At Sotto, Chefs Zach and Steve deliver an honest, market-driven menu of regionally-inspired Southern Italian dishes, including fresh housemade pastas and Neapolitan pizza cooked in an artisan wood burning oven. This wood burning oven was built onsite by Neapolitan craftsmen with traditional techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation and is the first of its kind in the Los Angeles area.
Our food is complemented by a fresh, seasonally relevant cocktail program with a strong background in the classics and the utilization of lesser known Italian liqueurs. We also offer an eclectic list of boutique wines from both Italy and California.
"Definitely need more options for milk allergies. The Small plates were fantastic. Deserts and Dinner plates were just so-so. Great Date atmosphere. A nice place to spend a lot of time"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"Luckily I found Sotto on a search for places within walking distance to our hotel. We were a mixed crowd from various states/countries looking to celebrate the end of a charity bike ride. We wanted a festive environment that could serve 5 hungry and exhausted people. The ambiance, food selection, and service were exactly what we needed and the walk back to the hotel made it so easy! Special thanks to Rachel, our server, for her stellar service."
Dined on 6/08/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The ingredients were very fresh and very high quality, however the recipes were not very good. None of the dishes tasted very good, despite having high quality ingredients. I went with 5 other people and no one was particularly impressed. Additionally, they don't take any substitutions, so I would not recommend any vegetarians eating there. The olive oil cake was very good. The only thing I can recommend is the dessert.
The service was prompt and friendly."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had a number of courses and like them all but loved none. For example, the famed guanciale pizza was delicious if you were lucky enough to get one of the two bites containing the delicious pork cheek itself. Similarly, the octopus with bottarga was described as a deeply flavored umami bomb; what arrived on the table had next to no bottarga and a tomato sauce that tasted like upscale clamato. The octopus itself, however, was expertly prepared. And the clam dish was stellar through and through.
In short, expect to spend $50 a head on a good glass of wine and one delicious bite per course. And be prepared to hit the taco truck afterward; you'll probably find yourself wanting a few more bites of food when you leave."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"My wife and I went for pizza on the recommendation of a friend. What we found was not a joint, but a sophisticated, upscale restaurant hidden away in a basement on Pico, just south of Beverly Hills. Right away we were disappointed to find that there was no parking ANYWHERE in the neighborhood after 6PM without resident stickers. Valet was $6.50.
The restaurant was "energetic" at 6:30 PM. My wife wanted a "Margerita" pizza, but with garlic added. "Sorry", the very nice waitress said, "They won't do that. You can get garlic on a pizza with marinara sauce only...but with no cheese". Disappointed they wouldn't put it all together, my wife chose to forgo her cheese for the garlic instead.
The pizza itself was less than exciting."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"Off to a good start - The crusty bread and olives with preserved lemon were very good. Mussels were tiny and they have no seafood forks so they were hard to eat - especially since gave me a demitasse spoon??? The octopus portion, about 2 ounces was tiny too. Rose was chilled and delicious but wines by the glass were overpriced. The noise level as the restaurant filled up was too intense. Overall food needs more flavor - perhaps seasoning or some zing. Loved the cannoli with pistachios. Sotto means under in Italian and by in large, the flavors underwhelmed. With a little effort the place could go from fair to FABULOUS!"
Dined on 6/13/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Thought the pizza was delicious. The meatballs were incredible and everyone enjoyed their meals. Comfortable place, cool and relaxed. Able to laugh out loud and have a good time. Good service and good desserts.
We were stuck in traffic and called to let them know we were coming, got there late and they still took good care of us."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Perhaps I was aiming too high but I found the food to be passable but nothing I would ever go back for. The octopus small plate was overcooked and the fava beans underneath did not suit the dish and were quite al dente. The pasta with sausage ragu was delicious and the pasta was firm and awesome but the sauce was a bit spicy for me. Finally, the pork cheek pizza that everyone raved about was sauce less, dry, barely topped with any pork cheek and the dough itself was burned around the edges and on the bottom. A really lacking experience."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The room is so dark and very dreary....no flowers....just black. Pork was delicious as was fava bean puree, but the pizza is like a very soft piece of white bread. Very thick and you have to pull in apart. Crust has no flavor or texture.......Pasta was very chewy and no flavor and small amount of ragu. We were quoted a certain price for a special bottle of wine and on the bill it was $5.00 more. Not a big amount, but you get a funny feeling when you see the higher price.
