50 Best Italian Restaurants near Gardena

“I woke up craving Spaghetti and Meatballs..and found this place.. Ordered a full pastrami sandwich and spaghetti and meatballs..Upon arrival, i realized that I have been in this place before, about 25 years ago or so.The spaghetti and meatballs was phenomenal, with 3 meatballs, and sauce to spaghetti ratio on point.Pastrami sandwich had the perfect moisture and flavor, just the right amount of mustard, would have like a bit more pickles but still a great sandwich.I hate that I didn't get the names of those who attended to me, but 100% great customer service.Safe to say. This is going to be a must go to for me at least once a month..“

“Super friendly service! After 20 years since my first time, they STILL have $1 salad. Nothing has changed. I love that about this place. It's like a little family. It's very hard for me to pick pasta since i am not familiar with the names, but every time i pick something (always different), it comes out good. Would always come back to this. Plus, there is an ARMY cashier here. IYKYK. ?“

“I ordered a pizza to be delivered and it arrived quickly. The pizza was very good. I especially liked the thin crust. It had the perfect amount of toppings, everything was evenly distributed. It was delicious. One of the best pizzas I've had. Will definitely be ordering from ASAP again.“

“One thing about Uber Eats is you get to discover great places to eat. This restaurant was local and had very good food. I love Calamari and there are a lot of ways to prepare it. Fried is my favorite and this spot didn't disappoint ? here the calamari is mixed with big pieces of shrimp and tomato pasta sauce. I will return to try more on the menu, the smell when you walk in boi!!“

“Located in the strip mall next to Starz (or what was Starz Strip Club) The food is freshhhh and although the outside is not so attractive. They make up for it with the taste of the food. Service is okay, I usually come for the food but everyone is nice enough. If in the area and wanting to try some fresh pizza, stop by and grab a pie!“

“Wonderful! Italian eatery Gardena has a lot of great food And lomelli's is par for the course. They're always busy. Always friendly and the food is always great. There's old school charm. Reminds me of Little Italy in New York City.“

“Little mini mall area where you wouldn’t expect a FANTASTIC meal! Our waiter suggested the kale salad and rigatoni, and WOW this did NOT disappoint. I am extremely picky and kale salads are not exactly my cup of tea, but this salad was INCREDIBLE. Little bit of spice, refreshing, and delicious. We also had a couple of their premium drinks that were also refreshing and worth the expensive price tag. We had the rigatoni and the tonnarelli (which we’ve had in actual Italy) for our mains and both dishes were superb-we shared :) definitely recommend this place based on the AMAZING food, the great service (love a server who suggests the best things on the menu and isn’t just saying it when it doesn’t fulfill), quick service (we never waited long for anything), and overall atmosphere. When I miss taking pictures of the food for a review because it is THAT good, that’s a good sign!“

“One of my favorite Venice spots! The food is delicious, the service outstanding. Absolutely have the ricotta crostini with the gluten free bread (trust me) and the raw Brussels sprouts salad.Dietary restrictions: Great gluten free options and knowledgeable staff“

“This restaurant is fantastic!!!The food is always great.. full portions and reasonably priced... the Della Casa salad is our favorite.. which has both heats of palm and artichoke hearts and a wonderful light dressing... all pastas are great... we had the sea bass which was fresh and was served with veggies and potatoes. Love this restaurant and when the weather gets better the outdoor patio is fantastic.. 1/2 a block in from the beach... Excellent service and atmosphere.“

“We came on a Friday for lunch and it was nice and quiet. The staff are friendly and nice. The bread was complimentary and came out warm. Delicious Diavola Pizza was delicious. The spicy kick was well balanced with the sweetness of the honey. The crust was not floppy or soggy, but soft with a slight crunch. The gnocchi was soft. My husband liked the pine nuts in the pesto sauce. Branzino: This was my favorite dish. The sea bass was nice and light. The capers and lemon complimented the fish nicely. The asparagus was cooked perfectly. The potatoes were good and some had a nice crisp. Blanca Dessert was okay. I liked the chocolate and crunch of the cookie crust, but it was mostly cream. Definitely a great place to try with reasonable prices!“

