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Cafe Med
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
8615 W Sunset BlvdWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(310) 652-0445
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
123 reviews for Cafe Med
Review Highlights
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"Outside patio is great, and people watching is inevitable." In 13 reviews -
"We had the Farfalle con Salmone, Vodka e Asparagi & Sea..." In 4 reviews -
"The pizza is delicious here and so is the pasta." In 30 reviews
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123 reviews in English
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Review from Mollie C.
Los Angeles, CA
I've been here a few times and will definitely go back for more. I have tried the Cappellini with red sauce, the Pizza Margherita, the Penne Arrabiata, and the Linguine Vongole. Don't forget the dessert menu! All tasty choices. The plate size is big enough for leftovers.
The hosts/waiters are extremely nice and alert. We didn't wait long for appetizers, entrees, drinks, the bill. Most of the waiters have ties to Italy and it's fun to chat with them about their family history.
Parking: Best part of all- free parking behind the restaurant! I never knew anything was free around Sunset Plaza.
Wine- My friend and I ordered a Pinot Noir and a White Zinfandel. The only negative to this restaurant was they got both our orders wrong. Mine tasted more like a house Merlot and my friend's looked like a Rose. Our waiter was relatively busy so we chose not to ask for another wine. Didn't spoil our meal by any means.
Cost: Prices are reasonable to expensive. For two people you can easily rack up an $80 bill for 2 entrees, 2 glasses wine and an appetizer.
Atmosphere: Can be either a casual dinner or romantic night out. Good for a couple or a family. There's plenty of seating inside and the outdoor patio is great on a warm day/night.
I will definitely return. -
Review from Paul T.
Los Angeles, CA
Nice atmosphere. Service extremely slow. Waiter made a mistake 4 of 6 orders (more than once). Pizza is good. Caesar salad tasteless.
Been there before because others liked one of their dishes, but they can't get their orders right with parties larger than 4! -
Review from Elizabeth N.
Los Angeles, CA
Parking: Free behind the building
Atmosphere: Cool to see people walking around on Sunset
Food: Supermodel pizza is great and my friend got this chicken dish which was amazing!
Why is my review 2 stars?
SERVICE IS TERRIBLE - We waited an hour to get our order, to even order we had to wait. I took my friends from Canada to visit and they were appalled by the service thinking that LA should have above par service.
Everyone is going to have different experiences with different waiters but mine was not good and I could get better Italian food with better service somewhere else. -
Review from Naz H.
Every time I come here I enjoy the food, and the place it self. Such a great date place and Free parking. I love the telephono pasta dish the best.
Will come here for years to come. The owners is a sweatheart. -
Review from Teresa T.
Ramona, CA
One of the best places to have a great meal, accompanied by incredible service, and people watching. It's a staple in Spring and Summer.
Side note: Beware of tourist that pass by every 2 mins with cameras ablaze. -
Review from Glen W.
West Hollywood, CA
I consider myself a regular (and my relatives as well). I can say without reservation that Cafe Med is my only choice for Italian food in Los Angeles. I have had too many dishes to count (all good), various deserts (heavenly, light, tiramisu) and I can honestly say -- I love everything. The Blue crab ravioli is one of my favorites. You must try the lasagne. In a word: divine. Cafe Med also has a cool vibe, populated with industry regulars, visiting NY models, and superstars of the EU sports & entertainment worlds (then there's my ho-hum family) and, well... you get the idea. Dress uber cool/chic and know that you're dining in your second home; you'll be quite comfortable. Ask for Marco (he's off Thursday nights) for the ultimate experience (he can recommend the perfect wine for your meal). PS: Yes I prefer it to Pace and Spago.
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Review from Brittany B.
Malibu, CA
The key to a successful dining experience at Cafe Med is sticking to the basics-i.e. pasta, salad, pizza and you'll be good to go. It's always lively and offers some nice people watching and great outdoor seating for a warm LA day.
