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C & O Trattoria
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
31 Washington BlvdMarina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 823-9491
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 8 am - 11 pm
Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
962 reviews for C & O Trattoria
Review Highlights
"The garlic rolls are always plentiful and delicious."
(in 341 reviews)
"PLUS there was a group singalong to "That's Amore."
(in 145 reviews)
"When the moon hits your eye like a big-a pizza pie."
(in 13 reviews)
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962 reviews in English
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Review from Chloé C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
ALWAYS busy. Make reservations. Outdoor seating.
Garlic knots from God are AMAZINGGG. they are delicious. warm. very loud and fun place to be with a group of friends. but there is a wait. Excellent service.
Big portions, so might want to share because you will get full off the bread.
Right off the beach and parking can be tricky, but nevertheless worth it, although I got chased by a hobo afterwards on the beach. -
Review from Melissa N.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012
Super cute place in Venice -- the garlic knots are to die for. Everything else is pretty standard for an Italian place. Very cute ambiance and location -- perfect for a date and it's a really fun place to be in general. While I can't rave about the food, I will say that the unlimited garlic knots definitely were the highlight of my meal. I am determined to find a way to make them at home so I can eat them all and be fat and happy.
Regardless, the portions are huge so you will probably end up going home with leftovers. Try to sneak some garlic knots into your take out container. -
Review from Darla P.
Corona, CA
2/6/2012
THAT'S AMORE!
Very fun place with great food and excellent service. -
Review from Ron E.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Garlic knots rain from above for days with no end in sight. To say the least, the are annoyingly delicious.
I had around 8 sitting in my stomach before my entree landed in front of me. I had 3 more during the course of my meal. That means I had 11 rolls all to my self. At least. Should they have cargo dropped a few more, they may as well have put them directly into my pockets to take home. Oh yeah, plus the one I actually took home and ate later that night as a snack. Can you hear me getting fat on the other side of this screen?
Entrees were not spectacular considering what you pay, but I thought there'd be more pizazz based on the Yelp reviews. My shrimp raviolis came out colder than room temperature. What a disappointment. Overly salted sauce murked what's left of my taste buds. My partners braised short ribs were ok, though nothing worth writing about. My dish had clearly been sitting around waiting for the ribs to be done before making its way to our table. Tears. We reluctantly pushed forward with our meals as the restaurant broke into song and the cheers-ing began. I guess they're obligated to toast each and every single patron in the room. Lord. I can see how this place could be entertaining for college kids.
Anyways, the decor in here was, well, for college kids. Plastic chairs? DIY chianti? I know it's great way to get your customers involved, but it's also a sign of laziness. Thanks, but not thanks. The service that night was slow, our server disappeared in a puff of garlic smoke right as we were about to request a take-out box and our check. We seriously sat there for at least 10-15 minutes before he reappeared. I almost broke out in applause when he showed up, amazed at how long one could go completely invisible for such a long time.
I guess the real magic only rests in the garlic knots. -
Review from Khathy H.
2/1/2012
C&O's is so fun! Everyone should come here at least once in their lives. UCLA and LMU kids, this is a fantastic restaurant for birthdays, so whoever is next, be sure to bring the whole party here. Then, follow dinner with some bar hopping and experience the exciting Venice nightlife.
Why should you come here? The garlic bread and the singing! You will die for these unlimited garlic rolls gearing you up for the dinner to come. Then once every hour, the entire staff and all of the patrons sing "that's amore" reminding you of those "Spring Sing" musicals your elementary school made you participate in. Only now, you'll want to sing with your wine in hand to cheers!
I really can't wait to go back here! -
Review from Eileen L.
Updated - 1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Prefacing my update with first round of "That's Amore" starts nightly at 7:30pm. I always assumed the song ran on repeat once dinner hours began, but I guess you can't get the waiters tipsy too early in the night. but minus a star for not starting on the dime, or even 10 minutes after. I was anticipating the song so much the bf and I dragged out our din din an hour and a half.
