Trattoria Bella Roma SPQR — Restaurant in Los Angeles

If you love authentic Italian cuisine with a genuine "home cooked" flavor, Bella Roma is the perfect spot for you!

The chef/owner (an Italian immigrant who's wife can sometimes be found waiting tables) is real master, with an excellent command of Italian cooking, tremendous imagination and refined palette.

Top selections include: Calamari appetizer Portofino Pasta (with Salmon and a light cream sauce) Plus all the salads and deserts are fantastic! Some of the best meals I have had were nightly specials, I strongly recommend you take note of their specials options before you make your selection.

They don't have a liquor license, so bring your own bottle of wine, and they'll put it on ice for you.

Small interior dining area, with additional seating in an intimate patio dining area offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. Considering there aren't many restaurants in general in the South Robertson area (let alone good restaurants!?!), Bella Roma is a real gem!

Two quick notes - seating is limited and they can get crowded on the weekends. Additionally, street parking is your only option, which can be tricky at times. **QUICK UPDATE

Bella Roma has moved to a bigger space -- with their own parking! literally right around the corner from the previous location -- hey're less than ten steps for the old spot! Same great food + outstanding service, in a more spacious and inviting interior setting. If you haven't been to their new place -- I recommend you...

I found this lovely restaurant taking side streets on my commute home and initially noticed the French restaurant right nextdoor, but when it came down to trying it out, went first to the Trattoria and have not stopped returning. First of all the food is excellent, as is the service. The lovely gentleman (I presume the owner), from Rome has been incredibly welcoming each time we have returned. The biggest challenge for me is to decide what to try next. I have now tried apps, soups, main courses, pastas, and most of the desserts. There is nothing bad and no choice that will steer you wrong. I like lasagna generally, not love - like, but I've had it here twice. It's amazing. I've had the veal Marsala...amazing. Boscaiola (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) and it was gorgeous.

And the best part, beyond the fresh bread and olive spread that continually comes to the table.... The price is right. It's the only restaurant in Los Angeles where I can have apps, drinks, a main, and dessert without feeling like I am going broke and leaving disappointed. In fact I consistently walk away feeling the opposite - full, happy, and like I got a fantastic deal. This may be the best kept...

My friend made a reservation for 9 for her birthday on a Friday night.

For the size of the restaurant, it is rather small. Would definitely recommend making a reservation.

Service at the restaurant was great! They gave us a pizza on the house, and the waiters were very courteous and prompt. They also serve complimentary bread with olive oil and vinegar.

I ordered the arrabbiata, which was a spicy marinara pasta. It was pretty good and the portion was not bad at all. A little too spicy for my own taste, but the other dishes that my friends ordered were all pretty good. Prices for the dishes were quite reasonable, too. All the dishes we ordered were around $12-16, so definitely a place with good and affordable food.

Because it was my friend's birthday, they also gave us a free pie.

Parking is rather hard to find because it is Downtown Los Angeles. If you are lucky, you can find parking in the neighborhood right next to it, but the parking lot for the restaurant is rather small and you may have to find street parking.

Overall, would recommend people to come here and try out...