Via Alloro

One of the best Italian restaurants in town! Tanino Drago is and excellent chef.

Il Pastaio nearby is soo much better (service and most definitely food). My risotto with «roasted artichokes» and «sweet peas» and «crispy prosciutto» tasted mostly of salt. The artichokes looked and tasted like chopped up canned artichokes, the peas were not sweet and did not taste very fresh, and the prosciutto throughout the risotto was not crispy (there was 1 larger piece of prosciutto that was crispy). I will say the risotto, itself, was extremely well cooked — al dente and if you ran fork through it, it was a tad runny (not too thick or stiff).
My husband’s penne arrabbiata was okay … nothing special. The tomato sauce was only mildly spicy when he asked for more spice … and the overall sauce didn’t taste very fresh or bright.
I also asked to have the garbanzo beans left off the chopped lettuce salad on the happy hour menu … was told «no substitutions or changes» … fine, didn’t order it … their lost sale.
When our server from the bar asked whether we liked our food and I said mine tasted mostly like salt he said «good to know» and walked away …
No need to return for me …

The whole staff is amazing. The food is good and the service is amazing. I absolutely love the mushroom soup. The reason this is a 4 star review and not is a 5 star is because there aren’t enough dairy free options for the unfortunate people who happen to be lactose intolerant.

Some of the best Italian food in Beverly Hills. Great service and very high quality food. Definitely recommend eating here! You must try the panna cotta, it’s ¹⁰⁄₁₀.

I had lunch here to celebrate a coworker’s birthday. It wasn’t busy unlike our first lunch choice at Sugarfish. Their wait was 45 minutes and here was no wait at all. We ordered some yummy appetizers. I enjoyed the meatballs with spinach. It was a good way to start a meal. I ordered linguine with clams. I never had so many clams for this type of entrée ever. I really enjoyed my meal. I actually ate the whole thing. My boss and coworker ordered dessert. The panna cotta was delicious. The berries on it was tasty too. Service was great too. The waiter was very nice. He came to our table several times to ask how we were doing and if we needed anything else. I’m sure the bill was high. I knocked a star off for that reason. Other than that, it was an enjoyable visit.

After shopping for some rouge at Chanel, it was dinner time. Time sure flies when you’re having fun. I felt like having some Italian so Via Alloro (VA) it was. Via Alloro is on the corner of Dayton and Canon. You can’t miss it.
I have been to VA numerous times. Whenever I visit Ride Aid, I would normally just come here because it is just across the street. This visit, we ordered the quatro stagioni pizze ($ 18.95) with thin crust that came with mushroom, artichoke, olives and cheese (I love thin crust pizza!), gamberi calamari salad ($ 17.95 yum) and house pinot noir by the glass ($ 8.50 each). Everything was deliciosos!
I love the food, service and both the indoor and outdoor seating at VA. We were so stuffed so no dessert this time. But folks, the desserts here are really GREAT, and I’ll post some next time when I come here (not sure what happened to my dessert photos from last year when I posted them after check-​in). Every time I come here, I leave satisfied. Via Alloro, you complete my tummy every time I come. I love you, Via Alloro!
I highly recommend VA. I think you’ll too!

One of the better restaurants on the block. I highly recommend their pizza. One of the best in town.
The burrata is pretty cracking also.
It’s really more of a 3.5 star spot that a 4 star spot, but considering how bad some of the other restaurants on the block are, I decided to round up.

I was there with a large group and food was surprisingly good given the amount of people there. Service was good and food is pretty authethic, although I did not have the Pasta. A little loud in the inside but overall a good experience.

Came tonight for pre valentines dinner with mom and sister. Unfortunately had a table on Canon side… totally ignored too often! Ordered 2^nd bottle of wine… waited 20 minutes! Not the usual service. Very sad. Must be my karma as this was my 3^rd choice tonight. My first choice Craig’s was booked solid (even a 5pm table!). Arivederci Via Alloro.

I came with a group of friends for an after work happy hour. The host stand was friendly. They lead us to the bar area where the drinks were flowing. I have no complaints about the drinks and the server was polite and quick. After about 30 minutes we grabbed a table. Our new server was nice and answered all of our questions. Our dishes were all tasty and everyone seemed to be pleased. Since it’s close to work, I’m sure we’ll be back. Until next time Via Alloro…

My experience here was such a fabulous one. I went with a large group from my nonprofit and we were just amazed by the level of service and how delicous the food was. I started off with an iced tea, as I don’t drink much even though wine and the full bar was open for us. The combo salad was delicious, which was both the Via Alloro and Caesar combined on one plate. For my main course, I chose the Tagliata De Bue (sliced grilled beef tenderloain with roasted potatoes, arugula, shaved parmigiano and a worcestershire sauce). This was incredible. I loved how soft and juicy the meat was, and more so the amazing sauce all over every bite.
You can either sit out front, inside, or the back outdoor area. I don’t think you can go wrong no matter where you sit, but I always prefer outdoor seating if the weather permits. The décor is beautiful and I love the overall feel of the restaurant. The restaurant is also in a great location, in the heart of beverly hills. If you’re a tourist, you can always start here and make your way around to other areas.
I’m not sure on the street parking, but there’s definitely valet parking service located out front. The down side to the restaurant is that they only have a single restroom, one for men and one for women. If it’s a busy night, you’ll find yourself waiting in line for the restroom. My advice, take the first that becomes available, men or women.
Definitely check out this restaurant!

