Vespaio

Name: Vespaio
Address: 225 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90012
Telephone: (213) 221-7244
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

4.1

1699 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Get wined and dined downtown at Chef Agostino Sciandri’s newest restaurant, located in the Emerson.

We are DTLA's premier power lunch or per theater date spot! Join us for a truly authentic italian dining experience, the likes of which will delivery your senses strait back to Tuscany.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 25, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 61 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(213) 221-7244

Delivery

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Fish, Steak
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Phone number
(213) 221-7244
Website
http://www.vespaiodtla.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Agostino Sciandri
Private party facilities
We are thrilled to offer full service event planning at our restaurant for you and up to 400 of your guests. Please get in touch today to plan your unforgettable event.
Private party contact
Elena Cali: (833) 903-0956

Location
225 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90012
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
On Grand, between 2nd and 3rd Street.
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Eggplant Parmigiana$14.95
Cheese Assortment, Homemade Jam, & Crostini$15.95
Burrata, Marinated Eggplant, Oven Roasted Tomato, Rucola, Aged Balsamic, Shaved Bottarga$17.95
Parma Prosciutto and Bruschetta$18.50
Seared Beef Carpaccio, Watercress, Fennel, Large Capers, Parmigiano, Horseradish Dressing$18.75

Mare

Fried Calamari, Zucchini, Lemon Zest, Aioli, Spicy Marinara$16.95
Charred Octopus, Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans, Olives, Cherry Tomatoes$19.95
Scallop Wrapped In Guanciale, Grilled Polenta, Seasonal Mushrooms$19.95
Seared Tuna, Watercress, Shaved Fennel, Citrus Marinate$16.00
Black Mediterranean Mussels, White Wine Broth$18.75

Salad

Baby Artichoke Carpaccio, Wild Rucola, Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil Dressing$18.00
Goat Cheese, Roasted Beets, Rucola, Carmelized Walnuts, Red Wine Vinegar Dressing$16.75
Baby Kale, Ricotta Salata, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado, Balsamic Dressing$16.50
Baby Spinach, Smoked Crispy Bacon, Pear, Blue Cheese, Balsamic Dressing$16.50
Bufala Mozzarella, Vine Tomato, Basil, Boston Wedge, EVOO$17.25

Soup

Lentil Soup$12.00
Minestrone Soup$12.00

Pizza

Margherita Tomato, Mozzarella, Fresh Basil$16.75
Pear Gorgonzola, Mozzarella, Toasted Pine Nuts, Wild Rugula$18.00
Funghi Tomato, Mozzarella, Mixed Mushrooms$19.00
Pepperoni, Tomato, Mozzarella$17.00
Romana, Artichoke, Olives, Tomato, Mozzarella, Oregano$19.50
Sausage, Rapini, Egg, Mozzarella, Chili Flakes$19.50
Bufala Mozzarella Tomato, Fresh Basil$19.00
Parma Prosciutto Tomato, Mozzarella$22.00
Calzone Tomato, Mozzarella, Parmacotto Ham, Fresh Basil$18.00
Bianca, Truffle Cheese Pizza$22.00

Pasta

Homemade

Our Fresh Pastas Are Made In House Using Organic Flour

Potato Topini, Lobster, Artichokes, Light Pink Sauce$26.75
Pappardelle, Chianti Style Wild Boar Ragu$25.75
Tagliatelle Verdi, Old Fashioned Beef + Porcini Ragu$24.95
Seafood Cappellacci, Lump Crab, Arrabbiata Sauce$26.95
Tuscan Kale + Ricotta, Ravioli, Butter, Sage$22.00
Garganelli, Mixed Seafood Saffron Sauce$26.95

Pasta

Gluten Free Pasta Available upon Request - $3

Penne, Tomato, Basil, Parmigiano$20.00
Pacchero Bolognese$24.00
Maccheroni, Guanciale, Fava Beans, Tomato Concasse, Aged Pecorino$24.95

Risotto

Risotto, Porcini Mushrooms$28.00
Risotto, Scampi, Asparagus$28.00
Risotto Parmesan, Rosemary, Filet Mignon au Jus$28.00

Main

Mare

Whole Butterflied Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, Sauteed Spinach$34.00
Seasonal Fish & Shellfish Stew, Light Tomato Broth, Toasted Garlic Bread$29.75
Wild Salmon, Celery Root, Caponata, with Caper Pesto Sauce$29.75
Pan Fried Wild Cod, Potatoes, Zucchini, Carrots$34.95

