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ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Torrance
Best Lasagna in Torrance
Best Family Friendly Italian in Torrance
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Torrance
Best Date Night Italian in Torrance
Master Critic Review
Pesto's Italian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Pesto’s Italian is a classic, no-frills neighborhood red-sauce joint where pizzas, big bowls of pasta, and old-school chicken plates come out in portions built for leftovers. It trades design flash for hearty plates and friendly service, drawing longtime regulars who treat it as their weeknight Italian default.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguini al pesto, Spaghetti carbonara, Chicken Marsala
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Old-school red-sauce cooking with huge portions and a loyal following.
Who should go: Families craving hearty pastas and pizza
When to visit: Early dinners and weeknights to avoid peak waits
What to order: Linguini al pesto, carbonara, chicken Marsala
Insider tip: Plan for leftovers—splitting a salad and entree goes a long way.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in the center; generally easy before 6:30pm, tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and everyday wear are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; lively chatter during dinner but still workable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for small groups and families.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable pasta dishes, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified, though there is no dedicated gluten-free pasta; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something laid-back and unfussy; the space is casual, cozy, and geared more toward comfort than atmosphere-forward romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arriving before 6pm or after the prime 7–8pm window usually means little to no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs are available, the staff is welcoming to families, and the menu includes approachable pastas and pizzas for young diners.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, straightforward red-sauce comfort, and family-friendly service compared to trendier South Bay Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, or modern Italian cooking—other neighborhood options will suit those needs better.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm