oh,where to eat "cheap Italian" in LA ?

[oakland barb]

Driving down from Oakland to Los Angeles and Palm Springs next week. We've eaten at Orso a few times (staying in Beverly Hills) and have enjoyed some of the food very much. I've heard about La Buca- any thoughts- and would love any other suggestions. I think this kind of food is far better in the south than north. We'll have an obligatory lunch at Zankou ( a big big favorite) and then...? Also any suggestions for Palm Springs (again the more low key, local spots) would be appreciated.

[hollywood]

Angeli Caffe on Melrose is nice and very reasonable, but you won't spot any celebs like at Orso.

For a good cheap breakfast in Palm Springs: Louise's Pantry

44491 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Phone: (760) 346-9320

Edited April 16, 2003 by hollywood (log)

[DavidJS]

Are you guys serious? The Italian food in LA can't compare to NYC everytime I order pasta its sum pseudo California experiment. Where does one find the REAL thing.

[hollywood]

Are you guys serious?  The Italian food in LA can't compare to NYC everytime I order pasta its sum pseudo California experiment.  Where does one find the REAL thing.

We're desperate, but serious.

[monkeymay]

We're desperate - get used to it.

[mixmaster b]

For a Beverly Hills neighborhood vibe, try Il Pastaio on N. Canon at Brighton. Excellent pasta and risotto, also a few meat and fish specials. I love this place--you get to see toney BH types being real and casual. Very reasonable prices, as well.

For NY style pizza, try Mulberry Street Pizza. This is a casual, counter service lunch joint at 240 Beverly Drive. Very good pizza--makes me feel like I'm in Little Italy.

Angelini Osteria on Beverly Blvd (7313 Beverly Blvd at Poinsettia). has really good Italian food--maybe not the best in the world, but excellent and authentic--possible the best in LA. It can be crowded, but the atmosphere is nice. Unfortunately not cheap--I would say moderate, probably close in price to Orso.

Can't comment on La Buca, as I have never been.

Let us know what you pick!

[hollywood]

Other possibilities: Farfalla, 1978 Hillhurst, Campagnola, 1553 Westwood Bl, Far Niente, 204 1/2 N. Brand (Glendale), Marino, 6001 Melrose Ave. On the high end, people either love or hate Giorgio Baldi, 114 W. Channel Road (Santa Monica), which gets a lot of visitors from Malibu Colony. Ciao.

[tissue]

Prego on Camden in Beverly Hills.