We went last week with a group of 8. I had the homemade pasta with Santa Barbara prawns and a light curry tomato sauce. It was a huge dish and I'm embarrassed to say I finished almost all of it. I stole a bite of a few other dishes: the warm lentil salad with beats and goat cheese-this was another winner. I plan on having this for lunch sometime. I also sampled the bolognese, which was rather bland and the cheese pizza. I would not recommend either.
Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is very casual. Free parking in the back - that alone makes this a good find.Listed in: West Hollywood, Italian in LA, Pizza, People watching spots, Salads in LA
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Review from Shannon R.
Los Angeles, CA
I grabbed take-out here over the weekend, so while I can't speak to the quality of service or decor, I can speak about the food, and it was YUM.
You might think eating vegan at an Italian restaurant would be like dancing in a minefield, with all the heavy meat and cheese to avoid, but I can almost always count on penne arrabbiata. And Cafe Med does it right! It is just chock full of garlic and so spicy. I was mopping up the sauce with bread, it was so delicious. And the pasta was perfectly cooked! Just enough bite. There was enough food for two meals, which always makes the price more palatable.
To be on the safe side, I ordered it without cheese - no idea if it comes with it or not. Most of their dishes are meat/cheese heavy, but I'm more than happy with the penne. I probably wouldn't choose Cafe Med myself, but it's good food and I definitely wouldn't complain if friends wanted to come here.Listed in: Mixed Couple
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Review from Julia G.
San Francisco, CA
A perfect place for people/car watching!!!!! Great outdoor seating!
I went here for lunch and some champagne. Very good food!!!!!!!!!!
The atmosphere is relaxed. Parking is no problem at all!
I will be back! -
Review from Roy P.
West Hollywood, CA
OH HOW I LOVE THEE, CAFE MED!
I should just leave it at that and move onto my next review lol.
Cafe Med is probably one of the best meals I have ever had every single time I have gone. It has been practically flawless each and every time and that's just a HUGE deal for me.
Where do I begin?
I practically lived at the Mondrian for a little over 18 months, so in my exploration of the immediate areas, I walked upon this heavenly little restaurant and haven't looked back since. Even after finally grabbing my own pad in LA and giving up the rockstar hotel life, I make sure to hit up Cafe Med as much as any human being possibly can.
I love the simplicity of it the moment you spot it from up the road. (At least for me, since I would just walk right on over most of the time.) It has a great outdoor seating area, a nice dinning room inside, and just a very spacious and airy/care-free vibe.
But that's just the dressing when it comes to this Italian delicacy. Their dishes are ALL flat out scrumptious!
Try the Mussels, and just trust me on this one. I will barely EVER impose my personal tastes onto you, but if you like mussels, then trust me you must my young foodiwan!!! They have perfected what mussels should taste like everywhere, and at the same time ruined it for every other restaurant I go to. Basically, anything you eat here is going to be VERY well prepared, well seasoned, and delicious, so try it all, I have.
The service is above par with water glasses always full, a very attentive wait staff, and a chef that takes pride in his culinary masterpieces, and delightfully engages with the patrons from time to time.
I Love you Cafe Med.
Sincerely,
Roy P. -
Review from alessa m.
Los Angeles, CA
I walk past this place on the daily and have never eaten there, but this past weekend my boyfriend and I went. Let's just say I was in a horrible mood from three failed attempts for Italian food in Westwood. We were driving back to West Hollywood and I yelp'd this place.
Free parking lot on sunset blvd? Sweet
Outdoor patio? Great
Nice hostess and waitress? Amazing
The food.... Speechless. It was delicious. Fresh and homemade, not heavy or greasy. Noodles were al dente, sauces were flavorful, and the ingredients were high quality.
I really recommend.
My fave? Spinach Gnochhi in Mushroom Sauce.
Oh and I also saw Cisco Adler there, so 2007 but still excited "Get U Home" with Swayze is one of my faves. -
Review from Michael T.
Charlotte, NC
The pasta, cheese and sauce was made fresh today and you could taste it in every bite!
The service was not bad either.... -
Review from Nikki C.
