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Adagio Ristorante
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
22841 Ventura BlvdWoodland Hls, CA 91364
Neighborhood: Woodland Hills
(818) 225-0533
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Amy S. said: "We loved this place! We started with a glass of red wine & a pineapple mint spritzer with a Caesar salad (I chowed down the salad it was perfect) and the home baked bread was so soft and perfect with the pesto that rocked my tastebuds'…" read more »
83 reviews for Adagio Ristorante
Review Highlights
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"Dessert - creme brulee cheesecake." In 4 reviews -
"the complimentary potato balls (I ADORE anything w..." In 6 reviews -
"Unique italian cuisine, Claudio will tell you all about it." In 9 reviews
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83 reviews in English
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Review from MARK B.
4/15/2012
We use to eat here 10 years ago , for no reason we haven't been back. We ate dinner there last week and we kept asking our self's why we stopped eating there.
The food is always top notch.
A small quaint restaurant.
They always start you with a appetizer, a nice touch and very delicious.
Table side made Cesar salad is on par with the best I ever had.
There bread is served warm and is very good.
Great Veal dishes, tried a couple and have never been disappointed with any of them with the Gorgonzola is my favorite, the sauce is good I want to lick my plate.
Service is always friendly.
I have been back already can't wait to go again. -
Review from Andrea B.
West Hills, CA
5/14/2012
Loved the older crowd, the full-bar and the food is simply divine. These alone deserve the 4-stars. What goes against the place is the absence of patio, the decor needs a major face lift, and next time it would be nice to understand the waiter who tried his best to look confident pronouncing the Italian specials, in English, with a Spanish accent. My Magyar ears had no idea what he was saying.
Also, please educate the staff about the wines. I like to try other nations' wines sometimes, and informing the diner that a Chianti is similar to which California wine makes the sale more successful. -
Review from Amy H.
1/6/2012
Ok, let's start out with one fact, I was grouchy when I first arrived. I was hungry and running late. The place was about 75% full when we arrived with no one waiting to be seated. We were greeted and the host lightly noted that we were late... worsened my mood.
I felt a bit better once I got the polenta balls and bruchetta. Both were surprisingly good, I felt my spirits start to rise. Bread was warm, fresh and delicious.
Service: All in all, I had so many people wait on me that I was a bit thrown off. I have never observed this but they had a army of busers that were not coordinated or paying attention to details. Example: I asked for water with lemon wedges, another gentleman comes by with our waters sans lemon wedges and walks away before I can say anything, I see the original server walk up with our water AND lemon wedges, he sees that we already had water, he doesn't look at my face that has "wait" plastered all over it, he about faces and walks away with my lemons. I then ask for lemons, I get my lemons. Later I asked for a dessert and our check, we get the dessert then wait another few minutes and have to ask again for the check.
Meals: My husband said that his spaghetti was one of the best restaurant ones he's had. I had a bite and thought it was good. It isn't particularly saucy which I prefer but it was good.
I ordered the caprese (perfect, amazing, loved it) and the pesto gnocci which I barely ate. The texture of the gnocci was a bit too mashed potato-like and then the sauce was basically olive oil and pesto. I was hoping for something a little creamier and for the gnocci to be a tad more dense and pasta like.
For dessert we ordered the cheesecake creme brulee. The cheese cake part was quite good. Silky, vanilla beans throughout and a hint of a creme brulee taste. The crust was a bit soggy and didn't jive well. The top which was a nod to creme brulee was dark and appeared to be proper but was not crisp, it must have been torched some time before serving.
Ambiance, this is definitely a local go to spot for nice dinners and celebrations. It looked like many waiters with familiar with the guests. It was a mixed crowd with an elderly woman's birthday, a few family dinners and a group or two of friends. The location looks like a revamped Chinese restaurant (ish).
All in all it was not a bad experience. There were definitely positive parts to this experience. Unfortunately, I don't believe I will have a reason to return. -
Review from David L.
Los Gatos, CA
5/15/2012
Service was good and attentive. Restaurant is a little out-dated, lost in the 80's. Food was pretty good. Ceasar was prepared table-side, but was a little overly sour. Ossobucco was pretty good in a nice sauce. The risotto it came with was ok, nothing too special. A little veg would have been nice. Surprised by yelpers who say this is best italian in the valley. The potato ball and mushroom bruschetta were a nice complimentary start though.
