Shout out to Matthew, the manager! A man with excellent manners, lots of professionalism, great taste in music, and a genuine passion for hospitality. I never feel like a customer at Osteria La Buca -- I always feel like a guest, and that means a lot. I've been going there for quite some time, and I've tried a large portion of the menu, probably a good 90% of it. Everything has been exceptional. Their Carbonara for example, is made properly, without cream, peas, or the other abominations that many restaurants add. "Other restaurants = Take lessons. The ricotta with agave is a lovely Italian Mexican wedding, the pizzas are tasty and so many other dishes are consistently fantastic. They also have a super solid wine selection, and the ambiance is wonderful both on the main floor and in the private dining room. The staff is always super friendly, and you can tell they are well trained and genuinely enjoy working there. That positive energy trickles down to the guests, and it shows by how packed the restaurant always is. Go there on a Monday at 8pm and you'll see what I'm taking about. (Make a rezzy before going is what I am trying to say, otherwise, you might end up waiting for a bit, but it's worth it anyway) I'm getting hungry just writing this review, so I better go "destroy" that Carbonara with a nice glass of Soave Classico (or really, any good Garganega) and enjoy a great chat with the bartenders at Osteria La Buca. Grazie, Osteria La Buca. Cheers! read more

This was my second time coming. My first time was dinner with a couple friends. I got a glass of wine and pasta - was good! And service was great! This time we came around their HH time - 3-5. Their whole menu is basically "off" and you can only order from the HH menu (or so that's what it sounded like to me). We sat at the bar, I got a glass of the house white which was delicious and the fries and arancini. Everything was delicious and again- the staff was super wonderful. The place was super clean and the vibes were great! I'm not sure if they have their own parking but there is metered strewn parking along Ventura ! read more

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We were seated on the first floor near the back and the host was super friendly, which made a great first impression. The atmosphere leans more toward a lively bar with an Italian twist, which I actually enjoyed. The food overall was decent and comforting, with some highlights. The short rib ravioli really stood out, the meat was tender and full of flavor, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. It ended up being a nice, relaxed dining experience, especially if you're looking for something casual with a fun vibe. read more

Osteria La Buca - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cute Italian cuisine with delicious pasta. Pesto Pea Ravioli was mind blowing, highly recommend. Excellent service with warm and genuinely welcoming staff. Definitely one of those places where you can sit for hours enjoying good food, wine, and conversation. read more

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I first discovered Osteria La Buca from a credit card, and well, here we are! Ecstatic for Italian but also knowledgeable of LA traffic patterns, I decided to come early to find street parking - so early they weren't other customers yet. Thankfully, the staff members were welcoming and let me wait inside for my friend. During our visit, we enjoyed quick service and regular refills of water and check-ins on our food. With high ceilings and wooden walls, the dining space was large, rustic, and relaxing - especially if you have the privilege of sitting near the glass windows watching traffic pass slowly by. We shared a Guanciale Pizza, which was delicious - ate that up! Was there pizza? It vanished so fast! And that pizza was loaded with ingredients, too, an unhealthy excuse to continue carb loading. Our next was a Nero Spaghetti, of which we both got our own. The black noodles were tasty and firm, not too chewy. The main start of the show was undoubtedly the seafood. Everything was fresh and well-prepared. The clams were clean, the squid cooked to perfection - not rubbery at all! The shrimps were crisp; as a regular shrimp enjoyer, I was very impressed. Overall, the Nero Spaghetti was a very well-put together dish - compliments to the chef, please! read more

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This was a really nice treat. Some friends, who regularly dine here, took us for dinner. We sat up top and got the view below. It was pretty cool. The service is impeccable. They attended to every need. Clearing plates between courses, getting more beverage, explaining the menu, timing each course. We didn't love the Caesar salad, it was a little too bitter. We let the server know, and she immediately took care of it. We had the manager stop by. He was wonderful. All of the pasta was perfect. The cook was spot on. The red sauce was just the right complexity of acid and salt. There is nothing I can say except that everything is good. You cannot go wrong. We ended the night with a tiramisu. It was one of the best I've never had. Just the right blend of creaminess and espresso flavor. The mood is perfect for a date night. Dimly lit with candles. The vibe is upscale without being pretentious. There is a full bar in an open concept dining area. Really fun vibe all around. read more

