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Another fantastic Italian old school restaurant near work. This was a long over due review. I've been to Locanda many time during my lunch hour and it's soild. The food /pasta is delicious. My go to here is their Linguine Alla Pescatora. It always hit the spot. The Linguine cooked perfectly al dente and they are very generous with the clams and mussels, but just a heads up thier mussels and clams are on the small side these days. They also have 2 course lunch specials for under $25 as well. You choose one antipasti and one main dish ( entree are on smaller portion) for the lunch specials Service was great and friendly. Overall, food is great and tasty. Can't complain about that.
Incredibly charming spot that I've walked and driven by for 3 years and finally decided to stop in with friends. Immediately greeted (in Italian) by staff to the warm, intimate ambience. I felt like I was back in Florence. They serve warm bread with a crisp crust accompanied by the most delicious pesto spread. The pesto is perfectly balanced, not too overpowering by any of the components of the sauce. We enjoyed the chicken parm, spaghetti amitriciana, and a mushroom/shrimp spaghetti. We were stuffed and took leftovers home, but still tried the chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce! Cannot wait to come back to what will certainly become our new neighborhood Italian spot
This restaurant is not authentic at all. The food unfortunately lacked flavor and was quite disappointing. It's also pretty expensive for what you get. Overall, it was nothing like what I expected based on the reviews. I wouldn't recommend it.
I had one of the most pleasant lunches I have ever had in LA at this lovely restaurant. It's hard to have a bad lunch when dining al fresco on a summer day in Beverly Hills...but I do think the delicious food and warm service added to the experience! We started with the calamari alla veneta (grilled calamari in olive oil over a bed of sautéed Swiss chard) and I do not think I will ever be going back to fried calamari again! The textures and flavors were divine and the chard almost tasted like baby bok choy (a veggie that I particularly love). For our main, we shared the Linguini alla Pescatora, which featured Manila clams and black mussels in tomato sauce (you could also choose a white wine sauce). All meals come with a free bread basket and dare I say their ciabatta is how all bread should be--soft but with a bouncy chew, and the perfect vehicle for sopping up our pasta sauce. For such a small restaurant the menu is quite extensive. Their 2-course lunch special (one antipasti and one secondi) for $22 per person seems like a great deal and I may give that a try next time I am visiting. Bon appetito!
I love everything about this restaurant. It's cozy, authentic, has consistently delicious food, and truly the best service I've experienced in a restaurant in Los Angeles. The gentleman who I believe owns it always recognizes us and remembers our preferences and favorite dishes. He is charming and warm, as is the restaurant environment. It's such a special neighborhood spot and I can't wait to return soon. I hope this restaurant continues to be a local staple.
WOW!!! One of the most complete Italian meals I've had in a while. Crusty fresh bread with homemade pesto , creamy burrata with Cali tomatoes , and PERFECTLY made chicken parm with an epic sauce- !! Would go back in a heartbeat.
Wow! What a surprising find near Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area. From the front it doesn't seem much but on the inside it's transforms into a welcoming Italian style place. There's also great lighting for a nice and intimate meal for a small group or a date. We found this place through Dine LA and really enjoyed our experience. The service was attentive without being too overbearing and the food was excellent! We had an octopus that was thinly sliced and burrata that just melted in our mouth. For our main entree we got the gnocchi that was pillowy with pieces of lobster. There's a heartiness and authenticity that gives the food a special feel that isn't too overproduced. Really a gem of a place a look forward to coming back again!
Easily 1/2 of my favorite Italian restaurants throughout the city. Locanda is very small but the intimacy is what makes it more special. Marco was always wonderful and remembers frequent customers. Absolute favorite is the Cappellaci al Manzo Stufato! Second favorite raviolo d'aragosta, and third is the linguini al frutti di mare. The minestrone is tasty and wine list consists of some fine local wines. What makes this place an easy favorite is how quiet/lowkey/intimate but spectacular the food and service is.
