldn't find the bus (Line 16) I needed. So I did what any hungry, slightly lost Angeleno might do: I started walking. Along the way, I made a quick detour at Burlington, wandered into Broadway Alley (a smaller, quieter version of Grand Central Market), but nothing there really grabbed me. Then it hit me--why not just head to Grand Central Market? And even better: why not revisit Macaroni Republic, a spot I hadn't been to in a while and always enjoyed? What I love most about Macaroni Republic is that all their pasta is made fresh, in-house. Despite being in the heart of downtown, their prices are shockingly reasonable for the quality you get. The service is always top notch--professional, attentive, but never overbearing. There's one small caveat: they don't accept reservations. On busier days, this has sent me elsewhere, so it's smart to have a backup plan in mind. Luckily, this time I was seated right away. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, which was more than satisfying. The meatballs were plentiful--more than I expected--and paired perfectly with the fresh, al dente pasta and rich tomato sauce. I sat out on their covered patio, which added to the experience with its calm and relaxed vibe--a little urban escape amid the DTLA buzz. Bottom line: Macaroni Republic is a gem in downtown LA. Consistently delicious food, great service, fair prices, and a relaxed outdoor seating option. Just remember: no reservations, so timing is everything. But if you get in, you're in for a treat. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We went here for my girlfriend's birthday and I want to start off by saying that the service is impeccable from the front to the back of house. Amazing service. Next, the food was excellent. So fresh and delicious. I loved this restaurant and think it deserves more attention and recognition for being so good. read more

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Delicious pastas! We got their burrata, bone marrow, squid ink risotto, and more. There was no wait on a Saturday lunch and we were seated right away. The pasta was delicious! Service could be better. read more

Maccheroni Republic - Agnolotti di Osso Buco, Squid ink risotto - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Appetizers Roasted Bone Marrow A perfect example of "less is more." The bone marrow was fresh, rich, and indulgently flavorful. It was simply seasoned with garlic, parsley, and lemon zest--yet the taste was chef's kiss. Paired with crispy toasted bread, every bite was pure satisfaction. Personally, I think it was even better than the one at Bestia! Fritto Di Calamari This was okay. Lightly battered and fried, not too greasy, but nothing particularly memorable either. A decent starter if you just want something crispy to nibble on. Scampi Alla Busara This one really stood out! The tomato garlic sauce had a subtle spicy kick that balanced the sweetness and acidity beautifully. The shrimp were plump, and dipping bread into that flavorful sauce was pure joy. Pasta Bianchi & Neri Hands down, my favorite dish of the night. The black-and-white pasta was silky and perfectly cooked, tossed with shrimp, wild mushrooms, and crispy pancetta. The creamy sauce brought everything together--flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Definitely one of the top 3 cream-based pastas I've had, ever. Pappardelle Al Cinghiale Rustic and bold! The wide pappardelle noodles soaked up the rich wild boar ragu beautifully. There's a touch of sweetness and acidity in the sauce that balances the gaminess of the meat--definitely recommended for meat lovers. Pappardelle Alfredo Con Pollo Classic and comforting. The grilled chicken was tender, and the Alfredo sauce was cheesy but not too heavy. It's a safe, well-executed option if you're in the mood for something familiar. Agnolotti Di Ossobuco I was originally going for pesto pasta, but the owner (?) recommended this instead. The stuffed agnolotti were filled with tender veal shank, paired with roasted bone marrow and vegetable sauce. It's a unique dish, but maybe a bit too traditional for my taste--it didn't quite hit the mark for me. Gnocchi Con Ragu Di Carne E Funghi Soft, handmade gnocchi paired with slow-cooked meat sauce and wild mushrooms. The flavor was good, but it got a little too heavy after a few bites--could be a bit overwhelming if you're not sharing. Dessert Tiramisu A dense and creamy version with ladyfingers soaked in strong espresso. Personally, I prefer a lighter, fluffier tiramisu, but this one still had solid flavors. Great to share at the end of a rich meal. Overall A gem in DTLA for handmade pasta lovers. Everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The vibe is casual but cozy, and the service was friendly and helpful--even gave us honest recommendations. A few hits and a few just-ok dishes, but overall, I'd absolutely return for that Bianchi & Neri and bone marrow alone. Would recommend going early since they don't take reservations--and yes, it's worth the wait! read more

Maccheroni Republic - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Guess this makes it an 8th time ;) still amazing as ever. Calamari appetizer - absolutely delicious would order again. The chard was perfectly cooked and seasoned with the calamari extremely tender. Scallop Squid Ink Risotto - generous portions of scallops on top and also throughout. Risotto grains were more al dente and smaller in size. The squid ink sauce was not overpowering and very "stringy" like natto consistency. It was a bit on the messier side as it briefly stained the mouth. Angolotti Busco - loved the smokey richness of the bone marrow filling. Pasta thickness today was a little on the thicker side than how they normally make it. The salsa verde sauce was delectable but definitely veered a bit on the subtle "salsa" side in case that'd bother anyone. read more

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