I’m a local so I stopped in tonight for the first time for dinner because I pass by this place often, and I have already been to Otium next door many times, so I had to give this place a try as well. It’s a more casual, less hip setting compared to Otium but not in a bad way just a different style. They have a lot of classic Italian options, but also have some nice specials too, which is what I ended up choosing tonight. I started off with the Beef Carpaccio because that’s a personal favorite dish of mine and can say this counts as a good one. A little expensive at $22 but that has to be due to the location. For my entree I chose the Chilean Sea Bass special and it was delicious with a generous portion size. At $42 it too was a bit expensive compared to some other restaurants in LA, but the portion was a large one. Overall it was a very nice casual dinner albeit slightly over priced. Everyone from the hostess to our server was very polite and welcoming. I would recommend if you’re going to the Broad, LA Phil, or are just in the area, this would be a more casual, but still good, alternative to Otium.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

I got the Garganelli. The pasta was fine but the seafood sauce was lacking. I suspect the shrimp came out of a can. Also, there were cold spots in the sauce, suspiciously like the dish had been warmed in a microwave. My wife got the daily special: Chilean Seabass. Well prepared and tasty, but not worth the $54 we paid. They did not seem to have much knowledge about the wines they were serving. We ordered a glass of the Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc which tasted a little off. In an attempt to give them the benefit of the doubt we thought maybe it was just a little too oaky so we asked if the wine saw oak, and if so, how much. Somewhat amusingly when they returned they told us it had light oak with hints of vanilla and lemon grass. Not sure why they mentioned vanilla and lemon grass to answer our question. They probably were just reciting what they read off the label.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

This restaurant in the prime location of downtown LA is truly impressive. Its spacious interior boasts a large seating capacity, and the outdoor seating option adds an extra touch of charm. However, due to its size, the restaurant appears to be understaffed when it comes to attending to tables. It often takes a considerable amount of time for the staff to take orders and provide the checks. On the positive side, the restaurant offers convenient valet services for a fee of $18, allowing patrons to easily park their vehicles for up to three hours. It's worth noting that the food prices here are slightly higher compared to similar establishments I have visited in the past. Despite this, it's still worth giving the restaurant a try, at least once, given its appealing location and ambiance.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Great CA Italian place in DTLA. Nice spot for a dinner after you visited The Broad, Disney Music Hall or Ahmanson Theater. Food and service was impeccable. They have a little Italian foods grocery store (more like couple shelves) where you can get a panetone or macaroons. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Valet, Paid parking garage
Parking
Restaurant has a paid valet right next to it. There are paid parking garages in five minutes walking distance that are serving museum or music venues. Generally plenty of options, have not seen free ones.
Kid-friendliness
Plenty of space to sit a family, have kids pastas with simple protein sides.

The staff and ambiance were great, music was amazing. Cocktails were absolutely amazing. The food was good, but not great. Portion sizes were far to small to justify the high price you’re paying. For example, the $24ish dollar Ravioli dish had 6 regular size raviolis. Not the big raviolis you expect at a place like this, regular size raviolis. Would not return because spending $50+ per person and not feeling satisfied or full is unacceptable. We literally went to another restaurant afterward. Again, everything about our dining experience was nice except the food, cost, and portion sizes.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Features
Dine in: Yes

Had 730 rez at Vespaio on NYE before a concert at Disney Hall. Food and service were great. Though pricey and probably more so on a holiday. $230 for two w wine bottle. One block from Disney Hall and right next to The Broad. I had one critique regarding the outside dining area. It was very windy and rainy that evening so outside dining, which had plastic covering the "windows", was still a bit chilly. They didn't seem prepared with the heat lamps, bringing them out haphazardly while we were watching. Once we finally got one near us that worked we were fine.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

This restaurant is excellent! Choosing an entree was very difficult due to the very delicious sounding options. The Northern Italian specific pasta was a dream. I had the seasonal mushroom soup, lobster gnocchi (different pasta name that I don't remember lol), and creme brulee (crema catalonia?). I almost asked for the Risotto and Filet Mignon Au Jus to go - but the portion of my entree was more than enough to take back to my hotel. They accommodated our group of 20 for dinner during a conference week and the service was excellent.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stopped in for dinner before we caught “Into the Woods” next door, and man— we couldn’t have picked a better spot. Service is terrific, the space is airy and cozy, and the food is just excellent. Creative specials, fresh ingredients, all prepared to perfection. The cocktails were great too! Prices were right about what you’d expect for the area, but you sure do get what you pay for. I’d love to come back the next time I’m in the area.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms

Chillian sea bass is supposed to be a buttery, smooth, non-fishy fish. The Chillian sea bass here was beautifully served on a bed of asparagus with sprouts and capers. The bass was grossly fishy. One half worse than the other. The other seafood was bland. The highlight of the meal was the focaccia bread, only the waitress brought olive oil and balsamic vinegar, poured a dish and took the oil and vinegar bottles away. This meal was a sad disappointment before a fabulous play down the street.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

This is a fun place in a great part of LA. spending $100 feels more like spending $200 it is reasonably priced, but feels more wealthy than it is. I Did not eat here, so cannot comment on the food, I will say the dishes smelled and looks delicious and portion size was fair with a nice selection of Italian Classics and California cuisine. Nice wine list,and great cocktails. Please try the Mediterranean mule, or the basil martini both of which are delicious on a summer day. All in all a great place to take family to old young and in between after a visit to the museums or the concert.

