Osteria Mozza — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What were your first impressions when you arrived? The lighting is dim and moody. The crowd (and staff) is nicely dressed and perfectly coiffed. The music volume is just the right decibel of loud. It's buzzy, and there's a pulsating energy in the air; it might just be that everyone came in hungry, and expectations are high. What’s the crowd like? It's unlikely that anyone walked off the street and got a table, and as such, it's clear that coming for a meal here is a bit of an event. There are plenty of Gen X-ers and Millennials, mostly in groups rather than on dates. (And few Gen Z-ers, with their parents probably footing the bill.) Some are taking photos of their food, but in a lighthearted kind of way. What should we be drinking? The signature cocktails are pricey and offer a Mozza twist on classics. Should you be in the mood for some vino, the sommelier has some impressive vintages to recommend. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. This iconic Michelin-starred Los Angeles restaurant in has shown no signs of slowing down since, well, pretty much the day it opened. Unsurprisingly, the food is outstanding—think fresh made pasta, lots of mozzarella dishes (of course!), perfectly grilled and seasoned fish, and decadent desserts. It's all a bit pricey but servings are generous and dishes are shareable. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? The staff is friendly and efficient, though perhaps a little aloof. If you don't like a bit of chit chat in between courses, well, you're in luck at Mozza. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? If you're dining solo, a seat at the white marble bar is the way to go. If you're on a first date, you'll probably have a hard time catching meaningful details of a convo. Mozza is best for an upbeat outing with close friends, or family, who won't mind talking over each other and raising their voices to be heard." - Celeste Moure