(323) 462-1900
5210 1/2 Melrose Ave
(Wilton Place)
Los Angeles,
CA
90038
34.0834
-118.3139
Neighborhoods: Greater Wilshire / Hancock Park, Central LA
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Sun 5pm-10pm
Last updated 10.14.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, B.Y.O.B., Food Delivery, Hidden Find
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Osteria La Buca
Featured Review
Nicolas Rabinovitch
Contributor
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…
Editor's Tips
- What To Drink:
- The 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.
- Save Time:
- Avoid the often long wait for table by ordering your meal for pickup or free delivery ($25 minimum).
- Parking:
- Nearby 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.
| ambiance | 100.0% positive |
|
|---|---|---|
| dessert | 100.0% positive |
|
| drinks | 75.0% positive |
|
| food quality | 95.53999900817871% positive |
|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
|
| overall | 100.0% positive |
|
| return potential | 100.0% positive |
|
| service | 89.80999946594238% positive |
|
| value | 81.25% positive |
|
| wait time | 75.0% positive |
|
nice
by Bill Sigsworth at Citysearch
Honestly, I hate corporate Italian Food but this time I honestly loved it. It pains me to say it too. I really do love there lasagna!
Freshest Italian in LA
by vanaaron at Citysearch
The freshest pasta I've tasted in LA. The bruschetta is great and tiramisu is phenomenal. I was less impressed with the pizza, but I'll have to try out another pie to really give it a fair chance... still by far one of the best Italian places in town.
Try to get a spot up top near the fireplace if you can
- Pros: the food!!!
Okay, Lovely Interior, Expensive
by indyjo at Citysearch
I went to Osteria La Buca because it was relatively close to my work and it had five (5) stars on this site. The restaurant is right by the studios in a slightly sketchy area. The inside, however, is lovely and it definitely seems like an industry hangout. My waiter was nice, but pushy. I consented to a meal that I didn't pick and ended up ordering a dessert I did not want. I had one of the pasta specials which wasn't anything special... It wasn't really good at all. It was about on par with spaghetti and Ragu. Plus, my companions and I were left hungry due to the small portions. The Diet Coke mix was off as well. The tiramisu, however, was actually pretty good. The bill for three (3) pasta dishes, two (2) desserts, and three (3) soft drinks came to eighty dollars ($80) before adding in a tip. Although the prices aren't exorbitant, they are way too much for the quality and amount of food you receive.
- Pros: Beautiful Interior
- Cons: Expensive, Mediocre Food
Romance, service with love, and great food
by jujudiva at Citysearch
This is my new neighborhood joint. Well, when I have someone over with money willing to treat me, that is. I went there last night for the first time after seeing that is is packed nearly every night of the week even while restaurants around the country are reporting slow downs in business. There is a great energy inside. If you don't know Italian wines - which I don't really - just ask for a reccomedation. Or ask to try a sample. They will gladly oblige. Have a drink at the intimate bar and then have your dinner there too. Or move upstairs to the cozy fireside room. The ravioli with butter and sage sauce is perfection. The pizza was delicious - I prefer a little crispier crust, but the quality of ingredients and preparation were obvious.
This is the place to take your friends with money who don't know this pocket of LA and then they will think you know secrets about the city that they don't.
Last night, dinner for two with salads and two drinks per person came to $143 including tip.
- Pros: Romantic setting, Excellent food, Great Vibe
- Cons: Expensive
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN LA
by lucky77777 at Citysearch
I'm a former restaurant owner and I'm a pretty damn good cook. I found La Buca a few years ago and I have watched it grow into a beautiful restaurant. Comments to other reviewers. It's not a pizza take out joint. The pizza is served as a first course.Secondly, if a waiter rushes you, ask to speak to the manager. The waiters interested in turning your table over.Don't put up with it because the owner won't. The food is delicious and because they know me I am treated very nicely. The main pleasure beside the food is that they recognize you and greet you warmly, something that many restaurants in LA lack. It's not an Olive Garden, so relax and let them take you back to Italy. Lokk at the Chandelier and enjoy the ride.
- Pros: Pasta"s & Pizza the best in the city
- Cons: none
The Details on Osteria La Buca
Place Categories:
- great oldworld italian food
- best pesto pasta
- fantastic little italian place
- best italian restaurant
- great service
- very attentive italian staff
- nice tiny bistro atmosphere
- amazing margharita pizza
- delicious everything
- impressive online menu
- favorite charming little osteria
- impressive wine
- nice waiter
- helpful server
- delicious vodka tomato cream sauce
- tiramisu bruschetta
- fresh salads
- best chef
- good news people
- great hidden gems
- favorite new restaurant
- clean plate
- perfection ravioli
- never bad meal
- unique experience