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Second time in here and nothing but amazing things to say about this place! They always have last minute reservations, food is absolutely amazing so many things to pick from, and the service is great! Another one of my favorites is the short rib ravioli, so rich and delicious! This is my go to spot in LA! Don't think twice just go!! read more

Osteria La Buca - Carne Cruda, House-Made Ricotta, Pork Meatballs - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've been coming here for the past two years and every time it's never been short of amazing. The food is consistently delicious, service is always top notch and the ambience is so warm and inviting. Everything from their pastas to the pizza and most notably their tiramisu. They have a very broad wine list and a great cocktail program as well! I love Osteria LA Buca so much read more

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Cute restaurant. The food was medyat best. Nothing special. We ordered the fried artichokes which were too greasy. The oil must have not been hot enough so it soaked up so the oil! We also ordered a margarita pizza. Again nothing special. But the most disappointing dish was the pasta with zucchini. Bland, oily and overcooked pasta! It was a congealed mess! You go to the trouble of making homemade pasta and this is the best you can do? Been there before and was hoping it would be better but sadly it's even worst! Save your money don't come here. read more

Had girls night at Osteria La Buca and dined on their upstairs patio. It was a cozy spot and with a larger party next to us got a little loud at times. The staff were very attentive with getting bread and water to the table. The rosemary bread was quite delightful and served warm. The food did not disappoint with a nice light salad with lemon olive oil dressing. The rigatoni was hearty and had extra large pasta. The cacio e pepe spaghetti was perfectly seasoned. Our waiter suggested the bacon & honey pizza and that was an amazing combo. We were so full we didn't have room for dessert! read more

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We ordered the short rib ravioli, soppressata pizza, and the bucatini carbonara. The short rib ravioli and the soppressata pizza were absolutely delicious! The short rib in the ravioli was flavorful. The ravioli was made of sweet corn and you can really taste the corn flavor, which I enjoyed. The soppressata pizza was also light, flavorful and easy to eat as the dough wasn't too thick and the crust was thin! It had a strong garlicky taste to it as well which gives it more flavor. The bucatini carbonara was ok. It lacked a bit of flavor and could use a bit more salt, but the creaminess was on point. Service was great. Our server was attentive and we received our orders quickly. The restaurant has two levels and has plenty of seating. Would be a great date night spot! read more

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We made a reservation for 5:30 on a weekend evening and had no trouble. It got busy around 7. They gave us some bread to start, which was fine. My friends got the margarita pizza with gluten free dough. I got the cacio e pepe. My friends said their pizza was good, and I really liked the pasta. It definitely tasted like they made the pasta in house. The food was good, but my main complaint was how dark the room was. By 6:15, it was so dark that we had to use our flashlights to read the check. There's "candlelit" and then there's "Im going to trip." read more

Osteria La Buca - Margarita pizza (top) and Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe (bottom) - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We got a little table upstairs in the corner when there were tables available in the first floor. The waiters were nice and friendly. However we ordered a mushroom pizza that was supposed to have truffle and black garlic in it. I didn't taste any of those too ingredients and it just had a few mushrooms on top. read more

The food was okay, the service was good and what not. What I felt wasn't okay was adding a service fee called "Staff health" which I feel like the server/bartender should be open and honest. I don't see any other restaurants doing this and if they are it's not an extra $5.30. That's not even including tip. I just think you should be honest with customers. read more

