Osteria Latini

The reason I chose this restaurant was my friend told me they have sea urchin pasta.
However, this dish is no longer on the menu. I still like their food and service.

I’ve been here once before years ago and because my former boss loved and highly recommended it, I chose Osteria Latini for my bf’s b-​day dinner. We were running late for our reservation (traffic in the westside — surprise surprise) and called to let them know, they were very nice about it.
First impression– the service. We were seated promptly and the host was nice enough. The server was nice also. However, what I didn’t like was that it felt like he kept trying to upsell us. We asked for a wine recommendation. He picked wines that were at least $ 70 a bottle. It would’ve been nice if he recommended wines with a range of prices. So we narrowed it down to two bottles in the $ 45-​$ 50 range and asked him for his recommendation between the two of those. And then he recommended another bottle that was $ 54. We went with that one. I was fine with paying a couple of extra dollars but still… Then after we ordered our entrees, he asked if we wanted anything to start. We already were given bread (with an olive spread and bruschetta (?)) which was good and enough food with the two entrees. So we said no, we’re good. But he went on to suggest several appetizers. Seriously, this is probably the most pressure I’ve gotten at any restaurant in a very long time (I don’t remember last feeling this annoyance).
Now onto the food. I was somewhat disappointed. We ordered the filet mignon and the orecchiete alla busara (pasta with lobster and shrimp in tomato sauce). The filet was thinner than filets I’ve had. It didn’t really seem like a filet. But it was cooked perfectly (medium rare) which I think is difficult for a fairly thin piece of meat. And as for the flavor, it was fine– not great, not bad. The one good thing was all the mushrooms sitting on it. I love mushrooms so that was good for me. Onto the pasta. It was ok. I love pasta and was looking forward to it. However, it was quite salty for me (and my bf agreed). The good thing about it is that they didn’t skimp on the lobster. There was a reasonable amount of lobster in it.
Overall, I was disappointed. I probably will not come back. I would probably go to either Pizzicotto which is just as good (if not better) and cheaper, Toscana which is pricier but really good (from my one visit), or try one of the many Italian restaurants along this street or in this area.

I was looking for a quiet place with great cuisine. I found it in Osteria Latini.
The branzino and Lake Superior whitefish were perfectly done and very delicious.
We began with an heirloom tomato salad and the raw baby artichoke salad.
We had a fantastic dining experience while eating healthy. Service was very prompt and accurate.
The staff could not have been more helpful. No question that we will be back and soon.

Relaxed atmosphere and good food.
The bread basket is great, and you can douse your variety of breads in balsamic, olive oil, olive tapenade, and a strange spread that I have no idea what it was. Bean? Creamy tomato? Whatever it was, it was good.
We started off with a burrata salad, which the chef was kind enough to split when we said we were sharing.
I got the veal ravioli, and for lack of a better word, it was really veal-​y. Tender veal in the ravioli, and the ravioli in a veal sauce. SO good, and very rich. My friend’s gnocchi was really soft and tender, but he just ordered it with marinara sauce, so nothing exciting there.
They offer you a really tart and refreshing lemon drink at the end — I believe it’s prosecco and lemon sorbet… maybe even some egg whites? Great palate cleanser.
The dessert menu looked awesome, but we just couldn’t.
The décor and lighting were perfect — not overly dark, no noticeable music, and the noise level was fine. (As a matter of fact, we might have been the loudest talkers in the place — sorry everybody!)
Service was attentive throughout the night. Granted, it was slow, but we were able to choose our table, and were never rushed to leave.
I don’t get a hankering for Italian often, but would definitely come back when I do!