I have learned from previous visits to not order too much. This time the bf and I settled on sharing an individual sized pasta, so we can capitalize on the killer garlic rolls that kept magically refilling :) 1/2 an individual sized gorgonzola fusili add sausage + a glass of house chianti that lasted me the whole meal + unlimited garlic rolls + snickers cheesecake = an incredibly stuffed, but happy tummy :)
oh, and do not fret seating outdoors during wintertime, the numerous heat lamps scattered around the patio do a good job keeping the space warm and cozy.Listed in: Cute Date Spots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2011
if you're of age, order a glass of wine. it makes the "that's amore" song so much more fun.
GARLIC… Read more »
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Review from Jen C.
1/28/2012
Turn-and-burn, boil-in-the-bag, soulless Italian food reminiscent of Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill.
They pack em in here so the space is incredibly loud...I really can't believe there are that many people interested in shitty italian food but then, there are always lines outside of Olive Garden so...yeah.
So, if you want to wait an hour to eat subpar food whilst screaming across the table in order to be heard then this is the place for you! -
Review from Audrey C.
Los Altos, CA
1/26/2012
**Not to be confused with C&O Cucina, down the street.** Even though the owners are the same, apparently the food doesn't taste exactly the same.
C&O Trattoria is a great family style, Italian restaurant. All of their pastas are great and the garlic rolls are amazing! Over the years, C&O's has always been consistent. There's always a line out the door, they always sign "That's Amore" at night, honor wine bar, and everyone always comes out satisfied.
Dishes not to miss:
- Linguini Pollo Marsala (but I usually change the pasta to Fusilli)
- Spaghetti Bolognese - it's not just your average spaghetti...just try it and you'll know what I mean. Don't bother trying the Spaghetti with Meatballs, this is just way better!
- Pappardelle Pasta with Boneless Beef Short ribs
Everything else is good too, but these are the dishes that I order regularly.
As far as portions, the individual size is usually enough for a medium appetite. I only order the gargantuan if there are several people to share with.
Also, they have a great brunch menu. When the weather's nice, I love sitting in their outdoor patio for brunch, then taking a stroll down to the pier after.
As far as parking, if you're willing to walk a couple blocks, there's always street parking around. If you valet, you'll end up waiting the same amount of time that it would take to walk to your car since they valet cars a few blocks away. -
Review from Laurel J.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was the selected place for my office Christmas party with a total of 6 people. We had to make reservations (which were messed up and we ended up being shoved back a half hour) and ended up waiting about 45 minutes outside before being seated. The place is basically a building split in half, one side open air, one side roofed with the kitchen in the middle. We were seated in the open air side which was CRAMMED with little tables, standing headers, and strung with lights.
Let me tell you, it is more than difficult to squeeze yourself into the 4 inches that exists between back to back seats when you have to go to the bathroom. Of which there is only one men's/one women's, and it's in the half that is roofed. Not ideal layout.
The redeeming quality after all of that was the garlic knots. SO ADDICTING! They have the "all-you-can-drink" wine but I didn't opt in. Instead I ordered a bottle of champagne (oh yeah!). I also ordered the meatloaf which was pretty bland, but people seemed to enjoy their dishes.
The other fun part was the whole restaurant singing along to "That's Amore"...waiters handed around lyric sheets and all of us wined up folks began singing along to the song.
Parking also sucks, but that's primarily because it's literally right next to the beach, and there's NEVER easy parking there. -
Review from shiven G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
I have been to this place for like the Nth time and it is surprising that who ever comes to Los Angeles, I take them here.
This place is known for the Killer Garlic Breads (btw which are complimentary and unlimited).
Things that I would have here are definitely the Stuffed Mushroom for appetizers, cheese ravioli, Pesto Penne and of course the best desert here is the home made Tiramisu.
The ambiance is great on weekend especially for dinner Definitely worth visiting for Italian Cuisine. The only hitch is that it needs you to make a bill for at least $10 per person (non-inclusive of beverages). -
Review from Janice K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
AHHHH THE GARLIC KNOTS!!! Be warned, they are TOO delicious and are endless.
It's so fun here~ All the singing and clinking with wonderful food! -
Review from Vincent R.