-
Review from Edward W.
12/23/2011
This is old school, neighborhood Italian. Claudio has been serving up good quality osteria-style food for decades at this location. Yes, there are lots of older regulars that make the place a little less trendy than some other valley restaurants. But that's ok with me. As long as the food is good. And it is.
Parking is on the street and readily available. Claudio greets every patron on arrival and seats them. Make sure to make reservations, as Adagio is small, and there is only a tiny bar and really no other place to wait inside... And the place is busy most every night of the week.
I don't think Adagio has been redecorated since the '70s. It is clean, however, and tasteful. The wait staff is attentive, and they are appropriately paced, getting drinks, then providing a nice delay for your conversation. After a short while arrives a complimentary small plate of tasty mushroom cheese bread and fried potato-based balls with red sauce. it is refreshing to have a nice, relaxed pace of service. Not too slow, not too fast. Ask for Daniel.
Warm Italian bread with seasoned olive oil follows. The bread is crusty, decent enough, but has been crushed when slicing to a point where there is little bread inside to soak up the olio. A more substantial, meaty bread would be a welcome improvement.
Pasta Fagioli Is terrific. This is not the stuff of The Olive Garden. This a homemade light, creamy version of the soup with a nice blend of textures, soft beans and a few al dente mini-tubes of pasta. Well done.
Calamari is fried rings of Squiddly Diddly with red sauce. Typical. Good, but not particularly memorable.
Bolgnese is also nicely done, though very mildly flavored. Come to think of it that could be a hallmark of Adagio - light flavors, with nothing overpowering, controversial or objectionable. Everything is understated. Back to the bolognese... It is done solely with veal, though there is the requisite carrot (too often omitted at other Italian bistros) in the mild tomato based sauce. I give it four stars, a nice Tuesday night dish.
Marinara is similarly mild, but my wife prefers it so. She has been coming to Adagio for 20 years!
Desserts are not memorable but ok. I don't believe they are made in house.
All in all, make a reservation. Show up for the neighborhood feel. Enjoy the European-paced service and the nicely prepared food, and go home satisfied, realizing this isn't Mario Batalli's Babbo, but saying you'll be back. Salute e mangia! -
Review from Maryam A.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
12/31/2011
If this was based solely on food, I've have written two reviews, giving each of them 5 stars.... but solely on food it is not! I understand that attire is important, but on that day, when I decided to meet my friend there for dinner, she was having a rough day, and sandals was all she could carry herself in.
Needless to say, the minute we walked in I was welcomed with smiles, whereas she was given an up & down stares, a couple of stink-eyes, and totally prejudged!
Not cool.
The food was great, with delicate sauces and beautiful touches such as the amazing bread.
Again, food is great, but the way you make your clientele feel is what truly matters! Let's be honest here, if we went to a restaurant where taste was just missing, but the owners and staff were super loving, wouldn't you look over the fact that the food wasn't all there.... simply because they were awesome? Exactly. Me too :) -
Review from Sam L.
1/1/2012
Eh.
We came here to eat on a Friday night... since I heard it has pretty good Italian food (and if you'd knew anything about me... it would be: Italian food?! I'm in...)
but this place... is like god's waiting room.
I hate to be mean... but everyone here, on the day I was here, was 60+. I go to tons of restaurants and I don't mind being around older people... in fact, I typically prefer it... but this place is just too creepy. I can't eat around people slurping and oozing... it just really turns my stomach.
Aside from that, the ambiance is less than to be desired... it looks like an old 80s office... you know with that khaki colored pleather and random neon swirl... and it is definitely much more charming on the outside...
so with the outdated interior and all the old people... it's really not a place that invites you to want to eat...
The food itself is okay... not the best I've had... but not the worst.... but with everything else... I wouldn't be back. -
Review from Wesley S.
Reseda, CA
2/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This place is a hidden gem. Small but classy. Food is delish! Try the carppacio.
-
Review from Ben S.
Flagstaff, AZ
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quaint little neighborhood Italian restaurant. Service is friendly but relaxed. Don't be in a hurry.
