Named after Formaggio, or cheese in Italian, Forma, located in Santa Monica and Venice, is known for making their portions of pasta in giant cheese wheels just before they serve you. Forma has been one of my favorite Italian restaurants for a while now. Why you might ask? They have the best Cacio e Pepe that I have ever tasted. It has the perfect cheese-to-pepper-to-spaghetti balance and satisfies all of my cravings. I have eaten Cacio e Pepe in Italy before and this one from Forma tastes identical to the authentic version I had there. Other items on their menu that I adore include their gnocchi and their salad, which contains avocado, goat cheese, almonds and citrus. 

There are two Angelinis, one on Beverly Boulevard near the Grove called Angelini Osteria and one at the Palisades Village called Angelini Ristorante & Bar, where the outdoor-indoor layout is so lively and the waiters are all so nice. All of their dishes are good, but my favorite pasta that they offer is their Tagliolini Limone. Tagliolini is a kind of thin, rectangular spaghetti, and this pasta is cooked perfectly, not too al dente but not too soft either. It is so creamy and has the ideal amount of lemony flavor. This pasta is hard to resist because it is so satisfying. The Beverly Boulevard Angelini also has a brunch restaurant called Angelini Alimentari next to it. It is cute and casual and has delicious pastries, gelato and other brunch items. 

Eataly, located in the Century City Mall, is an Italian marketplace and has ingredients for every Italian dish that you could ever wish for. From authentic pizzas and pasta to traditional desserts and pastries, it is one of the most exciting places to be. Downstairs they serve gelato and cappuccinos. Upstairs you can eat at a restaurant with a cute patio or buy fresh produce and other food items. Eataly even gets interactive, allowing you to make your own Neapolitan pizzas as well. Their pizzas are fluffy and their pasta is so enjoyable. It really feels as though you are browsing an Italian marketplace when you come here.

Vernetti is a restaurant located on Larchmont. It is so unique and it feels as though you are part of the chef’s family when you dine here. The atmosphere is modern, but tasteful at the same time. They offer breakfast and dinner items that are both splendid. I would recommend their divine Pappardelle con funghi (flat and wide spaghetti with mushrooms), Burrata salad (I love burrata and think that anything with burrata is delicious) and inviting warm spiced olives.