Los Angeles, CA
Here are C & O's biggest selling points
1) All you can eat garlic knots/rolls for Free!! They are delicious and the staff isn't shy about giving them to you. They have servers whose only job is to give you rolls! They are the perfect balance of oil, garlic, and bread. If your personal savior (take your pick) where to choose to turn water into garlic rolls, they would turn into these garlic rolls.
2) The House wine, Chianti, is serve yourself on the honor system. It's $5.95 a glass. You can choose to be honest or you can choose to not be. My basic rule, DBD, Don't be a dick.
The other food.
In general food is $10 to 16 per dish and portions are large! Be warned there is a $10 minimum so you can't just show up and drink a glass of wine and eat free garlic rolls.
I had the eggplant parmigiana. It was tasty. It had a good outer coating that complemented well the oh so gooey, soft, and delicious eggplant at the center. The veggies were fresh and crisp
One friend had the fusilli chicken, which is aptly named because "Foo-u-silly" if you order this. Its not that its bad, its just not special. You could have probably made something similar at home.
Another friend had the half oven roasted rosemary chicken. The skin was well seasoned and tasty, but the chicken was a little dry.
The service
The service was great. As i said, the staff were always giving us more garlic knots.
If you ate a plate, almost immediately it was filled again. Our waitress was super friendly and made you feel like she had known you for ever. I felt like we were at our friends family restaurant.
The diggs.
Beautiful and warm outdoor patio. -
Review from Ari M.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have two suggestions regarding how to prepare prior to visiting C & O Trattoria. One, warm up your singing voice, and two, call a cab. You're going to sing. You're going to toast with wine from a massive bottle. You're going to toast while you sing and then you will toast again. And it's quite likely that you and your party will have a great time in the process. But you probably shouldn't drive home.
You're also going to eat delicious garlic bread rolls, served in finger food size knots and delivered to your table constantly throughout your meal. You're going to order an individual sized entree and be shocked by the huge portion (big enough for two), or perhaps order a gargantuan entree for your group and come to realize that in this case, even "gargantuan" is an understatement.
When the lyric sheets for "That's Amore" are handed to you, I can only hope you will be on your second glass of wine. And you will have to accept the fact that when the music starts, the eating stops. But who cares? Time to toast some more! Toast with your friends, your family, your waiter, the owner, the host, the hostess, the garlic balls, the moon, the heat lamps... C & O Trattoria! An experience. -
Review from Emily Y.
1/19/2012
When I was in my 20's, I used to come here alot for the same reasons everyone else did:
1. Cheap, self-pour chianti on the "honor system"
2. Garlic knots
3. Giant, massive bowls of pasta that you're sure to take home and eat for days
4. Drunkenly singing "That's Amore" with everyone else off that "honor system" Chianti
So it has a couple of things going for it, the fun ambience and the self-pour Chianti. Otherwise, I would definitely give the food a 2-star rating.
Was in the area and had C&O's again for takeout. Had the chicken fusilli and the sausage rigatoni. Portions were massive as usual, but the pasta was overcooked with little bits of protein. Sauce looked baked onto the pasta. It was really nothing special. Garlic rolls were overbaked. Food was, meh, just ok.
All in all, if you are in your early-mid 20's (or not too picky on food), doing a big birthday dinner and on a budget, C&O's can be the way to go for sheer quantity of food. As for quality? I'd pay a few extra bucks and go elsewhere. But when you factor in the service, ambience and the self-pour chianti, C&O's can be a fun night. Just don't expect too much from the food. -
Review from Robert P.
Santa Monica, CA
1/5/2012
"Have you heard about our garlic knots? They're complimentary and awesome."
So yesterday was my birthday and this is the place I chose to celebrate.
"Have you heard the garlic knots are awesome?"
I live so close, I can't believe I had never stopped in before. But I was all a-twitter for Italian food and wanted to try someplace different. Thanks to Yelp and its solid **** rating by nearly 1,000 people, I gave this trattoria a shot and am quite happy that I did, thank you.
