Last night was my first time back at Panzanella Ristorante in a few years and I was much impressed! Our large group filled the back room for our dinner lecture and the waiters did an excellent job of quietly sneaking around us to refill water and to serve or remove plates! To begin we all had the Insalata Mista which is a baby greens with balsamic and the freshest tasting parmesan cheese strips I've had! So delicious. Next we all had the Gnocchi in a pesto sauce and it was pretty good, gnocchi is never my favorite but the sauce really elevated it thar I finished the whole plate. I got fairly full from this so when the main course came I could barely eat another few bites! For the main course we had the choice between Chicken Picatta or Grilled whitefish and I went with the fish. It tasted amazing sitting on a bed of spinach, with olive oil surrounding the plate and some cooked cherry tomatoes. I can't wait to eat the other half today for lunch! Then came dessert, it was so delicious, 3 ice creams on a cute dish that separates them! I love neopolitan so i used the spoon to mix and match. Absolutely delicious. I can't wait to come back again soon! If you have not tried Panzanella yet, or if it's been a while, stop by because the food is top tier! read more

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Tucked away in Sherman Oaks, it has all the charm of a local Italian favorite where people come for great food and end up staying for the atmosphere. It's upscale people being casual and friendly and truly enjoying the best Italian in the valley. The dining room is inviting, the service is genuinely welcoming, and every visit feels like you're dining among friends but in Italy. If you can't make the drive to Drago Centro downtown, you must go here. FOOD is perfect. Vibe is lively. It is loud though. In a city that is constantly chasing the next trendy restaurant, Panzanella has quietly built something better: consistency, hospitality, and food that keeps people coming back year after year. A true favorite Sherman Oaks jewel. read more

We got together last night with friends and family and had a spectacular night at Panzanella!! Service by the entire crew and especially by Rosa (our server) and Edwin was wonderful. The food was delicious and we enjoyed every dish we had. Highlights were: Apps and salads: Bruschetta Con Acciughe (Anchovies) Bresaola Calamari Fritti Burrata Tricolore salad Entrees: Linguini Vongole Cacio E Pepe (from the cheese wheel!!!) Branzino Desserts: Torte di More Bomba Our favorite of all the Drago family restaurants. read more

Absolutely divine! What a precious gem! I had no idea it was here and now that I've found it I'll be a regular forever! Our server Shannon was amazing, as was Claudio, they were so friendly and fun and made our night extra special. The pumpkin tortellini is OUT OF THIS WORLDDDD. You need to try it. I live too close by and I have to fight myself not to get it all the time. Can't wait to come back! So delicious. Wonderful staff and beautiful charming interior. read more

Delicious spot for fresh, authentic pasta! I had a lovely time catching up with my friends over dinner. Our server was knowledgeable and was helpful in guiding each person to order a dish they'd enjoy. My friend's mushroom ravioli was delicious and I branched out and ordered the Garganelli con Salsiccie e Broccoli which had the perfect amount of heat. The fresh bread with tapenade was excellent. I ordered dessert to go and our server recommended the flourless chocolate cake instead of the chocolate lava cake. The flourless cake was a little too light on the chocolate for me and if you're ordering in-restaurant, definitely go for the lava cake option. read more

It was Father's Day and we celebrated at Panzanella. It was a two-family celebration. Service was excellent though we were on folding tables, given the expected crowd. However, the room's layout and decor lent itself to conversation which was one of the highlights of the evening. The food standouts were the Veal Milanese, Pasta Bolognese and the desserts, especially the Cannoli. The preparation and presentation of the food top notch. Parking is street or valet. Would I do it again, yes. read more

Another fantastic dinner at Panzanella. Wonderful service from a friendly staff that always keeps the customers in mind. The room was buzzing with the Friday night crowd, from daters to families with kids; it was lively, and the restaurant was filled with good cheer. A starter of Bruschetta Sicilian was toasty ciabatta with butter and anchovies, and a light, lemony dressing. Perfect. Then, a properly prepared Eggplant Parmigiana was rich and savory, with melty cheese and a bright tomato sauce, yet the fresh flavors of the eggplant still shone through. My wife's Chicken Piccata was light and lemony, served with mashed potatoes and fresh sautéed veggies. An excellent preparation of a classic. Dessert was the banana brûlée-topped Nutella tart. Decadence incarnate. Even my gin martini was exactly as anyone would want. If you've not yet dined at Panzanella, you're missing one of the best meals in Sherman Oaks. read more

