Osteria La Buca
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3145
Phone: (323) 462-1900
- Cross Street:
- Wilton Place
- Specialties:
- Italian Food
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-10pm
Message from Osteria La Buca
Authentic Italian Cuisine Family-Owned in Beautiful Dining Atmosphere
- 180 Varieties of Italian Wines
- Homemade Pastas & Sauces
- Newly Expanded Restaurant
Paid advertisement by Osteria La Buca.
Editorial Review for Osteria La Buca – by Jeremy Beecher and Nicolas Rabinovitch
The Scene
Since the expansion in late 2007, the former La Buca, meaning den or hole, restaurant now offers a trendier osteria atmosphere. The simple yet elegant loft feel created by designer Kristopher Keith still retains the cozy setting of the original by adding accoutrements like the wine bottle chandeliers. Neighborhood couples can still enjoy a romantic Italian setting while Melrose shoppers enjoy the more upscale vibe. The new space also boasts an upstairs lodge perfect for a 20-person private event or birthday.
The Food
Mamma raises the bar for homestyle Italian with remarkably fresh ingredients and uncommonly elegant preparations. The burrata appetizer, made in San Bernardino by an Italian farmer, is smooth and mouth-wateringly creamy. Handmade pastas shine: Gnocchi in a classic butter and sage is delightfully delicate, and a light, creamy artichoke sauce accents the homemade trenette's sublime flavor. Look for sophisticated takes on pizza, like the decadent Jijo, a white pie made with mozzarella, speck, walnuts and truffle oil complemented by a tender, sweet crust.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What To DrinkThe once BYOB space now boasts an extensive and professionally designed wine list as well as specialty drinks like ginger beer created by mixoligist Vincenzo Marianella.
ParkingNearby spaces are scarce during the day, but street parking is free on the north side of Melrose after 6pm, and on the south side after 7pm. Most streets in the surrounding neighborhood require a residential permit. Valet is avaiailable from 6pm until close.
Save TimeAvoid the often long wait for table by ordering your meal for pickup or free delivery ($25 minimum).
User Reviews for Osteria La Buca
07/27/2008 Posted by crankypanda
I always order the same thing: Salad with mushrooms and fusilli (sp?) vodka. It's so good it makes me cry. I can't comment on any other dishes. The service, though, is phenomenal. I understand they've remolded and made the place flashier and more modern, but it maintains a warm atmosphere and uber-friendly and helpful staff: all Italian, all smiles. My favorite Italian in LA.
Pros: the handmade pasta
Cons: valet is expensive
05/25/2008 Posted by yummyeater
I've been meaning to post this review for months and after another amazing meal I came home and made myself write this. This place is unbelievable. The pasta is perfection in both taste and al dente! My favorite part is the sauce - OMGGG - I am NOT a sauce person. I eat spaghetti with ketchup because I don't really like sauce. At other Italian restaurants I push the sauce off my pasta as much as possible, at La Buca I scoop up every last bit. We literally ask for more bread just so we have an excuse to eat more sauce. I'm absolutely obsessed with the arrabiatta. The tomatoes are so fresh, it's just the right level of spicy and it's the only arrabiata I've liked since I traveled to Italy a few years ago. I've also had the pesto - we love it on gnocchi - and the vodka sauce - both incredible. Ok, so we've covered the pasta and the sauce and now I have to talk about the tiramisu. I have to preface it by saying, I hate tiramisu. I tasted my husband's tiramisu at La Buca a few visits ago and could not believe what I was eating - soo amazingly moist with a very heavy coffee flavor. Now, everytime we go we have to order it. In addition to amazing food, La Buca's staff is very authentic Italian which matches the extreme authenticity of the food (we brought our friend who is from Italy here last month - this is the ONLY Italian restaurant she has liked in the US. she basically licked her plate clean - and she is PICKY!). Mamma, if you ever get to meet her, is ADORABLE! She was so sweet and I was impressed that she actually came out to meet her customers when we requested it. I could write forever about La Buca. I honestly don't know why anyone would go to another Italian restaurant when they could go here. La Buca is in a world of its own. You HAVE to go and go often. La Buca is by far the best Italian restaurant in the city - what are you waiting for? P.S. I think I was supposed to shout out to Ricardo from our last visit and I forgot - YOU DA BEST!
Pros: everything - food, sauce, tiramisu, staff, ambience - everything
Cons: i can't go here everyday
Users Like You Also Viewed
Bastide
8475 Melrose Pl
Los Angeles, CA 90069-5311
