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Marco's Trattoria
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants American (New) Italian, American (New) [Edit]
8200 Santa Monica BlvdWest Hollywood, CA 90046
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(323) 650-1060
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- 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:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Mike R. said: "After six months, I finally tried LA's new coney dog place. I'm a native Detroiter, and after nearly 20 years living in L.A., I always make a Lafayette Coney island stop whenever I visit my family in Motown. So my expectations were…" read more »
144 reviews for Marco's Trattoria
Review Highlights
"BTW there lobster mac and cheese OMG it was heaven."
(in 4 reviews)
"...neighborhood" feel of the old location, the reliably good..."
(in 9 reviews)
"The coconut banana french toast was amazing too."
(in 6 reviews)
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144 reviews in English
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Review from Travis I.
Marco's dominates the realm of service.
Cute, small, and modern without sacrificing the cozy feeling of an intimate Trattoria. Warm lighting, maybe 20 or so tables plus a small outdoor seating area... This is a first date destination for sure.
A dozen of us arrived on a Sunday night for a meal we wouldn't soon forget. A quick note: no quick-links to photos in this review, but I took a gang of 'em, featuring everyone's favorite critic, ThumBro.
APPETIZERS. (paired with 2009 Raymond Chardonnay, Napa, CA - crisp, light, and perfect to wake your palate up.)
1.) Calamari. As a total calamari whore, I loved this stuff. As many of you may know, few things irritate me more than calamari that is served without legs. This calamari included pieces with little legs, and each of the three sauces (marinara, sweet chili, and citrus aioli) brought the squid into a whole new realm of tasty. A perfect start.
2.) "Pizza Mamma." Imagine a slice of the perfect pizza. Not too heavy, not too light. Just right. This "white" pizza was topped with cheese, tomato, chicken, and pesto. I wanted a second slice, but knew there was a lot of food coming, so I relented.
3.) Smoked Chicken Minestrone. A very simple soup with the delightful addition of chicken, which didn't overpower the soup at all. I might suggest they add the rind of some Parmesan-Reggiano to the stock while it's cooking, or offer some grated cheese for the soup. I'm splitting hairs here, but just a suggestion. :)
4.) Panzanella Salad. I was REALLY looking forward to the salad course, because I've never tried an authentic panzanella salad before dining at Marco's. It did NOT disappoint. Subtle and tender spinach greens accompanied by tomatoes, fresh Ovoline mozzarella, kalamata olives, and toasted grain bread, all dressed with balsamic vinegar. For a bread salad, it was nice and light. And the mozza was smooth, and silky.... I could snack on that stuff, alone.
ENTREES. (paired with 2008 Quota 31 Primitivo, Puglia, Italy.)
5.) Lasagna Bolognese. Are Italian-family recipes ever a bad thing? Short answer: No. This meaty delight was al dente and complex in its flavors. It was love on a plate. I may have dreamed of that lasagna, later that evening. This was another dish of which I wanted seconds, but refrained.
6.) Chicken Involtina. Breast meat rolled around asparagus, mushroom, bell peppers, and provolone, topped with Marsala sauce. Served alongside Angel Hair pasta, this dish could have used a bit more seasoning. The sauce lacked any true body, and the dish was a bit "watery" for me. The breast was cooked perfectly, though... A beautiful golden brown outside and moist inside. With some fine-tuning, this dish could really get my meat-motor going.
7.) Lamb Ragu. Everyone agreed that with a lamb ragu that good, there should have been a little more sauce on the plate. It was my first experience with pappardelle and it was awesome; perfect ribbons of fresh pasta.
8.) Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. Blackened in bold-spice mix and served on a bed of corn, tomato, bacon, and soy bean relish. A little too much liquid on the plate, which would have been good if we had bread, but alas.... I had none. The flavors of the shrimp and scallop were unapologetic and the freshness of the mixed relish accompanied the duo well.
DESSERTS.
9.) Tiramisu. I've never before enjoyed tiramisu this much. Granted, I've only had it a total of maybe four times now, I can say--without hesitation--that Marco's makes a fantastic tiramisu. I forgot to ask if they bake it in-house or source it, but I want to know, because this tiramisu is good enough to halt the waging of wars.
10.) Strawberry Gelato. Hold your breath folks, but I not only ate desert, I relished it. This gelato was a bit more like a sorbet, but the flavor.... Oh, the flavor. Ever had a field of strawberries jump off the plant, and run across said field, only to jump into your mouth, and have a straight-up strawberry orgy in your mouth??? Neither had I, until Marco's strawberry gelato. If you miss this dish, you deserve to be mocked and shamed. A FANTASTIC way to end a lovely meal.
BRASS TACKS.
A lovely meal cooked and presented by even lovelier people. George welcomed us warmly and treated us like family all night. The hospitality, the attention, the warmth, and the grace with which the restaurant staff treated us truly won them the stars, on this visit. We literally applauded them for a job well-done. It was an evening I'll not soon forget. To George (G.M.), Marco (owner), Gerrardo Heredia (Exec Chef) and all the other folks - Thank you for everything. My hat goes off to you all.
Tips: Contact George for a reservation and let him know that "Marko M's Crew, from Yelp" sent ya... Go ahead, name names; it'll only get you further in life. ;) Furthermore, give him feedback directly and honestly. He's a gentleman who truly CARES about his clientele and their input. A master of his craft.Listed in: Super Smiley Service
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Review from Christina L.
Venice, CA
For me, customer service at a restaurant can make it or break it and here, they made it! Even though they were swamped (it was literally a full house), our table of 15 received top notch service. The manager, George, and the servers were attentive, personable and on top of their game.
For those of you that know me, you know that I'm not a fan of poultry. I'm a red meat, medium rare, type of gal. But, I guess this is my one and only exception...are you ready????? Read carefully because I'm only going to say this once. The stuffed chicken in the Chicken Involtina was AMAZING. The chicken sat in its own natural juices making it sweet and juicy. The stuffing added touches of deliciously seasoned and perfectly cooked vegetables. I didn't even need the capellini pasta that it was served with because the chicken was enough to satisfy my taste buds!
In the mood for pizza? Make sure you order the Pizza Mama. If you are the type that skips on the crust, let me know because I'll eat it for you! The crust was butterly savory...If they offered a pizza that was only crust, I would order it! As for the actual toppings, the pesto wasn't too overpowering and the amount of chicken was just right (for me). I would have preferred sundries tomatoes instead of fresh ones, but the diced tomatoes added a freshness and made the pizza light on the stomach.
