Maria's Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Los Angeles

MOLTO BENE!!

A casual family owned and operated business near Westside Pavillion with great food, service and fantastic music in background (Frank Sinatra, 1970s funk and rock played on my last visit). There are photos throughout the dining room of the owner and their children, black and whites of movie stars and Frank Sinatra in key places.

The menu here is traditional Italian dishes that have been perfected by the owner and passed down to her children who now run the restaurant. There is a pride in the heritage and the food. There is small cocktail lounge off the main dining room; a selection of sparkling water and wine, beer and wine.

The portions are generous and flavors sublime! Depending on your appetite, you may not finish your meal. We ordered Eggplant Parmigiana (I added grilled chicken breast) and Baked Rigatoni. The chicken was sliced and placed on top, tender, flavorful. Rigatoni had tender pasta and also was quite delicious. We were so full we did not have room for dessert.

This is a fantastic choice for date night, family gatherings, business meetings or just to share a meal with a friend or loved one.

I would recommend a reservation at peak times. There are 2 main dining rooms, as well as sidewalk patio with 3-4 tables. Dining room has booths with window view and tables.

I look forward to visiting this establishment again in near future.

There is limited parking at rear entrance, one regular space one for for those with handicap placard. There is an alley behind this but it was not clear if it lead to more parking. There is also a short block of timed/metered parking on the side street (it faces the end of a one way street), as well as some metered street parking in front. I would consult their website for guidelines on parking. We were lucky and were able to park in one of the spaces at back entrance.

At time of my visit, I was not asked to provide proof of vaccination or wear mask when not eating or drinking. As COVID mandates are changing frequently, before visiting I suggest calling or visiting their website, or consulting latest health guidelines for Los Angeles. But take your mask and proof of vaccination just in case. You don't want to miss out on...

I had my first experience at Maria's Italian Kitchen thanks to my Sisters in Christ..First of all I had never heard of this place. I was impressed from the moment I walked in. Since I am sooooo picky, I shared my requirements with the waiter. He appeared to be reluctant with a smile on his face. Though, his appearance said, I got you Ma'am. Well. I SHARED how I wanted my food to look and taste. As I was placing my order. We came to a fork in the road, whereby, he was not able to satisfy me, because of the lunch menu restrictions. You know picky, "let me see a manager", I asked. My waiter did not waiver, he moved quickly to get a manager who, went forward to satisfy my request. I asked for an Iceberg Salad with out mushy tomatoes not cheese. Requested rice vinegar and oil, but ask for him to make sure the bottle were free of customer debris. I.E., greasy. And wet bottles..Since they had not rice vinegar, I settled for balsamic.

Was I in for a surprise. Both my waiter and the manager did the damn thing with service. My food was as Handsome as those who assisted me. Just know if you are looking for a Gluten Free Pizza, no one in LA, California has Maria's Italian Kitchen Beat. Both my salad and pizza was emaculate and sever decadently to perfection..My salad did not have any brown pieces nor did it come with any unwanted topical ingredients.. The environment was BEAUTIFUL, well lite, as I love me some natural light, and just cozy during lunch hour. I was soooo impressed with the amazing service as I am extremely picky.. I'm so picky, I mightest well just eat at home and prepare my food myself.

Needless to say, the service and all the meals served were picture perfect. Just Do it like Nike Maria's Italian Kitchen. Oh, by the was, they are also Military Friendly. I always sooo excited about my experience, Heck.. I even took a picture. If you looking for BEAUTIFUL location, if you want a beautiful delicious meal, served in a decadent Italian style restaurant, head over to Maria's Kitchen, I can assure you that the service is going to be to...

So, in one week I went twice during lunch. First time by myself. I was told to take any seat. I just saw two people near the bar in a small booth and so, I picked a booth behind them.

I literally waited about 15 minutes until I finally said to one of the staff members “Can I have a menu and get a drink? “ He said to me oh, I thought you were just here waiting for food.

No, I wasn’t there just waiting for food. Why wouldn’t you ask someone if there ok when you’ve seen them walking by numerous times?

Anyways,he takes my order. I ordered a chicken marsala bowl. It’s a lunch special. Let me just say that the chicken was not tender at all. The flavor was not really there. I make it way better!

Two days later, two of my colleagues were like hey let’s go to Maria’s. They have good burgers. I said, why would you go to an Italian place for a Burger?

Anyway, needless to say, I thought I would give it another chance.

We were told again to sit wherever we like. Again, we waited like 15 minutes before anyone came. Drinks pretty much came out the same time as the food. This time I ordered chicken piccata bowl. Crazy as it may seem the same server was serving us for lunch. He says to me “ Yes the chicken piccata that’s my favorite.” Maria’s chicken piccata is…Not my favorite. It’s supposed to be late. Buttery teeny bit of salt at least in the flavor of the sautéed chicken, but there was none of that it was bland.

Anyway, needless to say my experience here, at this particular, Maria’s location is not great. I would give them out of all of their locations probably a three.

As a viewer and what I see to all details Service is slow and they talk to much to one another instead of the patrons.

Will not be coming to this location again! Don’t...