"When Spartina opened a few years ago, it was extremely popular. The Italian menu was full of solid pasta, pizzas, and small plates, and its prime Melrose location was convenient for just about anybody. Guess what? Those things are still true - and now you can easily get a table. There’s a massive front patio with string lights and heat lamps, and the inside is clean and modern, but not so fancy that you can’t pull off a first date. All this is to say you’ll feel comfortable here, and that’s important when you’re eating with someone who refuses to go east of La Brea." - Brant Cox