Last but not least, the Strawberry Gelato and the Tiramisu. I would come back just for the dessert! The Tiramisu was like no other I've ever had. The cream was not too sweet, the cake was light and fluffy and the coffee flavor wasn't strong enough to keep me up at night. I normally wouldn't order Tiramisu for dessert, but I'm so glad I didn't miss out!
If you would rather stick to something fruity for dessert, you'll flip for the strawberry gelato. First off, they shouldn't call it a gelato because it's more like a sorbet. Either way, they can say its yummylicious! Take one bite and you'll know why! It's fresh and natural...enough said.
So, if you are in the neighborhood, stop by and try it for yourself! -
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
Hey, Marco's you're so fine. You're so fine, you blow my mind. Hey Marco's!
Yep...that's a Toni Basil drop. After a great dinner at Marco's Trattoria in WeHo, I was as excited as the 80's British Pop Queen dancing around in her Cheerleader outfit. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted and treated to smiles, suggestions, and superior service. If you think that doesn't make a difference at a restaurant, then come try Marco's. It was packed and the friendly nature between the customers and crew created cool contentment for all. God, I love great service.
When the service is paired with great food and fun conversation, then you have a night to remember. The menu is loaded with traditional and not-so traditional Italian favorites. White wine during the appetizers, an excellent Red during our entrees, and some amazing Sparkling Wine for dessert sure didn't hurt getting me dancing either.
We started with Tempura Calamari and a trio of dipping sauces: Citrus Aioli, Marinara, and Sweet Chili. Quickly behind was Marco's own Panzanella Salad with fresh Spinach, Tomatoes, Olives, creamy Mozzarella, Croutons and nice Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette. By the time the Smoked Chicken Minestrone Soup arrived I was already feeling the feast and the alcohol, but still loved the Tomato and Chicken Broth loaded Veggies and Beans.
For entrees, I must talk about the Marsala-laced savory Chicken Involtina on Angel Hair Pasta. The tender meat was stuffed with Mushrooms, Peppers, Asparagus, and touch of Provolone for a memorable dish. Also, the Lamb Ragu was my favorite Pappardelle Pasta with just the right blend of Lamb and Marinara. So, simple and so good.
If at all possible save room for dessert because our whole table was oohing and aahing over Marco's smooth Strawberry Gelato served with fresh slices of Strawberry and sweet Strawberry syrup. Also, I'm not a huge Tiramisu fan, but fell for the attractive Marco's version with fresh Green Apple slices.
Adding Marco's Trattoria to my permanent bookmark list for its comfortable local vibe, wine bar, stellar service, and cool cuisine.Listed in: Cucina Italiana
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Review from Greg N.
2/2/2012
An A5 dinner in West Hollywood Town
Me and 13 Yelpers about to get down
Marko M, for PYE's you take the King crown
A ten-course dinner, all smiles, no frown
Afterwards I yelled "I feel good!" like James Brown
Soon this place is gonna be renowned
Sit at the center table in an orange seat
Some dishes so good will be hard to beat
Take me on a trip, I'm off to Italy
Venice, Rome, Genoa, then to Sicily
Oh I really want to
eat here with you
Let's share Marco's Trattoria Joy
George said
"Hey Mista
It's really really nice to meet ya
Sit down and let me get you a glass of wine."
I like the way he's speaking
My hunger's really peaking
"Don't worry!" said George, "it's gonna be fine"
First course was calamari
My eyes got really starry
Three dipping sauces took me on a gastronom safari
White pizza next, a big slice
Ooh, the pesto's real nice
Like a Chinese wrapper, after this I'm gonna weigh "one ton"
Take me on a trip, I'm off to Italy
Venice, Rome, Genoa, then to Sicily
Oh I really want to
eat here with you
Let's share Marco's Trattoria Joy
Light minestrone next and then a panzanella salad
Mozzarella so fresh I sang a gondolier's ballad
Balsamic vinaigrette on top it made the dish so valid
Then came the four main dishes
The two pastas made my heart sing filled my fresh made noodle wishes
The tiramisu spiked and paired with some moscato
Some of the best sweet wine I've had I felt I hit the lotto
Likin' this meal
It's the real deal
Feelin' Marco's Trattoria Joy
Remember the lamb ragu
Ooh, that was fine
strawberry gelato too
Ooh, that was fine
Engraved take-home wine glasses
Marko, you are so kind
A night to remember
Marco, you are so kind
Take me on a trip, I'm off to Italy
Venice, Rome, Genoa, then to Sicily
Oh I really want to
eat here with you
Let's share Marco's Trattoria Joy -
Review from Kent D.
Great Food and Incredible Service!!!!!
What more could a guy ask for???
That's right!
Seconds please!
I was invited to join some friends for a classically inspired Italian dinner at Marco's Trattoria Sunday evening and i'd have to say everything was simply phenomenal!
Our awesome host George M served up some beautifully plated dishes that had me drooling from the get go and after the first bite, I was hooked! The support staff was equally on point from start to finish and service was nothing less than stellar!
How was the ambiance you ask? Think cool and contemporary charm with a laid back vibe that is anything but pretentious. With that being said, the warm confines of the dining space also invites you to just sit back, relax and enjoy the exhilarating dining experience ahead!
You can tell the food here is made with love and if you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine that tastes like it was made from scratch, look no further cuz this is THE destination for you!
Dining highlights:
Pizza Mamma - Who can say no to a decadent slice of crisp white pizza topped with a heaping serving of fresh ingredients like chunk white chicken, irresistibly fragrant pesto sauce and plump, juicy tomatoes?!? Not I! NOMNOMNOMONOM!!!
Smoked Chicken Minestrone - This was one hearty soup and it was packed with tasty ingredients like tender roasted chicken, shell pasta, beans, spinach, and onions! Honestly, this warm and rustic soup ate like a meal and I loved the earthy flavors and incredibly homemade taste. Truth be told, if I had an Italian grandmother, i'd want her to make me a dish just like this! Sooooo warm and comforting and sooo darn good on a chilly winter evening.
The "Crack" Lasagna Bolognese - Seriously! Not since my "mouthgasmic" experience at Angelini Osteria have i had such an incredibly luscious and mouthwatering lasagna! This baby boasted layers and layers of gooey and melty cheese, then stacked with loads of flavorful, well seasoned tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta. It tasted 100% homemade and 100% DEEEEElicious! It was a party in my mouth and i certainly did not want that party to end... SECONDS PLEASE!!! And yes, if you must know....I licked that plate clean!
