Came here for Sunday brunch and the vibe is definitely the highlight. Beautiful Tulum-inspired space with lots of natural light and a lively crowd. We ordered the Pine Del Paraiso, Guacamole with plantain chips, Berry Crepes, and the Madera Burger. The guacamole was fresh and the plantain chips were a nice twist. Berry crepes were light, slightly sweet, and great for brunch. The Madera burger was juicy and satisfying. Overall, good food, but the ambiance and energy are what make Casa Madera worth visiting. read more

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Came here for dinner. Ambience is...unique. It feels like stepping into someone's cluttered living room. I guess it's a 'love it' or 'hate it' thing. Also, for a Saturday night, it wasn't very busy; interprete as you will. Food was 2/5. Chicken was very tough to the point of being difficult to chew; after 2-3 bites, I was done. Lemon sauce was delicious. Oddly, meal came with a side of very sad, soggy fries. Sad truth is I've had tastier Italian meals from Trader Joe's. My entree was almost $30, and at that price, you expect food that's actually--good? read more

Ambiance struck me as that of a trans-stop, but the food was not at all like it -- exquisitely prepared, tasted good and very filling. Service was effortlessly attentive. One star off for the noise level from other tables, but that may have been exacerbated by my aspergers. read more

Phenomenal service and authentic Italian food. Great homey decor and lovely for a date night or family occasion. Also the white truffle was out of this world. read more

Casa Modena - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We arrived on a Friday night to restaurant that was completely empty similar to our prior visit four years' before just before COVID hit. Frankly, with small portions, so-so food, OK service, eclectic decor, and high prices, I'm amazed that they are open at all. Even though their menu touts costly truffle-laden set menus, I can't imagine how anyone would voluntarily eat here. A big change from their former location in Culver City where the "truffle king" held court. read more

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It was our first time here, and it looks like a decent place. We liked the service, and the prices are quite reasonable. However, we didn't really like the taste of the food. read more

This is my first time here since they moved from Culver City and the food is just as good the last time I had it.. I had the lobster ravioli and the truffle risotto.. the food was so authentic. Transported me back to Italy.. The food was just so delicious.. Definitely doing my happy dance.. Once you walk in the decor is so inviting and so much interesting stuff to look at. The staff here is so friendly and welcoming.. they treat you like family.. I will be back read more

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Amazing food! Great truffle selection and impeccable service! The atmosphere is also fantastic. Everyone should come here and try their delicious fresh & homemade food! read more

We came for the $65 dineLA menu. $5 cash only valet. Definitely not valet because you park your own car, so I don't know why they don't just say parking fee instead for that plaza. Got some sweeter wines. -Moscato -Lambrusco The whole place was empty at 7:45pm when we had our reservation. Antipasti -CROSTINI CON BURRATA E TARTUFO -TRUFFLE FRENCH FRIES La pasta -TAGLIATELLE AL TARTUFO -RAVIOLI ALL' ARAGOSTA I secondi -TAGLIATA ALL' ACETO BALSAMICO -BRANZINO FILET CON TARTUFO Dessert -Panna cotta Overall, it was not worth the price tag. Very mediocre food that left me underwhelmed. Ambiance was nice, but that was about it. Would not recommend and will not be back. read more

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We just stopped in unplanned, no research, just by happenstance. My husband and I were craving Italian and wanted something quick. Pulled up to the first place we saw after exiting the 405 and crossing into Santa Monica. The whole experience was amazing. The ambiance was beautiful and made us really feel like we were in another country. The rich nostalgic decor contrasting with arched window and walls. Stunning. My husband had the Lasagna which he adored. I had the most delicious Penne allá something or other. Just excellent. We topped it all off with the most delicate and flavorful ricotta pistachio cake. Blew us away. We didn't have any alcohol so can't comment on the wide selection they had to offer. Just perfect. read more

An unassuming Italian restaurant at the top of a small shopping mall turned out to be a hidden gem! We wouldn't have found this place if it weren't for dine LA. We came for their $65 4 course meal and were pleasantly surprised with how authentic and delicious it was. The decor was an eclectic mix of Italian items. For a Friday night it was quiet with not many people inside. Our waitress was very nice, good service. For our first course we had the truffle fries. Their truffle dishes and selection are amazing, it's honestly not common to see real truffle shavings at a moderate price here in LA, so this alone is worth the try if you're a truffle fan. The fries were delicious and a good starter. For the main courses we had the tagliatelle ragu and tagliatelle truffle. Both were absolutely delicious, creamy, Al dente and the pasta tasted homemade. Good portion size too. The last course we opted for the New York strip steak with side arugula salad. This was just ok, a little overdone and meat was very fatty. The dessert was pannacotta and Italian chocolate cookie. Both were okay, but we were stuffed at this point. Wine selection was nice, we had a Lambrusco and Merlot. Id definitely come back here to try more of their truffle dishes!! read more