“Decent atmosphere, kinda dark and fairly loud. Food was over all good. The meatballs were good, but nothing crazy. The ricotta wip was a good addition to them and the bread was good and crispy. The mushrooms lasagna was absolutely over powered by the balsamic and wayyyy too sweet. The egg pizza was delicious from the dough to the toppings. The desserts however were best described by my friend as grocery store desserts. Tiramisu was ok, missing half a layer... Strawberry shortcake a hard pass. Neither worth it imo.“

“Amazing food, the buratta caprese was excellent. Showed up 45 minutes before my reservation and they got me a table within 10 minutes. Wine and desserts were top notch. Seafood pasta on point. It was a busy dinner rush so there were some longer than usual waits to getting refills, more bread, getting the check. But overall the atmosphere and food make it a must visit.“

“The ambience of the restaurant is really nice and the staff were very friendly. Brian H was our waiter and he was very nice - since it was my first time at the restaurant he gave us some Pura Vita pins and stickers which was a nice surprise. I enjoyed all of the food we ordered and would come back and try more dishes.“

“After a terrible wait at Neighbors we went across the street to Superfood and they went above and beyond to make sure we had an incredible experience. This place is a must try!!! Incredible food and drinks for a reasonable price, kind and friendly servers, clean and warm ambiance. I’ll definitely support this business whenever possible and you should too!“

“Awesome experience! There were a lot of people, but we were seated right away. The wait staff checked on us frequently. The drinks and food came out in very good time. A great and cheerful atmosphere. The garlic bread was to die for! Caesar salad was simple and delicious. My standards on pasta are very high - there are very few places that make the cut, but C&O Trattoria made it quite easily - al dente. I almost never eat pasta anymore - likely been years as I do low carb most of the time. An excellent cheat meal - we had the spaghetti and meatballs. Great Limoncello Martini. I look forward to coming back, thank you!“

“Pasta Sisters is a real treat and on our list of places to dine at whenever we’re in Culver City. Our kids love it here and their pasta always comes out so good. The never ending bread service is amazing as well. Today we tried the Bottarga, Tomato and Basil topped with burrata, and the Truffle from the Not So Secret menu. We took a tiramisu to go because we were so stuffed. Afterwards we walked our pasta off at a few of the furniture stores within walking distance.“

“We found this place on Yelp when searching for a good brunch spot in the area. We ordered a few chef recommendations including the spicy southern fried chicken burger, peach salad (my friend), spaghetti and a few others. The burger is great and the bun is slightly crispy which is exactly I am looking for in a gourmet burger. The sauce is well balanced with a slight tanginess. I wish the side fried potatoes could be a little more though.I also ordered an Americano. Interestingly they served you a shot of espresso and let yourself add hot water to your like. Appreciate the touch.The place can get busy on a weekend. We only called 15 mins prior to our arrival without reservation, and were pleasantly surprised we had a seat once we checked in.“

“I would give this tiny restaurant a 4.75 out of 5 to be honest.I had the fajitas with mixed meats of chicken, asada and shrimp, it was cooked perfectly. The rice was good, though I thought it was a little bland.The only thing I didn’t care for were the refried beans. They were watery and lacked flavor, but the rest of my food was great! The staff were so nice and so friendly it made up for the beans.If I were to visit again I would definitely try the cocktails, they looked delicious!It is a very small restaurant from the outside, if you’re not paying attention you could miss it. Once inside it’s a good size and beautiful space. Very clean too.“

“I’m actually blown away by my experience here. The food and hospitality given to us was amazing. I’m definitely coming back the first opportunity I have. There is a wait time for food but everything is freshly made and it reflects in the quality of food. GO EAT “

“Love their pasta and order delivery often but had a babysitter last weekend so we got to go to the actual space for the first time. Very lively and cozy and friendly - the staff and clientele alike. We've yet to encounter a dish we haven't loved. The papperdelle and bucatini are my favorites, and our family enjoyed the mushroom fettuccine and lamb gnocchi. The shrimp diavola and the meatballs make excellent sides/starters. All of the desserts are fantastic - pannacotta is a huge hit, tiramisu is on point and Nutella bites are a pretty unique snack-size dessert.“