Seriously, i could go on and on about how amazing the food and service here is, but you've gotta try it for yourself!
Thank You George M and Staff for an amazing dinner that will keep me coming back for more and more!
Woohoooo!!!!! Definitely as Good as It Gets!
Happy Eats! -
Review from Miyun C.
What revelry!
A legendary food & wine bender, or more formally referred to as Bacchanalia. A collaboration of two monarchs of hospitality, Marko M and George M, two forces to be reckoned with, hosted an epic occasion.
The co-conspirators hosted an evening full of festivities, tummy tickling amusement and ravishing delights.
A carousel of food and wine and thus we dined, as our lives intertwined.
Like a crescendo the highlights of my meal included:
Panzanella Salad prepared with fresh spinach leaves, kalamata olives, toasted multi-grain bread and ovoline mozzarella finished in a balsamic vinaigrette.
Tempura Calamari with 3 dipping sauces - marinara, creamy citrus aioli and a sweet chili sauce.
Pizza Mamma - a white pizza topped with diced tomatoes, chicken breast and pesto.
Tiramisu was completely delightful. -
Review from Tuan C.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
A SWEET place for a SWEET dinner!
1. The food was delicious and we got whole lot of it! I had the Tempura Calamari, Pizza Mamma, Smoked Chicken Minestrone Soup, Panzanella Salad, Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Involtina, Lamb Ragu, Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops, Tiramisu, and Strawberry Gelato. Just repeating it was a mouth full! My favorites were the Pizza Mamma, Lasagna Bolognese, and the desserts!
2. As much as I enjoyed the food, I definitely enjoyed the wine pairing. From the 2009 Raymond Chardonnay during appetizer to the 2010 Villa Giada Moscato, it made the meal sublime. Any restaurants that can pair great wine with great food gets an A+ in my book.
3. The 10 course meal was serviced by an OUTSTANDING staff. They did not skip a beat and delivered an exceptional meal. They always have a smile and made sure we were tended to. This alone deserved a five star rating. The only time I had this type of service was at Mama D's and that says a lot! Thanks George (their GM)!
Now only if they open a shop in the OC.... -
Review from Marko M.
Graziadio in Italian means "To Give Thanks!" WOW - did I give thanks for the wonderful meal that I had at Marco's Trattoria. The restaurant is a cute quaint space that hosts about 15 tables inside, and almost 10 tables outside. You walk in the restaurant and they have a very hip modern decoration of orange, white, and brown tables, lights, & chairs. On a Sunday night, when most restaurants are empty - Marco's was PACKED crowded. Every seat was taken, and all patrons were wearing huge smiles because of the food and service!
Marco's restaurant was started by Marco (of course), who comes from a family heritage of both Japanese and Italian (Tuscany) roots. Many of the dishes served here are Italian family recipes that are handed down from generation to generation. The dishes are very well made and have a unique home-cooked twist to them. Close your eyes and you are instantly transported to Tuscany, Italy!
Appetizer #1: Tempura Calamari with 3 dipping sauces - citrus aioli, marinara, & sweet chili sauce. The tempura was delicious morsels of battered calamari that sits in a cute little cup, surrounded by three types of sauces. Easily, the citrus aioli was my favorite. A close second was the marinara because it was made fresh.
Appetizer #2: A slice of Pizza Mamma - white pizza with pesto sauce, chicken and tomato. So the history behind this pizza is that this pizza was a style of pie that Marco's grandmother made in Italy. This dish was easily my favorite dish of the evening! The pesto sauce on the pizza was AMAZING. I wanted to grab a second piece of this, but decided to play fair at the table. Laugh!
Appetizer #3: Smoked Chicken Minestrone Soup - a very unique and gentle soup made with fresh veggies and smoked chicken. The flavors were not overpowering and warmed the soul.
Salad: Panzanella Salad - fresh spinach, tomato, fresh ovoline mozzarella, kalamata olives, toasted multi-grain bread, balsamic vinegar. This dish was very unique and I hadn't seen this type of salad before. I really enjoyed eating this salad because of the goodies that were in the salad. Easily my favorite was the ovoline mozzarella. The cheese was soft and soaked up the salad dressing.
Entrée #1: Lasagna Bolognese - a meat lasagna according to Mama's famous recipe. The Italian side of Marco handed down this delish lasagna recipe that had everyone at the table ooing and aahing. The dish was super well-made and the part that stood out for me was the fresh tomato base and the tender beef that was in the dish. This dish not only was well made, but you could tell this recipe had history behind it.
Entrée #2: Chicken Involtina - chicken breast roll filled with asparagus, mushroom, bell peppers and provolone cheese, topped with Marsala sauce and served with Angel Hair Marsala. Each plate was served with a rolled chicken breast stuffed with tons of goodies in it. The sauce that covered the pasta was very mild and allowed the dish to bring all the ingredients together.
Entrée #3: Lamb Ragu - ragu made with leg of lamb simmered in hours in a homemade spiced tomato sauce, served with fresh pappardelle pasta. Many people at the table were taking seconds of this dish because the pasta was well chosen (fresh) and soaked up the marinara sauce and simmered lamb. This dish was hearty, had well balanced flavors, & the lamb was not overwhelming. Again, tons of history behind this dish.
Entrée #4: Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops - blackened shrimp and scallops served on a bed of a corn, edamame, bacon and tomato relish. Hang onto your seats because this dish EXPLODED in your mouth. It was a nice silver-dollar sized scallop and a large shrimp that were seasoned very heavily in Cajun seasoning. BANG - tons of heat and surprises when you eat this dish!
Dessert #1: Tiramisu - Wowee! This tiramisu was one of the best that I've had in years! It was light and fluffy and the cream used to make the desserts were very full bodied and added a nice dimension to the dish! I ate the entire dish and looked for more to eat - but I didn't find it because everyone else liked this dish too!
Dessert #2: Strawberry Gelato - fresh strawberries were used to make this gelato. You got a "sorbet" kind of gelato with nice chunks of fresh strawberries tucked inside the cream. The dish was plated with a strawberry sauce (reduction) which danced around the plate like a piece of artwork. This dish was my absolute favorite dish! I wanted to lick my plate.
To George M. (General Manager), Marco (owner), and executive chef Gerrardo Heredia - thank you for such a wonderful meal. The dishes were very well made and I like the fact that each of the dishes told a story of history. You have an excellent restaurant and everyone needs to know about it.