Osteria La Buca - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Walked in without reservations and was able to get a table. The people working the host stand were super friendly. The valet was very busy but I found parking about a block away. The ambiance is dark, romantic, and calm. I didn't take photos of the food because we were seated upstairs and it was super dark. Definitely recommend this place for a date. The food was delicious! We started our meal with the fried artichoke hearts appetizer. I could've eaten the whole thing by myself. The artichoke hearts were lightly fried and covered in a lemony sauce. We also had the whipped ricotta appetizer. It was good, but not as good as the artichokes. For my main, I had the seafood pasta. I can't remember what it was called, but it was squid ink noodles and a spicy tomato sauce. It was full of shrimp, squid, and clams. It was heaven in a bowl! For dessert, we shared a tiramisu . The flavor was delicious, lightly caffeinated with a creamy mascarpone filling. I will definitely go back . read more

Osteria La Buca - Pingüino - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Thought this place would be like many of the other overhyped and overhyped Italian places in LA, but I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious all of the food was. The bacon and honey pizza is something we will definitely be getting again! They were flexible after we arrived a few minutes late for our reservation and they accommodated our child's food preferences. read more

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Sadly, went back for the third time after being blown away the first night. The worst part is the music. It's impossible to have a conversation, even outside. Took my sister there for my second time, this time at lunch and the music was so loud we could barely hear. Third time for dinner was unbearable. Told the wait staff that we could barely have a conversation and nothing changed. They need to get it together if they're going to last in this area because Made in Italy has amazing food, wonderful staff, and a very nice atmosphere. read more

Wanted something less filling so I stopped here for a nice salad and I wanted to try the octopus and it's was amazing tender and very flavorful what the service here is great.. read more

Osteria La Buca - Octopus - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This was my first time back at Osteria La Buca in about 5 years. I had such great memories of the food, craft cocktails, and service. This time was different. The quality of the ingredients in the short rib ravioli and eggplant parm that we ordered was still the same, but gone was the healthy preparation. The ravioli was floating in a heavy creamy sauce, and the eggplant was heavily breaded and fried. The service was terrible. Our order was taken promptly and the food came out in a reasonable time, but during the following 45 minutes that we were there no one checked in on us to see if we needed anything, and our plates sat on the table for 20 minutes after we were finished until we asked for them to be cleared. The entire time the bartender and 2 other employees stood around chatting and ignoring the customers. They also add 5% to every check, which they will remove if you ask them too. read more

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I loved the Bucatini Carbonara. It was very rich and creamy. The noodles were perfect. Highly recommend. I'm a huge fan of Uovo's carbonara, but this version was also exceptional. My delivery order was packed very well. read more

I finally came in after seeing this place busy for weeks. I got the short rib ravioli and it was delicious. I was looking for something comforting, special/unexpected and savory. This dish delivered. I love that there is just a tiny bit of sauce and it's more of a sweet reduction. That allowed the boldness, funk, and short rib filling to be the winner of the dish. read more

Osteria La Buca - Shot of Fernet - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wonderful service and wonderful food! Osteria la buca is a great place for lunch or dinner. The service , food quality, and atmosphere are well worth the price. our server was super friendly and the interioir is beautiful during the day and night. Parking is a bit hard to find around the area, I recommend parking on a side street behind where the restraunt is. HOUSE MADE RICOTTA (10/10): HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I will def be coming back just for this ricotta. The creamy texture paired with the crispy dipping bread worked so well together. It's sweet and savory taste is a must try. CHICKEN STUDIO PLATE (6/10): this plate was good! But I would probably choose something else on my next visit here. The chicken was just ok. TIRAMISU (9/10): delicious!! It's wet light and creamy and not too sweet. I could not stop eating it. read more

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5-Star experience every time. Four of us came here for a friend's birthday and were seated upstairs. For appetizers ordered ricotta, hamachi crudo, and Brussel sprouts. All amazing, ricotta is my favorite and good portion! For dinner Nero Spaghetti and classic pizza. Pizza tastes just like the pizza in Italy. Caramel budino for dessert, martinis were excellent. Service always incredible. Going back with my husband for dinner tonight. In terms of quality, price, service and atmosphere, this is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles! read more

