Eataly Los Angeles
I first stepped foot into the Italian wonderland known as Eataly a decade ago while on vacation in New York City. With a cute date by my side, we imbibed on espresso drinks and devoured fragrant piles of prosciutto, olives, and pizza. The excitement in one of the Flatiron’s most vibrant buildings overcame us. There was a tangible buzz. I was elated when it was announced that Los Angeles would be getting its very own Eataly and instantly puzzled when the news broke that it would be located in a mall. Had Eataly found a home anywhere else in Los Angeles, I’d be there more often. Let there be no confusion, I absolutely love the mall, especially the outdoor shopping at Century City, but Eataly in this kind of environment doesn’t sit right with me. It feels cheap. It feels less special. This location lacked the pomp and circumstance, the prestige, the bustle I experienced in NYC. Of course, we’re discussing two very different cities but Eataly in LA feels like an abandoned planet. Rarely do I hear the people I love suggest dining at Eataly and I believe it is because it doesn’t even cross their mind and once people realize it exists but requires mall parking, the thought of dining there is completely erased from their brains. It’s as if it never existed.
Recently I found myself in Westwood for a private preview of the Hammer’s Made in L.A. Biennial. Considering the proximity of the museum paired with my love for pasta, Eataly felt like the right choice. I made reservations at Il Patio di Eataly as they offered outdoor seating and I wanted a varied Italian menu with offerings like seafood, housemade pasta, Neopolitan pizza, and salads.
Some Lurisia Italian sparkling water and a cappuccino to start. They serve Lavazza which is one of the Italian brands I also make at home. Do you remember when I was in a Lavazaa commercial? The Super Crema Whole Beans are my preferred choice, which I grind at home. As for the food, my partner and I ordered a seasonal spring salad made with baby gems, pinenuts, and Parmesean. It tasted incredibly bright and was tossed in one of the most perfect salad dressings I’ve ever eaten. Being both lovers of octopus we also ordered the Insalata di Pulpo which did not disappoint in texture or flavor but I would’ve enjoyed it better had it not been served in an awkward little jar. I want my salad to breathe and have zero obstacles with my fork while eating it.
We both opted for ravioli, he went with classic red and my selection was the Ravioli di Piselli, a seasonal variety made with ricotta and spring pea stuffed pasta, lemon butter, toasted pistachios, and Pecorino Romano Zerto. I wish I were eating those same raviolis right now. The dish was beautiful in presentation and its flavor vibrant, tasting like the warm sun on an Italian farm. I whirled each ravioli in its buttery sauce before each bite and it was magical.
Although we hadn’t planned on dessert after stuffing ourselves silly with pillowy bites of dough our server surprised us with a delightful order of tiramisu. This was also packed into a jar similar to our insalata di pulpo but this decision made sense due to its creaminess. It came equipped with two extra-long spoons which made feeding each other that much easier. If you’re on a date or in love, I recommend that you order the tiramisu so that you may feed the person with you.
A stop in the marketplace is always necessary if even to admire the design and organization of the space. My Virgo mind goes into hyperdrive scanning the perfectly coiled piles of pasta lined up in a row sitting across from a vegetable stand boasting pyramids of colorful produce. I was in need of some olive oil (as always) and some Marvis toothpaste. I could have left with 20 pounds of fresh pasta, Italian coffee, wine, bread, and fresh seafood but I didn’t. Maybe next time. It’s a robust market with so much to see and experience. It’s also a great way to find out what your sweetheart loves in the world of Italy.
Location
Eataly
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: +1 213 310 8000