Los Angeles is a city of reinvention, but some places don’t need reinvention—just a return to tradition. Ettore Vino e Cucina, now open at The Original Farmers Market, does exactly that, blending old-world Italian craftsmanship with the energy of one of LA’s most historic dining hubs. A collaboration between Osteria Mamma and Ettore Winery, this restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s an experience that feels both familiar and revelatory.
A Setting That Tells a Story
Positioned just steps from The Grove, Ettore Vino e Cucina sits at the crossroads of luxury and history, offering an open, airy view of the bustling Original Farmers Market. Inside, the space is a blend of warm, rustic charm and sophisticated European refinement. Shelves stocked with imported Italian ingredients line the walls, inviting diners to take a piece of the experience home. The wine selection, sourced from Ettore’s certified organic winery in Mendocino, takes center stage—featuring small-batch, terroir-driven varietals that highlight the artistry of Italian-born winemaker Ettore Biraghi and Sofia Rivier.
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light by day, while candlelit tables and soft pendant lighting set an intimate mood at night. The open, airy layout extends to the outdoor seating area, offering a view of The Original Farmers Market’s lively energy. Ettore feels like a blend of an Italian wine cellar and a cozy farmhouse kitchen, perfect for gathering, sharing, and savoring the moment.
A Menu That Honors Italian Tradition
At Ettore Vino e Cucina, Italian cooking is stripped down to its essence—quality ingredients, simple execution, and deep, soulful flavors.
The experience begins with a table set with house-made organic olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar—an unspoken invitation to slow down and savor. The focaccia della casa, baked fresh daily, is the perfect vehicle for this pairing, a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying.
Among the small plates, the ceci fritti stood out—a dish of fried garbanzo beans dusted with Aleppo pepper, offering a contrast of crunch and warmth. The fave e rapini, a fava bean purée with rapini and fried dough, balanced richness with earthy bitterness, proving that Italian cuisine is about texture as much as taste.
For the main course, the stinchetto d’agnello—a braised lamb shank with soft potatoes, carrots, and kale—felt like a dish pulled straight from an Italian countryside kitchen. Slow-cooked in red wine, tomatoes, and broth, the lamb fell effortlessly from the bone, the flavors deep, aromatic, and undeniably comforting. It was rustic yet refined, the kind of meal that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
For those who appreciate organic, handcrafted wines, Ettore’s lineup is a masterclass in balance and elegance. The 2019 Ettore Rosso, with its deep ruby hue and layers of blackberry, currant, clove, and dark chocolate, was a seamless pairing for my meal. Rich, silky, and expressive, it elevated every dish, proving that great wine doesn’t overpower—it enhances.
More Than a Meal—A True Italian Experience
Dining at Ettore Vino e Cucina is about more than the food—it’s about the ritual, the wine, and the feeling of being transported. The space is welcoming yet elevated, perfect for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a long, lingering meal with friends.
The commitment to organic, sustainable ingredients, from the hand-harvested wines to the thoughtfully sourced olive oil and produce, speaks to a philosophy of quality over excess. With 100 indoor and patio seats, it’s also the largest sit-down restaurant at The Original Farmers Market, making it a standout destination for those who appreciate the art of Italian cooking.
For those looking to take the experience home, Ettore wines can also be purchased directly from the restaurant or ettore.wine. Plus see the listing of Etorre in the Farmer’s Market at farmersmarketla.com
Address: Ettore Vino e Cucina at The Original Farmers Market
Hours: Open Daily: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Photo credits: Image Courtesy of Rocco Ceselin
