Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar, (801 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90017; 213.622.3255) is officially open and I was lucky enough to check out this spot located in Downtown Los Angeles. From Innovative Dining Group (IDG) (the creators of BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, Katana, Robata Bar and Delphine at W Hollywood) expect a vibrant 3,500-square-foot space. It’s a combo of a street-side café in Rome with a 21st-century neighborhood bar. The 20-foot ceilings frame the 360-degree bar, exhibition pizza bar and kitchen, and convivial 1,100-square-foot outdoor dining patio.
Executive Chef Sascha Lyon oversees the menu, comprised of straight forward food inspired by Southern Italian cooking. Nosh on antipasti, salads, pizzas, panini’s, pastas, and entrées. Stand-out items I couldn’t stop eating included the Grilled Oyster Mushrooms with Grana Padano, Potato and Bacon Pie, and the Caesar salad was one the best I have had in years. There is also The Tower Sub or 801 Burger, Spaghetti Puttanesca and Branzino Milanese are ideal for dinner paired with a seasonal fresh cocktail like the Leaning Tamarindo, Smoked Blossom or house-made Limoncello. Don’t forget my favorite part of the meal…dessert! Do not miss the Strawberry Shortcake or the Tiramisu. Both are equally delicious.
Soleto is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday, as well as happy hour during the week.