"Have you heard the garlic knots are awesome?" asked the bus boy, the waiter, the manager and the fat lady at the next table.
This place is a real trip!
I judge an Italian restaurant by one of my favorite dishes on this earth, Linguine and Red Clam Sauce. But C&O like many Italian eateries only listed Linguine with White Clam Sauce on its extensive and mouth-watering menu. "No problemo, the owner proclaimed. We make it a special -- just for you. And while you wait eat some garlic knots. They're very, very good."
One of my sons wanted what I had ordered. The waiter suggested that instead of two orders, we should order the giant portion which would be more than enough food for two and will be cheaper than two separate orders. Very cool. Other restaurants and waiters should memorize this paragraph.
Although I do love my linguini, I also love my eggplant (or aubergine as we say on the continent). My #2 favorite, Eggplant Parmigiana was listed under House Specials; an eggplant lasagna also had me salivating.
The waiter recommended the House Chianti which is sold by the glass -- on the honor system! They give you a glass, point you toward the wine and you tell them how many glasses you drank. Amazing!
And the House Chianti was also amazing -- among the best I've ever had the pleasure to sample.
The food was killer! Super. Fantastic. Salad, pasta, couldn't have been better.
And as we were savoring it, something magical happened. C&O Trattoria transformed into Disneyland. And I'm being 101% serious.
Dean Martin's "That's Amore" blasted from the speakers, a signal for every single employee in this place to grab a glass of wine and dance around the restaurant clinking glasses with each and every patron as everyone in the place sang along to the song. A super show!
The prices are oh, so reasonable, the food terrific, the service friendly and impeccable -- Four Stars!
Oh. And the garlic knots? Awesome!
"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie..." -
Review from Derek W.
Valencia, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would have gave this place 5 stars just for the Garlic Bread it is that good and it is free.
But what was even better was the food and the service was excellent as well. We came here with a party 12 and the server was on top of everything and did an excellent job.
The two orders i split was:
Linguini with Lobster - this dish comes in one size "huge" , but i'm so glad this dish comes in that size, the lobster cream sauce is amazing and i could not get enough of this meal. I couldn't finish this dish in one seating, but i was happy i had left overs the next day
Pappardelle Pasta with Boneless Beef - another excellent pasta dish here.
This place is in a great location right next to the beach and to come here during the day on the patio was just a perfect atmosphere -
Review from Annie L.
Monterey Park, CA
1/30/2012
Food: The food was pretty good we ordered a pasta, beef shank, and a ravioli. The pasta was pretty good; it had chicken, eggplant, and tomato dressed with a tomato cream sauce. The beef shank was okay, it reminded my party and I of a Chinese beef stew. The meat was falling off the bone and came with a side of mash potatoes. As for the ravioli, the ravioli was a mushroom ravioli that was covered with a creamy alfredo sauce. All of the items were okay, but if I had to recommend something it would be the pasta dish because that was the only thing that stood out to me. The other two entrees fell flat and are things I can get elsewhere. However, their garlic rolls are too die for. I was so glad they had unlimited refills.
Service: Unfortunately I wanted to love this place but the service is not so red hot. As a customer, I believed that every person that steps into a dining establishment should be treated with the same respect that they deserved but I definitely did not receive that. I walked in half an hour earlier before my reservation and informed a male hostess that I was here for dinner; they did acknowledge the fact that I was a little early but they said they would tell me when my table's ready. I grew impatient after waiting for 30 mins and this time there was a female hostess in the front about the situation and informed me that the male did not say anything to her about it. I was a little annoyed about that, however I did not let that ruin my dining experience. During dinner, a server dropped a garlic roll on my friend and only said sorry in addition to that they didn't have the decency to pick it up from the ground. I think someone brought a nice little snack home with them. This is not the first accident they made, I came here a couple of years ago for my cousin's birthday and she found a staple in her food. It definitely scared me into checking my food, before I ate it. I would trust that restaurants will do a good job at checking over their entrees before they sent it out, but I guess not. I also felt very out of place. As a 19 year old, I may be young but that does not mean I don't know how to enjoy the finer things in life like dining at establishments like this. I felt as if the waiters visited the tables with older crowds more often, and it was a pain to even get the attention of someone to help us. I hate it when people treat you differently because of your age, I am young but I had the money to pay and tip you adequately didn't I? I have to admit my party was probably the youngest table there, but that does not mean we shouldn't get the same service you give to everyone else.