Yelpers Greg N, Lucy Y, Kent D, Tuan C, MiYun C, Lica N, Karen I, Michael S, Olivia Z, Christina L, Karen I, Tara C, & Travis I - Ya'll ROCK! -
Review from Lica N.
What an awesome way to spend a Sunday evening in LA. Marco's is on the corner of Santa Monica blvd and Havenhurst drive on your right going east on SM blvd. The restaurant used to be a grocery store where Marco used to work at as a teen. Years later he bought the place and turned it into what it is today a delicious Italian restaurant that serves homemade dishes of yummy goodness. So let me share with you our 10 course dinner so that you can quickly come on over to have your own plate of deliciousness!
Tempura Calamari - One of my fave appetizers. It came with 3 dipping sauces, a marinara, creamy citrus aioli and a sweet chili sauce. All did a wonderful job of taking my squid to a different part of the world. The citrus aioli was like sitting beach side on a tropical island, creamy and cool. The sweet chili was like being in Asia on a busy street with yummy street side eats and the marina kept me grounded in Italy. They were all very good sauces but I think the citrus aioli just beat the marinara by a smidge!
Pizza Mamma - This was thin crust which I like. A white pizza topped with diced fresh tomato, chicken breast chunks and a very delish pesto. I so wanted to lick all the pesto off the pizza and made sure there was plenty with each bite I took.
Smoked Chicken Minestrone Soup - This was a soup with very light broth but with a great smoky taste that came from the smoked chicken. This is a soup that you mama definitely would serve on a cold winter night to keep you warm.
Panzanella Salad - Oh boy I can eat this everyday and one of my fave dish of the evening! It was fresh spinach leaves with kalamata olives, toasted multi-grain bread and a oh so creamy fresh ovoline mozzarella tossed in a very tasty balsamic vinaigrette. So yummy!!!
Lasagna Bolognese - I do luv a good bolognese and this lasagna did not disappoint. I seriously wanted a whole pan of this to take home! The sauce must have been cooking for hours as the it had depth. The tasty hearty and meaty bolognese together with the mozzarella cheese did their do-si-do with the pasta sheets and it was music to my mouth!
Chicken Involtina - Mmm chicken breast stuffed and rolled up with asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers and provolone. It was served with angel hair pasta on the side with a light Marsala sauce oh were they both tasty good.
Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops -Whoa this was definitely a dish that got your mouths attention. It was a tad bit salty for me but otherwise tasty. The corn, edamame, bacon and tomato relish did a great job holding their own against this spicy Shrimp and Scallop combo. The scallops were tender and the shrimp was meaty. Even with the spices you can still taste the sweetness come through!
Lamb Ragu - Ohhhhh Yeah! Let me preface this by stating I'm not much into lamb but this certainly was a winner. The fresh papardelle pasta was tossed in a ragu made from a leg of lamb that simmered for hours in their homemade spiced tomato sauce! Yessery! Wow this was really really good!!!
Tiramisu - A classic Italian dessert. This was a delicate and tasty plate of yummyness. This is made in-house and made with love! The ladyfingers soaked up the espresso and liquor so nicely and the rich mascarpone enveloped everything. It was topped with drizzles of chocolate sauce, sliced pear and strawberry. This was a yummy goodness in my mouth from start to finish!
Strawberry Gelato - It had more of a sorbet consistency but you can taste the cream. It had pieces of fresh strawberry and had a very fresh strawberry flavor. With the drizzled strawberry sauce on top you were getting a triple threat of strawberry in your mouth and it was a good thing!!!
Wine was paired with the appetizers and entree but my fave was during dessert. The Moscato D'Asti, in this case, a 2010 Villa Giada from Piedmont, Italy. Mmm I just loved it.
A very big thank you to all the staff, servers, cooks and especially owner Marco who unfortunately couldn't be there and GM George for hosting us all for the evening. It was truly a wonderful evening with delicious food and wine. It was a busy night for them with the entire restaurant packed but their entire team was very attentive and gracious throughout the entire evening not only to our party but to all other patrons in the restaurant. It's not easy having a packed house and hosting a group of 10 with a 10 courses dinner but they pulled it off beautifully! Also a big thanks to Marko for putting this all together and your thoughtful and personalized touches!!! I was honored to be in attendance with so many of my fave yelpers! What a great group of people I truly enjoyed the conversation and friendship.
Eyes ~ The food was coming out one after another!
Nose ~ Mmm you could smell the enticing aroma coming from the kitchen!
Mouth ~ Yummy Goodness with every bite!
Tummy ~ Oh so satisfied and full. Even the tummy that only eats dessert was full.Listed in: Mangia Mangia!
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Review from Siqi Z.
West Hollywood has lots of cool restaurants and Marco's Trattoria joins the list. We met friends for a fun dinner. Marco's was the perfect mix of relaxed atmosphere, super service, and Italian classics.
Traffic on Santa Monica was crazy, but we easily found a meter spot in a lot behind the restaurant. We also found out later that there was free parking across the side street in a strip mall, so, I guess choose whatever is easiest.
I loved the Pizza Mamma with lots of pesto and chicken. It's a white pizza (without red sauce) and the pesto was the real star. I'd come back for it anytime.
Our meal was full of Italian favorites. Mine was a stuffed chicken breast and angel hair pasta called Chicken Involtina. It's a sweet pasta thanks to a marsala sauce. The chicken was stuffed with mushrooms, peppers, cheese, and asparagus. Yum.
We got two desserts and both were the best way to end a meal. Marco's tiramisu was so good I didn't want to share and a homemade strawberry gelato was creamy.
Marco's Trattoria was a perfect place for a fun night. -
Review from Lucy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
OMG, I just came home from an awesome dinner here!! Of course, part of the awesomeness was the fact that I was with 10 fun, funny and clever people : D (you all know who you are!). But even through all the laughter, sordid stories, and getting to know new people, the food and service here spoke to me.
We are all foodies, so we tried A LOT:
Tempura Calamari - served with a creamy citrus aioli (my fave dipping sauce), a sweet chili sauce (my 2nd fave) and a marinara, these calamari rings were tender and perfectly battered and fried. A single lemon wedge topped the rings, and the juice added just enough acidity to balance out both of my fave sauces. YUM!
Pizza Mamma - a thin, chewy-crusted white pizza, topped with blobs of super fresh pesto, diced fresh tomato, and chicken breast chunks. YUM!
Smoked Chicken Minestrone Soup - chock full of chicken chunks, greens, onions, beans and little shell-shaped pasta, this brothy soup was comforting and warm. The smoked chicken wasn't overpoweringly smoky - it just lent a subtleness to the broth.
