Osteria La Buca

04/13/09

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!!!

03/05/09

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

02/13/09

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