Final Verdict: I don't think I am gonna give this place another chance, they have definitely changed my mind for the worst. The place is a long drive from home, the food is mediocre, and last of all I really did not like the service I received the two times I have dined here. Plus this time around, the rude valet guy outside the restaurant was giving us a hard time. They fooled me once so shame on them, but they fooled me twice so shame on me. I guess I was just gullible enough to believe that things would get better after the whole staple incident. -
Review from Cheryl N.
Marina del Rey, CA
1/25/2012
We like to go here when we want to stay close to home. Sometimes we'll eat in but more often than not, we'll get it to go so that we can have a relaxing meal at home. It can get very crowded.
We usually order the chopped vegetable salad along with some type of pasta. They always include a large container of the famous garlic knots. It's enough food to easily feed four people. The salad is fresh and the pasta is always excellent.
When we order to go, we usually walk over and place the order in the kitchen. No matter how crowded it is, it's only a matter of minutes before we're heading back home, heavy bags in hand. They give us garlic knots to hold us over while we wait. -
Review from Melissa D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2012
This place was chill. I brought a group of 16 people and they were very accommodating.
The food was good. Not the best italian food I've ever had, but definitely top notch. The sundried tomato fettuchini was super good, but I actually think I liked the chopped salad better. Also, huge portions! Not a single one of us finished our plates and I went there with guys! Of course, I have to mention the garlic rolls that come free with the meal. Super good...although...I was kind of expecting it to be amazing, like heaven in the mouth, since all my friends were raving about them so much. I kinda had to fake being in love with the rolls just to fit in. Don't get me wrong, though, they were good (and free), just not amazing.
Their 'honor wine system' is a little bizarre, but whatever, i'm not complaining.
The reason why I took away a star is that I'm not a fan of their $10/person minimum policy. Some of my friends only wanted something small and they were forced to buy large meals just to satisfy this requirement. Lame. -
Review from Mireya K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2012 4 photos
Garlic bread, garlic bread, garlic bread! A bit salty, but still oh so good. I could not get enough of these little devilish things! The food was yummy, gigantor portions enough to feed the familia. Went there to celebrate a birthday. Very cute, very cute. Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra in the background ;)
We brought in a birthday cake which they refrigerate for you. .75 cents per pp cutting fee, not too bad. They might have taken the cake out of the box once we had arrived b/c the cake had a refrigeration taste to it :( Plus they took the Velvet Cake right out of our hands faster than a bullet before we could even take a pic! Despite our beautifully, rose pedalled, velvet cake indecent, I will definitely go back in a heartbeat! Until then good eats! -
Review from Mateo N.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2012
Good restaurant. It's located right next to the pier. We sat outdoors on a beautiful night. The highlight was the free garlic balls--simply delicious! Must pace yourself as to not ruin your main meal. For dinner, I ordered the chicken ravioli (size: gargantuan) which was pretty good. Service was good as well. Overall I'm happy with my experience. The reason for the 3-stars is because I just didn't think it was anything really special. It seemed like your average, everyday Italian restaurant that's suppose to serve good food...as it does. No complaints.
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Review from Tiffany W.
Hacienda Heights, CA
12/20/2011
This is probably my favorite italian restaurant! I always get their lobster linguini! It is amazingly delicious &it's not expensive at all! Yay for free fresh garlic bread balls!:]
Downside...
PARKING STINKS! -
Review from Julissa R.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
1/17/2012
This place was amazing. I read many great reviews about their garlic knots and they were delicious. A little too salty for my taste but then again I rarely use salt when I cook. I love garlic so in the end I still enjoyed these little pieces of heaven.
My friend and I chose the Chicken Penne Arrabiata. It was perfect. The portion was "gargantuan" as it says on the menu. We had so much food leftover and I was able to enjoy leftovers for a couple of days.
