I absolutely loved everything about this restaurant! The food was incredible, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal. The waiter was attentive, friendly, and truly made the experience top-notch. This is definitely a five-star restaurant—I can’t wait to come back!
Overview
Tucked along Additional Entrance on, 11400 West Olympic Boulevard, Purdue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064, United States, Il Moro Restaurant feels like one of those places you almost want to keep to yourself. I first visited on a weeknight after a long day in West LA, expecting a solid Italian dinner. What I got instead was a genuinely thoughtful dining experience that balances traditional flavors with modern technique.
The dining room has that polished yet relaxed energy you hope for in a neighborhood Italian spot. Warm lighting, attentive servers, and a menu that reads like a love letter to regional Italy. If you’ve ever studied Italian cuisine, you’ll know that authenticity isn’t just about red sauce and pasta. Organizations like the Italian Culinary Institute emphasize seasonality, ingredient integrity, and regional specificity. You can see those principles in action here.
On my first visit, I ordered their house-made pasta-tagliolini with black truffle. The aroma alone told me they weren’t cutting corners. Fresh pasta has a distinct elasticity and bite, what chefs call “al dente,” and this one hit that mark perfectly. According to culinary science research published by food institutes such as the Culinary Institute of America, proper pasta texture depends on protein structure and controlled cooking time. You could tell the kitchen respects that process. The sauce coated every strand without drowning it, and the truffle was present but not overpowering.
Another standout from the menu is their seafood selection. Living in Los Angeles means access to excellent coastal ingredients, and the chef clearly takes advantage of that. The branzino, for example, arrives with crisp skin and moist flesh, plated simply with seasonal vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that demonstrates confidence. There’s no need for heavy cream sauces or unnecessary garnishes when the fish is that fresh.
I’ve also brought clients here for business dinners, and it consistently earns strong reviews from the table. One colleague, who studied hospitality management, pointed out how smoothly the service flows. Plates arrive at the right pace, wine glasses are refilled without interruption, and dietary preferences are handled professionally. That level of coordination doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects strong back-of-house systems and front-of-house training.
Speaking of wine, the list leans heavily Italian, as it should. Regions like Tuscany and Piedmont are well represented, and the staff can guide you through pairings without sounding scripted. On one visit, our server recommended a Barolo to complement a rich osso buco. The pairing elevated the dish, balancing the braised meat’s depth with structured tannins. It’s small touches like this that turn a meal into an experience.
The location near Westwood and Santa Monica makes it convenient for both locals and visitors. Parking in this part of Los Angeles can be unpredictable, so it’s worth checking ahead or using rideshare during peak hours. That said, once you’re seated, the city noise fades into the background.
In terms of pricing, Il Moro sits comfortably in the upscale-casual range. You’re paying for quality ingredients, trained chefs, and a refined atmosphere. Compared to other Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, the value feels justified. Reviews across major dining platforms consistently highlight the handmade pasta, attentive service, and elegant setting. While no restaurant is perfect-wait times can stretch on busy weekends-the overall consistency stands out.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the food. It’s the sense that every dish has intention behind it. From the careful plating to the balance of flavors, there’s clear expertise guiding the kitchen. In a city packed with dining options, finding a restaurant that blends authenticity, professionalism, and genuine hospitality isn’t easy. Yet Il Moro manages to do exactly that, plate after plate.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free multi-storey car park ✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 273 reviews
Il Moro never disappoints! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and elegant without being stuffy. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel genuinely welcome. The food was outstanding — fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and perfectly balanced flavors. The pasta tasted homemade, the seafood was cooked to perfection, and the wine selection complemented everything wonderfully. We especially loved the outdoor patio — cozy and perfect for a relaxed evening. It’s clear that the team here takes real pride in what they do.
I passed by this restaurant for years. We thought it was an expensive high end restaurant as we always saw exotic cars at the valet. But then we tried it. The price on their food and drinks was on par with other new restaurant $$-$$$. And I love the outdoor patio seating next to the manmade waterfall and stream (off for water conservation.) It's a large courtyard within the old Executive Tower. Il Moro is very generous with the outdoor patio heaters. This is a local favorite for the older generation. Maybe its because I always have a 6pm dinner reservation. As we leave, we see younger couples and groups. They have a private room that can fit a party of 10-12. It's really nice: All glass overlooking the main dining room and courtyard. Great classy private room. The calamari is my favorite. And I always get the lamb chops when available. That reduction sauce is amazing. However, as with the current trend, the price went up and the portions are smaller. All the other dishes were really good. Not super amazing and fabulous, but consistent and tasty for the price range. Good service too. Update: 2/16/2024. Tonight I order the seafood linguine. Wow, it was packed with seafood. The fresh grilled fish filets were excellent. Thr clams and mussels were plentiful and the linguine was cooked perfectly (al dante.) The seafood broth was a little too salty to drink from but it flavored the linguine and seafood perfectly. I would order again. Also, tonight, the calamari was "too oily." Its usually delicately battered and comes out hot and crispy. But tonight, it was just too oily for us to finish. When the waiter, "Baron" asked if it was satisfactory, i had to tell him the truth. He later comped our tiramisu dessert. That is a good example of good service. We will come back again
Such a gem of a restaurant! After my first experience eating at Il Moro, my biggest takeaway was that these people truly care about guest experience. Everything felt so beautiful and intentional, from the design to the plating to the service. My favorites are the corn ravioli and the rigatoni. There are several vegetarian options here too! The dessert is also to die for. I got to speak to one of the owners who was so kind and attentive. She told me about the history of this place and it made me even more of a fan. I was so impressed that I decided to have my birthday here recently and there were absolutely no regrets. From my understanding they can also host bigger events. I already can’t wait to come back and try everything else on the menu. I highly recommend.
Il Moro is tucked in and you may miss it if you're not looking for it, but it is worth the find. Great Italian that is fresh and delicious, great service, and it also has a nice patio with a waterfall and heat lamps at night. The bread is fresh baked and if you're not careful you will fill up on that before your entree arrives. Don't forget to ask for the specials-- they don't have them on a printed menu but the servers can give you a detailed list, with everything from a crab and lobster bisque to lamb chops. If you enjoy art, the restaurant also proudly displays art by local artists that you can buy if you are so inclined. They rotate artists and paintings but I've found all the paintings add to the ambiance of the restaurant.
We've been here lots of time (over 20 times). The food is always great, and the staff are great too. Plenty of options for everyone. (vegetarians, meat eaters and kids). We recently went for DineLA For a fixed price you get three courses. It gives an option to try all the foods. The serving was pretty big. Plenty of street parking, and there is paid parking. We have the food to be favourful.
Delicious food, highly recommend. I've been here multiple times and each time the food is consistently great. Service is attentive and friendly. Atmosphere is spacious and clean, with indoor and outdoor seating with heat lamps. Street parking available, however I have been only for dinner and have heard the place is more filled for lunch. The entrance is on the small side, but really opens up as you walk in, look for the awning. The short rib is always a favorite, and the risotto porcini was so so good, prob best I've ever had. Time and love put into all their dishes, especially the tagliatelle bolognese whose sauce cooks for 6 hours. Gluten free options available. Always listen to the specials and save room for dessert. Buon Appetito, piatto pulito.
I love this place. It’s in my neighborhood and it’s like a hidden gem. I had one of the best lamb chops in my life. The food is great and the service as well.