Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Playa del Rey

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia - El Segundo restaurant

1. North Italia - El Segundo

4.7

Exceptional(3222)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • El Segundo

Booked 72 times today

North Italia in El Segundo is a haven for those who cherish Contemporary Italian cuisine crafted from scratch. Known for its authentic and inventive flavors, this culinary gem stands out with its handmade pastas and artisan pizzas, highlighted by seasonal ingredients that bring the freshness of the garden, farm, and sea directly to your plate. Diners consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and exceptional dishes, noting the "Spicy rigatoni vodka pasta and Hot honey prosciutto pizza" as menu standouts. Coupled with seasonal cocktails perfectly paired with meals, North Italia offers a truly modern Italian dining experience. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual luncheon, guests leave with memorable experiences, often exclaiming, "The food is always delicious and the service is great!" making it a must-visit for quality Italian cuisine.

2. Locanda Positano

4.6

Exceptional(1667)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Marina del Rey

Booked 5 times today

Locanda Positano, nestled in the vibrant Marina del Rey, is a treasure trove of Contemporary Italian cuisine that effortlessly blends traditional flavors with a modern twist. Praised as a "hidden gem," this cozy, family-owned eatery receives accolades for its authentic dishes like the "out of this world" short rib rigatoni and truffle-laden tagliatelle. Diners rave about the "perfectly al dente" pasta and the ambiance that makes you "feel like family." With its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that sings with the flavors of Italy, Locanda Positano promises not just a meal but an "outstanding" culinary journey right in the heart of Los Angeles. Whether it's the praised wine pairing dinners or the lush outdoor patio dining, every visit here is a foray into the heart of Italy's culinary best.

3. Vito Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(1597)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Santa Monica

Booked 17 times today

Vito Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, is a beacon of culinary excellence renowned for its sublime steak offerings. With over four decades of experience, Vito has mastered the art of steak cuisine, providing diners with exceptionally cooked, high-quality cuts that consistently receive rave reviews. Patrons describe their steak experiences as “mouth-watering” and praise the “old school Italian” charm that enhances every meal. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, particularly in their steak, which is a testament to their dedication to maintaining culinary authenticity and excellence. Whether you're seeking a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated night out, Vito promises a steak that’s not only delicious but memorable.

A photo of Joliet Cafe and Bar restaurant

4. Joliet Cafe and Bar

4.3

Awesome(34)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Playa Vista

Booked 4 times today

Come enjoy our secret dining room. Small room, with big ambiance. A place to eat, sip on exciting cocktails, drink unique wines with close friends and neighbors. Come for a rose lunch on our patio, sandwiches and bottles of wine to-go from our counter, or dinner and cocktails in our intimate jungle room.NOTE: For Breakfast + Lunch ONLY, table service is not provided. Orders must be placed at front counter and seating is located in our back lounge.

A photo of The Tasting Kitchen restaurant

5. The Tasting Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(1923)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Venice

THE TASTING KITCHEN POP UP AT GHISALLO ! 1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica.Beginning Monday April 3rd continuing Monday - Thursday until the Tasting Kitchen is back and running. A menu featuring some of the Tasting Kitchen's greatest hits and also Ghisallo's award winning neapolitan pizzas. All breads and pizza dough courtesy of Jyan Isaac bread.

6. Vicini

4.6

Exceptional(114)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Los Angeles

Booked 11 times today

Vicini Ristorante & Wine Bar in West Los Angeles' Cheviot Hills offers a sublime Wine Bar experience that truly stands out. Celebrated for its "authentic Northern Italian cuisine" and an impressive selection of wines, Vicini delights diners with a "thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail menu." Guests rave about the authentic touches, particularly noting that the wine selection complements the exquisite dishes crafted by Chef Lucio Bedon, whose expertise includes experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the wine, with one noting the exceptional pairing advice, stating, "Shout out to our server who offered us a few wines to taste before committing to a glass. His recommendation was the best." Vicini's Wine Bar is not just about wine; it's an integral part of an authentic Italian dining journey that leaves guests planning their next visit.

A photo of Toscana - Brentwood restaurant

7. Toscana - Brentwood

4.7

Exceptional(1084)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brentwood

Booked 42 times today

Nestled in the charming Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, Toscana is a gem that has been delighting diners with its exemplary Contemporary Italian cuisine for over three decades. Known for its rustic, farm-to-table approach, Toscana offers a menu that highlights authentic Tuscan flavors with a modern twist, featuring standout dishes such as Truffle and Burrata Pizza, Veal Milanese, and handmade desserts like Torta della Nonna. Praised for its "top-notch meals" and "authentic delicious Italian food," the restaurant consistently earns accolades, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Patrons, including celebrities, adore the "fabulous food" and "charismatic experience," making Toscana a beloved staple in the LA dining scene.