We drive all the way from San Diego County just to eat here - and every single time, it's worth it. Locanda Veneta isn't just an Italian restaurant; it's an experience. The food is beyond anything I've ever tasted. Every dish feels crafted by someone who understands flavor, texture, and balance on a whole different level. The chef is a true artist - his skill and experience stand far above most in the industry, and it shows in everything from the perfectly silky sauces to the flawless tenderness of the pasta. From the moment you arrive, everything just flows. Valet parking right out front means you can relax and step straight into this warm, inviting space tucked near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. Inside, it's the perfect blend of romantic, cozy, and family-friendly. Whether it's date night or dinner with loved ones, it just feels right. The Maître D' is phenomenal - genuinely welcoming, attentive, and professional - the kind of person who makes you feel like an old friend from the moment you walk in. The servers are top-shelf, with a rhythm and grace that make the evening seamless. Every detail feels intentional, from the pacing of the meal to how they anticipate what you need before you even ask. And then there's the wine list - it truly hits differently. The selection is thoughtful, diverse, and designed to enhance every flavor coming out of that kitchen. Their team helps you find the perfect pairing with confidence and ease - never pushy, just deeply knowledgeable. Locals rave about how well they handle large parties and private events, and I believe it. The staff works together like a family - making guests feel valued, seen, and completely cared for, all while keeping things beautifully professional. Locanda Veneta is one of those rare places that stays with you long after the meal ends. Elegant, authentic, and unforgettable, it's Italian dining the way it's meant to be - done with passion, precision, and heart!!! Five stars, always. .... An additional plus- seed oil free!
My husband had a doctor's appointment directly across from this restaurant. Decided to have lunch. We got lucky and have a great parking spot right in front. My husband had the Branzino - their special for the day and I had Linguini Pescatora. They started us with their delicious bread. We finished with a couple of Cappuccinos and a Panna Cotta. Everything was delicious and our server was delightful. It's not a huge restaurant but they do have outdoor seating. Will definitely be back. Thank you.
This is an update to my original review from 8 months ago. I can't believe the interaction that I just had with the chef owner of this restaurant that I have to share it. It has been 8 months since I wrote my review describing the disappointing birthday celebration we have for my husband last December. After writing that review I never heard from the restaurant at all but I continued getting occasional emails from the restaurant because I'm on their mailing list. But a few days ago I replied to one of those emails just saying I'm no longer interested in the emails because of my last disappointing meal there. Surprisingly the chef owner reached out and asked why was I disappointed he wanted to know and I thought that was very nice he finally showed some interest in asking why I had a disappointing experience there so I wrote him a long email explaining the details of why I was disappointed and I never heard back from him. That was about a week ago so today I thought I'd send him an email and just ask if he got my email that I sent explaining why I was disappointed. His response floored me. He said yes I got your email and on that day we were out of birthday candles. That was his reply as to why no one brought a birthday dessert over to my husband and I guess that is why no one bothered to say happy birthday to my husband or welcome back again thank you for choosing our restaurant again to celebrate your birthday. The birthday was completely ignored and not acknowledged the entire time we were at that restaurant even though we made special notes in the reservation that it was a birthday celebration and when we walked in the door we said we're very excited to be back to celebrate my husband's birthday again at this restaurant and nobody said happy birthday or welcome back happy birthday. And his one sentence reply was that they were out of candles. The worst Hospitality I've ever experienced and the worst reply to a complaint letter that I've ever received from anybody. Shame on this restaurant. Why would you even bother reaching out to ask me why I was disappointed if you're not going to at least send some sort of apology email acknowledging my disappointment. I had to reach out to them to say did you get my email and his response was yes we were out of candles