“Title: A Plant-Based Paradise: Julie Goes Green Delights Taste Buds! Julie Goes Green is a culinary gem that every food enthusiast must experience! From the moment you step through the door, the vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff set the stage for a truly exceptional dining experience. Let's talk about the stars of the show - the vegan shrimp and vegan chicken strips. The vegan shrimp is a revelation - succulent, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with flavor. The accompanying sauce, a tantalizing blend of onion and vinegar, elevates the dish to new heights. Each bite is a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more. Next up, the vegan chicken strips paired with the vegan ranch. Spectacular doesn't even begin to describe the explosion of flavors in this dish. The crispy texture of the chicken strips combined with the creamy richness of the ranch dressing is a match made in plant-based heaven. You'll be hard-pressed to believe that these dishes are entirely vegan! Julie Goes Green is a haven for those seeking delicious, cruelty-free cuisine that doesn't compromise on taste. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or a curious foodie looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and passion that goes into every dish. In conclusion, Julie Goes Green is a culinary delight that exceeds all expectations. With innovative dishes like the vegan shrimp and vegan chicken strips, this restaurant is redefining plant-based dining. Do yourself a favor and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience at Julie Goes Green - you won't be disappointed! Sorry no pics because each dish was devoured!“

“The service at this place was phenomenal. I was craving aglio olio e peperoncino and asked if they could make it for me even though it was not on their menu, and they did. It did taste great ? the mussel and veal dishes were satisfying but not phenomenal though.“

“We took our son-in-law and daughter out for his birthday. Everyone enjoyed their food very much. The only reason I didn't give five stars was that I had requested a quiet table out of the restaurant traffic, but we ended up next to the bar, in passing traffic. I have a serious hearing loss and very much wanted to enjoy the conversation. The staff is always helpful and delightful, very professional.“

“CASH ONLY. Unless you order online on your phone in front of the guy at the counter or use the cash machine to withdraw money for a $3 fee. Both are ridiculous. Pizza was pretty good! I will go back with cash in hand some day because the food was worth it.“

“Love this place been going for more than 15 years, it's a small spot and great flavor , order takes like an hour if they're busy never bothers us we call ahead of time, probably the best pizza for me honestly my family moved away not far but they still come and get pizza , im local palms resident and it will forever be my spot , the owners are the best the sweetest , just real food and people 100% and we usually get x large or large pepperoni , I sometimes get a calzone just for me hehe with pepperoni and mushrooms yummm th e pizza I suppose is thinner crust, love it ! The best !“

“My family and I come here pretty regularly. The food and service is always fantastic! We especially love the garlic knots, the wings and the meatballs. Pizza is incredible as well! The fettucine alfredo is REALLY delicious as well, one of the best I've ever had. One thing we were not impressed with however was the chocolate cake, so I wouldn't recommend it. But then again we don't come here for the dessert!“

“I am glad to see this New Romantic and hip restaurant take over this spot. It is beautiful and great for groups. Staff is kind and helpful. Parking options include self paid parking as well as valet. If you want free parking you will have to walk quite a bit. Prices and portions are as expected. Everything was delicious including the pesto and Tierra Donna pasta, branzino, mushroom and margarita (not a margarita fan since the sauce is normally whatever and there isn't enough cheese but this one is my fav since it has a good amount of cheese and the tomato sauce is robust) pizza but my favorites include the eggplant parm (my favorite one as it was delicious without being a messy heavy dish), tortellini, arancini, and their sundae/ice cream. A great spot if you are a vegetarian. We got salads as well including the Caesar but in the future I would skip them to make more room for the other items.“

“First time in tonight and we we’re greeted at the door and offered a piece of delicious bread while we decide to eat here or not. The hostess was super kind and the waiter was super helpful with our order on the specialties of the house. The Pink sauce ?. Definitely coming back!“

“I am a lover of Italian food! Overall the place was good. Everything seemed fresh and had good flavor. We ordered the burrata appetizer, which was decent. I appreciated that they had 2 types of gluten free pasta. They made the other pastas in house. Worth a try if you are craving Italian food and are in the area.“

“This place is so cute! I loved the atmosphere, decorations, and friendliness of the staff. We had no trouble finding parking or getting seated. Our food came out quick and was delicious. The star of the show was definitely the shrimp. I’d recommend the milanesa as well.“

“We were greeted very cheerfully. The server was polite and helpful. My pizza was excellent. The crust was baked perfectly. The meat and vegetables were fresh and high quality. My wife had the spaghetti with bolognese sauce which she enjoyed. The prices were reasonable. My wife had a glass of Chablis for $5. It is the perfect Mom and Pop privately owned restaurant. Can't wait for my next visit.“

