Aakash Panchal
Google
5 Stars - A Must-Visit Dining Experience in West Hollywood
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar is easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Los Angeles. From start to finish, everything was thoughtfully curated, full of flavor, and delivered with warmth and professionalism.
We started with three appetizers:
• The Gamberi — seared red Argentinian prawns with Calabrian chili, garlic, and lemon.
• The Grilled Calamari — paired with fennel, arugula, orange, and sea salt.
• And my personal favorite, the Prosciutto e Melone — thinly sliced 24-month Prosciutto di Parma layered with cantaloupe melon and creamy burrata on slightly toasted buttery bread.
All three dishes were light yet flavorful. The prawns were rich and tender, the calamari had a refreshing brightness from the fennel and citrus, and that prosciutto and melon combo? Absolute comfort food perfection.
At the suggestion of Eddie, the food runner, we ordered the Pizza Diavola, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. This was hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. The crust felt like fried dough — light, crispy, and deeply satisfying. Topped with spicy Calabrese, N’duja, and Fior di Latte mozzarella, every bite was a beautiful balance of heat and creaminess. If you like spice, dip the crust in the chili oil. It’s the kind of heat that dances on your tongue without overwhelming it.
We also had the Branzino, which completely lived up to the hype. Moist, juicy, and loaded with flavor, it might just be the best branzino in LA, as claimed on the menu.
For pasta, we ordered the Maccherone al Ragu di Agnello — a lamb bolognese with ricotta salata and rosemary. The sauce-to-pasta ratio was perfect and clung to the noodles beautifully. It was hearty and flavorful without being heavy.
We ended the meal with two desserts. The Chocolate Bombe was rich and decadent, but the Pandoro Bread Pudding stole the show for me. It was light and airy with warm notes of whisky caramel, strawberries, and a scoop of hazelnut ice cream that tied everything together.
Our server was attentive and paced the courses perfectly. Our wine glasses were never empty, and we felt well taken care of throughout the evening.
We sat in the indoor-outdoor area, which gave us the best of both worlds. Even though we couldn’t see the musicians from our seats, the live music set the tone without overpowering conversation. It’s an ideal setting for both romantic dinners and group outings.
What really stood out was the hospitality. Every staff member was personable and engaged, including the manager Maggie and the owner Francisco. Both of them not only checked in on guests but also pitched in with clearing tables and refilling glasses. That level of leadership and teamwork is rare and speaks volumes.
Parking is available behind the restaurant, and there’s a convenient rear entrance that brings you through the restaurant to the host stand — worth noting for first-time visitors.
I’ll absolutely be back to try the rest of the menu. Florence Osteria hits every mark: incredible food, exceptional service, welcoming atmosphere, and a team that clearly takes pride in what they do.