My friend and I had a 'girls day' filled with shopping and needed to re-energize with booze & brunch. Although it was a bit too late for breakfast, we both enjoyed a Nicoise salad, 2 lemon drops, and 2 grey goose sodas.
Cafe Med is the perfect location for outdoor dining and people watching. Located on a busy strip frequented by tour buses and exotic cars. We enjoyed seeing the tourists as they took photos of Sunset Blvd and waved at us while we basked in So Cal's summer-winter weather.
Plenty of parking in the rear but fills up quickly. If you don't mind walking there's another lot located across the street behind restaurants and retail shops.Listed in: So Cal trips
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Review from Roy C.
Washington, DC
Great corner location... right on Sunset Blvd.. awesome spot for a lunch/brunch, which is what I went for.
Had the pizza with fresh mozz and tomatoes... it was damn good.
If you're at the Mondrian, The Standard, or RZ Hotels, then Cafe Med is a short, 5 minute walk away...
I'd like to go back to try the pasta dishes since they do sound and look great... The pizza was definitely good and big enough to split for two... -
Review from Samantha M.
Marina del Rey, CA
Well, I'm a little annoyed because my waitress over-filled my water glass and just laughed and said "Sorry, it spilled", then walked away and never came back to clean up the mess!
I would have already ordered by now, except our waitress has decided to take the order of another 4-top table who came in after us, before us.
So, while I sit here with my puddle, debating on what to get, I can't deny that the bread is incredible.
I finally decided on the Farfelle con salmone, vodka e asparagi (Bowtie pasta with fresh salmon and asparagus in a pink vodka sauce). Mhmmm. This is great! The sauce makes the dish, and the salmon and asparagus are the perfect duo to compliment.
My brother ordered the Penne all'arrabbiata (Penne in a spicy tomato sauce). This dish is a different breed than mine. It's spicy, smokey, the sauce is a little chunky. But, oh boy! Is it delicious. The sauce has several different flavors that carry a great impact the second it touches your mouth.
My mom ordered the Fetteccine alla bolognese (Homemade Fetteccine with a traditional ground beef tomato sauce). This dish is alright. I'm indifferent about it, to be honest. It's not bad, but it's not anything I've never had before.
And last but not least, my Dad ordered the Agnolotti di granchio in salsa rosa (Homemade blue crab ravioli in a tomato cream sauce).--Not my favorite dish. Noodles were a little, (just a little), tough and the crab overpowered the sauce, making it all too fishy for me.
All in all, the service was a shoddy at times. Our waitress, Hana, was nice and pleasant but I think she was fairly overwhelmed with too many tables because of understaffing (it was Christmas day). -
Review from Angel T.
The restaurant itself is very pretty inside, and slightly fancier than I would have imagined just passing by.
The staff are very efficient and polite. My iced tea was never less than half full.
They brought us bread and I made the mistake of trying it. Oh holy deliciouness!! I may have eaten three pieces. Shhhh don't tell.
I then ordered the prosciutto panini. WOW. Generous amounts of prosciutto, cheese and spread, with just the right amount of greens. I was in Heaven.
Next time I eat here I will have to run there and back, because it's so naughty, but it will be worth it!!! :) -
Review from Rachel W.
West Hollywood, CA
I LOVE this place! It has a great vibe if you sit outside and people watch, or even inside is great. Last time I was sitting on a banquet seat next to Fabio...lmao!
They have the best pizza! It is always sooo soo good! Their panini's are great too, and any pasta dish you order. My favorite is the carbonara...mmmmmmm so delicious!
Service is great and always attentive and fast. Prices are decent and worth the quality of food. Portions are a good size. -
Review from Pauline B.
Los Angeles, CA
Came here for a company lunch the other day. I HIGHLY recommend the Ahi-Tuna Panini! So amazingly delicious! I'm never the one to order the same thing every time I return to a restaurant, but I will make an exception for this. Medium-Rare is the way to go with the Ahi. Also, our server was amazing, super sweet and made sure we were happy with the food.
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Review from Charles H.