The caesar salad is fantastic and they make it at the table. I had the spaghetti bolognese which was o.k., but not terribly flavorful. I found myself wishing I'd ordered something with more of a tomato base.
Before the meal they bring bread and oil (but no vinegar?) and they also brought out a plate of little bread bits covered in melted cheese that was delicious.
All in all - very good food in a comfortable atmosphere. Lots of street parking. -
Review from Marion P.
Orange, CA
10/7/2011
Yikes!
While the atmosphere is nice, this is definitely the spot for people over 50. No matter, I like the elderly. Unfortunately, the food was pretty terrible.
My husband ordered chicken and I ordered some sort of pasta. First off, SO GREASY! My stomach hurt half-way through the meal from all of the oil. We took the remainder of the food home to be polite, but I couldn't bring myself to finish them (and I love leftovers!). And even worse than the disgusting food was the price! I definitely would not plan to return. -
Review from Kimberly B.
Alhambra, CA
8/7/2011
"And the cap off" said the man that seated us. He didn't look at all friendly but it's his call and off goes the cap. My teenage son still didn't get it.
We came here on a Friday night and the restaurant was full. Nice little family styled diner.
For starter, they brought out 3 slices of baked mushroom and cheese bread, oh it was so good. I wanted to ask for some more.
I ordered the Linguine Alle Vongole e Gamberi (clams & shrimp) 14. I enjoyed it very much. My son had the Ravioli Aurora (11.) He loved it. My husband ordered the Medaglioni Al Porto (22.) "It's alright", said he ... overall dinner was fulfilling.
There are parkings on Ventura blvd and in the back alley, and there's a side pathway to the front of the restaurant. -
Review from Sean M.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food, cute spot, and great service.
Parking is street parking, which isn't too bad. Went on a weekday and it was pretty packed, which is a good thing. We had a reservation so we got seated promptly. The manger (owner?) was very polite and respectful.
The Mango Creme Brulee was great; I'm a sucker for creme brulee
Their complementary bread was great and they offered it with spread and potato balls.
My food was really good, really heavy though (expected of Italian food).
They're very accommodating here, and I will be back.
It's quite and low lighting, my favorite setting for a nice evening dinner. -
Review from Sarah Q.
Thousand Oaks, CA
11/11/2011
First impression. Oh dear, this place needs a serious makeover; I've just stepped back in time. Questionable decor aside, the staff were super friendly. There were clearly a lot of regulars dining the night I went and the owner was so sweet and friendly to them.
I had the carbonara, my friend had the arriabiata, and we split a Caesar salad. The Caesar was quite good and made tableside. Our pasta dishes were just okay. Nothing special, but certainly edible, and reasonably priced.
It should be noted that there is street parking, but there is also parking in the alley behind the restaurant. I'm not sure I'll be back as the atmosphere just didn't fit my style. -
Review from TERRY D.
Santa Monica, CA
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Top-shelf.
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Review from Andy W.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place. A cute little Italian Restaurant tucked away by Ventura and Fallbrook. It's unassuming enough that you wouldn't recognize it if you weren't looking for it.
The meal starts off great with a pair of complimentary toasted pieces of bread with a mushroom cheese spread (and I don't even like mushrooms) and an arangini. Much nicer than just the typical bread (which they also have).
I've only had ever had the pest gnocchi here which is really a good choice. I find the texture of the gnocchi to be just right, a little chewy but not too much. The pesto is bright and flavorful.
The owner is very friendly and clearly takes pride in his restaurant. A great place to try in the West Valley. -
Review from Dave F.
6/2/2011
We have a winner!
We couldn't get in to Roy's and used Yelp mobile to try and locate whatever diamond may be lying in the rough near the Topanga Mall. It was challenging, but about 3-4 miles from the mall is a quiet, small Italian bistro named Adagio Ristorante.
For starters, (after hitting the wine list to alleviate post-mall syndrome), they brought out an "Amuse" of mushroom cheese bread and a fried thing which tasted like a potato, but looked like a hush puppy. Also, warm bread followed with an herb-infused virgin olive oil. (Shake this and it's more balanced.)
