Did you know that downtown Los Angeles was once the epicenter of a thriving Little Italy? LA’s earliest Italian enclave, dating back to the 19th century, was located near the Los Angeles Plaza, at what is now El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. A great place to learn more about this fascinating history is the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located in the historic Italian Hall. Today, Italian restaurants like Bestia, Rossoblu, and Maccheroni Republic are making culinary history with inventive menus, fresh ingredients hand-crafted pasta, and curated wine lists. Here are some of our favorites, many not far from Circa.

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles 644 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) explores the Italian American experience in the context of the nation’s multicultural mosaic. The 6,000 square-foot museum, located in downtown Los Angeles, features an award-winning permanent exhibition, as well as temporary exhibitions, cultural-educational programming, and curricula for educators. The IAMLA is housed in the Italian Hall, which was constructed in 1908 as a community center. The Italian Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is among the oldest remaining structures from the city’s historic Little Italy.

Florence by the Water Hotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Florence by the Water, a chic waterside Italian restaurant, recently opened at the Hotel Figueroa, coinciding with the hotel’s 100th anniversary. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Tuscany, Florence by the Water is a celebration of high-quality, traditional Italian dining tailored for modern tastes. The menu is centered on iconic Tuscan dishes, including the legendary Fiorentina steak, handmade pastas, and a curated selection of seasonal delights. Every dish is crafted with respect for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing the same love and care that defines true Italian cuisine.

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021
Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Arts District darling Bestia features a thoughtfully sourced and seasonal menu, well-crafted cocktails, and an extraordinary wine program offering an unparalleled dining experience in Los Angeles. Choose from a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat (bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito!

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Winner of numerous awards, Rossoblu is an independently owned restaurant from husband-and-wife team Chef Steve Samson and Dina Samson. The menu draws on Steve’s Bolognese heritage, which was shaped by summers with his grandparents. He has brought his vision to life through locally-sourced ingredients, wood-fired cooking, handmade pastas, and a full in-house butchery and salumi program, rooted in tradition and craft. The wine list highlights family-owned, grower-focused producers who share their commitment to thoughtful sourcing and a sense of place.

Vespaio 225 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Vespaio, the latest restaurant by Chef Agostino’s Sciandri of the acclaimed Ago Group, is now serving lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, and a Pre Theatre menu. Offering a diverse selection of both seasonal dishes and family staples that infuse classic Italian tastes with notes of Mediterranean influence, Vespaio serves its beautifully plated meals, sommelier-selected wines, and handcrafted specialty cocktails both indoors and on an abundant patio that showcases the highlights of Bunker Hill’s thriving arts scene.

Drago Centro City National Plaza 525 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Drago Centro stands as a premier dining destination for enthusiasts of authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine with an inventive edge, accompanied by impeccable service. Executive Chef Celestino Drago, a culinary visionary, curates a menu that is both delectably approachable and ingeniously innovative, showcasing a signature selection of Italian dishes crafted with finesse and creativity. From house-made pastas that tantalize the taste buds to succulent steaks and elegantly created desserts, Chef Celestino’s culinary creations leave a lasting impression.

Maddalena Restaurant San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031
A longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike, Maddalena Restaurant blends traditional Italian recipes with award-winning California wines in one of the city’s most unique winery dining destinations. Named after winery matriarch Maddalena Riboli, the restaurant blends generations-old Italian recipes with California wine culture, creating the city’s original winery dining experience. Enjoy wine-paired menus, live music, group dining, celebrations, and casual gatherings in a warm, old-world setting surrounded by the historic charm of the winery.

Maccheroni Republic 332 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Maccheroni Republic is an authentic Italian osteria in the heart of Los Angeles, renowned for serving the best homemade pasta in the city. Using only organic flour in their in-house Pastificio (pasta factory), Maccheroni Republic crafts fresh artisanal pasta daily, using traditional techniques that celebrate Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant has a warm, inviting dining room and elegant urban patio that offers a charming ambiance, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.

Settecento DTLA 700 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Settecento is not just a restaurant—it’s a gateway to Italy’s culinary heritage. The menu is a celebration of traditional recipes refined through the ages, paired with the freshest ingredients that bring each dish to life. The pastas and wood-fired pizzas are made entirely from scratch in-house, crafted with flour imported directly from Italy, free of GMOs. From the rich, earthy flavors of Northern Italy’s truffle and mushroom pastas to the lively seafood linguine of the south, each dish is a love letter to Italy.

The Factory Kitchen 1300 Factory Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Located in the heart of the DTLA Arts District, The Factory Kitchen is a trattoria in a reclaimed factory space serving traditional Italian fare, including delicate house-made pastas, fresh seafood and focaccinas. The restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2019 to the present.

Propaganda 950 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Propaganda is an Italian wine bar serving the authentic Pizza Romana, charcuterie, fine cheeses, fresh salads and amazing Italian-style tapas, such as their signature warm focaccia sandwiches, paired with a selection of over 100 wines by the bottle, by the glass, and tasting flights. Make sure to try their signature Negronis and Spritz cocktails.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Rossoblu
Photo #2: Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
Photo #3: Florence by the Water / Hotel Figueroa
Photo #4: Bestia
Photo #5: Rossoblu
Photo #6: Vespaio
Photo #7: Drago Centro
Photo #8: Maddalena Restaurant
Photo #9: Maccheroni Republic
Photo #10: Settecento DTLA
Photo #11: The Factory Kitchen
Photo #12: Propaganda


































































