The atmosphere was great. The servers were really friendly and attentive. We even joined in a sing a long of "That's Amore".
This place is perfect for dinner with friends, family, or a date. You will not be disappointed.
I just wish I had asked for some garlic knots to take home with me. Maybe next time! -
Review from Justin L.
12/22/2011 2 photos
If someone else suggests eating at C&O as part of a group, that's A-OK with me, especially if we can reserve a table in the patio area (which I didn't even notice was a patio until I looked up and saw the sky, so well furnished and crowded and lit up as it was). Service is attentive and friendly, and the garlic knots are as addictive as everyone says they are. Order a "gargantuan" sized pasta for every 2-3 people, and you'll have just enough with possibly some leftover. The atmosphere is a festive one, punctuated by a group song. It's all quite cheesy and charming, but precisely what's needed to break the ice, warm the heart, and pack the stomach with carbolicious contentment.
Don't bother saving room for dessert (as if you could). All the selections are mass-made by an outside company; only the tiramisu is made in-house, and it's rather ordinary. So go ahead and eat that last garlic ball. -
Review from Jonathan W.
12/11/2011
Hmmmm.....I'm must say, I'm not blown away. Maybe I expected too much?
The portions are massive but the flavors and quality on par with your usual Italian chain eatery. Perhaps previous reviewers are really looking for value.
This is not an upscale Trattoria. The garlic balls are soft and delicious but otherwise nothing is outstanding.
Good service and cozy setting. More a family setting and low key casual dining. -
Review from Andrew N.
12/6/2011
The progression:
1. "No its ok, I don't want any garlic rolls- I don't really eat carbs."
2. "Ok, maybe just one."
3. "Oh, this is good I'll have another one."
4. "Hey, could you pass the plate of garlic balls over here?"
5. "GIVE ME MORE GARLIC BALLS. NOW."
This is how I got full before I even placed my order.
Aside from the garlic balls, the food I had here was great too. Two of my friends and I split the Linguini with Lobster (Slipper Lobster Tails, Portobello Mushrooms, Asparagus Tips, Roma Tomatoes and Shallots with Brandied Lobster Cream Sauce) and the Caesar salad.
The salad was average - not much meat or croutons but the dressing and the lettuce was good. The Linguine with Lobster was amazing. It was super creamy and flavorful with good sized chunks of lobster tail. It was pretty expensive at $17 but there was a lot of it. The three of us didn't finish the two orders because they were so big and probably because we were already stuffed from the mouthwatering garlic rolls.
At the end of the meal, the server serving the hot, fresh rolls seemed to be avoiding our desperate cries for more rolls. He walked around offering rolls to every other table except ours so we tried flagging him down. He finally gave us some after we pulled him over to our table. Our waitress later explained that they aren't supposed to serve the free rolls to people who finished eating already and they could get in trouble for it :(
Other than that, great restuarant. Definitely a nice place to bring some friends and guests as a good excuse to stuff your face with balls. -
Review from Leila N.
Orange County, CA
1/5/2012
Three Words: Endless Garlic Knots!!!!
I am in love C & O! I live in orange county but I will drive up to LA just for this place! The service is always amazing, the ambiance makes you feel like you just stepped into Italy, AND THE FOOD IS OUT OF THIS WORLD.
The servers consistently come around and fill your drinks and load your plate with more of the garlic knots! YUMMMM I ALWAYS get the pappardelle with chicken apple sausage! The portions are huge! You could definitely share with a friend or just take some home for work the next day like I always do :) They have never failed to disappoint me! YOU MUST GO HERE IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA!
only cons: Parking is hard to find or expensive depending on the time of the day AND one bathroom per gender is not enough after all that vino!! -
Review from Z Z.
Arcadia, CA
1/4/2012
3.5
I love the place and every time my friends are coming over to L.A., I would bring them here. I love their lobster linguine, seafood linguine as well as salads. The pros have been noted thousand times here: their unbeatable garlic rolls and the great ambiance. I love their patio area which is a great place to have friends gathered or have small talks with your significant other.