Our appetizers were the Caprese (Fresh Buffalo Milk Mozzarella with sliced tomatoes) and melon wrapped with prociutto. Again, both were excellent. Our entrees were the Scampi Fra' Diavolo, (Shrimp served over pasta In a spicy tomato sauce), and the Salsiccie In Umido Italian (mild chicken sausages with onion, pepper and tomato sauce). Both were served with generous sides of broccoli, cooked carrots and potatoes.
Everything about this meal was excellent, however we probably over-ordered, or should have skipped all of the bread. Needless to say, there are leftovers in the frig!
Here's my breakdown
Food: 4 stars
Service: 5 stars---impeccable
Ambiance: 3 stars. This is a quiet romantic spot in need of some TLC and a housekeeper! (As well as a remodel). This was ok as the prices reflected this as most entrees were between $16-25 and many wines were only $25/bottle.
There's free parking in the rear preventing the need to feed the meter. -
Review from Samantha P.
Calabasas, CA
1/4/2012
Cute lil spot. Good food. Warm friendly owner & staff. My family and friends have come here for years and will continue to..
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Review from Alan D.
Pleasant Hill, CA
1/10/2012
Dined here tonight. Price in range for two '$' here but expensive for the portion size. Also, the food was nothing special on the whole. And parking is not great.
The service and speed of delivery was good. Just the food underwhelming for the medium prices. -
Review from Hannah K.
This is a cute little restaurant! The front of the place is hardly noticeable, but when we got inside most of the tables were occupied. I take that as a good sign.
I also like that they offer bread with spread and potato balls along with their plain bread.
The service is ok, not bad. The food is pretty good. They were kind enough to let me have my gnocchi in a different sauce. I liked the mango creme brulee which was a pretty large portion.
I love the owner for holding onto my credit card which I left in the check folio too!
Check this place out! -
Review from Nicole F.
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a later mother's day celebration due to the in-laws being out of town. The ambiance was warm although the place can definitely use a little updating. Plastic plants that look like they are in need of dusting and some of the paintings look like they belong at a garage sale.
My husbands critique on the decor and overall look of the place: "it looks like this place can be on Chef Ramsey's 'Kitchen Nightmares'."
It is clear that decor does not matter to the many people that venture out to this restaurant on a Tuesday night. The food is great and service is top notch.
They start off the table with little appetizers of potato balls and toast with cheese and mushrooms- very good. The bread they served after was warm and fresh and is excellent with the rosemary infused olive oil they provide.
I got the penne pasta with the shrimp. The tomato sauce was delicious and full of flavor. The shrimp tasted fresh and not frozen. The portion was just perfect. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal.
The rest of the fam all ordered the swordfish special of the evening. Everyone pretty much cleared their plates and were happy. Also very well portioned and nobody left hungry.
The dessert menu looked amazing but unfortunately no one had room to even try ordering something. Too bad....I really wanted some creme brulee! -
Review from Tiffany L.
Temple City, CA
2/20/2011 4 photos
My boyfriend took me here for Valentine's Day. After he told me it was about a 45 minute drive to the restaurant, I thought... this place better be amazing.
We had reservations at 8. Because of traffic we got there a couple minutes late. The restaurant itself is small - tables were close together, I guess the word "cozy" kinda describes it. We waited about 10-15 minutes for our table to be ready since the restaurant was so busy.
Appetizers - potato balls with marinara sauce, mushroom cheese bread. These complimentary appetizers were DELICIOUS. Even my boyfriend (who hates mushrooms) thought the cheese bread was good.
Salad - I ordered the house salad. I'm also not a fan of mushrooms.. or carrots.. but they tasted amazing in the salad. (They make it table-side!) The salad was a lot bigger than I thought it would be, too.
Entree - I ordered the Pasta Special - seafood linguini with lobster, black mussel, scallops, and shrimp. Unlike most restaurants, they did NOT skimp on the seafood. From the first bite to the last, I was in love with this dish. My boyfriend ordered the chicken-stuffed tortellini. It was good, but wish it came with more than just... well, tortellini.
Dessert - creme brulee cheesecake. made with real vanilla beans! I'm not a big fan of dessert and was already stuffed from the pasta, but since everything else was so delicious,.. we thought, why not?! It was delicious! The "creme brulee" part of the cheesecake was a little on the soft side, that's okay.