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The Famiglia Drago has been a force in the Los Ángeles food scene since the 1980's. I've had the pleasure to dine at Drago Centro in Downtown L.A. as well as the less delectable Celestino in Pasadena where service was not their strong point. Panzanella is a more upscale ristorante somewhere between the two above mentioned. Ironically, Panzanella is a humble salad made from stale bread, veggies, olive oil, vinegar. It's a home comfort dish to those brought up in Italian culture. Saturday night may not be the best time to witness a smooth running kitchen. My primo was so late in coming that just as I started eating it, the secondo arrived leaving it to go cold. However, our waiter was patient and an old pro who tried to smooth out the situation by placating us with a smooth, measured, accommodating approach. 1) Pepata di Cozze e Vongole $23: Mussels & clams in their shells in a Cioppino-like light tomato, red chile, garlic seafood soup with a satisfying Frutti di Mare Umami. There seems to be a touch of spicy, earthy, porky, Calabrian Nduja sausage. 2) Lombata di Vitello/Veal Chop $63: "Secret Menu" You have to ask if it is available. And it is very much worth asking. The thick veal with a dramatic long, exposed bone is grilled to medium rare to keep the beef soft, almost plush, moist, flavourful with a pleasing light chaw. The Marsala wine based sauce is almost a sweet sauce demi-glace studded with earthy, foresty, Japanese Shītakè mushrooms since Funghi Porcini are not quite in season. This Salsa di Funghi had great synergy to complement the light meatiness of the veal. Vegetal accompaniments were steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, french fried thick potato sticks, sprig of aromatic rosemary. 1-2a) Brunello di Montalcino, Campo dei Fiori $24 is a Sangiovese varietal from Toscano. Lush fruits like blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry. Light oak, smooth body yet having a countervailing tannic hint of bitterness and acidity. It is a rich wine yet restrained for a great balance capable of pairing well with more assertive flavours. 3) Tiramisù $14: Huge portion enough for two. I was surprised how "flat tasting" this version of the famous dessert was. I ordered Limoncello Àrvero $15, served in a brandy glass, and poured some over the Tiramisù to enliven and refresh this tired tasting dessert. 3a) Espresso Doppio was concentrated coffee essence with a soupçon of smooth, well modulated bitterness. Plenty of ups and downs by the kitchen which may partially be explained by the large Saturday night crowd at peak hour between 6:30 and 7:30pm overloading the Cucina. Perhaps coming to Panzanella would be better on a weekday. 4- stars especially for the Lombata di Vitello read more

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Excellent service and food every time we dine here. The servers and staff are incredibly welcoming and attentive. Elegant ambiance--perfect restaurant for a date or special occasion read more

We give it 10 stars! Our second time there. The food is great, customer service even better. Elegant atmosphere. The entire staff is so friendly! This is our family's new favorite. read more

Everything was good the food, desserts, drinks delicious and service, (even the valet parking guys) The times for serving the food are punctual, without any pressure to rush. read more

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The food was good, and all guests in the group said they enjoyed everything: appetizers, main meal and desserts. The ambiance and service were also very nice. This was my second time with a large group. I'll go back again. read more

We celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary with our family at Panzanella on Saturday. As we were 13 people we arranged for the private wine room. It was perfect! We pre-ordered appetizers, pizza, salad and calamari and everyone chose their main dish and dessert. The food and the service were great. Thank you Panzanella! read more

Outstanding food, service, and ambiance. Chicken Scaloppine with marsala sauce ( added mushrooms), spinach, steak fries, was just perfect, nailed it. Seafood dishes looked delicious and confirmed by our friends. Sausage mushroom pizza was tasty but super thin, not in the Sicilian tradition. Very friendly vibe, good energy, Abel, Shannon, and servers, helped make it a memorable evening. On the pricier side but would recommend without hesitation. read more

this is just a wonderful restaurant! the food is always delicious, (the greatest soups) you can't go wrong with any pasta, chicken or fish. the service is outstanding and it's such a pleasure to dine there. read more