8. Bar Toscana

4.6

Exceptional(212)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Brentwood

Booked 10 times today

Bar Toscana is an intimate, chic cocktail bar next door to sister restaurant, Toscana, in the heart of Brentwood. Bar Toscana’s Executive Chef Justino Quirino curated a simple yet elegant menu with small plates, entrees, and "Street Food" Specials. Menu highlights include Bruschetta, Prosciutto e Melone, Caesar Salad, Beet Salad with goat cheese and hazelnuts, Tuna Tartare, Wagyu Truffle Sliders, and Polpette al Sugo, veal meatballs. Bar Toscana also features Pinsa, pizza’s airy, crispy-crusted, less caloric cousin. Spaghetti Squash and Homemade Lasagna are available, as well as some of Toscana's most popular dishes, such as Ravioli Pomodoro, Pappardelle Funghi, Salmon, Branzino, Veal Milanese, and Bistecca. Cocktails are hand-crafted, and the wine list is largely Italian-focused. This neighborhood lounge opens nightly at 5:00 PM and is ideally fashioned for unique cocktails, intimate dinners, and sparkling conversation. Takeout & delivery through ChowNow and Uber Eats.

9. Mangiamo

4.8

Exceptional(1646)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Manhattan Beach / Hermosa Beach

Booked 22 times today

Mangiamo Restaurant in downtown Manhattan Beach is a beacon of Italian culinary excellence, blending traditional Italian flavors with a Californian twist since 1984. Patrons rave about the "scrumptious cuisine" and "consistently great service," noting dishes like the "tender and tasty veal" and "delicious frutti de mare w/ linguine." Situated just a block from the historic pier with "epic views of the Pacific Ocean," Mangiamo offers a unique dining experience where "the food, service, and atmosphere are always outstanding." Reviewers consistently highlight the authentic and rewarding Italian dishes, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether for a business dinner, a family gathering, or a romantic evening, Mangiamo promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience in the heart of Manhattan Beach.

10. Via Alloro

4.7

Exceptional(1571)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Beverly Hills

Booked 23 times today

At Via Alloro in Beverly Hills, contemporary Italian cuisine is more than just a meal; it's an experience that captivates your senses and transports you straight to Italy. Diners rave about the "authentic southern Italian" flavors and the exceptional dishes like the "heavenly pasta such as Spaghetti strazopretti or Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe," often prepared tableside adding a touch of spectacle to the dining experience. The ambiance, described as both "great" and "elegant," complements the culinary delights with its vibrant yet welcoming setting. With an "extensive and varied wine list," including rarities like Opus One, and service that is consistently described as "impeccable" and "non intrusive," it's no wonder guests are eager to return. Whether you're there for a leisurely lunch or a significant business meeting, Via Alloro stands out as a beacon of contemporary Italian gastronomy in Beverly Hills.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JannaVIP
Los Angeles •17 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The food and service were wonderful. I loved this restaurant and am looking forward to my next visit.
More info
ViciniPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Los Angeles
•
4.6
L
Lindsey
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I came to Rossoblu with my husband to celebrate his 36th Birthday and just want to say what a WONDERFUL experience we had! The customer service was efficient, friendly, they had great communication and provided us with truly a memorable experience for the rest of our lives. Upon arrival, I let the hostess/Manager, TONYA know that it was my husband's birthday; she communicated this to our waiter, ERIC and he gave us a complimentary glass of rosé as well as a scoop of their vanilla bean gelato with what tasted like fig! I would give this place infinite stars if I could! Seriously, we were so impressed and the food was out of this world! We ordered the GRILLED PORK MEATBALLS and QUEEN MARGHERITA as a starter and the TORTELLONI, and OLIMPIA’S TAGLIATELLE as our mains! Thank you Rossoblu for the great service and incredible food! The Christmas Tree and cozy atmosphere added to the essence of it all as well! We will definitely be back! Mahalo!
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RossobluPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
A
Andrew
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Still great after all these years, ask to sit in Paolo’s section, he’s the best!
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Toscana - BrentwoodPrice: Expensive• Italian• Brentwood
•
4.7
S
SamuelVIP
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food. Amazingly good, actually. The service left a little bit to be desired, but we were in the outside area away from the main flow of traffic. I definitely recommend this place. I’m not a foodie, and don’t usually mention dishes, but the branzino was excellent, probably as good as I’ve ever had, and the olive cake was, too. Parking is not fantastic and although it ends up that the restaurant is easy to find, the signs don’t help much and GPS isn’t accurate enough so I wandered around a little bit before finding it. But a very good dinner.
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North Italia - El SegundoPrice: Moderate• Italian• El Segundo
•
4.7
M
Merrill
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
We took the recommendations of the maitre-de, and our 3 entrees (branzini, steak, and pasta with wild boar— were absolutely superb.
More info
Locanda PositanoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Marina del Rey
•
4.6

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Playa del Rey

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Playa del Rey

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. North Italia - El Segundo

2. Locanda Positano

3. Vito Restaurant

4. Joliet Cafe and Bar

5. The Tasting Kitchen

6. Vicini

7. Toscana - Brentwood

8. Bar Toscana

9. Mangiamo

10. Via Alloro

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