EMILIA RISTORANTE
A NEIGHBORHODD RICH GASTRONOMY GEM
It’s always great to have a good go-to spot to dine. And for folks in the posh complex on Burton Way with the Trader Joe’s on the ground floor near San Vicente and La Cienega, fine Italian cuisine is just an elevator ride away. For the rest of us, it’s worth the visit.
Located on the street level at 8500 Burton Way, Emilia Ristorante is a dining gem for brunch and dinner for Italian mains served in a contemporary, stylish setting with sidewalk tables, comfy dining room, and a cute and cozy wine bar.
Emilia Ristorante serves traditional Emilia-Romagna fare, including handmade pastas, grass-fed beef, wild fish, and locally sourced produce. For those unfamiliar with the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy (like me), the area extends from the Apennine Mountains to the Po River in the north and is known for its medieval cities, rich gastronomy and seaside resorts. Its capital city is Bologna—a vibrant town known as the Fat City for its rich cuisine, and the Red City for its Spanish-style red tiled rooftops.
During our recent visit for dinner, we started our experience with delicious homemade bread with olive oil and vinegar and a nice glass of white Italian wine. We couldn’t ask for a better and more comfortable setting to unwind and enjoy a lazy and relaxed delicious dinner.
We opted to share the Fritto Misto di Pesce—golden fried calamari, shrimp, vegetables served with a spicy tomato sauce and a tartar sauce—as well as the very nice Insalata di Cesare (a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce and homemade garlic croutons, topped with 24-month aged Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese) and the fine Insalata Caprese—heirloom tomatoes and fresh burrata. All three paired divinely with white wine.
Switching to a delicious Italian red wine, we enjoyed the Pappardelle all Griglia—grilled pappardelle filled with Leoncini Italian ham and fresh ricotta. The presentation is different than the pappardelle at The Factory Kitchen in DTLA, perhaps the best in town, but it is out-of-this-world delicious. Rolled in the shape of a scallop, it is rich and decadent and so very lovely. This one is definitely a standout.
Big plates include steak, chicken and seafood options, including salmon or branzino. We shared a filet mignon with a side of roasted red bliss potatoes. This was a solid entrée and its accompanying red wine really elevated the dish.
If you save room for desserts, options include rich tiramisu or Cannoli Siciliani, which are heaven sent.
Props to the Emilia Ristorante powers that be for creating a comfortable and inviting setting to enjoy a nice glass of wine as well as a whole heartedly authentic and enjoyable Italian meal. The space is intimate and relaxed and perfect to unwind and get away without getting away.
Emilia Ristorante is located at 8500 Burton Way. Open daily for breakfast and brunch from 8am to 3pm and dinner from 5pm to 10pm. Call (424) 999-4755. Ample underground parking is available.
Story By: Jose Martinez
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