Had dinner there last night. Nice ambience and the staff were very friendly. The pasta dish I ordered was bland and came out lukewarm, it seemed as though it might have been sitting at a counter for a while. Coffee tasted very stale. Tiramisu we ordered for dessert was just okay. It might have been their off day, they did seem extremely busy and short staffed. For their price point, there are better options, but it is conveniently located if you're going to MOCA, BROAD, Walt Disney Concert Hall etc.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100

They just reopened after the confinement the day I went to Vespaio. I'm sure they were still on the process of coordinating the reopening. I'll go back soon and will provide an update. The location is fabulous next yo the Broad museum.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Whole Butterflied Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Paid parking garage
Parking
I parked in the Broad museum parking

(This a review for the little cafe attached to the restaurant but still part of Vespaio) We tried the salmon tramezini for a quick bite before The Broad and it was delicious. The bread was light and airy, everything inside was a single layer of each ingredient; butter lettuce, cream cheese, tomato and chives) it was very delicate but super satisfying. We still wanted to try more so we got some gelato and an apple crostini. Everything was really tasty; it was a great way to start our museum trip Will definitely be back to check out the restaurant for dinner!

There is no easy way to find the entrance. They didn't offer my husband a drink. Why??? They took drinks orders with food. Why?? The host was barely half the time present, so a homeless lady came in to beg for some money. The smell from the open kitchen was almost unbearable. Yes, I like fish. But not the smell!!! Ah, and we waited at least 5 minutes for them to clean our empty plates. Lovely American music at the Italian place, etc... It's a shame, I'd have rated them with one star, but our waiter is good. And the food (a mushroom risotto and a calzone) was OK.

First time visiting this restaurant and it was a beautiful atmosphere. We sat on the patio. We had great service from Elizabeth who was very attentive and pleasant. The managers, Hugo and Elena, were also lovely, and stopped by to greet us and welcome us for our first visit. The food was exceptional; we had the beef carpaccio, the fried calamari, and the octopus with green beans. The drink menu is extensive and full of delicious options! I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area. It's in a really fun and interesting part of downtown LA.

Service was very good. He could have filled our drinks more often or served the drinks in a larger glass. The pizza was very tasty but it was supposed to be a margarita pizza not a cheese pizza with a basil leaf on top. The Wagu hamburger was probably the best burger I have ever eaten. I would definitely get that again. All in all it was a very nice meal. The restaurant itself is very pretty. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. We'll be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100

The location is perfect for those visiting the Broad or just downtown LA. The area is clean and calm even if just a block or two away its no longer that relaxing. Food was splendid, both the risotto and scallops were cooked to perfection. Restaurant itself is large, lots of indoor and outdoor space, cozy atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful restaurant! The patio is very beautiful, romantic, and cozy! We came on a slower night, but the service was still great and everything we ordered was delicious! (Beef carpacccio, boar papardelle, burrata, calamari, charred octopus, branzino) all was great!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely delicious food - the burrata appetizer was delicious. The goat cheese and beets salad is really good and light. The highlight is definitely the mushroom risotto - the flavors are so rich and delicious. The veggie pizza is good too - I don’t usually like artichoke on my pizza, but I was pleasantly surprised. Their wine and dessert lists are awesome too. All in all, a great spot!

We visited the coffee and bakery section of the restaurant. Unfortunately, the cappuccinos were just okay, and the éclairs seemed not to be fresh, possibly frozen. Surprisingly, they only provided to-go cups despite being part of the restaurant. Disappointing experience overall.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Great customer service and really good food. The Whispering Angel Wine hit the spot. The Paccheri Bolognese was a good and made me feel like a kid again. The to go latte was great and really big. I recommend this place for a date or to spoil your self. The staff is amazing and very polite.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100

Enjoyed dinner and drinks with coworkers. Enjoyed a variety of appetizers, all were delicious. Prior to the meal had a bowl of cauliflower soup followed by salmon ravioli. Excellent food!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

When one orders a hot chocolate, one shouldn't have to wait for 15 mins for it to cool down or add a shitload of sugar. Use hot milk not hot water. Make it taste good, not like dirty bath water. If you can't manage a westernised hot chocolate then perhaps keep to your roots and serve the Italian style. Disappointed.

The food is only mediocre, but the prices are very expensive. I could have made my simple pasta dish in a microwave, and yet it cost me a full $22; you can definitely find better food for cheaper elsewhere. The restaurant also seemed really busy and understaffed, though the bartender I interacted with was friendly.

Good service. I had the pizza that was very thin crust and not as tasty as I had hoped. Had a lot of leftovers and it tasted pretty good reheated. We were there for a long business meeting and after a while they moved us out to the patio because they had a large reservation. The patio was pretty nice too.