We also ordered a half bottle of champagne, which wasn't really a "half bottle" - just a "half-sized bottle". hahah. The champagne came with chilled flutes and the waiter automatically offered to keep our bottle in an ice bucket without us having to ask.
Overall, this was worth the 45 minute drive. The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and the price was not bad at ALL. I just wish we lived closer! -
Review from Glenn C.
6/16/2011
Went for dinner based on Yelp. The Reviewers were right on. Small restaurant, family owned, slow service and great food!
We got the last available table on a Tuesday night. Had to ask for menus after 10 minutes. They brought us rice balls and another appertizer. I had a "flavorable explosion" veal dish. Others in the group had pasta dishes. Everything was excellent. Interesting deserts - Spumoni and tiramisu and White Chocolate ice cream.
They are closed on Monday. Definitely worth a visit. -
Review from Phil L.
Woodland Hills, CA
2/27/2011
I want to give this place a bad review so that it stays a hidden gem... but that would be wrong. And selfish. :)
Adagio is a small, hole-in-the-wall place that has that cozy, small business charm. The service is top notch, the owner is a friendly man who is hands-on and the staff is very attentive. Most importantly, of course, the food is delicious.
My wife and I got an appetizer, two entrees, two drinks, and two desserts for around $60 after tax and tip. Worth every penny.
The only downsides I can see are that a) it's pretty small so there could be a wait on a busy night and b) parking isn't ideal. But neither of these things should keep you from trying out this wonderful restaurant! -
Review from Sara M.
Simi Valley, CA
5/22/2011
My favorite type of restaurant is privately-owned and exhibits character, charm, and originality. Adagio does not disappoint. My husband and I have eaten here twice, and both times we were greeted by the owner (very nice gentleman). The restaurant is small - with just 10-12 booths, and a few tables. The staff is attentive and friendly.
When most places just give you bread before a meal (which I never complain about...I love bread), Adagio begins a meal with a little bite of mushroom cheese bread and fried potatoes with marinara. The bread they do serve is fresh and accompanied by a herb-infused olive oil - delicious!
For dinner, we started with house salads and fried mozzarella. The salads were fresh - filled with hearty greens, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and a nice vinaigrette. The mozzarella was full of warm cheese, and accompanied by a light and flavorful marinara. For our main courses, we had Seafood Linguini and Chicken Tortellini Alfredo. Both boasted a good portion with delicious freshness and flavor. The dessert list has a good variety, and this time we tried Pecan Pie - definitely a good dessert to split as it is very rich.
Overall, I feel as though Adagio offers a great dining experience at a reasonable price. We will definitely have a date night (or small family gathering) here again soon. -
Review from David M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2011
I came here after seeing all of the wonderful reviews. I would have to say they are all on point. Very small and "intimate" restaurant with pleasant service. My personal experience was a bit different but overall paralleled with other Yelpers.
To start:
- The crunchy bread with mushrooms and sauce was pretty good and a nice touch to start the meal. The bread served was fresh and warm as well.
-Caesar Salad was great. Very tasty and strong flavor. Top 5 tastiest I've had in a while. I was disappointed that they DID NOT make it table side.
Main:
- I had the Seafood Pasta Special. It was good and overall seemed fresh. I was shocked when I got the bill to see they charged $19 for the dish when it did not carry a significant amount of seafood (2 mussels, some calamari, a handfull of small scallops, and maybe 2oz of salmon).
at $19 it is about 40% more expensive than the other mains, which doesn't make sense to me.
-My Girlfriend had the Rigatoni Carbonara. This was delicious. A bit heavy with creaminess, but was awesome tasting! Definitely worth trying.
Beverages:
-we shared a bottle of sparkling water, which we realized ended up costing us $9. I understand they need to make revenue on their beverages but that seemed a bit high. Consider if I ordered the Seafood pasta and a bottle of Sparkling water alone...that would be $28, or about $35 after tax&tip..not that much of a "whole in the wall" value.
Its a good place to check out and I will definitely dine there again, but definitely ordering only what is priced on the menu! -
Review from Tom R.
Newbury Park, CA
6/14/2011
We tried to have dinner her last Saturday evening.