“Very nice elegant restaurant I really loved the vibe and how once you enter you go up the stairs to a totally chill vibe with a view ! very discreet . The service was fast and the food was tasty and well cooked I came after walking out of Coastal up the street.The server at Radici was great and focused.“

“This place is a South Bay gem! The coffee is the best I have found in our area, the owner/staff are super friendly, and the food is fresh & delicious. In the morning, it's packed but service is still efficient. Highly recommend stopping by and grabbing a latte and a crostini!“

“I walked by this place a million times and it's always busy but for some reason I never expected much. Boy, was I wrong! The pasta here was perfectly made. The staff were friendly and efficient. The timing of the courses was spot on. I didn't even mind the wait when we arrived, we went for a walk around the marina and enjoyed the view and they texted when the table was ready. Best of all: did I mention the pasta? It was absolutely delicious!“

“A small inconspicuous storefront 2 doors down from Wise tires on LA Brea in Inglewood. Walked in and immediately swept up into a comfortable and inviting small space that was all Italian restaurant.The menu was large and prices were extremely reasonable. Food was prepared fresh to order and tasted like food at any of the finest 5 Star Italian restaurant I have ever eaten at.Delicious, wonderful, all made with fresh ingredients and flavor that overwhelmed the senses.I had the meatball sandwich lunch special, including chips and a drink. It came out of the kitchen completely filling the plate. I have a large appetite and could only manage to finish half of it. Huge portions!All of this for $12.95, you can't find a fast food equivalent for that price anymore, let alone fresh prepared like this.I was amazed at this hidden gem ?.No matter where you are, it is well worth a trip to Inglewood for some of the finest Italian food.“

“Can't go wrong with complimentary fresh baked bread served warm. Love Fritto Misto. We've dined in a few times and ordered takeout once. All experiences have been fantastic with staff & food, although on one visit my sauce was broken and I should have sent it back but definitely not a deterrent from future visits. Pasta is definitely made in house along with pretty much everything else. Some of the specials & really complex pasta dishes can be on the pricier side. I appreciate how affordable the simple choose your pasta & sauce option is. They don't accept reservations. This spot can be really busy during normal dinner times but if you go before 6:30 you can generally get a table easily, no problem. If you take any of their pasta to go and need to reheat it, do it on the stove & not in the microwave..“

“Most charming Italian restaurant in the Southbay! Chef David Slay always gets the best ingredients for freshness and flavors of Italy. The made daily focaccia bread to start is a must! We love the lasagna, chicken piccata and mushroom and fennel pizza!“

“Very lovely place in Playa del Rey, the service was very attentive and had a nice local ambiance. We had the seafood pasta, four cheese pizza and spinach and mozzarella salad. The pasta was very well made and had a nice variety of seafood. The salad was basic and made well. The pizza was a little disappointing as it was too dry and we ended up putting the salad on top to eat. Overall a wonderful place and would recommend.“

“I can’t say enough about Lido! I personally love the food, atmosphere and staff. I have also had several events in the back patio area, including a monthly Kiwanis meeting, and they are always seamless. Lisa, Carlos, Javier and the rest of the team always make sure everything runs smoothly. If you are just going to dinner or throwing a party this is a great spot!“

“Hi Ruthie! Here's a 5-star review for your favorite Italian restaurant: I absolutely love dining at Nando! The authentic Italian food transports me right back to Italy with every bite. The ambiance is cozy and inviting. The staff is incredibly attentive and welcoming everytime we dine there. I highly recommend trying their gnocchi- it's my favorite item on the menu. Local insider tip - the family style lasagna for takeout is absolutely delicious and incredibly reasonably priced!“

“Went here tonight cause it was a block away from the Motel 6 I was staying at. The place is small, but has a great homey feel you'd expect from a Mariscos place. I got the Baja shrimp burrito. They brought me a chicken burrito first by mistake and it was really tasty, I almost just ate it and didnt say anything, but was in the mood for shrimp. A man who I assume is either the manager or owner kept going up to me to make sure I was ok. He really went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy. The burrito was great. I've had better, but absolutely no complaints. I'd normally give this 4 stars being that they gave me the wrong dish and it wasn't exactly mind blowing. But the manager was so cool that I can't help but give it 5 stars. Also the Molcajete looked and smelled amazing so I'm gonna assume that's the thing to get.“