Locanda Veneta (Italian for Venetian Inn) is an intimate, quaint, charming, romantic Italian restaurant that has been around since 1988 and for good reason. It's just such a treat to eat here. Prior to this visit, I had been here for dinner a few times over the years. The food has always been consistently good and I've even spotted some celebrities. This time around, I came to Locanda Veneta to try the DineLA lunch menu. It was a wonderful deal for a three course gourmet meal. Another thing I really liked about the menu is that the vegetarian options were clearly marked. A vegetarian can order from every course of the Dinela menu. The meal came with complimentary bread served warm and a side of pesto. A definite must-try. It's so, so good!! For my appetizer I chose FAGOTTINI MELANZANE which had eggplant rolls stuffed with mozzarella and basil and baked in a delicious tomato sauce. The presentation of this appetizer was stunning. It came baked in an individual cast iron baking dish and there was a fresh piece of basil over the top. The serving size was very generous as well. As an appetizer, you may want to consider taking some home as this definitely could be a meal in itself. The soup of the day was also vegetarian (red pepper soup that had a vegetable broth base). So there is was another lighter vegetarian option to choose from on the menu. However, I went with the eggplant as I thought it was more unique. For the main course I choose PESCE BLANCO AL CARTOCCIO which was white fish wrapped in parchment paper with julienne vegetables, capers and spices. It did take some time for this dish to come as they make it from scratch but it was 100% worth the wait. The fish tasted so fresh and melted in my mouth as I ate it. The julienne vegetables were also cooked just right. I would come here again just to eat this fish. It was so, so good and a pretty healthy option as well. For dessert there was a choice between the BISCOTTI and SORBET. One of us ordered the sorbet and the other biscotti so that we could share them both. I'm not usually a fan of biscotti but this biscotti was so special. The chocolate chips melted in my mouth and the texture was just right and not too hard. I see why they are called "famous" biscotti on the menu. This is a winning cookie! The sorbet came with 2 scoops of your choice: mango, lemon, and raspberry. We chose lemon and raspberry and it was a delightful end to the meal. Locanda Veneta has seating outside as well on the sidewalk but I prefer the inside of this establishment because it is just so cute and part of the fun of dining out for me is the atmosphere. There was a large party of 8 sitting across from me in the middle booth. This is a lovely place to have a small party. I also spotted some solo diners as well as parties of two. It did start clearing out around two o'clock and I believe they close at two instead of two thirty (as listed on Yelp) so I suggest going early for lunch. Since it is a small place, our waiter was also the host, so it was a little bit of a wait to get our seats but once seated the whole experience was wonderful and first class. We felt very special and also loved where we were seated by the window in a comfy booth. Parking can be a bit tough to find. There's metered parking on the street but it does fill up fast. We parked a few blocks away and walked. They do have a valet as well ($15). Other cool facts: The head chef and owner of the restaurant was honored as one of the culinary talents in Best Chefs America. Won Opentable Diners Choice Award 15 years in a row.
I met a friend here for lunch who works at Cedars Sinai. It's location right across from the West tower makes it convenient for people working at Cedars to get to. And for people like me that are driving up being across from the West Tower parking structure makes an easy place to park although it expensive place. I was there for just under 2 hours and it cost me $18 to park! There is street parking if you can find it but of course that's easier said than done. The service is welcoming with friendly and attentive servers. They had a lunch time special for $20.95 you get to pick an appetizer/soup and an entree. I got the minestrone soup which was full of vegetables and a delicious broth that wasn't too acidic, not spicy at all, not too salty either. It was perfect for this chilly winter day. And for my entree I opted for the Rigatoni Bolognese because it was described as a lean meaty sauce. It was hearty and delicious and topped with Parmesan cheese, was amazing!
Everything was amazing here! Service was great, food was delicious (especially dessert), and the vibe was very fine, great for date night. Prices are on the expensive side but I wouldn't stop say overall it was worth it. read more
2 months ago
18 hours ago
My first experience was so horrible we were a group of only 5 but the Hispanic waiter charge me automatic 20% tip. Most of the food we ate has no taste. Andrei the manager when I complained about the extra 20% tip and they charge me additional $10 for another tip, he was so defensive and almost fighting with me instead of apologizing to a customer. Andrei try to taste your chicken parmigiana and you tell me if your food is worth the price! My 10 year old kids couldn't eat his meal, chicken Alfredo was the same $29 plane Alfredo and additional tiny a few pcs of no taste chicken for $14 . In total they charge me $40 of tip read more
Another fantastic Italian old school restaurant near work. This was a long over due review. I've been to Locanda many time during my lunch hour and it's soild. The food /pasta is delicious. My go to here is their Linguine Alla Pescatora. It always hit the spot. The Linguine cooked perfectly al dente and they are very generous with the clams and mussels, but just a heads up thier mussels and clams are on the small side these days. They also have 2 course lunch specials for under $25 as well. You choose one antipasti and one main dish ( entree are on smaller portion) for the lunch specials Service was great and friendly. Overall, food is great and tasty. Can't complain about that. read more