Panzanella Salad - fresh spinach leaves, topped with chunks of velvety fresh mozzarella, kalamata olives, and toasted croutons, then tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. I'm a huge spinach fan, so the addition of this green to the salad was a rereshing surprise for me!
Our wine pairing with the above appetizers was a light and crisp 2009 Raymond Chardonnay from Napa Valley.
The following entrees were paired with a 2008 Quota 31 Primitivo from Puglia, Italy. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not really a wine drinker. But after tasting this wine, I sipped it along with these entrees and really wished I could drink more!
Lasagna Bolognese - obviously fresh, tender pasta sheets, layered with meaty bolognese and mozzarella. Little carrot pieces and the richness of the sauce made it obvious that this was a long, slow-cooked and well-loved recipe!
Chicken Involtina - agreeably the fave entree amongst friends seated near me! A tender and moist chicken breast, stuffed with diced asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers and provolone, served with angel hair pasta on the side. A light and deliciously fruity Marsala sauce topped both, and was very unlike other alcohol-heavy Marsala sauces that I usually experience. Sliced mushrooms were tossed into the pasta, which was a nice touch.
Lamb Ragu - fresh papardelle pasta, tossed in a light tomato sauce with lamb pieces. The lamb was obviously long and slow cooked in this sauce - yum! It didn't even need any fresh parmesan that the servers were offering to all!
Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops - this was the only dish that I wasn't a fan of. But it's because the seafood was blackened and spicy, which are two flavors that just don't do it for me. Served on top of a corn, edamame, bacon and tomato relish.
The two desserts we tried were paired with the only wine that I really, really love - a Moscato D'Asti, in this case, a 2010 Villa Giada from Piedmont, Italy. It was the end of the meal, and I had already enjoyed the previous Primitivo, so sadly I couldn't handle a lot of the Moscato. But it was by far my fave wine of the evening!
Tiramisu - classic, made in-house, layered with rich mascarpone and soaked ladyfingers, topped with drizzles of chocolate sauce and a few strawberry pieces. SUPER yummy!!!
Strawberry Gelato - more of a sorbet in texture, but with cream, this gelato had pieces of fresh strawberry in it. The flavor of it was SO super fresh and strawberry-y that everyone was wowed by it! It literally tasted like it jumped off a strawberry plant and into my mouth!
Throughout the evening, the place was PACKED. Every seat in the house, including the bar seating and the outside patio was FILLED. Plus, they seemed to be getting a lot of takeout and/or delivery orders.
But did this affect the level of service we got? NOT ONE BIT!
The General Manager, George, was SO friendly the whole evening. As soon as our group started arriving, he brought over free-standing purse holders for the ladies - which is SO nice!!! George, along with his team of super gracious servers, made sure that our water and wine glasses were filled, and that all the dishes came out smoothly and with no awkward breaks. Not very easy to do for a party of 10 - and even harder to do with a full house, on top of the party of 10!
It is for all these reasons that I have to give Marco's Trattoria 5 stars. Because if you're really this good, everyone should know about it! -
Review from T H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
Ordered delivery based on high Yelp rating. Food arrived on time and hot, so that's good. Not much good to say after that.
Eggplant Parmigiana: Soggy mushy mess. Full of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. I love - LOVE - cheese, but this was like melted cheese in a soggy eggplant and wet noodle sandwich. It was edible, but the texture almost kept me from eating it. The noodles served on the side of the eggplant were good, however.
Linguine al Fresca with Salmon: This was served in an OCEAN of oil. It was seeping through the container, and swimming in the stuff. I love oil, but this was ridiculous (and a waste of oil?). The Salmon was dry and a it fishy, and still had some small bits of skin on a few pieces (not cool in pasta IMO). Again, edible, but only because I was so hungry.
Chicken Involtina: This was OK, but also dry. But OK. It's a good idea if it was a little juicier.
Anyway, there was no major error, like hair in my food or anything, but this is LA - there's a ton of great places. And - at least in this one experience - Marco's failed me. -
Review from Josh A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/23/2012 1 photo
Bush. League. If there is a lower league for overall experience-- I dunno-- Grass League? Marco's gets it.
Average to less than average food, dressed up on pretty plates. Call me crazy, but I'd rather have a caesar salad with something more than just lettuce and slopped on dressing-- is a crouton too much to ask for? Cheese? Pepper? Server's response when I asked if they put croutons in their caesar salad (as it was just lettuce and gooped on dressing): "Umm... we're out of croutons. We have bread?" Yes. That sounds delicious. Please take this back, tear up some bread and mix it into the shredded lettuce and dressing. I've been hankering for that all day.
The other nice touch is putting the lights up in the dining room-- while people are still there-- at 9:45pm! Nothing says we want you to stay and enjoy yourselves in our open restaurant like turning the lights up to full with chairs going up outside. I got my crap pasta boxed to go, and they didn't even throw in some of that tasty "salad bread."
What a joke.
P.S.
The pasta (spaghetti bolognese) when I got home was a greasy mess of spaghetti (perfectly al dente, actually) and dry clumps of ground beef, with no tomato to speak of, just grease. It looks like it's out of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. I'm actually shocked at how gross it is. I think I'll take a picture and upload it here. Ick. -
Review from Bob C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
We've tried this little place three times and each time was better that the previous. One lunch and two breakfasts. The service (Waitress, Gloria) was great each time. The breakfast on our last visit was Lobster & Shrimp Benedict, fabulous!!! ($12.00) The coffee was rich but not bitter and water, tobasco, salt and pepper on the table.
I'm pretty critical and I couldn't find fault with anything about this place. Great flavors and value. This is our new favorite joint -
Review from Jessica W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
One of my new favorite brunch spots! Came here this past Sunday with a few friends for mimosas. I ordered Marco's Breakfast - two pancakes, three eggs, bacon & breakfast potatoes. The food was GREAT. My pancakes were very light and fluffy & my eggs were cooked perfectly. We never saw the bottom of our mimosa glasses.
The staff here was AMAZING. Very friendly and attentive from the host to our server and everyone else who passed by out table and checked in on us. I will definitely be returning. -
Review from Chanel D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
A couple of weeks ago a few of us decided to try Marco"s for brunch one Saturday morning, but we ended up having lunch. We checked-in when we arrived and got a surprise of a free glass of wine. That was exciting.
Let me say, that I enjoyed my food and experience. I had the eggplant parmigiana. It was delightful. I also was able to watch the Saints/Niners game on the tv's above the bar. They have two; no sound.