One of the best Italian restaurants in all of Los Angeles! Excellent service, and the yummiest desserts. The pizzas are mouth watering, and the coconut cake is to DIE for. You won’t regret making a reservation here- 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

The food was decent, but not amazing for the price - the same as the service. They should update their website to make it clear that the happy hour menu is BAR ONLY.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

I did NOT need the torta della nonna! The peach salad and risotto were more than enough and very tasty indeed, but I had to order dessert, didn't I? Live and learn.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I got charged $30 for five small kale ravioli. When the manager asked about my experience and I mentioned that I thought the portions were skimpy she had a laugh and said it was “Italian.” Seriously? I feel like I just got ripped of.
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Nice location near Broad museum. The outdoor seating is very nice and the overall design is very well done. Be careful - portion sizes are big. We were full after appetizers. I recommend the lentil soup, branzino, and any of the pastas. Will definitely be coming back for dinner!

Vespaio is our go to place pre-theatre. The food is always scrumptious and the service very attentive. The branzino was perfectly seasoned and grilled. It was service with grilled asparagus and green beans. The tiramisu was nicely layered with coffeed ladyfingers and mascarpone.

Dinner and desert were amazing! Ordered the special of the day with green and white pasta and the apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Was in the downtown area at the broad and stopped by this place for lunch. I ordered the ribeye with potatoes and it was cooked to perfection! The ambiance was great and the service even better. Anytime I’m in downtown for any reason this will be the place I am going!

Pizza is on point — fluffy crust and nice toppings. Service is good depending on who you get. Nice experience after visiting the Broad.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Went in for Xmas work dinner, beautiful location but no flavor in any of the dishes..Had to add salt & pepper to everything. Very simple dishes. Had the corn soup couldn't finish it, and risotto filet mignon.
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Excellent service, exceptional Italian Food in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Arts & Theatre District! Worth the traffic and the drive into downtown Los Angeles!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

One of the worst experiences I’ve had. Came here for gluten free options had only pasta after telling me about the pizza. Came here for my graduation dinner drinks weren’t good or strong and the service WAS terrible. Spend your money somewhere else.

Honestly, not very happy after my visit to this place. The food was OK, not great. We asked for our check early because we were going to the Disney music Hall. While we were clearing the bill our plates and food we hadn’t eaten were cleared

Very packed here for a Thursday night! Must be doing something right! Tried their eggplant appetizer and the salmon. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Perfectly crisp on the outside and very moist and tender on the inside. Old-fashioned

I've been coming to this warm yet elegant family-owned restaurants since the day it opened. I love it. The food is good and the staff is wonderful. You must try the calamari it's amazing and their pizzas are phenomenal. Their main courses

I went there for lunch and hand a kale salad for a starter and the pork belly for the main course. My girlfriend had a truffle pizza. It was good But not reflective of the prices they charge. The location however is really nice as it is

Nice place to sit down after visiting The Broad next door . Great service , food and drinks were good .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love their Halloween decor!! Our group visited this place after the Broad Museum. This is very conveniently located near many museums. Very friendly staff. We enjoyed their sumptuous pizza, and delicious beers

Went there for happy hours. Good menu with $11 cocktails that made well. The grilled octopus was a bit over cooked maybe because it was pre-cut then grilled. Pizza was great tho!
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Beautiful restaurant. Mediocre food. Servers not friendly. Check the Yelp reviews regarding the mediocre food. The food is not worth the cost. Gotta pay the rent. Lol.
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Great service with experienced waiters and a fantastic selection of wine. Food was good but not sure that it was worth the price as the portion sizes were pretty small. Pasta is made in-house. Texture was great. More

Amazing maccheroni with pecorino. Incredible Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Tips: perfect place for happy hour after the BROAD museum. Plenty of seating in and out. Friendly staff and bartender. Variety food choices, comfortable bar seating, ordered Nosejob IPA LA, didn’t disappoint.

Food was disgusting. My risotto was crunchy and bland. Server kept leaving us for a long time. Manager went and checked on all tables except us. Waste of time and money. And very disappointing

Excellent restaurant!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pappardelle Chianti Style Wild Boar Ragu

Good service. Attentive staff. Ordered the Porchetta. Serving is huge! Good value for what you pay for.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50

Paid for gelato up front $6 for medium and didn’t see the sizes, very small and uneven scoops, if I saw the cups up front I wouldn’t have bought it.

Great place to hangout, been for happy hour and had nosejob beer. It was fantastic….
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Really nice place, great service, the food was good and the ambiance as well as.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Large restaurant with nice bar seating. Great cocktail list. Fresh salads.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

The food was delicious. Salmon was very good and I love the salad with Teo types of salad dressing. More

A very romantic culinary experience. Loved every second of it. Watch out, sparkling water is $8 …

This a nice little gem in Downtown LA. Decor is roomy and food is yummy. Very relaxing

Food is delicious. Ambience is great. Service was awesome. Will definitely be back.

Fantastic...was taken out for my birthday and it was delicious. Great staff!