8 months ago
Incredibly charming spot that I've walked and driven by for 3 years and finally decided to stop in with friends. Immediately greeted (in Italian) by staff to the warm, intimate ambience. I felt like I was back in Florence. They serve warm bread with a crisp crust accompanied by the most delicious pesto spread. The pesto is perfectly balanced, not too overpowering by any of the components of the sauce. We enjoyed the chicken parm, spaghetti amitriciana, and a mushroom/shrimp spaghetti. We were stuffed and took leftovers home, but still tried the chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce! Cannot wait to come back to what will certainly become our new neighborhood Italian spot read more
2 months ago
This restaurant is not authentic at all. The food unfortunately lacked flavor and was quite disappointing. It's also pretty expensive for what you get. Overall, it was nothing like what I expected based on the reviews. I wouldn't recommend it. read more
1 year ago
I had one of the most pleasant lunches I have ever had in LA at this lovely restaurant. It's hard to have a bad lunch when dining al fresco on a summer day in Beverly Hills...but I do think the delicious food and warm service added to the experience! We started with the calamari alla veneta (grilled calamari in olive oil over a bed of sautéed Swiss chard) and I do not think I will ever be going back to fried calamari again! The textures and flavors were divine and the chard almost tasted like baby bok choy (a veggie that I particularly love). For our main, we shared the Linguini alla Pescatora, which featured Manila clams and black mussels in tomato sauce (you could also choose a white wine sauce). All meals come with a free bread basket and dare I say their ciabatta is how all bread should be--soft but with a bouncy chew, and the perfect vehicle for sopping up our pasta sauce. For such a small restaurant the menu is quite extensive. Their 2-course lunch special (one antipasti and one secondi) for $22 per person seems like a great deal and I may give that a try next time I am visiting. Bon appetito! read more
I love everything about this restaurant. It's cozy, authentic, has consistently delicious food, and truly the best service I've experienced in a restaurant in Los Angeles. The gentleman who I believe owns it always recognizes us and remembers our preferences and favorite dishes. He is charming and warm, as is the restaurant environment. It's such a special neighborhood spot and I can't wait to return soon. I hope this restaurant continues to be a local staple. read more
4 months ago
WOW!!! One of the most complete Italian meals I've had in a while. Crusty fresh bread with homemade pesto , creamy burrata with Cali tomatoes , and PERFECTLY made chicken parm with an epic sauce- !! Would go back in a heartbeat. read more
1 month ago
1 month ago
Wow! What a surprising find near Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area. From the front it doesn't seem much but on the inside it's transforms into a welcoming Italian style place. There's also great lighting for a nice and intimate meal for a small group or a date. We found this place through Dine LA and really enjoyed our experience. The service was attentive without being too overbearing and the food was excellent! We had an octopus that was thinly sliced and burrata that just melted in our mouth. For our main entree we got the gnocchi that was pillowy with pieces of lobster. There's a heartiness and authenticity that gives the food a special feel that isn't too overproduced. Really a gem of a place a look forward to coming back again! read more
Easily 1/2 of my favorite Italian restaurants throughout the city. Locanda is very small but the intimacy is what makes it more special. Marco was always wonderful and remembers frequent customers. Absolute favorite is the Cappellaci al Manzo Stufato! Second favorite raviolo d'aragosta, and third is the linguini al frutti di mare. The minestrone is tasty and wine list consists of some fine local wines. What makes this place an easy favorite is how quiet/lowkey/intimate but spectacular the food and service is. read more
1 year ago