My two friends did not enjoy their experience so much. They shared the Lobster Mac n' Cheese. They said it was very rich and just okay. One of them ordered the Marco's Club sandwich. He did not like it at all. He also detested the salad it came with.
My other friend order the Bolognese. She wasn't thrilled. Didn't even finish it. She didn't finish her wine either.
So I guess this is one of those places you just have to try for yourself. I enjoyed it but was not tickled pink. I am going to return to try the coconut & banana french toast. It was the reason I went there in the first place, but got distracted by lunch. -
Review from Gary F.
North Hollywood, CA
1/26/2012
I came here a few months ago for a friend's birthday dinner. I had a big lunch that day, so I just ordered a salad. While it was pricier than it needed to be, it was still very good. My friends enjoyed their dishes and ordered canoles for dessert--which they raved about. Great ambiance and wonderful staff. Parking can be a nightmare, and the meters on Santa Monica Blvd don't take quarters. I ended up parking on Crescent Heights and Willoughby because it was the only non-permit parking neighborhood. In spite of that, I'd definitely come back and would recommend this place to others.
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Review from Sean F.
Irvine, CA
12/16/2011
I discovered Marco's Italian dining oasis on a close friend's recommendation over 5 years ago. I haven't stopped coming back since.
Situated along Santa Monica and Crescent Heights, it's fairly easy to get to from the 101 highway or from the valley on Laurel Canyon through the hills.
With a friendly and energetic group of associates paired with a fresh decor, Marco's is a master of blending Italian cuisine with modern contemporary style. As a picky diner I consistently find Marco's clean menu satisfying especially on those occassions when I'm not in the mood for any particular kind of cuisine.
For those days that additional comfort is needed, this place offers an impressive wine selection. My preferred staple wine is their Sauvingon Blanc from New Zealand called the Rata. Domestic and imported beer are served if wine isn't your cup of tea.
A more casual dining counter is available in the back if you're hungry and happen to be traveling solo or with a friend.
One of my favorite dish that these guys seem to nail over and over is their Sauteed Shrimp and Sea Scallops which happens to pair well with my usual blanc. For seafood lovers, this dish is a must try!
From simple to complex flavor balances and a generous list of beverages, I think you'll enjoy this place for any meal and any occassion. While West Hollywood seems to have a large void of high style and quality dine-in restuarants, Marco's does an excellent job of filling that void. -
Review from Amanda D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
The service is so so awesome! I had the you pick three wine tasting flight for $10. Minestone soup are the best one I had and sauted mushroom in white wine is a must try. The host is like a guardian angel the way he found us parking and got us seated...Pleasant experience I definitely recommend!
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Review from Jacob Adam A.
Reseda, CA
10/21/2011
Marco's had been one of my favorite Italian restaurants when I lived in LA. It had been almost ten years since my last visit so I was hoping it was just as good as I remembered it. I found a deal on http://restaurant.com so thought it would be worth visiting again. (I write more about http://restaurant.com and travel savings on my blog at http://letsjetset.com).
We ordered the pan seared NY steak appetizer, the bruschetta (small order) which was enough for two. For our entrees we had the Chicken Involtina $16 and the Lobster Mac & Cheese $13 with sautéed mushroom and truffle oil. Everything was amazing! The food was fresh and tasty. The service was great and the atmosphere (patio seating) was relaxing. I would definitely recommend this spot! -
Review from Leann O.
San Diego, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food here is good. It's not spectacular just regular Italian food. The wine list is okay.
Our server was a total rookie. She didn't know what was on the entrees! I had to ask her specifically what was on their salmon salad. She was slow to refill our drinks too. Hey lady, guess what? Selling alcohol makes the tab larger and would have gotten you a better tip.
Sigh.Listed in: Elsewhere (not in SD or SF)
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Review from Andy D.
Hayward, CA
10/22/2011
Ahh Marco's...what can I say about this place? We bought a groupon for this place, reviews were good..eff it, let's try it right?
When we got there, the hostess was great and seated us promptly. Only problem, our waiter was nowhere to be found. Additionally, when he did come, he was super awkward and stood over us while we deliberated.
We ordered the truffle Parmesan fries for an app, along with the sautéed mushrooms. Both of which were terrible. I $hit you not, the fries must have come out of a freezer- they tasted Terrible; same thing with the mushrooms, I could've done way better at home.
Onto the main courses... I ordered the 6oz. Baseball cut NY steak, my gf ordered the seabass. The steak was the toughest cut of meat I've ever eaten...haha, my gf and I kept laughing about how terrible the beef was, it has hardly edible! The potatoes that came with it belonged with a breakfast sandwich. Weird.
Now onto the seabass- way overcooked- consistency of chicken rather than light flakey fish, and absolutely no flavor. Wtf?!
The dessert was actually good however; we had the tiramisu and cheesecake. The cheesecake had an awesome thick graham cracker crust, and the tiramisu wasn't too sweet which was great.
Overall we left feeling like we were cheated by groupon/marco's. The food just plain sucked a**. I wouldn't ever come back here again. Taco bell is way tastier. :)Comment from Mark C. of Marco's Trattoria 11/7/2011
The customers had a Travelzoo certificate, not a Groupon.… More » -
Review from Steve C.
Marina del Rey, CA
11/20/2011
Marco's is a great place for brunch. We had an awesome server Miguel. The food is very tasty. We all enjoyed the bottomless mimosas and champagne. And not one of us ever had an empty glass throughout the whole meal. Definitely a place to keep visiting often.
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Review from Johanna F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
A cute, chic place with food that was good that's not making you cringe at the bill.
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Review from Bobby T.
Beverly Hills, CA
11/20/2011
I have been eating here for years. The new remodel is nice to look at. You get a good view of the street ,good lighting inside, and delishes food. The macoroni with beef and lobester raviloi are some of my favorites and the coffe is extra rich and hot. And free parking!!!! And teh lighting willl make any one look young!
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Review from Loren M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011
I LOVE Marco's we are regulars here for brunch. Their chilaquiles are fantastic and their coconut french toast are to die for. The service is amazing!! Price is right too.
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Review from Don W.
Marina del Rey, CA
12/1/2011
This is a great place for Sunday brunch. The menu has several healthy options, along with usual breakfast favorites. The bottomless mimosas are WONDERFUL! Be sure to ask for Miguel, who will welcome you with a smile and treat you like family.
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Review from Dan R.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2011
My recommendation? Never EVER EVER EVER order delivery from this place.
