Love Life, Hate Kittens

[Random “il chianti” google image search. Found uber Uni pasta pix from Potatomato - The blog is stellar and written super well! My newest favorite food blog!]

I was terrified to write this update. I realized I wrote the first review when yelp was just picking up and under the impression that not too many would read it. Now that Yelp has grown so rapidly in popularity (I blame you, Iphone), I wonder… Should I write this update? Should I draw attention to this wonderful establishment? Can’t I keep it for purely selfish reasons all to myself? Like a cute boy locked in my basement? (Hypothetically of course)

I contemplated these fears until I realized 80% of the population will not trek out to Lomita or even realizes it exists.

This is still hands down one of my most favorite date places in Los Angeles. It’s unassuming. Still looks like a hole in the wall on the outside and a bustling Italian café on the inside. Dark wood, amazing lighting, three separate dining areas - one in the green house, a private room in the back and elevated booths in the middle.

Il Chianti marked the start of a great weekend. Made reservations for 9 on Friday and thank god because they are known to turn people away.

Tuna Tartare - Very, very light in flavor. Clean flavors. I wish they would consider serving it with something crispier (like taro chips) because on bread it was a bit mushy in texture.

Grilled Octopus - best dish of the night! It came out in flames! How theatrical! The grilled octopus was covered in cheese and grilled to perfection. Easy to chew without being too soft. The sauce was great for bread dipping.

Pasta with a Uni essence  + Roasted Uni on top - Can you say uni overload?! This pasta was definitely made with the uni lover in mind. Simplistic. Olive oil, a hint of butter and straight up uni pieces slightly smoked and roasted laid out on top. Perfection.

Fettucine with Saffron Cream - had to steal a bite of this and the sauce was amazing. Both this dish and the uni one was the special of the day. Don’t know how often they switch out their Specials so go soon!

Banana Crème Brulee - Too sweet. Meh.

Tiramisu - See above. Too strong. Too sweet.

The service is amazing as usual. The whole staff works as a team and they sure make you feel welcome from the hot towels to the cold towels (before and after the meal, respectively) and the friendly collective good byes. You feel like a regular.

If you want to get laid for under 60 bucks, please make this your first date destination.

Btw aside from the wonderful food, the highlight of the night was this couple sitting a table away discussing issues that should be left in private. It was like we were invisible. Within 10 minutes, I found out that the boy used to date a hostess (yes the hooker kind), the girl wanted to beat out the ex gf as far as relationship length, she accused him of not coming home to which he replied, “I do. I just sleep on the couch so I don’t wake you.”….Right.

It was painful and extremely uncomfortable yet extremely awesome like watching your parents bone.

Il Chianti

(310) 325-5000