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ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in West Adams
Best Mediterranean in West Adams
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in West Adams
Best Trendy Restaurants in West Adams
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in West Adams
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in West Adams
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Best Family Friendly Italian in West Adams
Master Critic Review
Cento Pasta Bar
8.2
What started as a $14-pasta pop-up inside a Downtown wine bar became a West Adams destination with a courtyard under twinkle-lit trees. The spicy pomodoro rigatoni with orange-hued sauce and ricotta dollop consistently ranks as the move; beet spaghetti in brown butter with poppy seeds photographs as well as it eats. Valet-only parking reflects the neighborhood logistics; 5pm arrival secures street spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni, Beet Spaghetti, Sweet Corn Agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: West Adams pasta bar with a beet spaghetti that put them on the LA map
Who should go: Pasta obsessives and West Adams locals
When to visit: Early weeknight for walk-in availability
What to order: Beet spaghetti is essential; split the spicy pomodoro rigatoni, add an agnolotti
Insider tip: The beet spaghetti with brown butter and whipped ricotta made them famous—don't skip it
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet only—no lot, street parking jammed. Arrive at 5pm opening for easier street spots
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - frequently recommended as LA's best date spot. The string-lit front patio with twinkling trees creates romance. Counter seating offers chef interaction. Cozy, upscale vibe perfect for couples.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations recommended - book through OpenTable. Choose between patio and bar seating. Weekday evenings and early seatings are less crowded; Friday-Saturday nights are busiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Limited - upscale intimate setting better suited for date nights and adults. No kids menu mentioned. Pasta portions are satisfying but sized for sharing, not child-sized.
Is it good for groups? Yes - interior has a large communal table perfect for groups. Family-style pasta sharing is encouraged. 30 seats outside, 25 inside.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - beautiful courtyard patio with a large tree and twinkling string lights. 30 seats outside. This is a standout feature of the restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Courtyard dining under twinkling lights; intimate West Adams setting
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm