Vespaio

Name: Vespaio
Address: 225 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90012
Telephone: (213) 221-7244
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

2219 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top tags:

Get wined and dined downtown at Chef Agostino Sciandri’s newest restaurant, located in the Emerson.

We are DTLA's premier power lunch or per theater date spot! Join us for a truly authentic italian dining experience, the likes of which will delivery your senses strait back to Tuscany.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

30 Nov 2023

22:00

Booked 61 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Fish, Steak
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–21:30
Phone number
(213) 221-7244
Website
http://www.vespaiodtla.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Agostino Sciandri
Private party facilities
We are thrilled to offer full service event planning at our restaurant for you and up to 400 of your guests. Please get in touch today to plan your unforgettable event.
Private party contact
Elena Cali: (213) 221-7244

Location
225 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Area
Downtown
Cross Street
On Grand, between 2nd and 3rd Street.
Parking Details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

House SaladUS$14.00
Mixed baby greens, balsamic dressing
Baby KaleUS$19.00
Ricotta salata, cherry tomatoes, avocado, balsamic dressing
Bufala MozzarellaUS$21.00
Vine tomato, basil, Boston wedge, EVOO
Baby Artichoke CarpaccioUS$21.00
Wild rucola, parmigiano, lemon olive oil dressing
Roasted BeetsUS$20.00
Goat cheese, rucola, caramelized walnuts, red wine vinaigrette
NicoiseUS$24.00
Italian tuna in olive oil, cherry tomatoes, olives, green beans, hard-boiled egg, potatoes
Baby SpinachUS$20.00
Crispy smoked bacon, pear, blue cheese, balsamic dressing
Chicken PaillardUS$24.00
Baby rucola, avocado, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmigiano
Marinated Chicken BreastUS$24.00
Farro, corn, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes
Salmon GravlaxUS$24.00
Romaine, radish, capers, onions, lemon+oil vinaigrette, cream cheese crostini

Panini

Choice of bread: whole wheat, ciabatta, baguette or focaccia. Served with potato chips and homemade pickles

Melted GruyereUS$17.00
Parmacotto, mustard, baby mixed greens, on open faced toasted ciabatta
Rotisserie Leg of LambUS$20.00
Artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, watercress, mustard dressing
PorchettaUS$20.00
Roasted pork belly, romaine, tomato, avocado spread
Cotoletta Breaded Chicken CutletUS$20.00
Lettuce, tomato, lemon+herb mayo
Roast BeefUS$22.00
Horseradish spread, cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber
Organic Chicken Breast Balsamic MarinadeUS$20.00
Robiola, Boston lettuce, charred spring onions
Homemade PastramiUS$21.00
Aged cheddar, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato
Caprese Fior di Latte MozzarellaUS$19.00
Tomatoes, fresh basil, EVOO

Soup

Lentil SoupUS$14.00
Minestrone SoupUS$14.00

Bread

Whole WheatUS$4.00
CiabattaUS$4.00
BaguetteUS$4.00
FocacciaUS$4.00
Pizza Bread Rosemary, Extra Virgin Olive OilUS$5.00

Pasta

our fresh pastas are made in house using organic flour

Homemade

Tagliatelle VerdiUS$28.00
Old fashioned beef + porcini ragù
PappardelleUS$28.00
Chianti style wild boar ragù
Seafood CappellacciUS$30.00
Lump crabmeat, arrabbiata sauce
Tuscan Kale + Ricotta RavioliUS$24.00
Butter, sage, parmigiano
GarganelliUS$28.00
Mixed seasonal seafood

Pasta

gluten free pasta available upon request $3

PenneUS$22.00
Tomato, basil, parmigiano
TrofieUS$24.00
Basil and pine nuts, pesto
LinguiniUS$28.00
Vongole, zucchini
Paccheri BologneseUS$28.00
MaccheroniUS$26.00
Guanciale, fava beans, tomato concasse, aged pecorino

Risotto

RisottoUS$29.00
Porcini mushrooms
RisottoUS$29.00
Scampi, asparagus
Risotto ParmigianoUS$32.00
Rosemary, filet mignon au jus

Main

Mare

Whole Butterflied Mediterranean BranzinoUS$34.00
Sauteed spinach
Wild SalmonUS$32.00
Celery root caponata with caper pesto sauce

Terra

Wagyu BurgerUS$24.00
Brioche bun, tomato, lettuce, homemade fries
Grilled Half Organic Jidori ChickenUS$26.00
Rosemary potatoes
New York Steak 12oz. Rosemary PotatoesUS$38.00
Porchetta Slow Roasted Pork BellyUS$32.00
Rosemary potatoes