Los Angeles, CA
My partner came here for a business meeting and told me that the mushroom crusted chicken was out of this world, so I told him ok let's go and let me try this.
Wah Wah Wah. First bite was burnt chicken, second bite was bland and third bite was a waste of calories.
Gnocchi verde.. I'm not that type of a person to put salt on anything, but I had to. 3 bites later I gave up and asked for the check.
Celebrities come here all the time, I hear the pizza is good.
2 stars is only for the wine... And they didn't make it!! -
Review from heather z.
Alhambra, CA
their pastas are GREAT, however for an Italian restaurant... their olive oil and balsamic were horrific! it completely killed my appetite for a sec. I'm glad that I stayed and tried their truffle pasta and seafood pasta with tomato sauce. both were equally delicious and authentic!!
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Review from Lady L.
Orange County, CA
Malik was the best! Funny, attentive, and sweet. We said we would name our first born son after him. He let me modify a dish to death, since I was feeling picky, and it turned out perfect! This is a wonderful, low-key dinner spot when visiting Hollywood.
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Review from Mooie G.
Manhattan, NY
Good food. Small wine list. I find the service okay (fake). If the service was less fake it would be 3 stars.
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Review from Le M.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
Loved this place for years. Grazie Mille!!
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Review from Fshionably L.
Tarzana, CA
The only reason I'm giving this place a 4-star s because of their beef carpaccio - the best! Everything else is whatever. Service for the most part is horrible. The waiter took our order and never came back. This happened a few times we went there.
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Review from John S.
Los Angeles, CA
Being Italian and growing up on my mother's killer home cooking, I'm always in need of the nearest authentic Italian eatery, and my standards are quite high. Cafe Med met them; this place is legit.
Most of their pasta is freshly hand made on site (always a good sign). I ordered such a dish, a "curried" pasta with Santa Barbara prawns, and it was absolutely delicious. My girlfriend's salad was also excellent.
The service was good, the staff friendly, and the place has a great Mediterranean feel with a pleasant patio out in front of their killer Sunset Plaza location. We've returned numerous times with similar results. -
Review from Jenny H.
Los Angeles, CA
I loved this place, I had their pumpkin (I think??) ravioli, it was SPLENDID! They aren't overly remarkable, I wouldn't run down the street screaming "WOOO! BEST ITALIAN EVER!" but I will give it a tip of my hat, for the price, it was great, and it's also the best I've eaten in the LA area at this point.
Of course that's not saying much since I frequent asian restaurants, not Italian, but sometimes the craving comes. Right now I could go for some!!! -
Review from Chris R.
Burbank, CA
I ordered the pumpkin-ricotta ravioli with sage butter sauce with a side of steamed spinach. The ravioli was very rich (a little too rich). It went well with the steamed spinach, except towards the end, the richness began to catch up to me. Perhaps a little white wine in the sauce would have given it a nice touch. The steamed spinach was, i suppose just steamed spinach, which would have been okay except that they charged $6 for some leaves they threw in the water. A bit steep considering it wasn't even seasoned or anything. My friend ordered the baked eggplant and carpaccio starters. They looked good although I didn't eat it so I can't speak for him. Overall decent Italian food, though I have had better for a similar price
Ps- They automatically tack on the 15% gratuity regardless if you are a party of 2. -
Review from Deniz S.
Los Angeles, CA
Cafe Med will always have a special place in my heart. I have been coming to this restaurant for almost 8 years. I used to work on Sunset Plaza and when I placed my first order, I was hooked.
Not only is this place the most consistent restaurant I have been to (I've been to A LOT), but the service is always pleasant.
Sure, the decor isn't impressive by any means, but the views of the strip are priceless. The food is great, not out of this world, but it's authentic.
The wine selection is great as well. As a carpaccio addict, this is the best beef carpaccio in all of los angeles. I have no problem making that statement because I have tried MANY and Cafe Med...has it all.
Cafe Med uses fresh ingredients, and you can TASTE it in their dishes. I have been here so many times I can't even count and every time has been flawless. I've had my birthday here 4 years in a row and it's always been easy.
