Liz L.
Yelp
When we think of standout Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, the usual suspects come to mind. We all know the names. They are chic, expensive, in impossibly tawny neighborhoods, with the same dishes they have served for decades. That's what we like about them, right? And want to be seen in them and say we have been there. That is exactly what is wrong with them too, and why La Pergoletta really "gets" Italian food, including the quality of the ingredients, the care that goes into the preparation of each dish, and the sensibility of the culture that created the most popular cuisine in the world.
The location and the look of this neighborhood treasure are rather unprepossessing (in fact, my only recommendation is that they take another look at the entry -- it could use a bit of refreshing to make a better statement about what is to come). Once you get past that, you start to see why people rave about it. Inside, it is reminiscent of many little places I have seen in Italy, and some I love in New York and elsewhere in LA (and have reviewed some of them). The decor is quaint, warm, culturally authentic, and charming. Everything is very clean. The welcome is effusive, as if they truly are honored that people have chosen to dine there.
The menu is astonishing. In addition to copious excellent choices, there are items you don't see every day. As, for example, polenta -- cooked to perfection here, as good as any Nona could make it. Or filled gnocchi -- how often do you see that? In fact, we are lucky to see gnocchi at all! One of my litmus tests for an Italian eatery is the quality and accuracy of the gnocchi. La Pergoletta knocks it out of the park.
Here's another thing I love about it. You get to choose among a dozen or so homemade pastas and then combine them with a dozen or so sauces. The bread is unusual, with a tender crumb, and crispy crust, again made in house by someone who knows how to make bread (not easy). The salad is put together carefully with fresh greens. There are a half dozen or so Italian desserts to choose from. The coffee? Lavazza, of course, the best!
We went on a torrid afternoon where the mercury read 103F and rising, not typical in Los Feliz. That enabled us to really absorb the vibes of the place, which started filling up as the afternoon aged. As people came in, they got the same royal welcome.
The prices are very reasonable, the portions are ample without being overwhelming (hence, we took three boxes home). Notice the Limonata? That's the kind of soda Italians actually drink -- not our chemical laden pretenders. Btw, there is a deli attached so you can come in and get things to take home every day except Sunday. Now, how great is that?
Come on an empty stomach so you can sample as many delicacies here as possible. I know I will have to return again and again to try everything I wanted on that menu.
Skip the famous places, come here to get a real 5-star meal.
