(323) 462-1900
5210 1/2 Melrose Ave
(Wilton Place)
Los Angeles,
CA
90038
34.0834
-118.3139
Neighborhoods: Central LA, Greater Wilshire / Hancock Park
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Sun 5pm-10pm
Osteria La Buca
Last updated 1.05.10
What People Are Saying About Osteria La Buca
The Editor
Nicolas Rabinovitch
Citysearch
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…
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
The Details on Osteria La Buca
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.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Hidden Find, Food Delivery