A visit to LA is not a visit without a trip to Osteria Latini. Shelagh, Diane and I got there early on a Saturday night, and Paolo had set up a table for us outside on the sidewalk, because I had Joey the dog with me. «Aren’t you putting more tables?» I asked the waiter. «No. Paolo set this up just for you.»
Hey, just the kind of service the queen desires! Paolo came out and greeted us with kisses and hugs and then the food started coming out. Gnocchi bolognese for the table. The VERY BEST GNOCCHI THIS SIDE OF ITALY. Really, we could hardly speak while we were eating them, and I took the rest home.
This time the sogliola alla mugnaia (Alaskan sole with butter lemon sauce) was not as superb as usual, but Diane and I have to give them a pass — it was Saturday night and the place was so packed our outside table was surrounded with people. My advice is always not to go on a Saturday, because big crowds mean stressed chefs. But I was only here for a couple of days and they’re closed on Sunday.
Shelagh had the butternut squash soup, no dairy, which was very tasty, delicately spiced. Then she had the trout almondine which was delicious.
We weren’t going to order dessert but Paolo sent out a PLATEFUL of his homemade wonderful ice creams, including one that tasted like nocciola in Italy (hazelnut ice cream), very thick and creamy.
It was a beautiful night and we lingered at our outside table, watching the crowds and feeling wonderfully satiated. This is really a spectacular Italian restaurant in Brentwood. Expect to pay for it, but not as bad as it could be. $ 168 for 3 (dessert was on the house), without wine.

My girlfriend lives in Brentwood, so the ability to walk to a plethora of Italian restaurants of varying levels is an enviable position we often find ourselves in. Of every one of these restaurants, all of which we have tried, Osteria Latini is by far the best. The staff is always extremely welcoming in a way that feels like you’re family the moment you walk through the door. That sounds incredibly cheesy, but it’s the truth, and why lie? I love to be loved. The quality of product goes without saying. The lobster ravioli, the veal piccata. and most importantly the best gnocci in town. There is an authenticity and old world feel to the cooking that clearly illustrates not just the strength of the chef, but the care and thought put into whatever comes out of their kitchen.
I would take my mother here, I do take my girlfriend here, I think my grandma would love it… Basically every important woman in my life. I guess what I’m trying to say to the guys out there is that you should bring someone special, and they are guaranteed to enjoy it.
I should also mention that the night my girlfriend and I decided to begin getting more serious, it happened in this restaurant. What better combo is there than good food and blossoming love? Chime the love song and light a candle. Pretty gross, but if you can relate, you probably smiled.

So yummy! We had the tuna tartare, and it was delicious. I had the salmon pasta special and asked that they cook the salmon very rare, and they did and it was so good. I wished there had not been pasta! My date had the chicken parm, not my favorite…
I would go again!

The food here was okay, I think because I have an aversion to the taste of certain cheeses and creamy sauces, the dish I had here was the LINGUINE ALLA BOLOGNESE, ‘tho I requested the dish without cheese, it might have had either some cheese or something creamy within the ingredients that wasn’t to my liking, but I think it’s more on my personal preferences, since I do hear from others, and the people I was with that this is a good restaurant. I’d give it another chance and try a menu item that was not pasta related or with cheese. Again, I think this is one of those «it’s not you, it’s me» type of reviews, and I think my finicky selective palate is to maybe more at fault. The portions were a tad small or smaller than expected, but given I didn’t care for my dish, that was a non-​factor during this visit.
The service was excellent.
Parking is typical of San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood. There’s parking lots, parking meters, and if you’re familiar with the area and don’t mind walking about 6 blocks, especially on a nice day, there’s street parking (and most without time limits, ‘tho limitations based on street cleaning — as well as certain areas with permits, so check the signs) in the surrounding neighborhood, at least during the morning and mid-​day during the weekdays.

My first time there on Valentine’s Day set the bar high, but this place totally succeeded in making a new fan. I ordered something easy, spaghetti and bolognese, and let me tell you it was the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was amazing, I couldn’t distinguish individual tastes, only a perfect blend of recipe to put all other bolognese to shame.
The atmosphere was lively being the most romantic night of the year, and the seating was a little tight, but still well worth a return trip.
I highly recommend this place, just call ahead to make reservations and save yourself the wait of standing in line. The tables are few but the food is mouth watering.