We drive all the way from San Diego County just to eat here - and every single time, it's worth it. Locanda Veneta isn't just an Italian restaurant; it's an experience. The food is beyond anything I've ever tasted. Every dish feels crafted by someone who understands flavor, texture, and balance on a whole different level. The chef is a true artist - his skill and experience stand far above most in the industry, and it shows in everything from the perfectly silky sauces to the flawless tenderness of the pasta. From the moment you arrive, everything just flows. Valet parking right out front means you can relax and step straight into this warm, inviting space tucked near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. Inside, it's the perfect blend of romantic, cozy, and family-friendly. Whether it's date night or dinner with loved ones, it just feels right. The Maître D' is phenomenal - genuinely welcoming, attentive, and professional - the kind of person who makes you feel like an old friend from the moment you walk in. The servers are top-shelf, with a rhythm and grace that make the evening seamless. Every detail feels intentional, from the pacing of the meal to how they anticipate what you need before you even ask. And then there's the wine list - it truly hits differently. The selection is thoughtful, diverse, and designed to enhance every flavor coming out of that kitchen. Their team helps you find the perfect pairing with confidence and ease - never pushy, just deeply knowledgeable. Locals rave about how well they handle large parties and private events, and I believe it. The staff works together like a family - making guests feel valued, seen, and completely cared for, all while keeping things beautifully professional. Locanda Veneta is one of those rare places that stays with you long after the meal ends. Elegant, authentic, and unforgettable, it's Italian dining the way it's meant to be - done with passion, precision, and heart!!! Five stars, always. .... An additional plus- seed oil free! read more
1 year ago
My husband had a doctor's appointment directly across from this restaurant. Decided to have lunch. We got lucky and have a great parking spot right in front. My husband had the Branzino - their special for the day and I had Linguini Pescatora. They started us with their delicious bread. We finished with a couple of Cappuccinos and a Panna Cotta. Everything was delicious and our server was delightful. It's not a huge restaurant but they do have outdoor seating. Will definitely be back. Thank you. read more
3 months ago
This is an update to my original review from 8 months ago. I can't believe the interaction that I just had with the chef owner of this restaurant that I have to share it. It has been 8 months since I wrote my review describing the disappointing birthday celebration we have for my husband last December. After writing that review I never heard from the restaurant at all but I continued getting occasional emails from the restaurant because I'm on their mailing list. But a few days ago I replied to one of those emails just saying I'm no longer interested in the emails because of my last disappointing meal there. Surprisingly the chef owner reached out and asked why was I disappointed he wanted to know and I thought that was very nice he finally showed some interest in asking why I had a disappointing experience there so I wrote him a long email explaining the details of why I was disappointed and I never heard back from him. That was about a week ago so today I thought I'd send him an email and just ask if he got my email that I sent explaining why I was disappointed. His response floored me. He said yes I got your email and on that day we were out of birthday candles. That was his reply as to why no one brought a birthday dessert over to my husband and I guess that is why no one bothered to say happy birthday to my husband or welcome back again thank you for choosing our restaurant again to celebrate your birthday. The birthday was completely ignored and not acknowledged the entire time we were at that restaurant even though we made special notes in the reservation that it was a birthday celebration and when we walked in the door we said we're very excited to be back to celebrate my husband's birthday again at this restaurant and nobody said happy birthday or welcome back happy birthday. And his one sentence reply was that they were out of candles. The worst Hospitality I've ever experienced and the worst reply to a complaint letter that I've ever received from anybody. Shame on this restaurant. Why would you even bother reaching out to ask me why I was disappointed if you're not going to at least send some sort of apology email acknowledging my disappointment. I had to reach out to them to say did you get my email and his response was yes we were out of candles read more
7 months ago
Locanda Veneta (Italian for Venetian Inn) is an intimate, quaint, charming, romantic Italian restaurant that has been around since 1988 and for good reason. It's just such a treat to eat here. Prior to this visit, I had been here for dinner a few times over the years. The food has always been consistently good and I've even spotted some celebrities. This time around, I came to Locanda Veneta to try the DineLA lunch menu. It was a wonderful deal for a three course gourmet meal. Another thing I really liked about the menu is that the vegetarian options were clearly marked. A vegetarian can order from every course of the Dinela menu. The meal came with complimentary bread served warm and a side of pesto. A definite must-try. It's so, so good!! For my appetizer I chose FAGOTTINI MELANZANE which had eggplant rolls stuffed with mozzarella and basil and baked in a delicious tomato sauce. The presentation of this appetizer was stunning. It came baked in an individual cast iron baking dish and there was a fresh piece of basil over the top. The serving size was very generous as well. As an appetizer, you may want to consider taking some home as this definitely could be a meal in itself. The