Pizza

Margherita TomatoUS$20.00
Mozzarella, fresh basil
Pear GorgonzolaUS$22.00
Mozzarella, toasted pine nuts, wild rucola
FunghiUS$24.00
Tomato, mozzarella, mixed mushrooms
PepperoniUS$22.00
Tomato, mozzarella
RomanaUS$24.00
Artichokes, olives, tomato, mozzarella, oregano
SausageUS$24.00
Rapini, egg, mozzarella, chili flakes
Bufala MozzarellaUS$24.00
Tomato, fresh basil
Parma ProsciuttoUS$24.00
Tomato, mozzarella
Calzone TomatoUS$24.00
Mozzarella, parmacotto ham, fresh basil
BiancaUS$28.00
Truffle cheese

Sides

Rosemary PotatoesUS$12.00
Steamed Green BeansUS$12.00
Sautéed SpinachUS$12.00
Steamed AsparagusUS$12.00
Sautéed RapiniUS$12.00
Mashed PotatoesUS$12.00
French FriesUS$12.00
Oven Roasted BroccoliUS$14.00
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower

Water

Flat Mineral WaterUS$10.00
Sparkling Mineral WaterUS$10.00

What 2,219 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

2,218 Reviews

DS
DanS
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vespaio consistently has great food, excellent service in a very pretty space with great atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
GS
GeorgeS
Los Angeles
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 23 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food, drinks, staff and ambience in LA. Congrats to the amazing Hugo and his extraordinary team!!
Is this helpful?
Z
Zani57
Los Angeles
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on 22 November 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
We went into Vespaio for dessert and coffee and both were excellent. Our main server was excellent but the person who brought out our coffees was very tentative and shaky. He needs more training.
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FL
FrankL
Orange County
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 19 November 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
Nice location for the opera, but not worth the price.
Is this helpful?
D
Dinerev
Los Angeles
42 reviews
vip
4.0
42 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great place to eat, especially before theater! White and black truffle specials are of special attention when offered.
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MB
MaryB
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
Greeted warmly by Elizabeth, my guest and I were led to two comfortable club chairs and our waiter Francis took very good care of us. The food was exceptional. Though on the expensive side, it never disappoints. A steep corkage fee is almost to dissuade one, so bring the great stuff. The venue is close to the Broad and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Enjoy!
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G
diexGu
Los Angeles
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice place to eat before an opera it gets you in the mood
Is this helpful?
CA
CathyA
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 November 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Went to Vespaio because it is close to Disney. It was a pleasant experience I normally order the Chef's special when I dine out and was not disappointed. I would recommend Vespaio to everyone.
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z
zoegirl1
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
We are returning customers. Concurred that the food was excellent and much better than our last visit.
Is this helpful?
MP
MaximillianP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 15 November 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Delicious menu with great specials. Wonderful place to stop on the way to Disney Hall.
Is this helpful?
LA
LAfoodlover
Los Angeles
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on 13 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have gone to Vespaio multiple times in the last few years. The food and drinks are always excellent and we much prefer Vespaio to the other restaurants in the area. The interiors are also beautiful
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T
Thorndyke
Los Angeles
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We like this restaurant very much, especially pleasant pre -opera. But we miss the brunch menu. Please bring it back for Saturday/Sunday.
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VF
VenturaFoodie
Palm Springs
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great for a before matinee brunch or lunch. Service was efficient. low key and welcoming. We ate leisurely but were out in ample time to get to the concert hall. Best dishes of our table were the slow-roasted pork belly with rosemary potatoes and the pappardelle with wild boar ragu--deep flavor and tender meat. The mustard dressing on the leg of lamb panini had a tendency to overwhelm the lamb (hard to do!) and the marinated artichoke hearts (which were a great touch). On desserts: chocolate ganache was very good but nothing special and the tiramisu was a bit too subtle. Best dessert was the apple crumble with vanilla gelato and one of the most delightful caramel sauces ever (not cloying). Will go back again.
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KP
KennethP
San Francisco
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are frequent diners at Vespaio and the reasons we return are consistently the friendliness of the staff, the quality of the service as well as the quality of the food.
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KL
KayL
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
all of our food arrived "warm" even our coffee drinks. We were there pre-theater so maybe that had something to do with it. The room is beautiful though
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MR
MarciaR
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
We all felt our meals were lacking in flavor. Very bland overall. The pasta shells for the pasta bolognese were more than al dente - they were very chewy. The service and ambience were just fine and friendly and timely. The food was disappointing.
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IV
IndiraV
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Too many tables. It’s uncomfortable to be so close to someone you don’t know.
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IL
InLAForNow
Los Angeles
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall4food5service2ambience2
The food and beverages here are exceptional. OMG the wheat bread and ravioli! I've eaten here maybe 9 times and the food is what keeps me returning. But always with the hope that service would get better. I almost always come here pre-theatre, with normally sufficient time to eat and get to show on time. But 95% of my visits have included a 15-minute wait to even get a first drink order, and/or having to flag down someone, anyone to check out and then I have to power walk to get to the show on time. Last night included a new awkward experience of watching staff struggling to get around tightly packed tables. I wasn't checked in on for a second drink or how the food is, and wasn't asked about dessert until I needed to leave. Last time I was here, I literally did not get my entree because I had to leave (45 minutes!). So frustrating!
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AR
AlbertR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
This is a reasonably priced restaurant near the Disney Concert Hall and Broad Museum. Food is good, however a small amount of focus on presentation would move the experience up a notch. My mushroom risotto was delicious but looked like a lump of mush when it arrived. For $30, some freshly chopped parsley would have made it more presentable. Service was excellent and they were attentive to our theatre start time.