But the only reason I deduct points is that they are quite slow/reluctant in providing galic rolls during my recent visits.
Hey we are not coming here for free food. We pay for everything and all the costs(the garlic rolls) are included in the meal right?When many customers sense about it(as what I can read from the recent comments) , it should be a signal for the restaurateur. Customers love places that can provide consistent quality service, which shows how they treat customers in heart. -
Review from Apryl D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Garlic Knots! You definitely have to pace yourself!
The food is reasonably priced and portions are great. The staff works together to assure your drink isn't empty and you have what you need.
The only irritant here is how close the tables are together. The loud large groups and barefoot tourists are a bit annoying but overall the experience is pretty decent. The most fun is a dinner when everyone starts singing.
I love that they have gluten-free pasta and that you can get anything on the menu for breakfast! -
Review from Alohabug.com R.
Chula Vista, CA
1/28/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Linguini Mare! That's all there is to it and I'm sold! The only thing I wish they can improve is their bathroom. There's not enough for everyone. The line can get long so you have to wait. Make sure to go to the bathroom before coming in here.
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Review from Mariel L.
Updated - 1/9/2012 3 photos
Good, this is the C&O Trattoria experience that my sister raved about. This time around, I had a much better late lunch experience with my family during New Year's Eve Day. Our service was quick and friendly, with a lot of jesting (e.g. he called my dad a "garlic roll monster," at which point another server dumped a whole bunch of the free rolls on my dad's plate. Hilarious.) The pasta was still good, but not great, but the garlic rolls more than make up for any shortcoming...this time.
Listed in: The Yelp 100!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2010
Decided to come here with my friend after my sister raved about their "killer garlic rolls" and… Read more »
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Review from Anna T.
Pasadena, CA
12/27/2011
Wow- I use to be a BIG fan of C & O. However, today my experience was sub-par. I think they may have been short staffed today. Overall, I would give them a 4-star, but I'm taking 2 stars away for the following:
1- Food Taste/Quality... the killer garlic rolls were drench in oil and was over baked. So when my friends and I tried to take a bite of it, oil was squirting all over the place. I guess it didn't help that it was a bit windy too. Then my rigatoni mare taste like it came right from the ocean water (not in a good way either)... I couldn't swallow the shrimp or scallop because it was smelly and had a rubbery texture...it just didn't taste fresh. The pasta was a bit overcook and not al dente. Roasted garlic spread...ummm it use to taste so good before, but it was burnt... did they change cooks or what? I feel like I'm being harsh, but I expect better from C&O.
2- Service...not as attentive, had to ask for refills a few times before they actually came back to refill our drinks and we felt rushed, even though it wasn't as packed (we went at about 1:30pm)
So would I come back, you may ask? Probably not, its a bit disappointing when you are paying about $45pp (not including tip and tax) for subpar food and service. -
Review from Scott A.
Santa Monica, CA
12/18/2011
The exact same menu as it's sister location, C & O Cucina down the street. The downside is DEFINITELY the parking situation. Beach parking, lots and street parking if you can find it. I couldn't imagine battling for parking during rush hour.
The location itself is huge. They actually had a group of 85 next door that had a reservation. They seem to be a little anal about reservations, which surprises me in this economy, but I guess when you fill the house you can be picky. We were also squished into a corner of a room and some of us couldn't get out of our seats unless everyone got up and moved. They pack people like sardines into this location.
The garlic puffs will always be the highlight of the restaurant. You can't go wrong with those things. In fact, if you're cheap you could probably just tear those up with some water, but they would probably force you to order so you mine as well.
I think the variance of stars here are from the entrees. I think it can be hit or miss. For example, since the menu is the same at both locations, we love the linguini pescatore. It's got to be one of the best dishes there. So good we got the gargantuan portion and finished it. I'd say most of the tomato sauce dishes probably aren't as good. The garlic wine sauces seem to be the best.
People seem to like this location more because of the Italian singing they do once a night. Personally I could care less, because it slows me down and I want more garlic puffs. Service is pretty good here and just like my other review of C & O Cucina, it's much better than Buca Di Beppo, but slightly below Maggiano's. -
Review from Carolyn P.