Terra

Grilled Half Organic Jidori Chicken, Rosemary Potatoes$25.00
Porchetta Slow Roasted Herb Pork Belly, Rosemary Potatoes$30.95
Pork Chop 16oz. (From Salmon Creek Farms) Butter + Sage, Fried Green Tomatoes$32.00
Roasted Baby Rack of Lamb au Jus, Rosemary + Garlic Potatoes$38.95
Veal Costeletta Chop 14oz. (From Marcho Farms) Porcini, Sauteed Spinach$36.95
Braised Beef, Pear-Shaped Arancini$36.75
All Our Beef Is Graded USDA, Certified Black Angus, Prime
Filet Mignon 8oz. Wild Mushrooms, Sauteed Spinach$44.75
All Our Beef Is Graded USDA, Certified Black Angus, Prime
Rib Eye Steak 16oz. Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts$48.00
All Our Beef Is Graded USDA, Certified Black Angus, Prime
Tagliata Flat Iron Steak 10oz. Rosemary Potatoes$38.00
All Our Beef Is Graded USDA, Certified Black Angus, Prime

Sides

Rosemary Potatoes$8.00
Steamed Green Beans$8.00
Sauteed Spinach$8.00
Steamed Asparagus$8.00
Sauteed Rapin$8.00
Mashed Potato$8.00
French Fries$8.00
Oven Roasted Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower$9.50

Bread

Whole Wheat$3.00
Ciabatta$3.00
Baguette$3.00
Focaccia$3.00
Pizza Bread Rosemary, Extra Virgin Olive Oil$5.00

Water

Lauretana Mineral Water$8.00
Sourced At an Elevation of 1100 Meters In the Italian Alps, Bottle Designed by Pininfarina
Evian Flat Mineral Water$8.00
Badoit Sparkling Mineral Water$8.00

What 1,699 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Downtown / South and East LA
Italian