“Taste 10/10Value 10/10Service 10/10Highlights:- Hawaiian pizza was very good and I’m sure their other pizzas would be equally good too because their pizza crust taste perfect & the amount of cheese & sauce used are the right amounts.- Chicken black sauce pasta is the bomb. 1 of the tastiest pastas I’ve had and the you’d want more the more you eat it. Highly recommended ?“

“Best vegan pizza in LA!! The crust is perfect, the plant-based cheese is the best I’ve ever had, and all in all it’s delicious! I miss the vegan lovers though :/. Thankfully you can replace cheese for the vegan cheese on any pizza, but I loved the toppings before! It’s also pretty pricey…Vegetarian options: Very vegan-friendly!“

“BEST PIZZA IN THE SOUTH BAY! My boyfriend introduced me to this little gem a few years ago and I can honestly say any other pizza I try since doesn't come close to the amazing taste that Jack's pizza makes. We're lucky enough to live 3 minutes away from this place, so we usually pick up and bring the pie home, but it's always piping hot and perfection every time. I honestly don't go anywhere else for pizza since my first bite of Jack's pizza, and I can pretty much guarantee you won't either. This place has been around for a long long time, I think somewhere around the 80's and I hope they stay around making magic in the kitchen for many years to come. A sincere thanks to all the staff at Jack's! Stay awesome and don't change!“

“Opted for italian and glad we did. Michaels never dissapoints. Excellent customer service, fabulous delicious cuisine, excellent wine and bubbly selection and dessert to die for. Heated patio which made for a comfty dining experience. I had the Linguini with Salmon off the limited menu and let me tell you, absolutely spectacular dish. Try it while is available. Paired that with some prosseco and yummy! Started with roasted veggies, highly highly reccommend, utter yummyness roasted to perfection. Crunchy, fresh and flavorful. Paired that with Calamari delight! Capped it off with an on the house Tiramissu (not sure if i spelled it right) in a glass. IF YOU DONT HAVE DESSERT, you must make an exception for this, my eyes literally rolled to the back of my head on the first taste! "I'll have what shes having" type of reaction! A must try. We paired that with vanilla bean ice cream, delicious. Top that off with excellent top of the line customer service. 5 stars!“

“Evening food is INCREDIBLE - like you’re in Italy. People are wonderful, especially the GM and head waiter. They make you feel very welcome. Only complaints - no vintages on wine list, no corkage. Food and wine list is also overpriced. And while I complain about the bill every time I come here, we go back. Because the food is incredible, the people are wonderful and you feel like you’re not in Hermosa Beach, but transported to somewhere else.“

“My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday and he chose it because we were going to the Opera after to see La Traviata, so he wanted to make a theme night. The restaurant is small and quaint. They had live music. The decor is very simple, a bit rustic? But had some very pretty chandeliers. You must have reservations and must arrive on time. Our server was very polite and was quick at answering questions and making suggestions. I ordered the Chicken Milanese, and my husband had the Lasagna. Both were very delicious. We did not have any wine although it looked like they had a good selection and we opted for no dessert (good selection as well), as our meals were pretty good size. We both liked it and would go back. This restaurant has been open for 25 yrs.Parking: There is a public parking structure but it was a block away. Street parking is metered“

“Mama Says Italian restaurant, conveniently located in the Rolling Hills plaza next to Whole Foods, proved to be a delightful discovery. The review praises the excellent food made to order at a reasonable price. The mixed seafood pasta ordered to-go was perfectly seasoned, with noodles cooked to the ideal texture, not overdone. The addition of the carrot soup, with its enjoyable blend of seasoning and just the right amount of cream, complemented the meal nicely. Definitely, be back to try other pasta dishes.“

“Went on a Tuesday so it was pretty empty but was the coziest vibe for a girl check in with a friend! Lots of options on drink menu, I got wine but my friend tried the Mai Guy and I had a sip and it was tasty. Great slightly upscale little bar for conversation and just cozy vibes. Loved the decor as well!“

“Our first meal at Cantalini's was a family reunion of sorts. The food was tremendous and the service fantastic. So good that my husband and I went back for lunch on our own a couple of days later. Definitely try the grilled veggie sandwich, the pasta special--whatever it is, and the cannoli. You won't be disappointed!“