Westwood, CA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here on a Saturday night for a going away party. We had about 14 people in our party and we were quickly seated in a big long table in the outside patio.
Service was good. Our carafes were always full with wine. And the guy with the big basket of garlic balls was always available. We ordered family style and the pastas were plentiful. Better than the mass-produced Buca di Beppo dishes but nothing spectacular. The outdoor patio was great - they kept it warm with plenty of heat lamps. Prices were fair - we paid ~$35/person (this included paying for the guests of honor) and we still had plenty of leftovers to take home.
All in all, a great place if you have a large group. The outdoor patio was nice and the atmosphere was fun and casual. -
Review from Aisha D.
Canoga Park, CA
12/29/2011
I was in the marina, just cruising around with my sister and mom for my moms birthday when a sudden hunger hit all 3 of us at the same time, what a coincidence!!!!
We are all italian food lovers so I had my sister look for a restaurant near us on her phone. When she told me she found an italian restaurant with 4 stars and over 900 reviews my mom said "deal!"
It was really an awesome italian experience. Garlic knobs, home made sangrias, amazing pastas and food.
I ordered the lobster linguini, but ended up taking 70% of it to my office the next day because I totally filled myself up on garlic knobs, which were amazing.
The part that most impressed me about C and O is that the whole restaurant broke out singing in the middle of dinner! By far the cutest thing I ever witnessed.
The only part that sucks beyond belief is the parking. Santa Monica parking is a curse. -
Review from Tiffany W.
Monterey Park, CA
12/11/2011
The only thing saving this place is the garlic balls. They are crunchy and garlicky goodness when they're fresh out of the oven. But I was highly disappointed with the frequency of which they refilled our garlic balls. Our plate was empty about 80% of the night.
I ordered the Pappardelle with braised beef short ribs. It was decent. The egg noodles are delicious and the beef tender, but the sauce lacked depth in flavor. I was hoping for a richer sauce.
I'm very happy that I got to experience the garlic balls - they really live up to the hype. However, the rest of the food and the service is mediocre. I did come on a busy Saturday night around the Holidays, so that may be the reason for the slow service. Also, this place likes to sing. Be prepared to stretch those vocal cords.
In short, come for the garlic balls, but don't expect much else. -
Review from Lucy W.
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum...garlic rolls.
I guess I should say more...well some like this place for the garlic rolls, others like it for the sing-along to "Thats Amore" and others like it for the honor system wine.
In addition, I like to draw pictures on my table cloth with the crayons. Also, you never leave hungry. They have HUGE portions, so you can share or bring some home with you.
Hint: just go ahead and valet. Ok, maybe try out the lot at the end by the pier, but if that doesn't work out just use the valet. You will appreciate when you are rolling out of C&O with a full belly. -
Review from Mark S.
12/29/2011
Hands down my favorite restaurant in LA. The garlic knots are ridiculously addicting, I would just eat an entire plate of them if I could. The ambience is amazing, just avoid the nights when it's really busy, or get there early. They have a creamy pesto pasta that I don't stop thinking about for days, which is easy because they give you so much food that it literally lasts for days. Even writing this is hard, because those garlic knots are my favorite food on the Earth. I literally want to tackle the waiter that carries them around when the come out fresh and piping hot from the kitchen. Must be time for another visit....
-
Review from Katrina L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2011
I don't frequent many places because I don't eat out that often, but this would have to be one of my "frequented spots."
Prices = fair for what you get
Garlic balls = amazing
Pasta = huge servings, 8 out of 10 for taste
Atmosphere = happy (except one time our waitress was kinda grumpy)
Desserts = wouldn't know, I'm always too full to try them
Overall, a great place! -
Review from George T.
Burbank, CA
12/3/2011
It's The Garlic Balls...If you haven't figured it out yet. There is a reason why everyone puts in the their review. It's endless and It's amazing.
Staff and atmosphere is great too, though seating at the patio can get tight.
Pastas are great and generously proportioned.