Guaranteed a great meal… our local go to Italian restaurant. If you decide not to wait it out at Il Pastio –sister restaurant down the street –don’t worry you will not be let down… Margherita pizza a must and do not pass up on the pistachio lava dessert

They used burrata on their caprese, and they are amazing. With thick chunks of Roma tomatoes and olives, it was lovely. The olive oil was also pleasant and didnt smell like plastic.
I didnt really like the bread basket they serve though. It’s like some sourdough thingy, but I prefer the focaccia kind of bread basket. And they didnt have a few selections of breads, just the one. I would have expected for a place like this to have a little more flexibility and variety.
Calamari fritti was pleasant. I mean, can you really screw up deep fried battered squid?
Also, the white truffle taglierini was en pointe. Much love for this dish. Worth every dollar. Dime. Penny. All of it.
Staff was nice. A little pushy to get us to order. Kept coming back every few minutes before we were ready to order. But he eased up after we got our food. Water was readily replenished.
But really, the burrata. The burrata. I cant even.

You would think this place would be outstanding: great Beverly Hills location, wonderful outdoor L-​shaped patio with all kinds of «who’s who» and makers & shakers, or at least, people that look the part. (That’s, after all, the most important thing, looking the part).
The soup === I just had a bowl of minestrone, bread, and a cocktail. Probably the worst soup I’ve ever had. Water was the base, not chicken stock. Very plain and very boring, just carrots and celery. I ate it because I was hungry, but it was clear to me that this was not a soup but something with liquid that they threw together. ($ 8.95, 1.5 stars)
The drink === «The Grape Escape Martini» with skyy grape vodka, triple sec, splash of fresh sweet & sour. With sugar on the rim, it was over the top sweet. Decent grape flavor, glad I tried it, won’t do it again. ($ 12, 3.5 stars)
The inside === doesn’t feel special. Small, strange angles and little rooms, small bar, aged tables and chairs. Needs a makeover.
The outside === sit here if you go. It’s Beverly Hills. Show your stuff!
Service === nice, but minimal personality and attention.
Conclusion === I felt it was way below my expectation. If I go again, I’ll get something more revealing about their menu, sit outside on the patio, and I’ll re-​review (that’s IF).

Where to begin, as I always state, I’m from Louisiana… where there is no better food. Louisiana is known for its amazing food. I’m what most would call a «foodie». ;)
I’ve been to many, many restaurants — many let downs and many enlightened surprises. Though it’s only a restaurant such Via Alloro that you will not forget… nor will they forget you. (And in this «edit» they remembered me and my favorite table after several months).
I’ve been here six or seven times (a dozen plus at this point). The waiters remember me. The hostess’ remember me. This means so much in terms of quality service. I don’t even have to ask — the hostess’ always place me at my «favorite» table without asking. I don’t have to ask for favorite my «server», they remember me. I just arrive and all is taken care of… to my previous requests. But on to the food…
They change the menu on a daily basis. My family originated from Sicily. The manager Hoss, on each visit — asked me how my meal was. Always amazing. On one particular visit — on the «daily menu» there was «stuffed artichoke». My Sicilian grandmother made artichokes as this restaurant does. 25 years ago she made them for me and not one person or restaurant has come remotely close to her recipe… aside from Via Alloro.
You’ll really find the truest of Italian specialties here.
The manager has actually greeted me on nearly every visit, his name is Hoss, offered «tastes» and such of things. Personally gave me his card. Told me to «call him» a day or two prior to visiting, so that they might prepare something of my choosing. What amazing service can that surpass? None. Though at this point too many «favorite dishes» to choose from anyway.
There’s no service that will exceed all expectations, requests, (mine are picky to say the least) — anything really to exceed this place. Ask me my negative reviews. Ha.
Regardless, for Hoss, who will personally greet you, Mateo — whom won’t forget you — and Llijara (after a dozen times of forgetting her name), whom will not only remember your favorite table, but put smile on your face… that alone is enough to make a dining experience unforgettable. All that aside…
The food is authentic. It’s fantastic. True Italiano.
I’m Italian and don’t eat red sauce… call me a traitor. This place will tease your taste buds without you ever contemplating «spaghetti».
–B