soup of the day was also vegetarian (red pepper soup that had a vegetable broth base). So there is was another lighter vegetarian option to choose from on the menu. However, I went with the eggplant as I thought it was more unique. For the main course I choose PESCE BLANCO AL CARTOCCIO which was white fish wrapped in parchment paper with julienne vegetables, capers and spices. It did take some time for this dish to come as they make it from scratch but it was 100% worth the wait. The fish tasted so fresh and melted in my mouth as I ate it. The julienne vegetables were also cooked just right. I would come here again just to eat this fish. It was so, so good and a pretty healthy option as well. For dessert there was a choice between the BISCOTTI and SORBET. One of us ordered the sorbet and the other biscotti so that we could share them both. I'm not usually a fan of biscotti but this biscotti was so special. The chocolate chips melted in my mouth and the texture was just right and not too hard. I see why they are called "famous" biscotti on the menu. This is a winning cookie! The sorbet came with 2 scoops of your choice: mango, lemon, and raspberry. We chose lemon and raspberry and it was a delightful end to the meal. Locanda Veneta has seating outside as well on the sidewalk but I prefer the inside of this establishment because it is just so cute and part of the fun of dining out for me is the atmosphere. There was a large party of 8 sitting across from me in the middle booth. This is a lovely place to have a small party. I also spotted some solo diners as well as parties of two. It did start clearing out around two o'clock and I believe they close at two instead of two thirty (as listed on Yelp) so I suggest going early for lunch. Since it is a small place, our waiter was also the host, so it was a little bit of a wait to get our seats but once seated the whole experience was wonderful and first class. We felt very special and also loved where we were seated by the window in a comfy booth. Parking can be a bit tough to find. There's metered parking on the street but it does fill up fast. We parked a few blocks away and walked. They do have a valet as well ($15). Other cool facts: The head chef and owner of the restaurant was honored as one of the culinary talents in Best Chefs America. Won Opentable Diners Choice Award 15 years in a row. read more
3 years ago
I met a friend here for lunch who works at Cedars Sinai. It's location right across from the West tower makes it convenient for people working at Cedars to get to. And for people like me that are driving up being across from the West Tower parking structure makes an easy place to park although it expensive place. I was there for just under 2 hours and it cost me $18 to park! There is street parking if you can find it but of course that's easier said than done. The service is welcoming with friendly and attentive servers. They had a lunch time special for $20.95 you get to pick an appetizer/soup and an entree. I got the minestrone soup which was full of vegetables and a delicious broth that wasn't too acidic, not spicy at all, not too salty either. It was perfect for this chilly winter day. And for my entree I opted for the Rigatoni Bolognese because it was described as a lean meaty sauce. It was hearty and delicious and topped with Parmesan cheese, was amazing! read more
9 months ago
Perfecto! Italian food at it's finest. Maximo was our server, and he was fantastic His jokes were hysterical, and he's quite the charmer. My friend enjoyed the artichoke soup and I enjoyed the ahi tuna salad. The salad dressing complimented the tuna so well, and it was incredibly fresh. We ended our lovely evening with dessert with a panna cotta I cannot wait to come back for and our server Ciao! read more
I was craving authentic Italian and saw some promising words and pictures on here so I ventured out to try this place. I ordered: 1. grilled calamari (for one person) 2. squid ink lobster ravioli 3. panna cotta with fresh berries Bread was complimentary and came with a yummy pesto sauce. Grilled calamari was juicy, grilled to perfection and tasted so fresh with lemon, and the squid ink lobster ravioli was the start of the show - the magic yellow sauce on top of the black ravioli filled with fresh lobster was delectable, each magic puff filled with a the perfect blend of umami. Panna cotta with fresh berries was the best I have ever had - the panna cotta had specks of vanilla bean, not too sweet - it was light, refreshing and perfect tart/sweetness ratio in the housemade fruit compote that the panna cotta was basking in. Service was delightful, friendly and very attentive. This special restaurant knows authentic Italian cuisine without being pretentious. I can't wait to go back during my next trip to LA. read more
2 years ago
