Tony S.
Yelp
Good lord. Right when I thought I'd tried all the best Italian food in LA, I get humbled by simplicity.
Tonight, I was invited to Capo by one of my top restaurant connoisseur friends, and a pretty well-known businessman. We had a late reservation, which I initially thought was odd that he was ok with, but then he assured me, "Trust me..... with Capo, it's worth the wait."
That alone told me this was going to be anything but typical.
Now, my friend is part of the uber-elite, so my experience may have been slightly skewed. Even though I made the reservation myself (a "nobody"), the host's tone may have shifted when he realized who I'd be dining with.
The service was exceptional, reminiscent of the high-brow hospitality found at the Peninsula in London, the Four Seasons in Hong Kong, or the highroller VIP desks at the Bellagio or Wynn in Vegas. It is a proud, almost restrained service style that could be mistaken for pretension by some, but for me, it was a mark of their finesse and experience.
Capo's decor isn't your classic Italian, but rather an eclectic, high-end display of art that feels both intentional and eccentric--think Andy Warhol meets Ian Schrager. Every piece works together to create an ambiance that feels luxurious without cliché.
Capo's focus on simplicity is where they shine. By using the finest ingredients with precision, they achieve an incredible depth of flavor in every dish. Portions are refined, a nod to European dining where quality in small quantities reigns supreme.
Here are my food highlights:
- Rigatoni Tartufo Ragu, is probably one of THE best pasta dishes I've ever had. The aftertaste lingered so well, that I almost avoided dessert to preserve that sensation on my palate. If there is ONE dish you must try, it is THIS. The flavor is absolutely passionate, as if to kiss you back. 11/10.
- Corn Ravioli, is another fantastic dish. Unfortunately for me, we were having dinner family style, and they paired this with the tartufo ragu, and I had already fallen in love with the other dish. But this ravioli, is easily the twin sister paramour. Soft, gentle to the palate, I never thought a "corn pasta" could taste so indulgent. 9/10.
- Grilled octopus, was absolutely outstanding. I almost misbehaved tonight, and took more than my fair share, but I also didn't care. If you love your octopus, this will easily be one of your favorites. 10/10.
- Chicken pomodoro, was another showcase of simple ingredients done to perfection. Beautifully presented and almost too good to share. 10/10.
We finished with the chocolate soufflé and tiramisu--both excellent, though I admit I was still savoring that rigatoni.
Capo isn't cheap, but neither is flawless craftsmanship. Like the Maine highway sign that reads, "The way life should be," Capo's mastery of simple perfection leaves you feeling this is how Italian food is supposed to be.