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The Mrs. and I had dinner last night at Casa Modena before making our way to the Odyssey Ensemble Theater. We've been to a lot of good restaurants in a lot or strange and unexpected locations and Casa Modena is on that list of restaurants. Casa Modena sits on the second floor os a strip mall on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue in Los Angeles and is located on the corner of the building above the Shiva Salon. After all, if you're going to sit Shiva, you gotta look good. When we arrived the only hot spot in the entire place was the vape store on the first floor. Valet parking is all that's available if you intend to dine at Casa Modena or the Chinese restaurant that is also on the second floor. Parking is $5, cash only. Casa Modena validates parking so it is free. As we got off the elevator and walked towards Casa Modena, things got a bit confusing I must admit. There are several signs that adorn the facade. One says "Ristorante" in large letters with Casa Modena in a smaller font below it. Another mentions something about a gourmet Italian market and then there is the sign that says "Home of the Truffle Hunter". The good news is all three pointed to an Italian restaurant. We were greeted by the hostess when we walked in. My wife had made a reservation for 6 p.m. and as empty as the place was it appears we were the only reservation for the evening. We were seated at table in front of a very large window that gave a great view of the restaurant. The decor is very busy but welcoming. The dining tables are vintage and all have stories attached to them(Literally, read the placard on the table.). The walls are plastered with black and white pictures and a bunch of other tchotchkes. Any shelf space that might have existed was filled with some kind of objet d'art or retail item from the Italian market. The menu is surprising large for a restaurant of Casa Modena's size. Since we were at the Home of the Truffle Hinter, two pages were devoted to truffles. We opted for the regular menu which looked good. The Mrs. and I shared the Melanzane di Mia Mama which was sliced eggplant topped with parmesan cheese, garlic, tomato sauce. I'm not a big fan of baked eggplant but it was really good. I ordered the special soup which was mushroom truffle. Usually, the mushroom soups I've had in the past were cream based. Casa Modena's was broth based with what looked like ground mushroom and truffle in it. It was rich despite not being creamy and the smell of the truffle with every bite was very comforting. For my main dish, I ordered the Fussiloni alla Sallsiccia e Tallggio which was large, imported fusilli pasta tossed in a cheese sauce with spicy pork sausage and garlic. The buttery richness shined through along with the heat from the spicy sausage. The portion size was perfect also. The Mrs. ordered the Tagliata all' Aceto Balsamic Traditional Modena which was a pan seared New York strip steak topped with 12 year old Ferri family balsamic vinegar. The steak was slightly over cooked from medium rare but still full of flavor and the crust on the outside of the steak was incredible. The Mrs. loved it. She enjoyed and arugula salad tossed in lemon juice as a side. The service we received was excellent. I kept waiting for more diners to come in but we left around 7 and no one else had common the whole time we we were enjoying our meal. Casa Modena closed at 8 so it is sad to think we were the only table for the evening. This place has been opened for four years and survived COVID so I would think it gets busy. If not, people are missing out and should give Casa Modena a try. read more

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Went here for Valentine's Day dinner - we weren't aware there was a pre fixe menu for the night. If we had known we might have gone somewhere else but all in all it was a good deal and everything we had off the menu was amazing. The restaurant could be easily missed in the strip mall but it's definitely a hidden gem. The burrata toast from the special menu was our favorite. It's super cozy inside and thoughtfully decorated. Anything with truffle was out of this world. Parking is $4 cash only, don't use the ATM in the bodega on the first floor unless you want debit card fraud like me lol. read more

Casa Modena - Interior - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I went here on Saturday for an early birthday dinner. The white truffle tasting menu ends end of January. I had to call in right before to see if they had run out which they had not. It's a really cute place inside. Feels like you are in Italy! I went with three of my friends and we ordered two of the tasting menus. Also, we ordered an app and two entrées. I would say my favorite dishes were the tiger shrimp with an amazing sauce that we dipped this amazing bread in. You must get the truffle Bolognese Tagliatelle and the truffle risotto. I think my least favorite was the branzino filet which was too fried and oily. Between the appetizers on the menu, definitely get the burrata. You get a little Panna cotta at the end, which was made very well. It was sweet because they had a birthday candle for me in one of them. They also threw in lemoncello! Great customer service! read more