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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience2
We apparently picked the wrong time as the opera crowd inundated the restaurant and it was a very frantic scene (our reservation was at 6pm). The timing was what it was, but the wait staff was very stressed and it showed - being very short with people and rushing them when I would’ve expected it to be the other way around since it was the diner who didn’t want to be late for their show. I just watched all of this unfold since the tables on both sides were going to the opera. We were in no hurry. And we heard it all since the tables were so close together I could’ve reached over and ate from my neighbor’s plate. Amid all the chaos, the fire alarm goes off, but no one moved a muscle since it all seemed so appropriate. The food was amazing, but my main was just so-so - serves me right for getting a gluten-free pasta selection. I was also disappointed since we were celebrating a birthday and there was nothing done to recognize the occasion despite my stating that during the reservation (which was actually prompted during the reservation - why ask if there’s no recognition of it?). I’ve had better experiences here, but this wasn’t quite it. We went to Perch for drinks afterwards and it made me think we should’ve eaten dinner there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience2
Very obvious that the restaurant was understaffed. Didn’t get any food, including bread and salad, for over 30 minutes. Was not offered a wine list and had to grab one ourselves after 30 minutes. Wait staff did not check on us unless we flagged them down, but they did apologize too little too late. Food was good, but very disappointing dining experience.
HL
HollieL
Los Angeles
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience3
Great location next to the Broad Museum. Nice atmosphere, outdoor covered patio. Lentil soup - too watery dressing not flavorful. Not impressed with either dish.
GS
GeorgeS
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great place. Perfect ambience, food and service - not to mention the drinks…! Hugo, Sylvia, Carlos and Francis are the best!! A truly wonderful evening.
AP
AudreyP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good food and great ambience. I highly recommend.
p
pamelaw
Los Angeles
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service!!
BR
BirgitR
Los Angeles
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
We always frequent this restaurant. We go there with a group of friends at least once a month. A year ago it was still awesome and great food and beverages. This time around we went and the $18 glasses of wine had a very stingy pour, basically like half of a normal upscale restaurant pour. The charcuterie board was expensive with three very small pieces of cheese. Not sure what’s happening over there. We will probably start dining at Otium or other nearby restaurants.
AS
ASquared
Los Angeles
64 reviews
4.0
64 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was good—the special snapper was prepared perfectly. Homemade pasta with crab was al dente. Cocktails were a good pour. Service slowed down at the end of the meal, as many were trying to get to the theater. The restaurant should work on this timing.
T
Tiffany
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience3
We were here before the concert at the Disney Hall quite a few times. The orders of the food was messed up, didn't cooked right. Service was slow. Not a good night!
FM
Food4MB
Los Angeles
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was really great. Service, which seems to be a trend everywhere, spotty. Had this issue in nyc at multiple restaurants. Mid dinner Vespiao changed waiters. The second waiter had no idea we were finishing appetizers instead of finishing dinner over an hour later we asked for our main dishes. Had to ask for additional drinks. Very disappointing.
R
Ricric
Los Angeles
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience4
I was extremely disappointed in the hostess. The reservation was made six weeks ago, and she kept us waiting for 15 min. Then we got a not-so-great table. Service was beyond slow. Asked if we wanted water, it took a good 12 minutes before it arrived. It was not your usual service. Then a hostess knew someone and moved their crummy table to one that was located in a better real estate location. I understand some of this, but it is not acceptable when a reservation was made six weeks ago. Not sure at this point, I would recommend the restaurant. Also, I am there often, and this was a disappointment
BR
BarbaraR
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The special veal ragu on fettuccine was excellent. Bar was lively and the wine was delicious.
m
mabster
Los Angeles
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
The ambience was great and the food was very good. Cocktails were good as well. We received lots of attention from our servers and were out in ample time to walk to the Ahmanson for the theatre. Very nice. We will go back. Only thought, they need some black napkins as well as white as the white got all over my navy blue slacks.
r
robert
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
Long wait for our drink order taking. We found out later that the person who took our order was the manager. She did not tell us about the specials of the night. We found that out when the table next to us was greeted by a server. of course, it was too late to change our orders at that time. Our drinks were delivered separately. difference of 15 min. Our entrees arrived before we had finished our starters. Poor restaurant management. Bur the food was excellent.
d
dancefreak
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
I understand that they were extremely understaffed but it makes for a poor experience across the board and the spinach salad was inedible. Pizza was ok. Would not recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
11 reviews
vip
1.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Literally the worst experience ever. Made a reservation for 5 were seated at a booth for 4. Had to squeeze in. No empathy from server . Dirty menus. We mentioned we would be leaving for a show just a heads up. Response from server was like “ well so is everyone else here” no manager touched the table. We couldn’t even eat our meals comfortably because we could not fit in the booth. Save your money go to Otium or Astrid next door. Service is way better
MM
MonicaM
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience2
We had high hopes for this restaurant, it looked wonderful online, and we had passed by it often. Sadly, we would not return. Overpriced, and the experience and food was not worth the expense. After a wonderful time at the Broad, we were seated on time for our reservation of 3. The moment we walked in however, we felt the stress of the hostess, servers and the cooks behind glass wall. They appeared short-staffed, maybe? We waited 15 minutes before someone acknowledged us at the table. We were give water by a bus boy. Our serve came by 12 minutes after the water. We asked for the appetizer first (we were hungry) and ordered our meal. The appetizer came with the meal 15 minutes later. It was too long of gaps for sitting a restaurant with only water glasses in front of us. The food was small portioned and not the greatest. There was no bread offered or any other of the nice extras one would expect from a $$ priced menu; meals running from $25-$45 a plate. Our cheese plate was lacking, enough for only 1 person and the ravioli not enough for a 6'3 male, I think he had 6 small raviolis. The pizza was a larger size, thank goodness - but just okay in regards to flavor. Our bill came out to $168 for 3 ppl and we did not enjoy it. We had 3 entrees (ravioli, pizza and salmon), 1 appetizer (cheese plate) and 1 glass of wine ($18). We support restaurants and dine out often - this one really missed the mark. Lastly, we decided to choose from their café side some baked goods. We waited 15 min for someone to acknowledge us and when it came time to pay - the hostess was to ring us up which took another 15 minutes. She did apologize for the long delay. There is a lot of waiting around at this restaurant that pulls away from could have been a nice experience. Also the restaurant is loud, much going on. So if you're looking for a quite dining experience or romantic or relaxing... this is not the place.
