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That’s Amore: Circa Savors the Flavors of Italy in DTLA 

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 near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 

That’s Amore: Savor the Flavor of Italy in DTLA

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, which was constructed in 1908 to serve as a gathering place for the Italian community.

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles 644 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Just a short distance from Circa, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles will be reopening soon to the public. But you don’t have to wait to savor the flavor of Italy. From authentic trattorias to handmade organic pasta cucinas, and chef-driven ristorantes, you’ll find some of the best Italian restaurants in DTLA. Now that’s amore! Check websites for reservations and health guidelines.

Bestia Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia is open and accepting reservations in accordance with LA city guidelines. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the menu features 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 Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Rossoblu is open for dining on their heated outdoor patio. The restaurant tells the story of the two places Chef Steve Samson considers home – Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The menu features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals. At its core, Rossoblu is a true family-owned and operated restaurant, with Steve’s wife Dina helming the operations and long time friend and partner Hans Luttmann leading a team that has become family. 

The Factory Kitchen Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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 Factory Kitchen is open for outdoor dining on their spacious patio. You may also dine indoors with limited seating. Reserve online at Open Table.

BRERA Ristorante Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

BRERA Ristorante 1331 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

A multi-regional Italian Osteria by Chef Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinandi, BRERA Ristorante is a hybrid of an informal osteria with rather formal cooking in an elegant setting. A concept influenced by the artsy-cool BRERA neighborhood in Milan Italy, it displays Chef Angelo’s personal culinary identity that emphasizes on the importance of the highest quality fresh ingredients and the use of cooking techniques that are meant to highlight their true flavors, presented in a minimalistic way. BRERA is open for outdoor dining. Limited seating is now available indoors and must be reserved on OpenTable.

Maddalena Restaurant Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Maddalena Restaurant 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Maddalena Restaurant is a popular trattoria-style restaurant located within the San Antonio Winery in downtown Los Angeles. They offer a variety of freshly made Italian entrées that range from fresh pastas, grilled meats, gourmet salads and sandwiches, along with seasonal wine flights from their winery. Enjoy outdoor dining in their patio garden or inside with limited seating.

Maccheroni Republic Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Maccheroni Republic 332 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Maccheroni Republic specializes in handmade fresh organic pasta, crafted daily in-house using organic flour and organic semolina. In addition to a variety of authentic Italian pasta dishes, the restaurant serves an array of fresh appetizers, salads, sweets, and an extensive wine and beer list. No reservations required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Drago Centro Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Drago Centro 525 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Drago Centro is one of downtown LA’s premier dining destination for fans of authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine with an innovative edge and impeccable service, Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s menu is delectably approachable and features a signature selection of innovatory Italian dishes including house-made pastas, savory steaks and elegant desserts. Complemented by managing partner Piero Selvaggio’s extraordinary personalized service and unprecedented wine knowledge, this exclusive team brings satisfaction to any palate, while creating an indelible experience showcasing the essence and magic of Drago Centro’s outdoor dining patio.

Colori Kitchen Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Colori Kitchen 429 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Colori Kitchen is a small neighborhood restaurant located in a petite storefront on 8th Street in the Downtown Historic District, offering country-style dining reminiscent of an authentic Italian trattoria. Chef Luigi Barducci Contessi, along with his wife Paola, serve top quality homemade Italian food at affordable prices, adding to people’s dining experience the warmth, and of course a bit of the drama, that only a real Italian family can offer. Open for dine-in with limited space. Walk ins are welcome.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Rossoblu

Photo #2: Italian American Museum of Los Angeles

Photo #3: Bestia

Photo #4: Rossoblu

Photo #5: The Factory Kitchen

Photo #6: BRERA Ristorante

Photo #7: Maddalena Restaurant

Photo #8: Maccheroni Republic

Photo #9: Drago Centro

Photo #10: Colori Kitchen