With an unassuming & easily-​passed-​over entrance, we were just about to stroll by in search of a great dessert stop, when OL’s valet guy approached us. After being ushered in by his friendly ‘tude («It is VERY good, take a look! I promise!»), we left the cold winter wind outside and entered into a dimly-​lit warm room.
Small in size with white-linen’d tables, the interior is simple in décor but evokes an inviting feel. We sat down, and not two minutes in, the head chef comes over to say hello and tell us his favorite dessert on menu. So we ended up with:
* Dessert sampler — [Mango raspberry sorbet, lemon tart, chocolate mousse, panna cotta, Italian cheesecake, coppa di mascarpone] Um. Wow.
* Anacaprese — [lemon-​ricotta based dessert] extremely hot & fresh from oven. This was worth the 40 minute wait as we plowed through the sampler.
* Complimentary lemon-​sorbet, prosecco, egg whites shooter @ end of meal.
* Lotsa wino
Mind you, we just finished dinner not 5-​minutes before walking into Osteria. The complete demolishing of dessert plates was a testament to just how good each were.
Oh also, we were by FAR the youngest customers of the night. Quaint atmosphere. Amazing warm service from our waiter, Omar. We’ll be back!
4.5 stars~

Matt’s 30 point review :)
Ambience: 8. Comfortable seating, well lit, good noise level. Sort of an older Brentwood crowd.
Food: 6. Positives include the bread basket, flavor of the Seafood Linguine, and wine selection (good super Tuscans).
Primary negative was the quality of the food. We had chicken, clams, and shellfish… All average. Was also a tad overcooked.
Service: 8. Very well run and trained servers. Nice job.
Grand total: 21 points!

**NOTHING-​TO-​WRITE-​HOME-​ABOUT ITALIAN FOOD**
I was also surprised by the high 4 star rating.
This was a solid 3 star Italian joint at best.
PARKING
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One small lot in the back with 3 – 4 designated spots. Street parking around, but packed. Put aside 5 – 10 minutes for additional walking.
AMBIANCE
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Cute, woodsy interior, and bistro-​like.
SERVICE
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Friendly, but not overly.
FOOD
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**VEAL PICCATA ($ 16.95)**
Healthy lunch entrée with small portions of cooked veal and side vegetables of broccoli and mashed potato.
The veal itself was not tender enough. Butter was not apparent. Missing parsley as a critical garnish. I want garlic. I want more sauce. Boo.
It didn’t WOW me at all. But it didn’t kill me.
They also gave us some sliced fruits for dessert. Nice gesture.
DRANKY DRANKS
===============
Couldn’t go wrong with a glass of Classico Chianti ($ 9)
CONCLUSION
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This was my second Italian disappointment in Brentwood (the first being La Scala). I prefer the Italian restaurants in SaMo better.
Not worthy of a repeat IMO.

I love love loooove this place! Parking is annoying (valet only and difficult to find if picking up) and the prices are a bit on the high side, but the food is amazing! The portion sizes are also just right, especially for a pretty fancy restaurant. I highly recommend the following items:
— burrata (very fresh tomatoes, melt in your mouth creamy mozzarella cheese — you can have them split this dish for up to 4 ppl in the table)
— balognes gnocchi (tomato based sauce, perfectly seasoned)
— lobster ravioli
— branzino (usually featured as a daily special)
Great place to celebrate an anniversary or go on a date. The waiters are very attentive and the chef usually comes out to greet the guests to check on how they liked the food.
TIPS: If you park in the back, you can go through their kitchen to enter the restaurant. Also, you can bring a birthday cake, but make sure to call in advance.

Located in the heart of Brentwood, this 5 star restaurant truly deserves it’s reputation.
Fabulocity! Delish!
It’s small & quaint. The food & wine list is outstanding. The service is impecable,
and the flavors top it all off to perfection.

After enjoying many excellent lunches at Osteria Latinin, we decided to try the dinner menu! Excellent food and a really great selection. The menu offers traditional Italian fare along with salads, fish and steak, but stays true to the genre.
We started with Lobster bisque and an heirloom tomato salad with goat cheese. Before we started, our excellent servers started us with their signature house-​baked breads with pesto. Both starters are excellent and the bisque has real lobster with sherry as opposed to so many folks who make a lobster-​flavored soup.
The restaurant is crowded on a weekend, but very family friendly. I counted more than half of the tables had young children however, it’s still quiet enough for 2 to enjoy a nice evening. We went early a t6:30 due to a last minute reservation. I imagine later in the evening is 100% adults.
Our main courses were the turkey lasagna and the Orecchite Alla Busara:
Which is home made ear pasta with lobster, shrimp and tomato sauce (Trieste style). The entres are very filling and certainly there was no room for dessert… which was sad as the menu looks awesome.
The restaurant is small and has valet parking which is excellent as San Vicente near Barrington has no parking.
They Chef/​Owner came to wish us Happy New Year and made his way through greeting all of the patrons.
Excellent value on top of all of the above!

