Cuisine:

• Italian
• Others

Tanino Description:
Tanino has been a major factor in the resurgence of Westwood Village as a dining destination. The graceful Italian Renaissance-style building was originally designed as a music store in 1929 by famed L.A. architect Paul Williams (coincidentally, Williams was known for his restaurant designs, including celebrated haunts like Perino's and The Polo Lounge). Thanks to a loving restoration of this landmark, Tanino boasts one of the city's most splendid dining rooms. In the evening, when soft lighting plays off the soaring, ornately painted ceiling and travertine walls, and a fire flickers in the grand fireplace, the setting becomes romantic. Chef-owner Tanino Drago, who honed his skills at older brother Celestino's acclaimed restaurant, Drago, creates authentic regional fare with contemporary touches. Starters of note include the tortino di funghi di bosco, a kind of mushroom soufflé with rich Gruviera (the Italian version of Gruyère) cheese sauce, hearty soups, and excellent carpaccios (ahi tuna with red beets, the traditional beef with a lovely mustard vinaigrette). Among the pastas, you'll find a pumpkin and sage lasagna, vegetable tortelloni in morel mushroom sauce, and marvelously light gnocchi bathed in lobster sauce with arugula. Main courses include a fine veal chop, classic osso buco and always-fresh fish. And for dessert, consider one of the city's best renditions of tiramisu, a memorable panna cotta (a Drago brothers specialty) or sensational pumpkin- and ricotta-stuffed crêpes with rum-raisin sauce. The largely Italian waitstaff are friendly, as is Tanino himself, who displays considerable charm on his rounds through the dining room.


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