Casa Modena - White truffle tasting! - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Perfect Italian spot for a low key quiet date, any type of celebration or if you're an Italian cuisine and truffle lover! We started dinner with the fried calamari with vegetables and it was fried just enough, not soggy with grease at all. The marinara sauce was so good! Their soup of the day was lentil which I do recommend if it's cold outside and you need to warm up! Their green salad was solid! I had to get the pasta with black truffle; $45!! Very very good! We also tried the ravioli and it was delicious. On point, everything! I enjoyed the food, the ambiance, the friendly hostess. A hidden gem inside a plaza. Don't miss out! read more

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I found the experience to be relaxed and manageable. The staff was courteous, and the space felt comfortable throughout my visit.

This is by far one of my favorite hidden gems in the area. Their bread is always served warm with specialty olive oils and their bruschetta is amazing! Their pastas are modest portions of a high quality. I really enjoyed their tortellini as it has a really good balance of flavor. The service is impeccable, the family that runs it is incredibly warm and always a joy to talk to. As far as their decor goes, it's all straight from Italy and is eclectic and interesting to look at. It also is a great spot to get cute pictures with friends, family or a date! Parking is easy as there's a large lot for the center, just don't forget to ask for validation. read more

The food here is really authentically Italian. You can tell the pastas are made fresh and the flavors are balanced and yummy. I highly recommend trying the pasta dishes. We came on a random week night so the restaurant only had two tables including us. The service was a bit slow and lackadaisical. Although they were nice, I'd prefer a tighter running ship. Decor was very cute old-school Italian. Very cute and creative. Overall, I'd definitely be back to try more pasta dishes. read more

Casa Modena - BURRATA CON PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Tasting menu was outstanding. Chef/owner/super human server was incredible - my favorite little hidden gem for a date night. Wish the kids appreciated truffles and such so we could frequent this place. read more

I'm always on the hunt for gluten-free Italian food, and they have gluten-free spaghetti, which is a step up from the usual bag of gluten-free pasta. Charming interior, delicious food and gluten-friendly kitchen. When visiting LA, I forget that some of the most delightful restaurants are in nondescript strip malls. read more

Located on the 2nd floor of a Wilshire/Brentwood mini mall, Casa Modena has a charming, homey interior. Seating is at little reclaimed mid-century Italian kitchen tables, and Italian restaurant plates adorn the walls. Lots of pasta, olive oil, and other decorative knick-knacks are scattered about; and some are also for sale. (We bought a bottle of the pepperoncini-spiced olive oil we enjoyed dipping our bread in.) We shared GREAT tortellini with truffles, branzino, a buffalo mozzarella appetizer, a salad, and 1 glass each of reasonably-priced Sauvignon Blanc and Barbaresco. We had a very friendly, experienced server/Maitre d', on the first visit, who made excellent food and wine recommendations, and made our dinner memorable and fun. Mrs. Owner on the second visit was pretty serious. It hasn't been very crowded the two times I've eaten there, so I hope they stay in business. It's worth a try..... read more

This place is a hidden gem. Amazing authentic Italian experience. The inside of the restaurant is styled in imported Italian furniture, pictures and heirlooms. Eclectic style. Knowledge waiter seemed like a mom and pop run place. Only a few people were also there intimate seating so service was quick and polite. Came for dine LA with a set menu where you chose 4 courses. I ordered the TRUFFLE FRENCH FRIES, SPINACH TAGLIATELLE WITH OLD STYLE BOLOGNESE SAUCE, NEW YORK STEAK, ARUGULA, SHAVED GOAT CHEESE AND 12 YEARS AGED BALSAMIC, and SALAMINO AL CIOCCOLATO Truffle French fries were excellent crispy with garlic and truffle shavings. Paired well with the vinegarette provided. Spinach tagliatelle was delicious as well. Al dente and truffle bolognese sauce was perfect and large portions was already full after this course. Next was the steak. Unfortunately this was not good it was more well done and we had asked for medium. Dessert was good but also passable. Overall the pasta (mine and my dates TAGLIATELLE AL TARTUFO) and fries were amazing as well as the wine. Reminded me of being in Italy which is hard to come by in LA. However steak and dessert was not great and next time I would skip those items. Will be back for the pasta and highly recommend everyone to try. read more