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IA
InAz
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were late for our reservation, however, the host easily accommodated us to a table. Hugo the manager, Francisco the server and Carlos were extremely helpful, friendly and pick up our order faster and efficiently as we were going to a concert and did not have much time to eat. We were not disappointed by the food and the wine quality, even for happy hour! Again, what made it even better was the fantastic service. THANK YOU! We made our concert on time!
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L
Lynea60
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
I enjoy the restaurant and the convenience close to work..sometimes the staff can be a little pushy taking plates when you’re just finishing or interrupting while talking..not sure this is bad but it can be a bit annoying.
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RS
RicardoS
Nashville
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 5 November 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
Service was lacking. The waiter was not very attentive. Never came back to refill our water or wine. Food took a very long time to cime out and I had to ask about it before it came out. Disappointing.
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AD
AyeshaD
Hawaii
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 3 November 2023
overall1food2service1ambience4
slow serivce - i was ignored most of the time. the waitress didnt tell me what the specials were until i heard the table behind me. never asked if i wanted more wine. brought out butter but the bread came 15 mins later.
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t
twoey
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 1 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time visitor to this restaurant for a meal before an evening at Disney Hall. Will definitely be back. Food was excellent in every respect and service even better.
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JA
JAB5111
Central Coast
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on 1 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I started with a fried calamari appetizer that included asparagus which was a nice surprise. We then shared the Branzino which was split down the middle perfectly for us to share. It was very good and tender. We ended our evening with coffee and a vanilla gelato with cherry’s and Amaretto. A perfect evening.
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V
Veronica
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently good food. Great service. The staff are always polite and accommodating. Also, they offer several gluten-free options which is amazing for someone like my daughter who has celiac.
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N
Nora
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had two different kinds of pasta, focaccia bread and a gelato dessert. All was delicious. Service was friendly and prompt. We enjoyed everything about the experience.
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TM
TerryM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our go-to place before the opera. Whether you want a panini, pizza, homemade pasta, or main course, they offer all and treat you beautifully whether you dine simply or elegantly. Always delicious, always appeals to whatever mood we are in.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 22 October 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
A pleasant early dinner. The spinach pasta and sauce was quite good though about half the beef was was a bit tough or stringy. Service was ok. Though I thought that I was delayed in receiving a menu, water and the offer of Parmesan with my pasta. Perhaps it was because I wound up being just a party of one.
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JH
JHJI
Los Angeles
10 reviews
vip
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall2food1service4ambience5
The risotto with the filet mignon was terrible and overpriced. It tasted like steak over rice. The risotto was not creamy or cheesy; it was watery and tasted like regular white rice. The french fries were bland; absolutely zero salt on them.
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H
Hoagiereview1
Portland
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Good food, nice setting & vibe. Not sure why a bottle of water costs $10 even in LA. Waitress recommended a seafood dish that was $48 without sharing the price when all other pasta dishes were between $25 & $32. Disappointing.
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DS
DanS
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vespaio has become a favorite for pre and post theater dinners. The staff are very professional, friendly and attentive. The food is always excellent.
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AW
AdrianaW
Chicago
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Food was blend. We ordered two of the specials pasta and both didn’t taste like anything.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance, service was excellent, food was yummy! Signature Vespaio cocktail was so pleasant too. Very convenient location to Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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e
enjoyfood232
Los Angeles
30 reviews
vip
1.0
30 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2023
overall1food1service3ambience4
The chicken paillard was chewy and the arugula salad tasted.like it was dredged through salt. The ambiance is nice but the food is sub-par.
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WL
WestLALady
Los Angeles
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We sat on the outside patio and there was not enough light. Ready the menus was hard.
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JW
JWR123
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 16 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and service was attentive despite the large crowd.
Is this helpful?
GB
GeorgianBay
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 16 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vespaio is always a great experience. . . Last night was downright fabulous!!
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R
Roundmidnight
Los Angeles
35 reviews
vip
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on 15 October 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We sat in the covered, outdoor area and it was very pleasant - not too hot or cold, and the noise level was fine so we could converse easily. Everyone reported that their food was "good", though not great. Our server "Francis" was made aware that we had a curtain call at 6:30, and he helpfully got us served and out the door promptly. It was an easy and short walk to the Ahmanson, so the restaurant's location was ideal. This seems like a solid choice for a pre-theater dinner.
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BK
BenKinGlendale
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 15 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very good. We particularly liked the Minestrone soup and the Gogonzola and Pear Pizza.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vespaio does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Vespaio also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 221-7244.

