A Reimagined Classic with a Timeless Soul, there’s something special about dining at The Americana at Brand—a mix of elegance and energy, where people congregate and the glow of string lights create a scene straight out of an Italian piazza. Trattoria Amici, a name synonymous with classic Italian hospitality, has made its much-anticipated return, embracing a new era of elevated dining while preserving the warmth and authenticity that made it a staple for nearly two decades.
Led by Tancredi DeLuca and Executive Chef Ezio Puccioni, the reimagined Trattoria Amici delivers a menu that balances tradition with innovation, featuring tableside presentations, handcrafted pastas, and a refined selection of Italian wines and cocktails. Whether settling into the plush interior or basking in the lively outdoor patio, guests are in for a dining experience that feels luxurious yet effortless.
The Setting: Italian Elegance Meets California Ease
Sitting at Trattoria Amici’s outdoor patio, surrounded by the lush greenery and golden glow of The Americana, it’s easy to see why this spot is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The open-air setting, with its white tablecloths, neutral-toned seating, and terracotta flooring, sets the stage for a meal that feels as intimate as it does upscale.
Inside, the restaurant exudes timeless sophistication—a stylish marble-topped bar with sleek gold accents, an extensive wine wall, and a seamless indoor-outdoor layout that allows for a breezy, al fresco ambiance. It’s classic Italian charm meets modern LA refinement—a space that invites conversation, indulgence, and lingering over a bottle of wine.
Just steps away sits Ombre Wine Bar, Trattoria Amici’s intimate sister concept, offering a curated selection of wines and artisanal cocktails—a perfect prelude or nightcap to the main event.
The Food: A Sensory Journey Through Italy
The best Italian meals are not just eaten—they’re experienced. From the moment the fresh, house-baked bread arrives, served with rich olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, the tone is set for a deeply satisfying, ingredient-driven meal.
The frittura di calamari, a crisp of golden calamari and green zucchini, is light yet rich in flavor, the spicy pomodoro sauce adding a nice acidic contrast. Then there’s the burrata con peperoni e olive, where creamy burrata melts into the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers and the briny depth of niçoise olives, each bite balanced on a piece of grilled ciabatta.
But for something that truly stands out, the insalata di calamari is an unexpected revelation—grilled to perfection, kissed by citrus, and paired with marinated tomatoes and mixed greens, offering a fresh, smoky and slightly charred complexity.
Pizza here is made with care and the pizza con patate e guanciale is proof of that. A white pizza layered with red bliss potato, melted leeks, shaved garlic and crispy pork guanciale, it delivers a rich, savory bite with just the right amount of crisp and chew. The potatoes add an unexpected heartiness, while the guanciale infuses each bite with a deep, umami-packed flavor.
Few dishes capture the essence of classic Italian dining quite like the sogliola alla mugnaia, an imported Dover sole, filleted tableside, ensuring a nice presentation. The fish, delicately pan-fried in butter and lemon, is tender and flaky, proving that sometimes, the simplest preparations can be delicious.
For those seeking land over sea, the braised lamb shank is a standout—fall-off-the-bone, slow-cooked in rich aromatics, and paired with organic polenta, topped with an herbaceous Italian gremolata that lifts the dish with notes of garlic, lemon, and parsley.
Trattoria Amici’s beverage program is a love letter to Italian winemaking, with a selection that highlights both biodynamic and female-led vineyards, alongside California varietals from Napa to Paso Robles.
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino paired seamlessly with the braised lamb, its deep cherry and spice notes enhancing the dish’s richness. Meanwhile, the 2021 Vermentino from Sardinia offered a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the Dover sole, making each sip feel like a breeze off the Amalfi Coast.
Beyond wine, the cocktail list features elevated takes on classics—from a limoncello spritz that refreshes with just the right amount of effervescence to an Aviation cocktail that balances floral and citrus notes.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, house-made sodas and herb-infused mocktails ensure that every guest finds a perfect pairing
So Why Dine in Trattoria Amici?
Dining at Trattoria Amici is a fun experience, elevated for the modern diner. The thoughtful tableside presentations, great service, and refined menu make it a must-eat when you visit The Americana at Brand. For date nights, celebratory dinners, or a relaxed afternoon of wine and antipasti, Trattoria Amici delivers a setting that feels both intimate and celebratory—where every meal is an occasion.
Whether you come for the hand-crafted pasta, seafood, or the wine list that keeps you lingering long after dessert, this is a place where Italian tradition meets California cool. For more information visit amicila.com
📍 Trattoria Amici at The Americana at Brand, 783 Americana Way, Glendale
⏰ Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Photo credits: Image Courtesy of WonHo Frank Lee