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Overpriced. Small portions. Bland flavor. I had the filet with the red wine reduction and the prosciutto over burrata as an appetizer. The prosciutto over burrata was delicious. The steak, however, was very disappointing. Cooked properly, but the steak itself had no seasoning and the reduction was just tangy with zero flavor. For $54 it was absolutely not worth it. Service was very slow for only my party and one other being there (7 total people in the entire restaurant), and at one point a little girl brought us bread instead of our waitress (bless her heart). Maybe the truffle menu is the only way to go but otherwise, I would steer clear of the general menu. Very unfortunate. Did not meet the hype. I would not give this place another chance given the poor service, small portions, and exorbitant prices. Decorations were nice. Vintage Italian stuff. read more

We're not entirely sure why this place is so highly rated. We had high hopes and wanted to try something new after reading the reviews. I remember seeing this restaurant for years and I believe they are either under new management or just changed the name. Service - It was fine. The hostess was attentive and did an ok good of explaining the menu and dishes. I kinda wish she explained why they were on the menu or the importance since this place is all about being authentic. Also if you say you want still water, it's $5.50 so just a heads up. Ambiance - It had a lot of potential. It feels a bit disorganized and the pictures on Yelp made it feel like a nicer place. It's definitely kitschy but I would've preferred somewhere more modern. Food - This is where everything feel flat. There wasn't any real redeeming qualities about our dinner here. The ravioli was very bland and we even had to add salt and pepper. I've had really good ravioli that didn't need a protein or a ton of sauce, this was not it. As for the ragu, it was a bit salty and we would've like the pasta a bit more Al dente. Again, they're all about being authentic and having been to Bologna, this is not what a ragu really tastes like. All in all, we won't be back and hope other diners proceed with caution. read more

Casa Modena - Raviolo di Zucca - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I hope this place stays open forever. Everytime I go there are not many other diners but I'm hoping there are a lot of take outs or something and they stay profitable. They make some of the best pasta I've ever had, even after visiting Italy. I am not going to try and remember how to spell the names or say them, but I love their Sausage Fusilli pasta. It's my favorite and I always get it. The portions seem to be inconsistent as sometime I get more and sometimes I get less (or maybe I'm just more hungry and wish there was more! lol) My friend always get the seafood squid ink pasta that she loves, and their soups are also yummy. I got their lobster ravioli once and it was also very good. Their decor is so fun, the tables are actual kitchen tables from the 60's I think? It's definitely interesting vibe and everyone is super kind. The owner is also very nice- I met him once. A few times I saw his Truffle haul and it's always so interesting to see. read more

This is a restaurant the community needs to come out and support. Because rarely does a restaurant deliver excellent service, excellent food in an excellent atmosphere. If you haven't been yet, you have been missing out. The truffle tasting menu was delicious. The pictures say it all. And the filet and branzino were perfectly prepared. Thanks to the true Italian chef from Bologna and the rest of the crew for a great night. read more

Casa Modena - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My first time coming here, it was for the dine la event and automatically was so impressed with the interior. It really did feel like I was teleported to Italy. I can't believe I only just barely discovered this local gem. My first course I got their cesare salad, for the second course I decided to go with the penne al ragu, and for dessert I had to go with the panna cotta. Separate from the dine la menu I ordered a glass of red wine, it's always a must when I have Italian cuisine. Everything was so delicious, I can't believe the three course menu was 25 dollars! (not including the red wine). I definitely will be coming back to try their dinner menu. read more

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This place is a hidden treasure. I used to go to the restaurant that was there before Casa Modena and didn't think the food would compare. I was wrong. Our meal was amazing. The wine was one of the best I've had. It's sad that Casa Modena doesn't get the accolades it deserves. When leaving the restaurant, I noticed "Business for Sale" sign on its outside window. It made me sad. Restaurants like this should be overfilling with patrons, not empty! We had the Penne Arrabbiata, Tagliatelle Verdi Al Ragu, truffle fries, seafood pasta and Bolognese. All impeccable! I will definitely go there more as I don't want them to go out of business and will let all my friends know about this gem of a place! read more

