10/21/09

Great Italian Food!

by JAG099

Try the Penne a'la Vodka.. its screams yummy! Been enjoying Pastina for years and have to admit it is one of the most wonderful Italian Restaurants you'll find in LA. The food, tiramisu, everything tastes great.

08/25/08

Franco is unreiliable

by dj98

Had a private party at Pastina. Franco was totally unreliable. He promised things and did not deliver. Party was scheduled to start at 9PM, Guests were not seated until 10:00PM. Food was rushed and served at 11:00PM and guests were asked to leave at Midnight.

Franco was no where to be found. Place was chaotic, staff was tired and un-prepared. At the end of party Franco shows up and demands increase by 50% in the bill that was already agreed upon. He also insisted on 25% tip for his staff

• Pros: Ambience was descent
• Cons: Lousy service with no direction from owner

03/05/08

Warm and friendly, with real Neopolitan comfort food.

by gattogiallo

This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, and I'm partial to southern Italian cooking. The quality is always good, the variety is plentiful, and last but definitely not least, Franco is almost always there to greet his patrons like family members. It seems like one happy family at Pastina, and they make you feel part of it. There are so many regulars who go here that at times everyone is table hopping. From talking to other patrons I've made lifelong friends.

If you can think of anything you want to eat that's not on the menu, Franco will see that Chef Antonio makes it for you. Favorites: Penne alla Vodka, La Cacciota (goat cheese cakes), Chicken Marsala (not on the menu but they'll make it for you, be sure to ask for it "scaloppini style"), Gamberi all Agliata (shrimp w/garlic sauce). The wine list is plentiful and very carefully selected.

03/04/08

Wonderful Italian food

by stickybrea

The bread was fresh and served with good olive oil. I had the penne contadina and it was vry tasty. My lunch companion had the special of the day Rigatoni, which she said was also excellent. Service is always fantastic. Our water and ice tea was continously replenished. Although you have to park on the street, I've never had a problem finding a space during the lunch hour. I have not been there at night so I am not certain whether you need a reservation or whether parking is difficult. Great place for a working lunch.

• Pros: Great Food and Service
• Cons: n/a

11/04/06

Italian Hospitality at it's finest!

by troya

The Owner(Franco) Greets you at the Door. The Menu is creative and flavorful.

Try the Raviolis which are stuffed with filling unlike other places.

• Pros: Good Food

04/09/06

Home cooked Italian

by catciao

So relaxing you'll think your in Italy. Good food and best deserts in the City.

10/12/05

I'm in Italy again...

by jasonbeane

This restaurant's food brings me back to Florence. The penne with vodka sauce is out of this world. The appetizers are delicious though can add up in price if you are not careful. The service is great and the ambience is like Italy - an open free speaking and dining experience. If I could afford the prices I would eat there everyday. I definitely recommend them for romantic or special occasions.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambience
• Cons: Price

08/14/03

Packed tables, flowing red wine and great pasta make for a good time at this cozy trattoria.

by Martha Burr

The Scene
Festive groups of friends and family pack into this intimate, warm room. Italian spills out of conversations here and there, while Industry-speak emanates from the black turtleneck and cashmere crowd.

The Food
Appetizers and pastas are the best bet on this traditional Italian menu. Mussels and clams come in a broth so ethereal with garlic and tomato, you'll mop up the last drops with crusty bread. Another dazzling starter is the creamy goat cheese, served warm and punctuated with pine nuts, sultry roasted red peppers and greens. Meat dishes are less successful. The rack of lamb can be fairly tough and uninteresting, and the osso buco is overwhelmed by a rich tomato sauce and gluey yellow rice. The pastas, however, elevate the menu to a much higher level. Our pick is the luscious penne blanketed in a pink vodka sauce. The dessert cart is beautiful to behold, and the excellent tiramisu a top choice.

09/11/02

Great Italian Food!!!!!!!

by russkar

This restaurant is one of the best secrets in LA when it comes to Southern Homestyle Italian food. I make it a point to eat there once a week and so do a lot of low key celebrities, who come for the food and not to be seen even thought they are easily noticed. Don't miss the Cheesecake , Mac Tart, Lobster Ravioli, great Steaks.

05/22/02

So fresh, so good!

by Bush

Never had anything but excellent food and perfect service at Pastina. Nothing like fresh pasta to remind you how bad the dried stuff really is. Especially like the Caesar salad and cheese ravioli. Mmmmmm, who needs Drago?

• Pros: Location, Freshness, Friendly
• Cons: Getting expensive