Sometimes it feels like everyone in LA avoids carbs. Not us! We love treating ourselves to one of the many delicious pasta creations at Italian restaurants throughout LA. Wondering where you should indulge? Here are 10 delicious pasta dishes every LA girl must try!
Osteria la Buca: Angel Hair
The angel hair at Osteria la Buca is delightfully simple. Prepared with browned butter, sage, pecorino and a bit of lemon, the dish tastes light but still flavorful. And you can’t beat the $13 price tag!
Forma: Cacio Pepe
Cacio pepe is a Roman dish, made with cracked black pepper and tons of fresh parmesan and pecorino. Finding this specialty in LA can prove a bit tricky. However, Forma in Santa Monica does it right. Chefs at this spot take the dish to the next level by swirling strands of spaghetti in a giant wheel of parmesan cheese before placing it on your plate.
Jon & Vinnys: Spicy Fusilli
Looking for a little bit of a kick? Head to Jon and Vinny’s (if you can get a reservation) and order the spicy fusilli. The curly noodles are perfectly al dente and the sauce will have you licking the plate.
The Ponte: Pasta al Pomodoro
For a traditional option, we recommend The Ponte’s Pasta al Pomodoro. The thick spaghetti noodles come wrappped around each other, layered with basil leaves and a sweet tomato sauce. Even the plate is pretty–prepare your iPhone camera!
Kettle Black: Tagliatelle
The tagliatelle at Kettle Black is one of the more unique pasta dishes in LA. The dish features green parsley noodles, english peas, basil pesto, pine nuts and pea shoots. The flavors are interesting and the vegetables always make us feel healthy. (With all that green, its as if you ordered a salad).
La Vecchia Cucina: Cucuzza Longa Gnocchi
For another veggie-centric option, we love the Cucuzza Longa Gnocchi at La Vecchia Cucina. This seasonal entree includes zucchini and zucchini blossoms from the restaurant’s garden in Culver City. This is the ideal choice when you’re craving gnocchi but don’t want to feel too bad about it.
Terroni: Spaghetti al Limone
The Spaghetti al Limone at Terroni is amazingly rich and satisfying. The housemade thick spaghetti noodles arrive in a lemon-olive oil sauce, topped with fresh shaved parmesan, spinach and capers. Although everything on the Terroni menu is mouth-watering, this dish is our favorite.
Uovo: Ravioli di Ricotta
This Santa Monica newcomber was founded by the same guys behind Sugarfish. The pasta here is actually flown in overnight from Bologna, where it is handmade using traditional methods. Of course every pasta is worth ordering, but the Ravioli di Ricotta is a must-try. The raviolis are expertly prepared and the sauce is delightfully sweet.
Pasta Sisters: Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Burrata
For a fast-casual pasta option, Pasta Sisters is your spot. Order the spaghetti with tomato sauce and burrata from the “secret menu.” The mound of homemade pasta arrives with a incredibly creamy blob of fresh burrata cheese. Although the Pico Boulevard location might seem a bit out of the way, this tasty dish is worth the stop.
Angelini Osteria: Black Truffle Spaghetti
For something truly decadent, we recommend the black truffle spaghetti at Angelini Osteria. This hearty dish features homemade spaghetti, black truffles, sausage and fresh parmesan.
Looking for more spots to indulge around LA? Check our 10 Delicious Eastside Brunch Spots You Have to Try or read about our favorite happy hours here!