Angelini Osteria - Los Angeles

Take the salt pig. You don't have it every day, so call first. Ask for a piece from the outside to ****. Jesus.

I had a date with someone who had a bad day, and I accidentally spilled my coffee on the tablecloth and almost spilled some on the nearby table next to me. My date was irony — embarrassing. I kept my cool, ignored the public criticism until my date and started cleaning shortly before Gino's staff helped me. The neighbor couple in that table was very friendly while my date was on a defensive band over me. I didn't defend myself, nor asked her to stop. She finally stopped. Everything went well after this episode. When we were gone, Gino came out and stopped me before we came to the door. He saw me in the eyes and said loud enough for many to hear: “You are welcome at any time.” I never forgot this comment, and the food was spectacular. I always have his restaurant on my agenda when I visit LA. Ozzie

Perfect pastas, casual environment, good wine list, flowering vibe, none of this LA velvet rope madness. What isn't there to love?

Consistently a 10, every time! We live in Kansas City, but have done our LA based daughter's birthday here for the last couple of years, and it's always great. Good service, extensive wine list (great prices on Brunello). Reservations are a must.

We went last night to celebrate my husband's birthday and everyone loved it! Food was excellent and our server Simone was great. Note: There are only two non alcoholic options for the non drinkers but both good- the non alcoholic Pinot Grigio and an Arnold Palmer. I tried both and liked them. It does get very loud and it's tiny and was fully packed but all of that added to the atmosphere. We thought the best dishes were the Ahi Tuna, and fried zucchini flower starters. The porterhouse, spaghetti bolognese, and lemon pasta in the mains, and the bread pudding dessert! All personal preferences, of course, in the end it was all really so good! Highly recommend.