Cafe Med is a place where I can get dressed up, or go in my sweats and the waiters (two have been there since I remember) always smile and remember me. The service is beyond prompt and the energy of this place is just mellow. Good food, good service, good times.
Out of all the places to eat on Sunset Strip (which are all overrated), Cafe Med delivers. -
Review from Jordan L.
Los Angeles, CA
I have nothing to complain about upon my visit to Cafe Med. It was a great experience and I will definitely go back.
Being from Chicago, I am constantly searching for food in LA that stands up to my high standards. Cafe Med is some of the best Italian food I've had anywhere. The bread is delicious (important at Italian restaurants!) and my linguini with shrimp was delicious as well.
To add, my friend and I were sat immediately at a table outside (PRIME people watching spot, there is plenty to see on Sunset Blvd.), the staff was friendly and attentive, and the parking is free in the back! SCORE! -
Review from Brittany A.
New York, NY
I love dining on Sunset Blvd in the evening. Great people watching, great car watching, and you can see the beautiful city lights. This is a great place to go on a date. Order a bottle of vino, share a pasta and a pizza, you will have an enjoyable night, I promise.
The pizza is delicious here and so is the pasta. You will not go wrong with anything you order. And the ambience just makes this restaurant that much better. -
Review from Jen S.
Overland Park, KS
We first found Cafe Med last year on Christmas Day. So today (Thanksgiving) we decided to go back. Both times we've been, it's been incredibly empty which kind of made me wonder if we had made a mistake. But, I guess it's just a well-kept secret. Today I had the truffle and brie pizza and it was incredible. The service is great too. I'd like to see the restaurant a little busier, and with the great outdoor seating they have, you'd think they would be. But I am willing to keep going until the secret gets out :)
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Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
Nice restaurant, warm, inviting ambiance and decor. The servers are friendly and helpful, great location. Mussels and clam app with tomatoes and garlic toast is a fav, solid pasta and good sized dishes. Majority of the specials under $20, I had lobster capellini, with just the right amount of lobster, and served with white beans. Needs a slight dash of red or green, capers added a nice pop.
Bread basket also good, with various types and olive oil. Very comfortable to hang out and talk. Just the right number of staff on hand, reasonable prices, good spot. Covered curbside seating is nice during the day or night, except motorcycles that start up at the stop light is momentarily disruptive to conversation. Northeast corner of Sunset.Listed in: Hollywood & Thai Town, Shellfish, Italian in LA
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Review from Lori L.
West Hollywood, CA
One word: MOUTHGASM! Wow. I went there for a girlfriends birthday. We arrived chatty as most girls often do...until the food came. Once we dug in, no one said a word other than a frequent "OH MY GOODNESS this is GOOD!" I highly recommend the Fettucini with truffles in a butter sauce with parmesan. I added chicken but let me tell you, it didn't need it!
I also tried the minestrone soup which was also delicious and fresh tasting...and the bread?? Don't even get me started, that alone is a party in your mouth.
On top of delicious food, the service was excellent. They were prompt in serving us but never rushed us...and when we ordered the buffalo mozerella and didn't care for that particular flavor, they insisted on taking it off the bill.
I told the manger (who also served us) to remember my name because I'd be back...often. :) -
Review from Amy C.
Every time I come here, I get the Orecchiette with sausage and rapini. What can I say? It's delicious.
The sausage and rapini flavors balance each other out wonderfully and the slices of garlic tie it all together. I've had this same dish at other places and nothing compares to it.
The fettucine with truffles is yummy as well, but quite heavy and loaded with butter.
Just get the orecchiette and you won't regret it.Listed in: Top Restaurants
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/15/2009
I don't know who is cooking the pasta these days, but they sure don't taste as good as before.
We… Read more »
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10/15/2009
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Review from anna c.