Jonathan Gold lost some credibility with me with his 100 best restaurants."
Dined on 5/26/2013
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"The pasta always tastes and feels fresh, homemade and authentic. So much so that those points are called to my attention as being rare and appreciated every time I eat there."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The food was excellent. Crispy light pannelle. King trumpets with canelli, fennel, watercress and creamy dressing had layers of flavor. The pasta, chittarra a sarde and maharrones were excellent. The cannoli brought us back to Sicily."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I thought Sotto was excellent! Keep in mind, my ratings are based solely on what the restaurant is and what it's trying to be (rustic, delicious Italian food) and are not meant to be taken as a comparison to other, fancier places in town.
This was just a very enjoyable dining experience. The staff was friendly and accomodating and the food was delicious. What more can I ask for? Try the house made bread with burrata, casarecce and guanciale pizza... I could go on..."
Dined on 12/15/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The overall experience and meal was better than average but not as fulfilling as the hype. Pricing is reasonable and would recommend to a friend but we wont be rushing back. Highlights were the Chickpea Panelle and the Whole grilled Orata. The pizza is average. Solid wine list and creative mixed drinks."
Dined on 5/08/2013
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"Perhaps it was the TV celebrities that were there but our waiter was basically MIA. We will return for the food but hoping that they either staff up or just say they're closed for a private party."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Way above in food quality and wine selection. Everything on the menu and wine list is unique and delicious. Creative chef serves fantastic take on Italian cuisine using a wood fired oven. Bartender actually knew what a Martini was, and didn't ask, "what kind". Engaging sommelier. Quality apertifs and spirits available. The mackerel dish was of the chart, as was the calzone. Do not expect a red sauce menu here."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"At first glance at the menu we me weren't sure given all the unfamiliar items (cavatelli with beef tongue, chickpea fritters, fava bean bruchetta, etc.) but food was truly amazing!!! Took a risk and ordered some of these unfamiliar dishes and we were blown away. Cavatelli with beef tongue was insanely delicious. And, must try the cauliflower soup.. Scrumptious!!!
Wine list had a lot of gems and sommelier best in the business in southern Italian wines.
We really enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"I've been here three times now, I enjoy every single plate I have ever had. The pizza is amazing, some of my favorite pizza ever, and at $17 it's a great plate to share for an affordable, awesome lunch. I love this place and will surely be back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"This was a real discovery. Far exceeded expectations. Very interesting menu focusing on Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine and wine, which is less familiar. Even their mocktails were delicious! Highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Sotto was good, with some very interesting menu items, but the pizza didn't live up to the hype. I had the Mixed Greens and Shaved Beet Salad, which I have to say was delicious. The bread and olive oil was also great. The pizza was good but not nearly as good as Pizzeria Mozza. I had the Margherita and the tomatoes and herbs were very fresh but the pizza crust at Sotto is very soft/soggy to the point where it almost seems undercooked. I've heard this in a few other reviews as well. Also, the ends of the crust were grilled/burned. I love pizza crust and left all the ends on mine. Much prefer the pizza at Mozza. That being said the service at Sotto was excellent and the wine selection was also great."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"It was a terrible experience, we had a 6:30 reservation and even at this time the noise level was deafening, the tables are much to close to each other, the ceiling is too low, the food was OK at most and overpriced this diner was a birthday celebration... we opted to leave and run somewhere else for dessert!never again"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2012
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"Inventive seasonal and tweaked classics done in a savory and just rightly portioned manner. Was a return visit; no drop-off in the quality.definitely will return"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"the Fava Puree and the olives were great appetizers to a good meal I had the "Easter Soup" with meatballs pasta and straciatella and it was delicious I had the Pork Chop with a Citrus salad and shared a pizza rest of party had equally pleasing entrees and enjoyed as well"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Great meal of inspired Italian cuisine using fresh ingredients. The chefs' point of view is well represented and the food well balanced. Sat at the bar and the bartenders were attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. And the price was reasonable for the food and environment."