I have been getting food from this place for New Year's. I absolutely love being here with my family because the atmosphere inside is so nice. They are amazing quality, but that also comes with a amazing high price. But they also have amazing service so it's all worth it. read more

Panzanella Ristorante is a beautiful restaurant -- the design and atmosphere are very inviting, and it really makes a strong first impression. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting. Everything we ordered lacked flavor, and for such a nice-looking place, I was expecting much better quality. It's disappointing when a restaurant nails the ambiance but misses the mark on the most important part: the food. read more

Panzanella Ristorante - Burrata Caprese - Sicilian Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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I love love eating and drinking here. Tell them that the "Pajaro Loco" sent you. Get the wine list and splurge, try the oso bucco and enjoy the richness of slow cooked beef. Cheers! read more

We frequent this place with my kids. They love pasta, and Panzanella never disappoints. Our usual is Panzanella salad, a couple of pastas, and lots of bread. Highly recommend both for a casual dinner and a special occasion. read more

Although usually busy for dinner I always expect a nice presentation along with excellent food. My wife and I have visited here numerous times and have not been disappointed yet. Parking is the only problem consistently read more

Food is delicious, attentive staff and Abel the Maitre D is so nice and welcoming. He is very hospitable and is on top of things!

Service: got there at 10pm after dodgers game, they close at 11, yet the staff were so welcoming and friendly. Reminded me of warm hearted Italians and their lovely hospitality creating a sweet social atmosphere. Food: was very authentic and amazing. Abel and Victor at the bar were super friendly. read more

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I just want to tell you all that if you haven't been to Panzanella you're missing out! Such an elegant place, with delicious food and wonderful service. Our Italian waitress was incredibly nice! The cheese wheel pasta is a must! Branzino is good, lasagna wasn't the best but not bad, breaded chicken was delicious. read more

Panzanella Ristorante - Sicilian Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Really nice small space with decent food and drinks. Very noisy since the space is open. Service was great and the staff was very attentive. read more

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The food is delicious, the team is gracious, and the vibe is upbeat. Pretty dinning room, and a very gracious host! Will definitely be returning, often! read more

My personal favorite pasta spot in LA. Never had a bad meal here, I've brought plenty of friends and they all love it. The Ravioli con Funghi is the greatest thing ever. read more

Panzanella is an upscale, nicely decorated venue. The food is delicious and the staff is eager to please. We go there for special occasions

I wanted to like this place on the recommendation from my mother but unfortunately I wouldn't go back. It began with the most lovely welcome as we walked in which seemed to be perhaps the owner, manager and daughter. Here nor there they were lovely and so very pleasant. It was sort of downhill from there. First attempt to order drinks took a very long time... then they were out of Tito's so we went for another option! 3 out of 4 we're pleased with their selection. DO NOT try the Moscow mule. I've never had such a flat and horrible tasting mule. When I told our waiter he proceeded to take my glass to the bar and ask for bubbles to be added and then brought me the same fucking drink back filled with more flat water. No attempt to make a new drink??? Crazy! Then we wanted to order their famous pizza for an appetizer and were told the pizza oven is not in service. Amazing two strikes and we don't even have food yet! Then on to food. Fraser salad had NO flavor, I was not even offered Parmesan for my pasta during my meal although other more efficient waiters provided that option to other patrons. It would've helped the flavorless lasagna. The veal chop was good and the corn soup also was good but don't let the crab and corn soup fool you. There is one bite of crab. Lastly the couple we were dinning with asked since they had been drinking if they could leave their car in the restaurants private lot that we paid valet already for and they said NO. We proceeded to confirm the lot is just for the restaurant and even confirmed they would return before they open so there would not be a space occupied during business hours. This was a horrible stance they took. Basically telling a patron to drive home drunk as there were no options they were willing to consider. CRAZY!! Too bad that this was such a poor experience. I had high hopes as my mother goes here often. With so many great places I'd go elsewhere. Th read more