I'm disappointed. I wanted to like this place a LOT MORE than I did. However, I can give it a solid three stars. While the food wasn't bad, it wasn't great, either. Perhaps, my husband and I just ordered the wrong dishes, but it shouldn't matter what we ordered. Everything should have been sublime, and it just wasn't. The restaurant was really tiny, which shouldn't have bothered me, but it was more that the tables were crammed together. Thank goodness it wasn't crowded, or I would've been upset to almost be eating on top of other people/tables. Which then begs the next question... why was this place with so many empty tables on a Saturday night? At its most crowded, there were only three other tables utilized besides ours. Again, I liked that, given how crowded the tables were jammed in there, but it didn't speak well of this restaurant's ability to attract diners. Perhaps that is also why Locanda Veneta runs a Travelzoo special offering $100 worth of food for only $55. That is what brought us to the restaurant. They are not bashful to charge steep amounts for their dishes, so even while I secured that offer, a food bill for three of us easily went well over $200, and that was without any alcohol. One glaring strike against this restaurant is that in our online reservation, we stated that we were celebrating someone's birthday. The restaurant had the information in print, but they failed to say or do anything about it while dining. Our friend knew that the dinner was in his honor anyway, but it would have been nice for the restaurant to say or do something on their own... but they didn't. And I didn't remind them. I shouldn't have to. Most restaurants are good about it when we have provided the information in our reservation. A 5-star worthy restaurant certainly would've been on top of that. Now for the food. I will say that our friend, the birthday boy, was very pleased with his food. There's always a chance he was just being polite and appreciative and didn't want to hurt our feelings because we were treating him.... BUT.... he said he loved his dishes, so I'll take him at face value. I didn't try his food, so I don't really know. He ordered the soup of the day, which was minestrone soup, Venetian style, made with chicken and corn in a tomato broth. For his entree, he had pappardelle pasta with beef tenderloin, wild mushroom in a barolo sauce. He finished his food, so I guess that's telling. As for my husband and I, that's another story. My husband ordered a Caesar salad, which he said was really good. However, the chicken parm was not. The chicken was pounded really thin, and they overcooked it, so it was really tough and even dried out, which made it difficult to not only cut, but also, to chew. He didn't finish it. He said there was enough sauce and cheese to help it along, but it didn't fix the underlying problem. I ordered the most expensive entree on the menu, which I only mention because the waiter said it was also their "signature" dish of the restaurant. It was "fresh Chilean sea bass." For $56 and it being their "signature" dish, I expected to love it. Also, because it was a favorite fish of mine. The fish wasn't noticeably seasoned and was in a very sweet balsamic glaze. It said balsamic sauce on the menu, but I didn't know how sweet it would be. Not all balsamic products are served outright sweet; every restaurant does it differently. Theirs was very sweet and not to my liking. Plus, this fish was strange to me and didn't taste or have the texture anything like Chilean Sea bass. I honestly don't know what I was given. As for the lentils, I loved them, BUT they were swimming in the runoff balsamic glaze/sauce, and I didn't want ANY sweet or balsamic flavor competing with the wonderful flavor of the lentils. I was able to eat about half of the lentils, and the rest was inedible to me. As for the accompanying arugula salad, I unfortunately saw a tiny bug fly out of the salad, and that ended my interest in eating it. I squashed the little bug on the tablecloth, so it was not my imagination. I did save the best for last, though. We ordered an apple tart, which was very cutely made in the shape of an apple, dusted in powdered sugar, served with caramel sauce and amaretto gelato. The gelato was outstanding; we all loved that, and we thoroughly enjoyed the apple tart. I probably would've rated the tart as outstanding were the apples not as tart as they were... would've preferred them to be sweeter, but we still really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this is not a place I will be returning to. I don't mind being charged a lot of money, but the food should be commensurate in quality with what I am being charged. This clearly was not. read more
3 years ago
I love this restaurant! Came here after hearing a rave review from a fellow foodie friend, and I'm so happy I did. It was a beautiful day out so my table was outside. My server, Massimo, was really attentive and kind. He was spunky and made jokes with us- he really added to the appeal of the restaurant. On to the food... ordered their grilled calamari, mushroom ravioli w/ truffle, and the wild boar pappardelle special. All three were amazing and absolutely filled with so much flavor, however the standout dish was the ravioli tartufo. My goodness... I am still dreaming of the truffle mushroom ravioli. I would literally come here and order two orders just for myself tbh hahahahha I prefer my calamari fried, but even when tasting the grilled squid, I could tell it was cooked extremely well and with expertise. It was perfectly chewy and the flavor was unique as the squid sat on a bed of garlic Swiss chard. The wild boar pappardelle was yummy too. No complaints there but it didn't standout as much as the other dishes. I will 500% be back! read more