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"If you want to taste Italian food that goes beyond the pasta primavera Sotto is a must. The food is really fresh and tasty, the portions are adapted to your hunger level: from small dishes to larger portions. I have been coming back to Sotto to try the seasonal dishes and I have never been disappointed. This time I tried the tomato braised octopus which better that I could imagine. If you do not know what wine to order, the staff is very knowledgeable and willing to let you taste the wine before you order the glass or the bottle. I am planning to come back to introduce Sotto to more friends."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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"I liked the food, it has an interesting menu and format (items are intended to be shared) the service was very informal but very good, the waiter was well informed about the dishes, their ingredients and presentation. The problem is the noise. It is so loud conversation becomes difficult. When you finally leave you have to check to see if your ears are bleeding and your head vibrates."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
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"Like to see regional Italian other than the northern/Tuscan and Roman menus. This seems to be Campania and it was excellent. Tasted 2 pastas, a soup, a meat dish, a couple of salads and it was well above average. Strong recommendation."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Bryn and Nick behind the bar are the best. This is great bar to where you can sit and eat and talk and watch these guys make great drinks. The food is incredible and the kitchen is FAST. All around recommend - one of LA's best places."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Pizza (guanciale) and pastas worth returning for. Great service with attentive water-filling and giving us another glass of wine when the first one tasted corked. Shared mackerel and octopus apps, which were pretty good. Crostata and panna cotta for desert were aight, not memorable."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
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"Sotto was terrific as usual - fabulous rustic, but sophisticated and creative food; knowledgable, courteous, but not overbearing servers; and a lively buzz that was not over-the-top."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"I think the restaurant can't handle a full house. The food has steadily declined now that more people are dining there. Our pizza was burnt on the outside and yet undercooked on the top, the chili peppers were bitter, greasy and not edible so we left more than half the plate to be tossed. We told the waitress and she didn't remove the plate from the bill - not a good sign."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
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"Restaurant was underwhelming. They act like they are something more than what they are--a "so-so" restaurant with "s0-so" food on an untrendy part of Pico Blvd. Service was rushed and we were made to feel that the servers wanted to serve us quickly so as to get us out to make room for the next turn of the table, although the restaurant was not that busy."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
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"The owners and restaurant managers deserve an award for the manner in which the restaurant is operated. Flawless.The menu choices are varied, interesting and enjoyable. The staff is very knowledgeable doesn't mind spending time explaining items which were usually in italian. The wine list is above average with interesting choices by he glass. The wait staff and support staff were impeccable. Particularly in removing finished courses; replacing the appropriate dining utensils and dishes from the previous course whether a small or large course. The service is impeccable. It is equal to any 5 star restaurant in Los Angeles."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We were introduced to Sotto by a great friend who knows that we love good dinning experiences. Before Sotto, we have been reluctant to try new Italian restaurants because most of the time is the same food with little or no innovations to the palate. Sotto changed our desire to have Italian food. Their speciality is southern Italian food. It is very fresh and with great flavors. Also, they offer different size of dishes: small, medium or large. It is possible to try many different plates or go for one big dish. Regarding the wine list, they carry mostly Italian wines and few Californian. Up to now, all their suggestions for wine pairing have been right on target.
Overall, we want to keep going to Sotto when the Italian food is a mu"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Excellent food and a very comfortable and homey room despite its trendy design. The service is friendly and the waitstaff is well informed. The wine service is serious and the wines are not the usual suspects -- all good. If you like sweetbreads, this is the place to have them. The traffic on Pico can get very wonky if you have a reservation anywhere near or between 6 and 7:30. Plan ahead!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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