Casa Modena - Delicious wine! - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I first went to Casa Modena back in Culver City. It's been way too long since I came back and tonight reminded me why I love this place. It's a bit farther from before but well worth the drive. Umberto is still as talented and welcoming as before. The food was just awesome. I ordered Salamino to send to family to Chicago that they absolutely love. Will be back soon. The Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto and Lobster Ravioli is a must every time. Thank you Umberto and Galasy read more

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As other reviews have noted, Casa Modena is an authentic, delicious Italian restaurant hiding in plain sight. The food is as served in Italy rather than Olive Garden. I highly recommend this restaurant and would dine there again. Food We Ate: Minestrone soup is a light broth-based vegetable soup with carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower (no beans or macaroni); Tortelloni al pomodoro is comprised of delicious, perfectly cooked (al dente) large filled pastas with a fresh and delicate tomato sauce; Fusilli pasta with sausage and cheese sauce is rich and well flavored; Tiramisu is a nicely sized square of light creamy rich goodness Ambiance and Service: Comfortable and casual, zero pretension, feels like a family-owned business, which it is. Service is unobtrusive and relaxed. We sat for hours talking with no pressure to leave. When we arrived at 6pm the place was empty; two other tables arrived within the hour. I have driven past this restaurant hundreds of times and never noticed it. They should consider adding a large banner to the balcony that says "Real Italian Food" or "Italian Cuisine." And the House of Truffles sign could be chocolate rather than mushroom, which is what I assumed. Better branding will help this restaurant get the attention it deserves. read more

Dined in (technically out on the "patio") on 9/10/2020. Parking: 1 hour free with validation in the plaza lot. Location: Directly on the corner of Wilshire and Barrington. View is kinda nice since it's on the 2nd floor on the left corner (if you're facing the plaza) but it can be a bit noisy. I'm a sucker for handmade al dente pasta, so I knew I had to try this Italian-owned establishment that's owned by the same folks at Casa Modena in Culver City. I ordered the Tortellini al tortufo and for a modest price, you get a ton of truffle. The star of this dish is the tortellini, as it's homemade using a recipe used since 1958. The chew, the texture... difficult to describe. It's the pure definition of al dente. I'd love to come back to try out the different types of pasta and sauce. Our server surprised us with a free dessert as well, along with the best service you could ask for. I'm afraid I don't know the name of the dessert, but the best way I can describe it is that it has a subtle hint of high-quality chocolate and the texture is similar to cookie dough. Honestly, this was probably even better than the pasta! read more

Casa Modena - Not sure what this dessert was exactly, but it was amazing :) - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've seen Casa Modena a few times in my searches for new spots to try. My wife and I made an 830pm reservation. We arrived and literally thought they were closed. We went in and sat down in a beautifully decorated dining area. Italian plates on the walls, authentic dining tables from Italian homes, pictures, and books of Italy all over. Our meals were phenomenal. Why is this place not packed? There was not one thing for me to complain about, which is rare. We will be eating here a lot more, and you should too... read more

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Casa Modena feels like a little slice of Italy tucked away in LA! The Tagliata all'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena blew me away--each bite melted in my mouth with that perfect balsamic touch. What really stood out was the attention to detail, from the beautifully plated food to the warm, inviting atmosphere. It's one of those rare places where you can truly taste the passion in every dish. A hidden gem for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors! Definitely planning my next visit. read more

We wanted to come and try a new Italian place in Brentwood. This place is so fun with its colorful decor and fun seating options. It's also attached to a truffle company and there are lots of truffle options on the menu to order too. Today we all went for pasta and they have several fresh pasta options for you to order in combo with a homemade sauce to go with it. I had the homemade tageliatelli with pesto and chicken and it was so yum. We also ordered the truffle French fries, and the rest of my party ordered a fresh pasta with a different sauce than mine. I got to try them all and all were tasty. Everyone was happy with their choices. It's a newer Italian place and it tastes really delicious and well made. Please go and support a new business! read more

Casa Modena - Truffle French Fries - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Service was lovely, decor was adorable / hilarious and food was pretty alright! We got the Caprese Salad, and 2 different handmade pastas. I liked that there wasn't a wild rush for Italian on the westside - a rare combination. read more

Casa Modena - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Casa Modena is a gem tucked into a small shopping area in Brentwood on Wilshire where you'll get amazing food (the home made thin layers of pasta in the lasagne is the stuff of DREAMS) wonderful service from Umberto, and the feeling of local neighborhood spot from the moment you walk in the door. After living in Italy for 5 years, this makes me miss true Italian food, culture, and language so much! read more

