October 25th is World Pasta Day. In honor of that yummy day, here is a list of some of the best places to enjoy pasta with kids.
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Andre’s Italian Restaurant
6332 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
There’s a reason why Andre’s has been in business since 1963, and I’ve been dining here since before I could reach the counter. You’ll find consistently good food, low prices, and big servings. Spaghetti and ravioli come in two sizes (small or large, with a small being quite large). This is a no-frills restaurant, where families grab a tray and work their way down the line, cafeteria-style. Don’t forget to save room for gelato for dessert. (Note — this is a cash only establishment).
Lemon Tree Kids and Family Restaurant
621 S. Western Ave., #111, Los Angeles, CA 90005
A meal at Lemon Tree is unlike a meal at any other restaurant. That’s because this restaurant also includes a 2000-square foot playground (designed for children ten and younger). Kids will enjoy the small carousel, the mini-train, jungle gym, face paining, and more. As for food — their pasta menu is rather large and their kids menu offers a traditional spaghetti with meatball plate.
Al Gelato
806 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
Al Gelato has been in business for over 30 years. This casual eatery has a large menu including such pasta favorites as spaghetti, rigatoni, and ravioli. You can also opt to change your sauce (substituting tomato and basil sauce with pesto or Alfredo for a slight charge) and to get some extra veggies you can add in mushrooms, broccoli, or peas (for an additional charge). And of course, don’t forget to save room for some gelato for dessert. Keep in mind that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Pasta Sisters
3343 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
There is limited seating at this small restaurant/shop, but repeat customers say that dining at Pasta Sisters is like dining in Italy. Pick your pasta, pick your favorite sauce, and you’re on your way to enjoying a delicious Italian meal. And, you can purchase items from their shop so you can have the same yumminess at home. (Keep in mind, that Pasta Sisters is closed on Sundays).
Miceli’s Italian Restaurant
3655 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Universal City, CA 90068 and
1646 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Dining at Miceli’s is about more than just the food. It’s about history, and it’s about atmosphere. The restaurant was established back in 1949, and over the years has become a favorite among locals as well as celebrities. The menu is quite large and offers diners the opportunity to customize their pasta by adding chicken, meatballs, vegetables, or shrimp. Kids will not only enjoy the food, but the piano player and singing servers as well.
Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
You’ll find handmade Italian food in downtown Los Angeles within the popular Grand Central Market. Here, kids will enjoy the opportunity to “dine, watch, and shop.” You can enjoy your made-to-order pasta dishes while you take a seat and watch what’s happening inside the “on-site pasta lab.” And, you can also purchase some of your favorites to enjoy at home.
Buca di Beppo
several locations including
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Buca di Beppo is a popular chain of Italian restaurants. Buca di Beppo offers family-style dishes within a setting including lots of pictures and decorations (a great distraction for waiting, hungry children). Be sure to read Sarah’s review here.
Palermo Ristorante Italiano
1858 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Adjacent to the Los Feliz neighborhood, you’ll find Palermo Ristorante Italiano, a restaurant that has quite a loyal following. From the large menu, you’ll find a variety of different pastas with different available sauces so each family member can order exactly what sounds best to his/her preferences. Palermo’s isn’t fancy, but you’ll find good food at fair prices. (Note — the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Maria’s Italian Kitchen
several locations including
16608 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436
There are several locations of Maria’s Italian Kitchen but each one is known for its attention to detail. The story of Maria’s Italian Kitchen began in Hoboken, New Jersey and the first Maria’s Italian Kitchen was opened in Brentwood. At all locations, you’ll find a fairly large children’s menu (offering pasta with and without meatballs, ravioli, grilled chicken and pasta, and more). The large menu offers a variety of pasta dishes and can be made gluten-free as well.
C & O Trattoria
31 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292
and sister location
C & O Cucina
3016 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292
You’re in for a family-pleasing treat at either one of these popular locations. Regulars speak highly of the fun and festive atmosphere as well as the good food, good prices, and large servings. The garlic rolls are extremely popular as well as the nightly sing-a-long to Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.” What makes the kids menu special here is the choice of pasta available to the youngest diners — not just spaghetti, but linguini, penne, rigatoni, and more are all available options.
Fritto Misto Italian Cafe
601 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401
and 316 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
At Fritto Misto Italian Cafe, you can have your pasta exactly the way you want it. Choose from a long list of pasta options, pick your sauce, and select any “add in’s” including sauteed shrimp, filet mignon tips, red chili flakes, and more. If there are too many options for you, you can always select from among their pasta specialities. The kids menu (for those 10 and under) offers half-orders of pasta or ravioli (among other options).
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