Covina, CA
Joined about 10 ladies for dinner and had the best time! Our server was outstanding juggling 10 very demanding woman !! I had the fettuccine with black truffles. Outstanding!! Homemade noodles, truffle oil and a happy tummy! I also shared the filet with a friend. It was very good as well. We were right smack in West Hollywood but I didn't feel that trendy pretentious vibe at all. I will be back for sure!!! Cant wait to sample the pizza!!!
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Review from Derek W.
Was finally able to meet up with a friend in town whom I met back out in Guangzhou a few weeks ago. He was out in China working as a consultant and actually lived in Hollywood. He hadn't been back home for over a year and half and decided to make the trek back home.
Arrived and parked in the back lot which completely empty. We arrived slightly before 11:30 so they were still setting up. Decided to sit on the patio area so that we could get a good view of the 'scenery.' Ordered a bottle of water and shortly later bread and olive oil was brought out. The focaccia bread was slightly warm and tasty.
Decided on the risotto milanese con salsiccia (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). It was pretty tasty but after taking 4 bites, I noticed something weird in my mouth. Yup sure enough it was a hair. I debated on whether or not to send it back because of how hungry I was but flagged the waitress and asked if she could bring me a new one. After 10 mins or so another risotto was brought out. I probed the dish a few times to see if there was any other foreign objects and didn't find any. Sure enough after the 5th or 6th bite, another strand of hair was hanging onto my fork. Now after seeing that, I really lost my appetite. Flagged the waitress over again and showed her the hair. She kept apologizing and at this point I wasn't sure if I even wanted to try another dish. Decided to give them a third try but ordered the farfalle con salmone. Another 10 mins lapsed and the farfalle arrived. This time around there wasn't a strand of hair!!!
Not sure I'd go back again after my dining experience but I'd have to admit, patrons that elect to be seated on the patio are exposed to an awesome view of the scenery that the Sunset Strip offers.
5 stars for the awesome view of the Sunset Strip but 2 for the food. -
Review from Violet K.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of this place. I always think these Hollywood places are over rated but this, not so much.
I've been here once and I must go back cause I'm in the mood for some Italian food!
Although no one can beat La Scala for some Spaghetti Bolognese -
Review from Gigi S.
West Hollywood, CA
It was really a mediocre dinner the one I had tonight: the focaccia bread was cold and dry and olive oil on the table ( I had to ask for it) was ......nasty, watery, for sure not from Italy!
For dinner I ordered the Pizza that was ok with prosciutto and aurugola ( again I bet the that prosciutto was not From Parma but it was ok, is supposed to be sliced thin and mine was NOT!)
But the funniest thing is when I asked to have on my pizza some of the SPICY SALAME CALABRESE.......IT WAS A JOKE, first of all it was not from Calabria and I bet everything that it was from Cisco ...it tasted sweet NOT SPICY and it tasted like Normal Salami you can get from Ralphs not Italy ....I have been to MArcello Guidi and tried several salami from Calabria ....that was NOT ...not to mention that my waitress was running like crazy and the other people of the staff were Standing still like stools!!!!!!!
And of couse the brought me the espresso before the tiramisu' which is a NOT in any italian restaurant; first dessert after coffee.........but whatever......the only reason you got 2 stars was for the waitress Anna ( I hope the name was correct) otherwise I would've give you one!
Not coming back! -
Review from Michelle P.
Los Angeles, CA
Not bad at all. Terroni still my favorite spot still.
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Review from Addi M.
When I'm exhausted and starving, the only cure is Italian food. For fear that I was getting crankier by the second trekking down Sunset, we stopped here so I could quell the hunger storm.
First impression, it definitely looks like a place to people-watch. Lots of guests were all done up, big obnoxious sunglasses; there's something about the air of the crowd there that kind of made my skin crawl, but we sat indoors and away from the attention-seeking people on the patio.
I ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara and, oh my, I was satisfied at first bite. The pasta was done perfectly al dente, the sauce was flavorful, and the bits of bacon made the whole dish savory without overdoing it. My boyfriend got Kobe raviolis and I was surprised and how little was given to him, but I took a taste of it and it was still outrageously tasty.
Everything on the menu looked so good, I can't wait to go back and try everything else!
