Osteria La Buca is a lively Italian spot blending old-world charm with fresh, Californian flair, where every dish bursts with flavor and service is exceptional.
"Osteria La Buca has been around for nearly 20 years, so it can be easy to overlook. But it remains a neighborhood favorite for a reason. This Hancock Park Italian spot (with another location in Sherman Oaks) serves excellent pasta dishes, and almost all of them can be made GF. Ask your server for more GF options, too, because dishes like fried octopus with scallion-yogurt sauce, or melon and prosciutto salad often run as specials." - jean trinh 1, garrett snyder
"Having a birthday meal in a storage room surrounded by pasta machines might sound strange, but at Osteria La Buca, it’s the seasoned move. The second-floor private dining space has a bird’s-eye view of the lower level, an aux cable for music, and a BYO wine policy, all of which make the experience feel like a fun loft dinner. For food, you get to build a custom, family-style meal from La Buca’s menu beforehand (stick to classics like roasted brussel sprouts, pork meatballs, and bucatini), which means fewer decisions to make once your party arrives. " - brant cox
"You’ve probably been to this casual Italian restaurant in Hollywood for a few birthdays and maybe some early-in-the-game dates, but Osteria La Buca might actually be best at lunch. The Melrose and Wiltern location is super central, and the menu is full of pizza (the guanciale is a must), pasta, and not-sad salads. Oh, and the most expensive item is $19." - jess basser sanders, brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"Osteria La Buca, a cozy Italian restaurant that opened in 2005 just a block west of Ggiata on Melrose, has witnessed the local landscape evolve over the past two decades. Co-owner Stephen Sakulsky notes that much of the change has been further east of his business." - Kelly Dobkin
"It’s not every day you’re going to eat bucatini carbonara before 1pm, but when you want that for yourself, make sure you have it at Osteria La Buca. This bright Italian restaurant across the street from Paramount pulls in a corporate lunch crowd, but you’ll never feel out of place here in jeans and a T-shirt. Drop by for a solo lunch at the bar or roll in with a bunch of coworkers on a Friday." - brant cox, arden shore