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We are so glad to have discovered Panzanella! Open for dinner only, we made reservations for 6pm and made the easy drive to Sherman Oaks. Parking is valet, but there was enough street parking when we arrived. The entrance is a bit awkward to find -- it's not the door on the street side. There you'll find a sign that directs you to the driveway. It's then a short walk about halfway up to a door that brings you into the bar area. We were welcomed as we came in and seated right away. Service was excellent from start to finish -- drinks were refilled constantly, empty dishes cleared, and utensils replaced with each course. It was paced out nicely and never rushed. We started with warm bread ($1.50 per person). Generous portions and that olive oil with tapenade was so good! We ordered the Polpette for our appetizer. It comes with 4 meatballs covered in a slightly spicy tomato sauce with tasty slivers of garlic. My husband dove into that so fast, I barely got a picture of one. :) Our main course -- Ossobuco, Branzino and Cacio e Pepe (our daughter's favorite) were all amazing. Beautifully presented, well-prepared and beyond delicious. The desserts were no exception. The Panna Cotta was silky and creamy. It balanced perfectly with the berry sauce and fruit. Generous portions and well-priced. Panzanella has landed on our list of favorites. We'll be back often! read more

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Staff friendly, good atmosphere--thats the good The bad. ordered a chicken parmesan, the food was good, the price beyond RIDICULOUS!! My bad for not asking price first. Here is how it went. Expecting a 30 dollar price as is for most chicken items, when the bill arrived I was charged 44.95 for the meal, plus 4 dollars for "extra sauce". it came with none! 49 dollars for chicken parmesan! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? add 35 percent for tax and tip(I still tip well , even when I am disappointed) Total $67.50 for chicken parmesan THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION! I a still pissed and it is now the next day. The most expensive michelin star restaurant would not charge these prices for this item Their loss, I will never go back , and will never recommend to a friend How arrogant can you be to charge this! Thats all--stay away!!!! read more

We went to Panzanella Ristorante to celebrate a promotion. Really delicious Italian food! The pastas were the highlight for me. I didn't realize you could even put smoked salmon in pasta until I tried their pappardelle. It was incredible. As was the risotto nero with plenty of seafood in a decadent sauce. The desserts were a lovely way to round off the meal. The cannoli has such a smooth and creamy filling and I loved the caramelized bananas on the other dessert. Definitely a cool celebration spot to check out in the valleyn read more

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After a long week, my wife and I needed a date night to unwind. I'd noticed Ristorante Bar Panzanella recently; every time I drove by, it was packed, with both the indoor and outdoor seating buzzing with energy. So last night, after wrapping up at the office, I told her to get ready - I was too tired to change, but I knew that with her by my side, we'd have no trouble getting a table. We lucked out with a beautiful spot inside, and from the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. Both of us were starving, and seeing the dishes being served around us only heightened our anticipation. We started with a Caesar salad and grilled octopus, both fresh and flavorful. For our main course, my wife chose the ravioli, and I went with fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. Every bite was mouthwatering, transporting us straight to Sicily. Though we rarely order dessert, we couldn't resist trying the panna cotta - it was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. If you're looking for a great date spot with fantastic food, a welcoming ambiance, and a laid-back vibe, I highly recommend Panzanella. We'll definitely be back with friends and family! read more

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Food, Service and location was great!!!! Thank you! Parking on Ventura was horrible as usual. Valet guy was swamped. poor guy. read more

This is a hidden gem. We drive by this restaurant hundreds of times. We finally stopped in and was amazed at the quality of the food. The entire staff is very helpful and caring. The table side Branzino is really good and affordable. read more

Panzanella is always a treat. Food is reliably excellent as is the wine selection. Five stars for the veal chop, seafood pasta and the Margarita Pizza! read more

I'm so lucky that My place is very close this restaurant. I love how they served as an appetite bread and olive oil it was so delighted and their pasta was amazing it can be the best pasta in LA I have ever tried. Their staff were very friendly too, ambiance was also great. I'm looking forward to going there again. Tiramisu was also okay but their dishes was great read more

