Innovative Dining Group (BOA Steakhouse, Katana, Delphine etc.) has partnered with Chef Gino Angelini (Angelini Osteria) in opening Riva Bella in West Hollywood. The restaurant is located in the old Hamburger Hamlet location on Sunset Blvd with an Italian farmhouse style but with a touch of elegance. The space is over 2800 square feet and has a retractable roof for those warm Los Angeles evenings.
As for the food, spectacular! We started with Chef Angelini’s Lobster Salad — a mix of fresh lettuces and crisp veggies combined with fresh lobster chunks. The dressing consisted of a light mix of lemon juice and olive oil, a refreshing start to a great meal. Next, our server mentioned that the eggplant parmesan was extra special and chef only made an alotted few for the evening. Now I have had eggplant parm many many times from Los Angeles to NYC and this by far was the best I had ever tasted. Chef Angelini started with panko crusted eggplant, which was delicately cooked, then layered on fresh tomato sauce and sat it in a small pool of homemade cheese sauce with crispy leeks on top. Shockingly fabulous!
Next, came the pasta course – Nidi Di Rondine, a nested pasta with Italian ham and parmesan cream and the topper……bruleed bolognese on top of each nest. It was genious! The entire plate was prepared with flavors from the Italian Gods. Chef Angelini knows his pasta!
For our final course we opted for the Colorado Lamb Chops served with pan roasted mushrooms and small dollops of whipped potatoes. The lamb was succulent and juicy and not too fatty. The earthy mushrooms were a nice combination with the rich meat. Overall, a fun and superb meal.
Riva Bella is a great new spot for Los Angeles Italian food lovers or food lovers overall. The cocktail and wine lists are impressive as well. I recommend starting with Riva Bella’s rendition of the Manhattan made with Italian liquors. Our server was extra special!
Riva Bella, 9201 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood.
(310) 278-2060
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