Our friends made reservations and the place seemed to have lost them but they didn't loose the reservations of the "regulars"
It was so crowded we had to stand outside while they tried to figure out want happened all the time the "regulars" pushed their way in and were warmly greeted. We were never greeted except the "Do you have reservations" line.
We will never attempt to try this establishment again.
Its a scratch off for us and our friends who have been there before. -
Review from Jenna L.
12/15/2010
have been going to this restaurant since I was little and it has always been my favorite place. It is better than some of the five star Italian restaurants I have been to.
The owner: Claudio came right out of Italy.
The food: The best Italian food I have ever had, even after I went to Italy three times. OH and they give you free "rice balls" and bread with mushrooms that are DELICIOUS.
The atmosphere: very old, not modern, but it doesn't matter because the food is so good.
Great value for the food! On a budget? Try the gnocchi (my favorite dish) $12. -
Review from S V.
Northridge, CA
4/19/2011
I liked this place, small inside, very crowded, older crowd hahah I think our family was the youngest there...anyways cut to the food, most important thing...it was good !
The caesar salad is made fresh in front of you....it seems everything is very fresh...the stracciatella was also brought in a pot...everything was def cooked to order...my dad got a special order of shrimp in a butterlemonyherbgarlic sauce....very good sauce...shrimp was cooked to perfection. I got the spinach && cheese ravioli in a pink sauce...they made the pasta for sure you could tell...and it was perfect might I add...also my brothers got the carbonara, steak, and arrabiata...oh and the dessert was good as welll ! Got the pecan pie && spumoniii ...very good !
Overall nice place, I would come back again ! :D -
Review from Lindsey G.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/10/2011
Absolutely amazing!!! I met my girlfriend for dinner after she saw the reviews on yelp. Little restaurant right on Ventura in the valley - how good can this place really be? Well...I was certainly put in my place. You walk into this little cozy restaurant but its packed. Probably about four big booths on each side with eight four tops in the middle.
You're greeted at the front bar which although small, is fully stocked. And who greets, you? None other than the owner. By the end of the night, you'll want to give him a hug. He honestly makes everyone feel like they're eating at his home and his own little Italian kitchen. We watched throughout the evening as he personally welcomed and said goodnight to almost everyone in the restaurant. He knew them by name, asked them about their lives, this is a true local legend.
Now the food, again - just amazing. You're treated to a rice ball and mushroom cheese bread that is amazing. We got the ceasar salad based upon the yelp reviews and they did not let us down. It was just wonderful and made table side. I had the Penne Arrabbiata con Pollo and my friend had the the mushroom chicken special. The only reason we had left overs is because we wanted to save enough for lunch the next day to eat.
We went on a Tuesday night and it was PACKED. We only had to wait about 5-10 minutes but it was seriously filled the entire time we were there and people were still coming in as we left. Go! Now! -
Review from Clayton C.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simply immaculate. Food and service is 5 stars across the board. Great for intimate settings whether it be a first date or a cozy night with the wife.
Live Laugh Love -
Review from AJ F.
CA
3/18/2011
I've considered that I may have been biased going in because everyone on Yelp gave Adagio such rave reviews. But it was great!
Personally, I am not a fan of mushrooms so the bruscetta with melted cheese and mushrooms were lost on me (they offer up those and DELICIOUS potato balls with bread before your food) but I'm told it was good.
The table-side-made caesar did not disappoint, nor did our dinners, nor the moch crunch cake following.
It's possible they could update the design of the place but I suspect that would somehow decrease from its charm. Clearly the owner knew many of the patrons and greeted those he knew with hugs and smiles. It made me want to be a regular myself! -
Review from Rana A.
San Fernando, CA
5/14/2011
We were surprised to see a full house on a Tuesday night. We arrived late for dinner, and the place looked like it has already turned a few tables, so we felt lucky to get a table without reservation.
Adagio offers authentic, and very, very delicious Italian dishes. The service was superb; professional and attentive waiters make sure your wine glass is never empty -- very old school.
I first ordered the Spinach salad. The portion size was large, and although I already felt full after just having the salad, I couldn't stop eating. So I proceeded to order the Ravioli Aurora... devoured it, and the one bite I promised to have from a shared dessert ended up being multiple bites. I totally messed up my diet that night, but this is how good the food was, and I don't regret it.