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You definitely want to make reservations if going on a Saturday night. I had a reservation for 7:15 and the place was packed. They have valet parking for twelve dollars. Street parking is very limited . We entered about five minutes prior to our reservation and we're seated almost immediately. The tables are very small and very tight like you're having dinner with your neighbors. You have to slide in between a small space between the tables to get to the booth portion of your table. It's a bit awkward. It's also awkward for the servers as they try to navigate not having their rears in your face as they're going in between the tables. I saw a couple of servers struggling to get to the tables and put stuff on them. It's very crowded. As for the service I think because it was so crowded service was very slow that night. It took a while for any water to be refilled. With this being a higher end restaurant, I expected there to be some kind of watching over tables and refilling water constantly. That's what I've seen in most high-end restaurants is one person dedicated to that. Started off with the peachy lychee cocktail. It was very a very stiff drink. Next, we moved onto the meatballs. The meatballs were very tender, but to me, they lacked flavor. For dinner I had the cacio e pepe pasta. This was excellent one of the most delicious Cacio E Pepe plates I've had. For dessert. I had the torta di banana. I recommend sharing this. Yes it is small but this is so rich. It's a very decadent buttery flaky tart, filled with Nutella and topped with whipped cream and caramelized bananas. It's delicious, but I could only eat half of it because it was so rich. read more

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Great restaurant. Beautiful atmosphere. Excellent service. This is one of the best places in San Fernando Valley, either on a date or friends & family. read more

**Farewell to a Favorite** For nearly twenty years, Panzanella has been our go-to restaurant -- the backdrop for hundreds of dinners and every special occasion worth celebrating. From anniversaries to birthdays, it was the place where the hostess Magda greeted us by name and led us to our favorite table by the window. The waiters always knew the specials by heart, and the entire staff made every evening feel personal, warm, and memorable. On one occasion the Drago Brothers were there and the Hostess Magda came to grab my son so he could be introduced to them. The ambiance was quintessentially Italian cozy décor, soft candlelight, and that unmistakable glow, a twinkling dining room filled with neighborhood regulars who packed the restaurant night after night. It wasn't just a place to eat; it was similar to dinner at a friends house. Recently, we returned to Panzanella to celebrate another birthday, hoping to relive that familiar magic. Sadly, things have changed. The shock of the new décor light blue booths, pink chairs, and bright red lanterns. Gone was the intimate Italian charm, replaced by something loud, mismatched, and glaringly bright. No candles adorned the tables, I suppose they weren't needed anymore. The hostess, no longer the friendly face we knew, offered no warm greeting. When we mentioned how long we'd been coming, she seated us not in the main dining room but in a hallway, similar to if we were seated in front of the restroom. We didn't complain, assuming the restaurant would be full as always, but when I passed the dining room, I noticed it was nearly empty, only a few diners scattered among the tables. The waitstaff, while polite, seemed adrift. No mention of specials, a basket of old bread and a plate of frozen butter, forgotten dish for one of our guests forced us to share our plates, and when it came time for dessert, we had to flag them down ourselves -- on a birthday, no less. The food itself was still good, but the spirit of the place, that sense of warmth and familiarity, had vanished. As we waited for our car at the valet, and looked back at the once-twinkling picture window -- into an empty dining room-- it was clear that Panzanella had lost what made it special. A restaurant that no longer understands where its heart used to be. When I got home I googled if the restaurant was sold, or under new ownership. As I could not imagine an offering like this from the Drago Familia. Thank you, Panzanella, for the memories and for years of wonderful meals. We will miss your magic. read more

This is a review of their customer service and empathy for their patrons. Surely if this is the way they act, the food and service will go with it. After booking a dinner reservation set for after my daughter's graduation yesterday 6/13 from UCLA, we were stuck in Pauley Pavilion parking lot for -- I kid you not-- 2 hours. No moving for 2 hours. We called to move the reso back a couple of times, then we gave up trying as we did not want to hold our dinner guests hostage while we were held basically hostage in the garage. We eventually had to cancel but the person taking the call made the situation better by being so friendly and understanding. The last thing we needed was someone annoyed or impatient. This merits a future visit and patronage of their great pastas and the rest of their menu. Thank you. read more