X
Xiannact
Los Angeles
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience2
Mother’s Day dinner before a show at the Ahmanson. Food was good and our waiter did listen when we said we were on a time limit for a 6:30 pm curtain. Odd thing was the hostess who seemed to be looking for a place to put us, despite having a reservation, put us in the corner on the opposite side of the dining room…more like the lunchtime cafe/spillover for the restaurant. Also as a hostess, providing menus to diners would be helpful. Plus as more guests came in, the tables were moved in such a way that we literally became boxed in. I had to ask another diner if they could please get up and move their chair so that my mother and I could leave.
AR
AnthonyR
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience2
We went a couple of weeks ago and the food was great and service was great. So we decided to go for Mother’s Day most of us ordered off the special menu which the food was not very good we got a cold pizza undercooked the ribeye was almost all fat this is just too much already we paid a bill of almost $600 and nobody enjoyed the food
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lo recomiendo
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience4
One server for 20 tables. Not reasonable. Too slow
d
dlg29
New Orleans
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
This was a pre theater dinner. Service was mediocre,although to be fair I’m sure they were under staffed. More important the food was extremely mediocre. I’d been there once before and the food was mediocre then as it was this time. I will not be going back.
AA
AngelaA
Los Angeles
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
Was. Rey busy, had to flag down waiters to get drinks, dessert. She seemed frantic as she was literally running. Food was brought out promptly after ordered.
CW
ChrisW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Didn't get seated for 15 min even though we had a reservation. They mixed up my order, and when it finally came through, they served my steak well done though I asked for medium rare. Otherwise okay, but I won't be clamouring to return.
J
Jewelrygalcpa
Los Angeles
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Great Server; prompt and attentive; the support staff were equally attentive. The service is a clear improvement over pre-pandemic. To start, we (2 of us) had the crab cake salad special. It was quite tasty, but a bit small for sharing, yet too much of an appetizer for 1. Consider re-sizing. Main course: My husband had the Tagliatelle Verdi. The meat was fatty and had pieces of gristle; the pasta was average. I had the special - mushroom ravioli with a hint of truffle in a cream sauce; it was quite tasty, but not worth the $48 we were surprisingly charged. The manager graciously adjusted the bill (thank you). Suggestion: advise the diners of the special prices rather than "surprise" them with the bill.
F
Foodluver
Los Angeles
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
The roast beef panini sandwich was dry. The cocktail was very good- Che Buono. The pizza was OK.
t
tiramisu
San Francisco
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Better ambiance in the seating area by the street than inside. Our hamburgers, salmon, rucola salad and coffee were delicious. Attentive service. Would’ve been nice to have larger portions on the salmon dish that was $30. Rucola salad was plentiful, but would’ve been nice to have a few more pieces of roasted beets, carmelized walnuts and tomatoes added to the salad. 10-15 min walk to the Music Center, depending if you stop to take pics of impressive Disney Hall. Until other restaurants besides Kendall’s are built at the Music Center, this will be our go to place before a performance. When we arrived within our 15 min grace period, the hostess had trouble with the reservation equipment and said, “I’ll figure it out.” Later our reservation was indicated as canceled. Had to call to say we were there, and the reservation was corrected.
CQ
CarlosQuin
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Vespaio offers very good food and a good selection. Their service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is always pleasant, and this location is perfect prior to attending a concert or event at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Music Center.
AA
AlbertA
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. We appreciated the opportunity to move from the outside patio to an indoor table. It was wonderful to see business colleagues enjoying their happy hour but it as a bit loud for us to hear each other. The host was most gracious in assisting us to move inside where our server helped us to have an enjoyable dinner. Although I always enjoy the dinners, one of my favorite parts are the soups which always have peasant spices and herbs.
LM
LauraM
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So happy they have reopened! The food was excellent! I can't wait to go back and try something new.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service, food and ambiance. Would go back in a heartbeat!!
TF
TheaterFan
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food2service1ambience4
I requested the coleslaw be put on the side rather than on the sandwich. It wasn’t and I had to scrape the coleslaw off. The waiter never returned to check on the food until it was time to give us the check. Horrible service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Go to place before Music center. Fire engines right outside. Slower than usual service. Have you changed the recipe for the pork sandwich? It seemed ground instead of sliced. Would still come back though. Glad you are opened that early, 11 AM
m
merrym
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was so nice that are open again! Everything was wonderful, and the general manager Elaina was so welcoming!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience3
I’ve been to Vespaio a number of times. The food is always good, whether at the bar or at a table. Ambiance and service are more average. Articulately last night,,I found the service slower than usual and my server harder to flag down. But I’ll continue to go back because of the quality of the food and its convenience to Disney Hall.
CR
ChristinaR
Los Angeles
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
Food was above average but felt a little flat/boring, as if the chef was just following a menu pattern used by every other “trendy” Italian restaurant. Menu was varied but not very traditional, nor were there many vegetarian choices. Burrata special ruined by the add of too many flavors plus truffle oil which completely overpowered it. Wine was very nice but overpriced. Service was good but we were on the patio and our evening was disrupted by a vary large, very loud group that was seated adjacent to us about 15 minutes into our meal. Busboys brought wrong food to our table consistently, and the appetizers arrived before the wine which was very odd. Of course all this aside we’ll be back, because 1) we still like this place a lot and 2) it really is the best choice of options available near the Music Center/Disney Concert Hall, but we couldn’t help but feel like they’re still trying to figure it all out post-fire/forced remodel.
C
Cindylou
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Salads were fresh and tasty. Risotto with mushroom fantastic and fresh pasta dishes delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a large party of eight for a pre-show dinning experience on a busy Friday evening. The food was excellent and delivered all together. The service was wonderful and definitely a highlight.
RW
RobertW
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We frequently go to Vespaio after a concert at the L.A. Phil and are pleased with the consistency and choices of the food that is on the menu.
SM
SMD2
Los Angeles
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place before concerts or theatre

FAQs

Vespaio does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Vespaio also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 221-7244.

Vespaio is rated 4.1 stars by 1699 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.