As for my date, he was so impressed with their flexibility and willingness to please. For his seafood entree, which I can't remember what it was, he asked to have an additional portion of clams and shrimps. They prepared his dish exactly as he wanted it, with a generous seafood portion. That's a sign of a good restaurant.
We also enjoyed the herb-infused olive oil they offered with bread... it was divine.
This place does it the old school way, which unfortunately is not so common these days with this type of moderate class restaurants. I will return again when I feel the need to cheat on my diet. -
Review from Jessica C.
Canoga Park, CA
3/30/2011
Tried this restaurant last night with my boyfriend, and everything about it was so awesome! When you first walk in, you can just tell that the ambiance is just beautiful. It's definitely a great place to take your date. It's not a huge restaurant, definitely cozy, but the food is just amazing.
The owner is very helpful and polite, and you can tell that he really cares for the people that come in and eat at his restaurant.
The garlic bread with mushrooms on top is AMAZINGGG. I just wish I could have had more of it. The little fried mashed potato ball wasn't exactly my favorite thing though. The soups are boiled and poured into your bowl right at you table, and the salad is mixed right next to the table as well! It's so nice!
I forgot the name of the pasta I got, but it was definitely filling and delicious. They are not afraid of portion control here. You definitely get your money's worth. I also got the Strawberry Creme Brulee, which was interesting to a point. Not a fan of the big chucks of strawberry's on top. And my boyfriend got the flan, and there was something a little off. I think there was a little too much cinnamon, but maybe it's just the way they make it at this restaurant.
All in all, I'm definitely going back. It's a quaint, tucked away little restaurant that I enjoyed thoroughly. -
Review from Eric L.
North Hills, CA
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you love Real Italian Food! This is the place its not for everyone its a small but cozy resturant! It is a little more $ than say olive garden but not by much and the diffrence is more than worth what they charge!! I have never had a cesar salad like this one they prepare it at your talbe unless its really busy which it has been almost every time I,ve been there! It will be made anywhere the salad maker can find room!!
It is one of those places that the owner greets you on the way in and out, I have nothing bad to say! -
Review from Sean L.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
2/22/2012
small intimate setting, you feel like a regular your first time there!
an older crowd but adds to its old school school character. -
Review from Alon S.
12/22/2010
This place is the Real Deal.
You will have a fabolous time dining here.
A Northern Italian Cuisine restaurant, with phenomenol waiters and waitresses.
Ceasar Salads are made table side, and are the best.
The decor is nice warm and good. But nothing over the top. -
Review from Loic C.
8/2/2011
PROS:
Intimate: Only a few tables.It is nice to feel unique. One in just a few.
Quiet: The noise level is low. Patrons are not too loud and the music is low in the background.
Attentive service: The waiters are able to answer questions about the menu and advice customers.
Small menu: A limited menu is sometimes a good sign. It indicates that the restaurant could be using fresh ingredients.
Family Owned: It is always special to go to a restaurant owned by an owner who cares.
CONS: While visiting grandma at the SUNRISE assisted living, the same feelings always rushed through my head. Even before stepping, in I could picture the smell of old people, slightly mushroomy, the paint falling of the walls, the AC set on a old-people-stew setting. I could describe the employees, dressed in out-fashioned uniforms close to Halloween costumes, wheeling strange little carts. Inside, facing old people crouching on their tables, trying to bring food to their mouths, utterly emotionless due to multiple plastic surgery operations to hide an age that everyone can guess, had a repulsing effect on me. Only the happy thought of seeing grandma gave me the strength to go through the door and face the fainted blue paint, the ill fashioned booth, the penguins running around, the bright orange craft risotto...wait , wait a minute why did I have to walk through the creepiest unlit alley to enter the assisted living, wait what is that bright orange glowing substance!
What do those white letters on black say, a,d,a,g,i,o. I am not at Sunrise but at a restaurant that could be italian!
This is not overly elderly people but customers, the smell mushrooms was the free appetizer made of canned mushrooms. No assisted living staff but ridiculous waiters dressed like monkeys pushing carts to make salad dressing and toss some lettuces. No no have I been trapped again in one of those family owned, old, no taste, no cooking training or skills Ventura boulevard restaurant!!! Thanks for passing me down a memorablia under plastic of an italian text...I am so sorry, it is the menu...
