Los Angeles is a city of reinvention—where old meets new, where cultures collide, and where the culinary landscape is as dynamic as the skyline. And on a crisp January night, with the glow of Downtown LA’s high-rises reflecting in the pavement, I found myself into Settecento, the latest venture from Global Dining Inc. This wasn’t just another Italian restaurant trying to make its mark—it was a symphony of history, taste, and artistry, set against the backdrop of Maguire Gardens and just steps from The Last Bookstore and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
From the moment I arrived, Settecento felt like stepping into a grand Italian piazza, right in the middle of LA. Outdoor seating offered a front-row seat to the city’s heartbeat, while inside, a different magic unfolded—a space alive with hanging violins, cellos, and guitars suspended above the marble-clad bar, a tribute to the city’s rich artistic heritage. The bar itself? A masterpiece crafted with antique books, all sourced from The Last Bookstore, a nod to LA’s literary soul. Across the room, the wood-fired pizza oven radiated warmth, a promise of something truly special.
A Culinary Journey Through Italy: The Food Experience
Food, when done right, should tell a story. And at Settecento, the menu reads like a love letter to Italy’s most cherished traditions.
Antipasti: Caldi Polpo Grigliato
The grilled octopus, delicately charred, arrived with a medley of green beans, potatoes, and olives—a coastal breeze of Mediterranean flavors. Each bite was tender yet smoky, the briny pop of the olives balancing the natural sweetness of the octopus.
Salad: Caprese, Reimagined
You’ve had a Caprese before—but here, tomatoes so ripe they tasted like summer mingled with creamy mozzarella and a vibrant basil sauce that lingered on the palate. Simple, yet filled with so much flavor.
Pizza: Funghi & Salsiccia—An Ode to the Wood-Fired Oven
The moment this beauty hit the table, the aroma of earthy mushrooms, sizzling Italian sausage, and bubbling mozzarella made it impossible to resist. The charred, airy crust carried a whisper of smoke, a reminder of the time-honored Neapolitan tradition that birthed it. A drizzle of olive oil, a final sprinkle of parsley—perfection.
Pasta: Cannelloni alla Genovese di Manzo—Layers of Comfort
This dish was Italian soul food at its finest—delicate pasta sheets wrapped around rich, slow-braised beef cheek, all bathed in a velvety celery root potato puree. The deep, wine-infused sauce clung to each bite, coaxing out a depth of flavor that only time and patience can create.
Secondi: Guancia Brasata—The Heart of the Meal
If love had a flavor, it might taste like this. The beef cheek, braised until fork-tender, melted at the first touch, releasing an intoxicating blend of red wine, rosemary, and caramelized onions. Served with baby carrots and celery root puree, it was both rustic and refined—comfort wrapped in luxury.
Dolci: Cannolo Siciliano—A Sweet Farewell
By the time dessert arrived, I was ready to surrender. But when a perfectly crisp cannolo, filled with silky ricotta, kissed with orange zest and dark chocolate was set before me, resistance was futile. Each bite was a crunch, a creaminess, a whisper of citrus and spice—a fitting finale to a meal that was nothing short of poetic.
Beyond the Plate: The Settecento Experience
Here, Italian mixology takes center stage, reimagining classics like the Negroni with a Tuscan twist, or the Venetian Spritz, kissed with elderflower and Prosecco. And while you sip, the space comes alive with live music, making it the only restaurant in Downtown LA with an outdoor stage dedicated to Italian classics and jazz nights.
The restaurant’s interior blends modern elegance with Old-World charm—floor-to-ceiling wine cellars, Renaissance artwork, and that iconic chandelier of instruments hanging over the bar, paying tribute to LA’s legendary music halls.
And then there’s the location—just blocks from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, across from The Last Bookstore, and nestled in the lush, historic Maguire Gardens. It feels like a secret waiting to be discovered, a place where New York’s energy meets Italy’s romance, right here in LA.
Final Thoughts: Why Settecento is Downtown LA’s Newest Must-Visit Restaurant
In a city that never stops reinventing itself, Settecento is a reminder that some things—good food, great music, and the joy of gathering—are timeless.
The wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and expertly crafted cocktails make this a must for Italian food lovers, but it’s the ambiance, the artistry, and the attention to detail that elevate it to something more. Whether you’re sipping a Negroni under the stars, sharing a plate of truffle-infused pasta, or losing yourself in a live performance with a glass of Barolo in hand, Settecento is an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Settecento invites you to slow down, to savor, to experience Italy in the heart of LA. And once you go, you’ll be counting down the days until your next visit. settecentodtla.com
Address: 700 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles
Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (Breakfast 7 a.m.-11 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-10 p.m.)
Friday, 7 a.m.-Midnight (Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-10 p.m.)
Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-Midnight (Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m.-12 a.m.)
Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Settecento