I used to order delivery all the time and the food used to come hot and perfect. This place is right down the street.
The last few times it has taken over an hour to get food and the bread in my sandwich was soggy and wheat. I didn't ask for no healthy ass wheat bread! Gimmie the sourdough the description said it came with.
Their "fresh squeezed" orange juice is also horrible. Tastes disgusting. I just tossed out my entire order, waste of $15. -
Review from L L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2012
I love Marco's!! The food is really good (love the pasta bolognese), the service is great and they deliver!!
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Review from G. I.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
Updated - 8/2/2011
L.A. Dinner Club #3 at Marco's Trattoria
L.A. Dinner Club is still on a roll introducing another stellar chef, Larry Greenwood of STK, to come to Marco's to create a toothsome 4 course dinner. I would like to say from the very beginning that Chef Greenwood's generosity in his serving portions was very evident through out the meal, and I certainly appreciated being able to be on the side of gluttony.
Josiah, Miguel, the Bar-T, and the "Pinoy" waiter were all wonderfully welcoming by coming around to make sure everything was OK even though they were busy throughout the evening. Thanks for being so hospitable. George, the general manager, really oversees an excellent crew.
1) Peach salad: Fully ripe, fragrant yellow meat peach slices were mated to a fresh tasting, lightly creamy burrata panna cotta, and arrugula leaves were added for a slight bitter herbalness and peanut oil flavor. Instead of thinly sliced peaches fanned across the plate, Chef Greenwood added large chunks of the fruit demonstrating his lavish hand. The accompanying wine was a St. Paul's Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 2009 which was clean, astringent with a hint of a stone fruit flavor. It was a good match since the wine delicately reflected the flavor of the peach.
2) BLT: Scallops were pureed with a bit of egg as a binder so that the scallops came out soft and fluffy with heirloom tomato, pancetta (Italian "bacon") that was crisped on top of a slice of olive loaf. Not exactly the classic BLT, but it was playful yet opulent. I was impressed with the scallop that had a velvety texture mixed with the sweet minerality of sea. The Landmark Chardonnay Sonoma 2009 was slightly buttery and oaky and simultaneously mated well with the scallops and pancetta.
3) Seared Duck Breast: The breast of duck was huge. It was at least a size D cup. I was expecting a few thin slices, but these slices were THICK and meaty. I am an aficionado of duck, and the fois gras sauce and cherry gastric with roasted fennel was spot on in the execution of the various ingredients coming together......"the whole was greater than its parts." The Victor Hugo Estate Zinfandel Paso Robles 2008 with a jam-like summer berry, smooth sweet, lushness certainly augmented to the duck. "WOO, WOO" as Daffy Duck would say, "That's some mighty fine duck."
4) Fried Tapioca: The large pearls of tapioca was breaded with Japanese style Panko and fried in oil which was accompanied by a coconut mousse and a smear of dark chocolate. I loved the coconut mousse, but the fried tapioca was a bit too esoteric for me, but I assume it was an exercise in texture and Hagotai or mouth feel. Chef Greenwood concocted a special Blackberry Mint Sparkler using Moreno BHLV Brut. It was a refreshing drink to end the meal....the surprise being you got to drink tiny bits of fresh blackberry fruit as you're drinking it.
Since I came at 9:30pm for their last seating, I finished after 11pm, and when I looked around, Chef Greenwood was sitting at a nearby table with other members of the La Dinner Club. I was invited over to meet Chef Greenwood and was amazed to see him relaxed and amiable even after many hours of prepping and cooking. We talked about his cooking technique and style, and he added that he always made sure the portion sizes were large. "I don't want anyone to leave hungry." when I mentioned that the duck breasts were ginormous.
Tom, the co-partner of L.A. Dinner Club, was most gracious since he was the one who invited me over to the table where we all ended the soiree with good conversation and bonhomie. I can't wait for the next L.A. Dinner Club at Marco's Trattoria toward the end of August.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/24/2011
Good News!!! I heard from a very reliable source that Marco's will redo their menu with Chef… Read more »
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Review from Summer H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/2/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Everything was excellent! My mom and I went here around lunchtime, but wanted breakfast. No problem, Marco's serves breakfast until 2pm, even on weekdays! The nice waitress was so patient while we decided where we wanted to sit, and once we decided she brought out this adorable little rack thing for us to hang our purses on.
We ordered two coffees, which were strong, flavorful, hot, and plentiful. We ordered the Marco's Breakfast to share, and a Waldorf salad off of their lunch specials menu. The Marco's Breakfast platter was awesome - two buttermilk pancakes, three eggs any style (we got fried), applewood smoked bacon (four big pieces, perfectly done), hash browns that were nice and crispy the way they should be, and a little bit of melon on the side. It was a TON of food and the two of us couldn't even finish it. We put the remaining bacon on the Waldorf salad, which was a beautiful combo of mixed greens, apples, the best walnuts I've ever had, goat cheese, chicken, and a very flavorful raspberry vinaigrette. The waitstaff kindly boxed the salad for us into two to-go containers (one for me, one for my mom), so we went home with something to have for dinner too!
The service was great, I drink a LOT of coffee and I always had some in my cup, the waitress was great about coming by to check and top it off. Everyone was very friendly and attentive.
Overall, great food, service, and value means I'll be coming back for more Marco's! -
Review from Tiffany J.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2012
Delicious! We went here through a Travelzoo local deal which was a 3 course meal for two and it did not disappoint! We started with the Parmesan Fries and the Garlic Cheese Bread, both really yummy. Then, we got the Chicken Parmigiana and Pappardella noodles with chicken and spinach in alfredo sauce. Both were very good, but I must say, the vegetables that came with the Chicken Parmigiana were unbelievable. For our final course, we got the Gelato of the day and the Chocolate Cake. Both were very good, the chocolate cake will put you into a chocolate coma, so if you only "like" chocolate, this might not be the dessert for you. I will definitely go back, soon and highly recommend it, but be sure to make reservations because this place fills up quickly at dinner time.
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Review from Joe P.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2011
Can you say going down hill fast? Every time I go here the menu changes, just when you start to like something, it's not there any more. It was so much better at the old location, for years we would get the house salad and we loved it crammed with cheese and the peppers. Now you get a wedge, what Italian place serves a wedge? They used to give your chopped tomatoes with garlic and home made bread, it was worth the whole dinner, not any more!
And if you want a delivery, expect to have them get it wrong.
Sorry Marco, younger on a six month ban. -
Review from Lauren B.