I am giving it 3 stars because my first time at Osteria I had a great experience but this last time, not so much.
We started off being told they were out of a lot of things including the burrata, the Cesar salad and the veggie and turkey lasagna — unfortunately all things that had caught our attention on the menu. Then I ordered two dishes that were served with goat cheese and received a smidge of goat cheese on each dish. When I asked for more, I was told they were out of that as well. Seriously? Almost as bad as the time I went to an italian restaurant and they were out of bread. And to top it off the service was pretty slow.
I am hoping this was just an off night and that if I ever decide to venture back, it will be better.

Wow! Italian food that doesn’t make you feel like you just devoured a week’s worth of hard work at the gym. I came here for dinner with the suggestion of my boss and ordered what she recommended, spaghetti with the spicy tomato sauce with zucchini and asparagus. She also ordered a fried calamari appetizer plate which was delicious. You can taste the freshness of both the calamari and the oil it was fried in. So clean and so tasty! My dinner was amazing, it was the healthiest (even though it’s not) tasting plate of spaghetti I’ve ever had. No overload of oil, grease, or salt. Just perfect! We had the dessert sampler after and I must say, the chocolate hazelnut and regular chocolate moose or whatever it is, IS TO DIE FOR!
Basically, if you want a healthy italian meal, come here! It’s real pasta with no preservatives like over at The Cheesecake Factory.
P. s. Paolo, the owner was delightful as I was introduced to him before our meal. Very nice man with excellent culinary skills, thank you Paolo for making my tummy smile :) I will most certainly come back the next time my boss asks where shall we go eat.

Ich wurde zu einem Geschäftsessen in die Osteria Latini eingeladen und war über die herausragende Qualität sehr erstaunt. Italien pur in Los Angeles. Wen es nach L.A. verschlägt, der sollte sich einen Besuch im Latini gönnen.

I came to check out this Italian restaurant for the first time with fellow Unilocaler Tony Y. Jr. and had a wonderful experience. The venue is small and the décor is defined by simple elegance with surrounding dark wood panels, wall full of photographs and floor-​to-​ceiling wine racks that separate the seating arrangements to render a cozy atmosphere. Paolo, the owner and chef extraordinaire, was there to greet us. We were seated quickly and offered a break basket which they refilled several times as it was served with two dipping sauces that I find addictive: fresh grounded olives mixed with a dollop of olive oil and spicy garbanzo beans.
Paolo was very kind to let us order off the menu. For appetizer, we had the Crab Cake ($ 13.95) which was nicely served on two separate plates that came with sautéed vegetables and exquisite spicy mustard. The Crab Cake was small but loaded with fresh crabs with good texture and temperature. The sauce was refined and not overpowering to allow for the crab flavor to take center stage. It was an item worth inquiring off the menu.
For the main entrée, I had the Orecchiette Alla Busara ($ 22.50) served with homemade ear pasta, lobster, jumbo shrimps, and tomato sauce. The temperature of this dish was excellent and the pasta was firm and tasty with a great amount of lobster on every bite. The shrimps were plump and came with a fabulous texture. I usually don’t like tomato sauce but it was very light without being overtly sour. Those who like seafood will certain enjoy this dish.
I had the chance to try Tony’s order of Chicken Parmiggiana ($ 21.95) served with a flat breaded chicken breast, marinara, and rounded mozzarella to filled the top to resemble a party sized pizza. His dish also came with mashed potatoes, carrots, and spinach that were fresh and delicious. The chicken breast was tender, not dry like many chicken breasts and very flavorful. I’m not a fan of marinara sauce but the one they use was light and not overpowering. The amount of food on this dish was a truck load with all of flavors nicely put together.
For dessert, we were offered a complimentary drink made with Lemon Sorbet and Meringue Champaign which I find delightful with a sweet lemon flavor followed by a refreshing frothy tartness in the end. I also had a decaf double espresso ($ 5) which I thought was decent but not spectacular.
Both Paolo and the server Luca checked on us often, and our bread basket and water were constantly refilled. They were funny, warm, and sincere. I saw Paolo openly asking for diners’ feedback, and never hesitated to come up with dishes that were missing on the menu. All together, there was a good rhythm between each phase of the meal and between the qualities of the dishes that worked in concert with genuine, personalized service. I’d be very interested in coming back again to try the other handmade pastas as well as the duck prosciutto and ravioli.