Osteria La Buca - Classic pizza - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My last visit was a 3.75 stars overall. Our waitress was very sweet and provided good service 5/5. We had asked the manager for parmesan cheese that he never brought. I'm sure he just forgot. The octopus was good as usual 4/5, as was the hamachi crudo 4/5. The short rib ravioli which is usually a favorite was different. It was cold and did not melt in your mouth like before 1/5. We also ordered the bacon honey pizza which was ok 2/5. read more

We've been here twice and love Osteria La Buca! Consistently good and their gluten free pasta is fantastic. The servers are always so kind and attentive. The low light ambiance is fun and great for a date night. You must get the Carbonara! read more

Osteria La Buca - Gluten free Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If you want some good pasta this is a must try. Parking can be a little tricky but they do provide valet parking.for a starter I had the pork meatballs and they were really good and flavorful! For pasta I had the short rib ravioli, which had so much flavor. The bucatini carbonara was also good, I did feel like it lacked a little flavor. Their espresso martinis were perfect as well, it was not too strong and very enjoyable. Will be back to try the pizza! read more

I've been coming to Osteria la Buca since the beginning and I always say that their Carbonara is one of the best dishes in Los Angeles and last night, well, it was the best I've ever had. I swear, it was even better. My wife had the pappardelle Verdi which was awesome. I think it's a newer dish. We had the new carrot dish, they made a carrot salad dish?!?! Done really well! And as always, the Brussels! Super awesome. Calla and her team were as friendly and caring as ever. It's just a super time every single gosh darn time we visit!! Thank you! read more

My favorite Italian restaurant not just in LA, but anywhere. All ingredients made fresh there and you can taste the difference. The service has always been incredible and the environment is inviting but never too loud or cramped. Could not recommend this place more. read more

Really cute neighborhood spot near my friend's work. She loves their Brussel sprouts but they were very tart with lemon and a bit soggy. The burrata with Asian pear was lighter almost felt like a spring dish. The bucatini carbonara was so good though. Al dente perfection and creamy. As soon as a took a bite I knew they made their own fresh pasta. The drinks are great, even a faux margarita for me since I had a long drive. It did get loud and the tables are close together as others have called out. read more

Osteria La Buca - Open airy vibes - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Always enjoy my time here. Ambiance, service, and food is impeccable every time. Parking is bad sometimes, but valet isn't too much.

I wish I could leave 4.5 stars because it really is almost perfect. I'll start with the downsides since there are so few: the tables are really close together so if you're not teeny tiny or you're wearing a jacket, it's a really tight fit and often feel like you're going to knock over glasses on the other table. The food is stellar. I can't say enough about the short rib ravioli. The flavor is complex and the starting note is different from the finish. It's creamy and bold, but also balanced. It's one of my favorite bites of this year The $12 green beans are absolutely worth it, a little heat and perfectly crunchy. I'm dreaming about this. We tried the chocolate Carmel tarte for dessert and it's everything I want in a dessert. Sweet but balanced and doesn't feel like a straight up sugar rush. read more

Osteria La Buca - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ravioli served cold. Chicken Parm over salted. Pasta too soft. At least the bread was good.

been here 3 times and I enjoy my experience every time. I think this is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in LA with a reasonable price the food is always tasty and consistent. they serve free bread before the meal. I've had the pappardelle bolognese and the rigatoni corto, I prefer the bolognese. I've had yet to have their pork meatballs or the ravioli but that's next for me to try. definitely recommend booking a reservation, this place fills up fast. I did make a reservation and it got randomly cancelled 12 hours before my expected time, checked on the website an hour later and rebooked my time, was odd. I've found street parking the times I've been here (behind the restaurant) but there is valet parking too it can get pretty loud in here and sometimes the service is slower but they do check in on you often. would come back a fourth time! read more

Osteria La Buca - bucatini carbonara - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If you love yourself, get the short rib ravioli order the broccoli and get a slice of the tiramisu. You're welcome. I have made up a reason to come back three times in these two months lol Bolognese is delightful too! read more