This place has an unassuming atmosphere but the food is off the charts. This is AUTHENTIC Italian (or so I'm told, I've never been to Italy). It was so authentic that even their tables were imported! The pasta is so FRESH the sauces are so indulgent. It's just exquisite. Couldn't resist getting the lasagne, which was so satisfying without making me feel too stuffed. The staff was so kind, they even gave us an aperitif after our meal. This is a great date night spot that'll have anyone you bring saying "I can't believe it!" read more

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You'll start and finish the meal with a smile. A small Italian spot with friendly and vibrant colors to warm your evening. I had the tortellini pasticciati , I would recommend that. read more

After watching Luca on Disney +, we had the sudden urge to have Italian food for dinner. I had this restaurant bookmarked for a while, but since the pandemic hit we never got around to trying it out until tonight. I am so glad we did! If anyone is on the same boat, or is on this page contemplating - DON'T HESITATE. Mio Babbo is worth it! They take reservations via opentable and over the phone - although when we arrived early on Sunday, the restaurant had a few open tables. From the quality of the food and price, I'm honestly surprised. I hope more people find out about how much of a gem this joint is! Also, this is a sister restaurant of Casa Moderna in Culver City which is another awesome restaurant with truffle dishes and live music :) The decor is very cute and homey, taking inspiration from the home the owner grew up in.The servers are extremely nice, bubbly, and all speak fluent italian, which made us feel like we were immersed in the world of Luca! We came here for one thing, and one thing only. The TRUFFLE tasting menu. Important to note that they only offer this course for 2+ people and is not meant to share as a group. This 4 course meal was absolutely epic! They provide such a generous portion of black truffle on each dish, that you can barely see what's underneath. My favorite dishes were the burrata crostini, filet steak, and the tagliolini pasta, but everything was so flavorful and rich I don't think there were any wrong choices. The portions are also very substantial, that we ended up taking the main course home after a few bites! The dessert was a cheesecake with a balsamic drizzle, which was such a pleasant surprise! I usually don't eat cheesecake, but the tartness from the vinegar was refreshing after a hearty meal. Mio Babbo is the best kept secret of Brentwood that deserves to be recognized by more foodies. If you share the love for truffle, a nice selection of wines, a peaceful setting, and an upscale meal without completely breaking your bank, (who doesn't?) this is the restaurant for you! I'm looking forward to the leftovers that I'll treat myself to for lunch tomorrow. read more

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As I have said in other covid-year reviews, please keep in mind that no LA restaurant escaped the strictures of outdoor dining, fewer tables, and perhaps limited ability to perfect items offered on their regular menu. I can't be sure that Mio Babbo was different in 2021 than at any other time. My experience at Mio Babbo was enhanced by sharing a meal with some good friends who always elevate things to a festive occasion. After a steep climb up some formidable concrete stairs, we were greeted by the staff and shown to a nice table overlooking the main thoroughfare. The patio, where dinner was being served, was strung with twinkling lights and we were shaded from the late afternoon sun by a big umbrella. Other similar tables were a protective six feet away and they were all full. Good sign! This restaurant and its owners specialize in truffles. Now, I am not a big fan of truffles ordinarily, but if you go to Mio Babbo ("My Pop"), you really should find a way to try a dish that features them. I chose the Trofie Pesto, which was truffle-infused pasta with authentic freshly made Genova pesto, made with truffles and stuffed with potato. It was emerald green and very good. I also had the buffalo mozzarella, sampled another member of our party's salad, and had some Margherita Pizza. They were all good but not spectacular. The dessert was though. A deep dark Salamino tradizionale al ciocollato that was soft, dense and delicious. We shared an excellent bottle of red wine. The waiter, from Italy (oh, thank you Mio Babbo!) was delightful. Just the right amount of friendly and professional, as are all European attendants at fine establishments there. What a pleasure he was (I think his name was Joseph). Now, the reason for a 4-star and not 5 rating. I think the portions were small for the high prices and sitting on Wilshire Boulevard these days is not all that pleasant. The lights of the cars are lovely and it isn't noisy, but, there is a sad reminder of Los Angeles's economic stress that is audible and visible from the restaurant patio. Being mindful of it is a good thing, just not while indulging in the privilege of dining out, if you know what I mean. It injected a sobering element into the atmosphere of conviviality and conversation. I might sit inside next time to get the full experience of Mio Babbo and then make my amends to our city populace at my most valued mission Downtown. We will certainly go back. read more