Long Beach, CA
7/19/2011
My girlfriend and I go here at least once a month for girls night, we always have a great time. Typically we split a bottle of wine (or two) and a pizza, but occasionally I'm in the mood for something different. Last time I ordered the lobster ravioli which was amazing!!!!
We are close enough to walk, but if you're not then like most places in WeHo you have to valet. I also recommend calling ahead, the place is usually packed without a reservation. -
Review from Kate C.
Rosemead, CA
12/28/2011
Heard about this place via Groupon. It's a small restaurant with a decent size menu. Had their house wine, calamari, seafood risotto and a fruit cake dessert. The complimentary bread is fresh out of the oven and was very tasty. The calamari came out steaming hot. It was nice and crispy and the neat thing is that they give you 3 different types of sauces to dip the calamari in. The risotto came in a big portion and nicely done. The fruit cake came out nice and warm. We requested for a scoop of ice cream and the waiter was kind enough to add that to our dessert free of charge. Everything tasted fresh, food seemed like it was made to order, food was reasonably priced and service is good. I would definitely go back and try other items on their menu.
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Review from Phillip M.
West Hollywood, CA
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the best pizza I have had in a long time. I would highly recommend this place. The service was top notch and friendly. The outside cafe made for a wonderful evening. After living in the area for many years, I don't know why I haven't been here before. This is my new pizza place!
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Review from Donna Z.
West Hollywood, CA
10/16/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Went to Marco's with some friends with new puppy in tow, and with the outdoor sidewalk seating the didn't bat an eye to my new puppy just sitting by my side. Wonderful friendly staff.
The food was DELICIOUS. This time I had the risotto with Mussels and gobbled it up. My friends' plates were empty too by the end of the meal.
One had the Gnochi, and the other the Fritta di Mare.
They start you out with complimentary foccaccia bread that is slighly garlic brush and it too was gone by end of meal.
For wonderful Italian in West HOllywood, Marcos can't be beat. -
Review from Betsy R.
8/13/2011
I have no idea why this place gets such high ratings. The food isn't horrible but it's def not great. They give large portions, the prices are reasonable, but the food is nothing special, and the place is ridiculously loud!!
My hubs and I decided to come here for dinner on a friday night after a long week of work. We were starving. Thankfully we were seated pretty fast and out waiter came over to greet us shortly after we arrived. The service was good but slow. I have to disclose there was a huge party there - approx 14 people so I understand this is probably not normal. Therefore I am not dinging them on the service but it was super SLOW!!!
The wine by the glass list is very limited but I can overlook that. We ordered appetizers - a salad for me and risotto dish for the hubs. We also asked for bread. Shortly after ordering we got plates, oil, and vinegar for the bread. 10 minutes later the apps come out - but still no silverware or bread. We had to ask for both. It's not a huge deal the silverware wasn't on the table but we were dying to eat considering it was 8:45pm at this point).
The appetizers were lovely. The salad with fresh heirloom tomatoes and wild arugula I would most definitely get again. My hubs raved about his risotto. The bread was also very nice and served hot but it didn't come out until after the appetizers were long gone.
Once we finally got our dinner - a pizza and the lobster ravioli, it wasn't awesome. I def wouldn't go here for pizza, especially if you are from the east coast. It's not horrible but its not great either - think papa johns (sorry Marco's, I am just being honest). My husband said the raviolis were good and they didn't skimp at all on the lobster.
My biggest issue with this place was how loud it was. When we first arrived the 2 people sitting next to us talked and yelled but thankfully they left shortly after we got there. But it was even worse when the next couple arrived. They were SO LOUD it was crazy! I mean drunk loud. The guy spilled his drink twice which required a change of linens both times all within 30 minutes. Then the table next to the couple next to us, started fighting with them!!! It was so uncalled for.
So overall, the service - slow, the food OK but not worth dealing with loud drunks unless you are one and like that kind of thing. I have to say the acoustics in this place suck!! You can hear every loud drunk in there! I don't like giving bad reviews but I def would never come back here. -
Review from Sean B.
3/25/2011 Seated via OpenTable 3 Check-ins Here
This was a place that I'd passed on my way to and from work every day for over a year, heard nothing but good things about, read positive Yelp reviews about, and yet somehow just never managed to walk in the door to check it out.
So this morning my med student friend got off of the graveyard shift, and he wanted breakfast before going to bed, I wanted it to start my day. We met up at my place and decided just to walk eastward on Santa Monica until something struck our fancy, preferable something neither of us had tried previously.
Joey's looked tempting, Basix is pretty good, and a few others almost got us, but we kept walking until we got to Marco's and decided it would be our stop this morning. Somewhat arbitrary, but that's fine.
Saw on Yelp that breakfasts are 50% off before 11am. Score! Not only that, but they're an OpenTable restaurant so I grabbed a reservation as we were entering, from my iPhone, which saved me another dollar (effectively).
Bottom line: I had a shrimp and lobster benedict for $5.00 and a cup of coffee for a buck or two more. Breakfast ended up cheap, and my friend liked his chilequiles as much as I liked my benedict. This is my new breakfast place, FAR superior to the Abbey. -
Review from Christine C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Rather good Italian food with focused service. It's just slightly further from the main most populous section of West Hollywood so finding parking is not too horrendous. If you can find a spot, you can actually park in the lot across the street.
As I walked in I was greeted right away by their friendly waiters. As I sat my drink order was quickly filled. Ordering was quick as well. Soup of the day was rather good. I don't remember the name exactly but it had a bit of spice, with bay shrimp. potatoes, onions. It was a large bowl and had a thin consistency, but hearty enough with ingredients.
For my main course I picked the lasagne ai funghi -- mushroom lasagna. It sounded good but I was weary about the potential. However when it arrived, it tasted as good as it looked. Noodles were tender, the mushrooms full of flavor. There was enough cheese but not overwhelmingly so. Great balance!
My friend had ordered the cheese ravioli which came in a long rectangular plate and smothered in sauce. Large bites of ravioli that were also tasty.
While the food was good, my only complaints would be that they never offered or gave us bread. Luckily the food came out before we could really bother them about it, but lack of bread was noted. Inside was pretty busy so it was forgivable. Sometimes there are stretches where it's hard to flag down a server, but once you have their attention, they really pay attention to your needs.
All in all, the meal was quite delicious, and not too expensive. They also have a discount if you have a KCRW Fringe Benefits card, and they also sell http://restaurant.com gift certificates. Definitely worth a try if you are in the area.