It’s been a while since I’ve been back to this culinary delight of a restaurant, but it was definitely worth the wait.
Everything from the ambiance to the menu makes this place one of my favorite Italian restaurants. The crab cake appetizer, the beef carapccio salad along with fresh bread and a delicious olive tapenade is a perfect starter. If you want to start with something else, don’t worry, you cannot make the wrong choice.
When it comes to the entrées, do not rush placing in your order from the menu, because the moment your waiter tells you about the specials, chances are, you will rethink your strategy. From the 18 ounce on the bone fillet to veal chops any style; homemade pastas, fish and even an osso buco, Latini is the place to be.
Remember, no meal is complete without their lemon sorbet and champagne cocktail. — goes great with their lighter version of the tiramisu.

Go here on numerous occasions.
The seafood here is pretty delicious. Their food presentation is good. The staff is personable and very outgoing.
Appetizers (portions aren’t generous, recommend on dish per person except for the calamari):
Prosciutto e Melone — Simple and satisfying
Carpaccio di Tonno — Yum. Light and delicate sliced ahi.
Calamari Fritti — great. Wished they had the tentacles too but that’s just me.
Artichoke Salad — Ok
Insalata Bella — Good
Burrata — Good
Insalata Latini — Good
Le Zuppe:
Ribollita — too much vegetables for me to handle, but it good if you really like vegetables.
Pasta e Fagioli — Hands down, the best pasta e fagioli you will ever have in CA!
Zuppa del giorno — all vegetarian and non-​dairy. Sometimes needs salt, but great.
Insalate Entrée:
Insalata di Tonno — Good. see above. just a larger portion.
Lobster Salad — Really good, although they cook the lobster fresh so the salad tends to be warm when you get it.
Chicken Caesar — The chef makes a mean caesar dressing. I really do enjoy this salad.
I Risotti:
Risotto di Aragosta — One of my favorite dishes on the menu. Ask to put asparagus in the dish. It’s really good. Heats up well for leftovers, too.
Paste e Farinacei:
Homemade Gnocchi — Although very good, I kinda wished it came with some kind of meat.
Linguini alla Salsiccia — Good.
Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare — Second favorite dish. Love it. The flavors are wonderful.
Linguine alle Vongole — Lighter of the pasta dishes and another favorite. Mouthwatering.
Orecchitte alla Busara — Yum.
Cappellini con Scampi — Not a fan of thin pastas, but with spaghetti it’s really good.
Homemade Ravioli:
Aragosta — Small portion, yet DELICIOUS! Another favorite when I feel like having something rich in taste.
Carne Pesce e Pollami:
Piccata di Pollo — One of the best you’ll have in LA. Accompanied by steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes. Really delightful.
Chicken Parmiggiana — Really good. Breaded chicken, marina, mozarella. Can’t go wrong.
Scaloppine di Maiale — Really good too, but pretty heavy for me to handle.
NY Steak — The best.
Tortino di Granchio — Save your money, the portion is tiny compared to the rest of the dishes.
Pesce Bianco — Really good.
Salmone Organico alla Griglia — Healthy. Light. Delicious.
Sogliola alla Mugnaia — Very delicious.
Alaska Halibut — Good.
Dessert:
Italalian Cheesecake — Good, but not the best on the menu
Panna Cotta — THE BEST THING ON EARTH! Nothing compares
Chocolate Mousse — Same as the cheesecake
Coppa di Mascarpone — Alright
Chocolate Truffle — Honestly, if you want decadence… here it is. Worth every bite!
Homemade Gelato — Actually pretty darn tasty. Try them all!
Homemade Sorbet — Mango is my favorite.