Two Italian Brothers Opened Civico 2064 Restaurant in Los Feliz | Eater LA
"Opened August 5 on Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz, this San Diego import aims to stand out by blending traditional Calabrian cooking with extensive vegan-friendly fare. Brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo, born and raised in Cosenza, run the operation—Dario as general manager and Pietro as executive chef and the force behind the restaurant’s extensive vegan offerings—while Pietro continues to oversee the original San Diego kitchen and Chef Giuseppe Raia will assist in Los Feliz. Orto Farms supplies heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and herbs using Italian seeds. The menu closely hews to the original, with starters like meatballs served with whipped ricotta and fried zucchini blossoms, six pastas made with homemade noodles, a carryover pappardelle ladled with short rib ragu, an LA-updated paccheri Civico with clams, squid, and prawns, and larger-format dishes such as classic chicken saltimbocca and pistachio-crusted wild-caught salmon; nearly half the menu is vegan, substituting rice-based mozzarella and nut-based ricotta for dairy, and the pistachio gelato from the original is a highlight. Drinks are led by a tight wine list featuring small producers, organic, skin-contact, and orange wines, plus a few wine-based cocktails (spritzes and bellinis) while the restaurant awaits a full liquor license. Civico 2064 is open daily at 5 p.m. and takes reservations on OpenTable." - Cathy Chaplin