Excellent place if the chef is in house, which most of the time he is… Always ask at the front door if the chef is in tonight! The time I didn’t ask he wasn’t there and the food was really terrible.
I asked for the eggplant Parmesan and it came out all over the plate disgusting…
Otherwise all the food is delicious the portions are generous and the service is outstanding

I came here with a friend this weekend. We ordered the turkey meatballs, the stuffed squash blossoms, and a couple drinks. The turkey meatballs were great. The spinach was nicely cooked and the meatballs weren’t overpoweringly loaded with seasonings and herbs. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the sauce but otherwise it was a solid dish. The squash blossoms were awesome.
The highlight of the trip, aside from the company, was the drinks. I ordered the espresso martini and had to get another it was so good. I would definitely recommend stopping in to try something. And the patio seating is awesome.

My favorite Italian restaurant on the block! And there are quite a few of them there.
They have great outdoor seating with full of page of specials that change daily.
They are extremely accommodating and can make you absolutely anything you want even if it’s not on their menu.
Lunch time gets quite busy but understandable because of their atmosphere and quality of their food.
Although in the middle of Beverly Hills, Tanino (Chef and owner) makes his rounds and greets his customers and makes them welcome and makes it feel like a small family restaurant.
The restaurant is very inviting with great aromas of Italy and wonderful service to top it all off!

«Giacomino and Tanino [Drago] are part of an amazing culinary family and are two of eight brothers and sisters. The house that they were born and raised in is the same house that their parents still live in today. The name of the restaurant, Via Alloro is historical as it is named after the street they grew up on along with many other relatives. Alloro in Italian means bay leaf, a spice that is an essential part of Italian cooking and will play a role in numerous recipes.» *
Via Alloro is close. Walking close, to the street I live on. If you don’t reside nearby, valet park at the restaurant ($ 6) or use a two-​hour-​free Canon Drive city lot** then stroll a short way to a completely civilized dining experience on the corner of Dayton Way and Canon.
As in all Drago establishments, you are welcomed like family. So special, so important in Beverly Hills where celebrity has its privileges, here such are graciously extended regardless of status.
A week from hell, make that two, as my intention was to take my beat up self to a Via Alloro Saturday lunch the previous week, I finally made it. And as in my other Drago dines***, it, finally sitting down, was like coming home to be well cared for, nurtured, by staff who attended me and even by those who simply passed my patio table.
Flat water, white zinfandel followed by Insalata «Via Alloro» — wild arugula, oven roasted tomatoes and shaved Parmigiano with balsamic dressing then Gnocchi Bolognese — homemade green spinach-​potato dumplings in a Bolognese sauce with Parmigiano capped by an espresso as there was no room for dessert, was a filling, revitalizing, reprise worthy repast.
The food is perfection!
The feeling is priceless!
Mille grazie Via Alloro!
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Terrasse wunderschöné gemütliche Atmosphäre, Menukarte der Renner, Service absolut bombastisch, Bruschette&Artischocke wärmstens zu empfehlen, Espresso zum Schluss ein absoluter Traum!

90 210, the most famous zip code in the world, has its share of great restaurants. You can drive up and down any street north of Wilshire and find a nice place for dinner. In order to fight the competition, the restaurants must be consistently delicious no matter what price range they may fall under. Via Alloro has a prime spot right in the middle of the hustle and bustle on Canon and Dayton Way. The front patio is a must on those warm LA days so you can indulge in some of the best people watching in the city with a mixture of locals, tourists, and celebs alike.
The menu here is packed with the Italian classics with tons of pastas, pizzas, and fish and meat dishes. And, yes, a large selection of vino! To get things going we ordered the house salad and calamari fritti (fried calamari with spicy tomato sauce). The salad was crisp and fresh with big slices of parmesan cheese layered on top. The calamari was fried to a perfect crisp and the spicy sauce gave it a nice zing with each bite.
For my main dish I went with the fusilli rubin (corkscrew pasta with onions, raisins, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and goat cheese). Goat cheese has always been one of my favorite foods and when mixed with sun dried tomatoes and the lightly sauced fusilli it made an amazing dish!
Even after all of this food we decided to get the torte di pistacchio (warm pistacchio molton cake with chocolate fondue) and a side of fresh berries for dessert. While I’m not necessarily crazy about pistacchios, this dessert is easily one of my new favorites in the city! The greenish-​brown cake is rich and fluffy and the chocolate fondue makes it a million times better! The plate presentation is beautiful, too!
Via Alloro is great If you’re looking for some delicious Italian food in the 90 210 area but you don’t want to take a second mortgage on the house. Just be sure to order the pistacchio torte for dessert!