The Italophile's Guide To Life In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a haven for lovers of Italian culture thanks to the vibrant Italian-American community in the area. From authentic Italian food to refined, modern cuisine, Los Angeles has some of the best Italian food to offer – outside of Italy, of course. Check out our list of the best food, museums, and cultural centers in Los Angeles.
1. Eatalian Cafe in Gardena – Best Authentic Italian Food
Cafe, Restaurant, Italian
2. Valentino – Best High-End Italian Fare
Restaurant, Italian
3. Eagle Rock Italian Bakery – Best Pastries
Bakery, Deli, Italian
5. Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles
Building
6. The Getty Villa – Best Italian Art
Museum
7. Gelateria Uli – Best Gelato
Gelateria Uli – Best Gelato
This Downtown spot takes their gelato very serious. Made in small batches every day, Gelateria Uli does not shy away from experimenting with new flavors – they even have a forum on their website inviting patrons to suggest flavors and vote on them. If your flavor is chosen and ends up in the display case, you win a pint of your flavor, which truly engages the patrons. Some of Uli’s most intriguing flavors include yellow corn, rosemary toasted hazelnuts, and Thai iced tea. They do, of course, stay loyal to traditional flavors like stracciatella and amaretto.
Gelateria Uli, 541 S Spring St #104, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 213 900 4717
8. Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra – Best Italian Music
Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra – Best Italian Music
In 2013, Los Angeles gained the Virtuosi Orchestra, a non-profit organization and 22-string orchestra that is dedicated to advocating for and supporting music education. The orchestra was founded by Carlo Ponti, Jr., who now serves as the music and artistic director and is also the son of Italian movie star Sophia Loren. The LAV debuted in 2014 at the Napa Valley Festival del Sole and has garnered acclaim ever since. In a superb demonstration of its dedication to music education, the LAV has partnered with three grade schools in the Los Angeles area to enhance their music programs.
LAV, 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 500, Beverly Hills, CA, USA, +1 310 659 8799
9. Caffé Roma Ristorante – Best Espresso
Restaurant
Caffé Roma Ristorante – Best Espresso
While also an upscale eatery, Caffé Roma is a great place to enjoy an afternoon espresso or latte and take a moment to relax on the patio. Caffé Roma attracts a lively European crowd and is always packed at night, offering live music and a happy hour menu. Regulars flock to this restaurant for the great food, but the ambiance and people-watching opportunities certainly enhance the experience. Their menu includes a selection of traditional pizzas, as well as pastas like spaghetti cacio e pepe and popular meat dishes like the pollo Milanese.
Caffé Roma, 350 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA, USA, +1 310 274 7834
10. C&O Trattoria – Best Beachside Italian
C&O Trattoria – Best Beachside Italian
A staple restaurant, C&O Trattoria is a casual eatery steps away from Venice Beach. The garlic knots have a reputation of their own – they are generously served right when you sit down, and waiters continue to circle the restaurant refilling your plate with buttery, garlic bread balls. While C&O offers a unique beachside dining experience, their large portions and innumerable pasta dishes will keep you coming back. Some favorite pasta dishes include the pappardelle with short ribs and the four cheese ravioli with a pesto cream sauce. Their eggplant parmesan and chicken marsala are delicious, but be sure to try the pasta as well.
C&O Trattoria, 31 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA, USA, +1 310 823 9491
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.