Vespaio is rated 4.5 stars by 2219 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

30 Nov 2023

22:00

Booked 61 times today

Order delivery or takeout

225 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Additional information

Cross Street
On Grand, between 2nd and 3rd Street.
Area
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–21:30
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Fish, Steak
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Valet
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Agostino Sciandri
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.vespaiodtla.com/
Phone number
(213) 221-7244
Private party facilities
We are thrilled to offer full service event planning at our restaurant for you and up to 400 of your guests. Please get in touch today to plan your unforgettable event.
Private party contact
Elena Cali: (213) 221-7244

Vespaio

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Minestrone Soup

Risotto

Pear Gorgonzola

Appetizers + Salads

Terra

Seared Beef CarpaccioUS$21.00

Eggplant ParmigianaUS$17.00

Parma Prosciutto and BruschettaUS$22.00

Mare

Charred OctopusUS$22.00

Fried CalamariUS$19.00

Seasonal Seafood StewUS$24.00

Salads

House SaladUS$14.00

Baby KaleUS$19.00

Bufala MozzarellaUS$21.00

Baby Artichoke CarpaccioUS$21.00

Roasted BeetsUS$20.00

NicoiseUS$24.00

Baby SpinachUS$20.00

Chicken PaillardUS$24.00

Marinated Chicken BreastUS$24.00

Salmon GravlaxUS$24.00

Panini

Melted GruyereUS$17.00

Rotisserie Leg of LambUS$20.00

PorchettaUS$20.00

Cotoletta Breaded Chicken CutletUS$20.00

Roast BeefUS$22.00

Organic Chicken Breast Balsamic MarinadeUS$20.00

Homemade PastramiUS$21.00

Caprese Fior di Latte MozzarellaUS$19.00

Soup

Lentil SoupUS$14.00

Minestrone SoupUS$14.00

Bread

Whole WheatUS$4.00

CiabattaUS$4.00

BaguetteUS$4.00

FocacciaUS$4.00

Pizza Bread Rosemary, Extra Virgin Olive OilUS$5.00

Pasta

Homemade

Tagliatelle VerdiUS$28.00

PappardelleUS$28.00

Seafood CappellacciUS$30.00

Tuscan Kale + Ricotta RavioliUS$24.00

GarganelliUS$28.00

Pasta

PenneUS$22.00

TrofieUS$24.00

LinguiniUS$28.00

Paccheri BologneseUS$28.00

MaccheroniUS$26.00

Risotto

RisottoUS$29.00

RisottoUS$29.00

Risotto ParmigianoUS$32.00

Main

Mare

Whole Butterflied Mediterranean BranzinoUS$34.00

Wild SalmonUS$32.00

Terra

Wagyu BurgerUS$24.00

Grilled Half Organic Jidori ChickenUS$26.00

New York Steak 12oz. Rosemary PotatoesUS$38.00

Porchetta Slow Roasted Pork BellyUS$32.00

Pizza

Margherita TomatoUS$20.00

Pear GorgonzolaUS$22.00

FunghiUS$24.00

PepperoniUS$22.00

RomanaUS$24.00

SausageUS$24.00

Bufala MozzarellaUS$24.00