What is this red plate coming, carpaccio? It looks nice, but where is the taste, no dressing, no capres, no salt , no peppers. No flavors!
The bright orange glowing substance is... a risotto. What !! What do you mean you used the craft cheese from your mac and cheese and white long grain rice cooked in water and called it risotto. Who is in the kitchen. Probably nobody who has ever been to Italy or be trained in Italian food. Is this ragu? Is it a stew? Thank you you found my dog's toy...Oh sorry it was my Osso Buco. Let's change subject, is it a CD of classical music played by a pianist with 2 fingers that you are playing on repeat all?
If you did not grow up on canned food, or have been to Italy, avoid. Otherwise you will enjoy.
I know California is far from Italy but Adagio push it further away. -
Review from Min K.
3/20/2010
Maybe it's just me, but the first review to write such rave things about the restaurant and give it a 4-star; that's a bit low.
But my take on the restaurant? Yummy! It's delicious. It's a hole in the wall restaurant that I didn't know exsisted until a couple friends took me to eat.
We got there as soon as they opened; I'd recommend the same as the restaurant was full house around 6:00. We promptly got seated, and I love how it's authentic; Italian owned, owner is present, and with the artwork. We ordered two osso buccos, pesto gnocchi, Ceasar salad, Mocha crunch cake, and Creme Brulee cheesecake.
Going a bit backwards as I have a HUGE sweet tooth, I highly recommend the cheesecake. They use real vanilla beans in the cheesecake giving it a smooth taste unlike vanilla extract. The top was a creme brulee topping, but I wish it had been a bit more crunchy to truly reflect the essence of it. The Mocha cake was good, but too decadent, even for me. But if you can handle chocolate, toffee, more chocolate, and a dense cake, I suggest trying it.
The gnocchi was so-so. It wasn't what I picked so I won't go into too much, but it was a bit dense and the pesto sauce was lacking. I'm a sauce person so I would've preferred a little more sauce. Now to the star, the osso bucco. Omg, heaven on a marrow! The veal was amazingly tender, moist, with the right amount of flavor. The tomato broth was very mild so it really showcased the flavor of the veal itself. Adagio has it as Osso Bucco alla Milanese, though I prefer Alla Bolla, which is shrimp and scallops in lieu of the risotto.
The Ceasar salad was good, and I'm commenting it last as many offer great Ceasar. It was too acidic for my taste and was really hoping for more of the anchovy taste. And if you're planning on bringing your own bottle of wine, it is a $12.00 corkage fee, which I find very reasonable. If I'm ever in the Woodland Hills area again, I would come back every day! -
Review from Cory G.
Woodland Hills, CA
11/25/2011
Great atmosphere, great food, and excellent prices!! 5 stars...!!!!!
-
Review from Marcus H.
Newhall, CA
9/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Adagio Ristorante provided one of the best meals I've had in the Los Angeles Area, and I'm not a very forgiving diner.
The menu is in Italian, which for me is a sure sign that someone in the place knows what they're cooking.
The staff, for the most part, seems very knowledgeable about the menu and the food that's on it, which is more than I can ask for out of a non-Italian waitstaff - the hallmark indication that the owner/managers care about the quality of their waitstaff and the experience of the guest.
The wine list could use some work, but that's more of a cost control issue (I honestly don't expect very many of the people in the Woodland Hills area to know good Italian wine if they got beaten over the head with it). Despite having a massive under-representation of regional Italian wines, the selection was fair.
The food was phenomenal, including the table side prep Insalata di Caesare (which, while easy, takes talent). The Bistecca and Medaglione were hands down the best steaks I've ever eaten, cooked to perfection, and as tender as could be. The Medaglione barely needed a knife to be cut, and the Port Wine demiglace was PHENOMENAL.
This restaurant will easily be our first choice for fine Italian cuisine from here on out.
The one downside was when the restaurant began to get busy. The small space creates a cacophonous din of chattering high-pitched voices that makes dining in quiet and comfort almost impossible. This is, however, NOT a detraction in the overall scheme of things.