Osteria La Buca - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I'm always on the hunt for good Italian food in Los Angeles, so much of it is too Americanized and fresh ingredients aren't always used. I had heard good things about Osteria La Buca and can say it lives up to the hype! We ordered both a pasta and pizza and everything was super fresh and delicious. The drinks were also really good and not too watered down which I appreciated. Parking is a bit of a pain so I would advise coming earlier for dinner if you visit. Street parking is only good for one hour so we did have to go move the car. I will return to try more dishes here! read more

Osteria La Buca is an Italian diamond in the rough, sitting confidently on Melrose in Larchmont, a proud pillar of class and quality in an area that can be, at times, a little scrappy. Our work group of five came on a Wednesday evening. The inside was impeccably clean, airy, and modern. We shared a number of items, tapas style, all which were winners. We got the Brussels sprouts ($19) which were delectable, crunchy, rich, and full of flavor. Probably one of the best iterations of the vegetable I've had. Following was the superb ricotta and honey ($17) a creamy sweet delicacy. The Bacon and Honey Pizza ($25) was a surprising hit, with the crispy bacon and thin Neapolitan crust contrasting with the gentle, soft sauce and cheese. As a bit of a pizza snob I was highly impressed with this one. The sweet corn and crab ravioli ($27) was tragically small but equally delectable, with delicate shellfish inside homemade pasta with a surprisingly spicy sauce. The meatballs ($19) and octopus ($21) were each great in their own right as well. We finished with the tiramisu ($13) and chocolate caramel tart ($13) which were good but not exceptional. Truly, the strength of La Buca is their excellent food, with many winners on the menu during our visit. Our server was responsive and attentive, the food delivered promptly, and the interior simple and elegant. Prices were slightly on the higher side but absolutely justified for the quality of the food. I left highly impressed by Osteria La Buca. Truly a understated gem on Melrose, this is one of the finest Italian meals I've had in LA. You must check it out. È buonissimo! Food 5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Value: 4/5 read more

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Osteria La Buca is a gem. Warm, cozy atmosphere with incredible Italian food made with care and quality ingredients. The pasta was perfectly cooked, flavors were rich but balanced, and the service was attentive and welcoming. Perfect spot for a date night or a relaxed dinner--already looking forward to coming back. read more

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Soooooo good! Pasta was amazing. Service was great. We parked behind the restaurant and walked. Would recommend to anyone!! read more

Osteria La Buca - Mushroom pizza - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I wish I could give a better rating because the servers were very nice and the lettuce salad was delicious. However, the pizza dough was very average :(. The Flavor was ok. Nothing special. The restaurant in charging 5% additional fee (on top of the 20% tip). Tip is well deserved. But a 5% addition fee for the restaurant is unnecessary. Then we went out to the valet and tried paying $20 cash (to cover $16 fee n $4 tip) but they said we had to do it via the QRcode. With the code, you will pay taxes and service fee in addition to the $16 valet fee. Absolutely ridiculous. It just felt like we were being Nickle n domed for everything. We eat out a lot and go to all types pf restaurants. This one felt like we were being taken advantage of for a very average meal. read more

We had excellent service at Osteria La Buca, reservations were made and fulfilled promptly and professionally. Table servers were on point - checked in, brought what we requested, food served particularly hot (don't dive in too quick or you will burn your mouth!). It's a loud bustling place and you are seated quite close to those next to you, but it's got good energy. Food - I wish it was the best I had ever tasted, but it was good and solid and the pasta may have even been made in house?? But the sauces were not as good as I had anticipated. We had carbonara and the pork/beef bolognese sauce. Both completely edible, but not WOW. The brussel sprout appetizer was very good. The sliced bread in the bags was good. The salted caramel pudding - meh, tasted burnt - we ate it, don't get me wrong - but I would not order again. Cocktails were tasty. Would we go back, sure! read more