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It took me quite some time to finally dine at Osteria Mozza, and I can’t believe it did!!  With locations in Los Angeles and Singapore, Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Nancy Silverton offer high-end Italian fair, complimented by an elegant dining roomwith a Mozzarella Bar as the main centerpiece.  There is a full liquor bar backed by spectacular millwork and white marble bar tops.  The mozzarella, burrata, bocconcini and stracciatella are prepared fresh daily.  Other menu items include artisanal salumi and handmade pasta along with seafood and meat dishes.

I will mainly focus here on my first dining experience and overall recommendations.  I was surprised to learn that even after being open for years it is still difficult to get a reservation.  I tried to make a reservation a week in advance and there were already no mid-evening reservations available—only 6:30pm or after 9pm.  But after dining here I completely understand why they are still bustling with business—the quality is fabulous—the restaurant was packed all night.  When my friend and I arrived we were promptly seated and experienced great service.   There is an extensive wine list, great for pairing, and the sommelier is very helpful and not pretentious.  The meal is meant to be several courses so dishes are smaller than one would expect from an Italian restaurant.  The plates are also great for sharing.   The menu is split into 4 Italian sections: antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci.

The meal starts with a complimentary amouse bouche; there are several different ones served throughout the restaurant.  We happened to get the crostini with goat’s milk cheese, olive tapenade & basil which is one of my favorites.  The quality and freshness is evident immediately and the cheese melts in your mouth.

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I enjoyed this starter with a refreshing grapefruit cocktail.

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ANTIPASTI

To get a feel for the restaurant, a good appetizer to start with is any of the fresh mozzarella dishes. Featured here is the burricotta with braised artichokes, pine nuts, currants & mint pesto ($16).  The presentation of the artichoke along with the flavors and textures of the garnishes made this dish truly impressive!

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PRIMI

The mid-courses consist of various pasta dishes.  A standout dish that is a must try is the Ricotta & Egg Raviolo with browned butter ($20).  It is one raviolo and is meant to be cut down the center so the yoke can flow and blend with the ricotta, browned butter and sage.

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This dish literally melts in your mouth, with the buttery sauce, soft ricotta and egg.  It is not too rich and should be enjoyed till the very last bite.

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There are many other handmade pastas to choose from but these simple dishes are a must try as well: Orechiette with sausage and swiss chard, a nice smoky flavor ($20).  Tagliatelle with oxtail or lamb ragu, a nice homey dish with great texture of the pasta and flavor of the ragu ($21).

SECONDI

The main course dishes feature meat and fish.  The dishes are also larger portions than the previous courses.  We had the Grilled Beef Tagliata, rucola & parmigiano with aceto balsamico ($33).  The beef was grilled to perfection.  The balsamic gave the dish a very unique flavor, melding deliciously with the meat and offsetting the spice of the arugala and, of course, the parmigiano.

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DOLCI

Definitely finish off the delectable meal with some cappuccino and a dessert.  One of the most popular desserts is the Bombolini ($12).

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These Italian doughnuts are quite addictive especially with the huckleberry marmellata & vanilla gelato. This is paired nicely with a cappuccino (I am a sucker for the cappuccino art as well).

Overall, the food is high quality with nice presentation. The staff is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable and the meal is timed nicely with good spacing between courses.  The service is  great, the servers rarely leave the tableside yet it never feels like anyone is hovering.  Should someone excuse themself from the table a server is right there to re-fold their napkin, as well as pull out their chair upon their return.

The restaurant is pricey, but the quality and experience are worth it.  I do not usually jump at restaurants by celebrity chefs, which is why it took me so long to try this one, but the food really does not disappoint.  Reservations are strongly recommended for a table and can conveniently be made on OpenTable.  There is also the option of eating at the Mozarella bar, the full menu is offered, which is first come first serve.  For early birds there is a $35 tasting menu at the Mozerella bar on weekdays. Parking is tough in the area, but there is valet parking for $10 in the evening.   I recommend this place for special occasions, date nights or when you just feel like treating yourself to a great meal.

Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 297-0100
http://www.mozza-la.com