11 months ago
11 months ago
Ambiance: classic and family style Italian restaurant, which has been in business since 1988, valet parking in the rear, it's packed inside, not much room in-between tables, artistic decoration of ceilings lights and paintings on the walls Service: super friendly, introduced their speciality, patient with questions and provided useful suggestions, attentively refilled water, served the dishes and cleaned the table Food: variety choices on the regular menu, there's also seasonal specials and daily food available Complimentary Bread - **** served warm with pesto sauce, recommend Fagottini Melanzane - **** Eggplant Rolls, stuffed with Mozzarella and Fresh Basil, baked with our Famous Tomato Sauce, Vegetarian, chewy eggplant rolls, very cheesy topping, bold acid taste from tomato paste, recommend Pappardelle al Filetto - ***** Fresh Made Larze Pasta with Strips of Beef Tenderloin, Wild Mushroom and a "Barolo" Sauce, bold taste of mushroom, soft beef slices and flavorful pasta, highly recommend Abbacchio alla Veneziana - ***** Braised Lamb Shank in a Wonderful Mixed of Fresh Herbs and Minced Fresh Vegetables on a Bed of Polenta, the lamb meat is so tender and juicy, melting in your mouth, the polenta is so creamy and smooth, recommend Tiramisu - **** made fresh daily, balanced sweetness and other flavors, melting texture, recommend Price: medium to large portions of each dish, premium quality and totally worth the price, expect about $70 per person read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
Always a good spot for Italian. I had the short rib ravioli this time. That was tasty. Service was quick to bring our dishes as we indicated a time limit. The restaurant is small, intimate. We got our window booth spot for lunch as we usually do. Have never had a bad experience here, so will keep coming back. read more
My experience at Locanda Veneta was unforgettable. The meals are prepared with passion by Chef Andre. He comes out to serve the food which makes it feel so hospitable and warming. He has been honored as one of the country's top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America. For appetizer we had the Fagottini Melanzane which is an eggplant roll stuffed mozzarella, fresh basil and their delicious famous tomato sauce. Incredible! For our entrees we ordered these specials which were out of this world - Ravioli Tartufo, insane! and Pappardelle with wild boar. This has to be one of the best ravioli's I've eaten to date and I have traveled to Italy several times before. They ensured to lavish the ravioli in luxurious butter sauce, peppered with flecks of precious black truffle for decadence. The truffle and butter lends both an enticing gloss and an exceptional and distinct aroma to the dish. The pappardelle with wild boar was perfectly al dente and the meat sauce was rich and flavorful. For dessert we had the panna cotta and ricotta cheesecake. Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert which translates as cooked cream. Literally exactly what it means but so much more self gratifying. It was creamy, yet dense and thick yet silky and smooth. Just sweet enough with a hint of vanilla bean. It is paired with raspberries, raspberry sauce, vanilla and whipped cream. This was honestly the best I've ever eaten. You must try this! The ricotta cheesecake was delicious but you must like blueberries very much as it lays on top of a puddle of blueberry sauce. I highly recommend this place for a romantic dinner or just a casual outing. No need to dress to impress, just be ready to eat one of the most delicious meals you've had in a long time... read more
8 months ago
3 years ago
What an incredible find! This neighborhood restaurant deserves a Michelin star. The homemade pasta has a taste like none other- very light and silky. I was lucky enough to come on a night with a ravioli special. It had a light and airy cheese and mushroom filling with a fresh herb sauce and topped with freshly shaved truffles! Wow! What an earthy treat! I used the home baked bread to sop up every drop! My dinner companion had fresh seafood over fresh homemade spaghetti in a classic red sauce and couldn't stop raving about it. The ambiance and service put this place over the top! Despite an hours drive, we will be back sooner than later! read more
A charming and traditional style Italian restaurant that feels authentically Italian, but not contemporary. The food is well crafted and tastes homemade. We opted for the Lasagna and Carbonara, both were solid in construction but flavor wasn't out of this world. The service is very friendly and professional however the interior feels dated. read more
1 year ago
I came here to eat dinner with a group of family friends. The servers are friendly and the food is amazing! Their smaller menu indicated that the ingredients would be more quality, which definitely proved true. We ordered the calamari appetizer which was delicious!! I would definitely come back for a chill dinner spot. read more
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8638 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Beverly Grove
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(310) 274-1893
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