Los Angeles Spotlight: De La Nonna

De La Nonna in Los Angeles has quickly become a beloved spot in the Arts District. Here is a comprehensive overview of the restaurant:

🍕 De La Nonna: A Taste of Familial Italian in the Arts District

De La Nonna, which translates to “from the Grandmother,” is a market-driven pizza restaurant located in the heart of Los Angeles’ Arts District. The name itself is a nod to the Italian and Latin heritage of its founders, embodying the spirit of warm, comforting, and soul-satisfying Italian food that a “Nonna” (Grandma) would approve of.

Unique Appeal

What makes De La Nonna stand out is its combination of elevated, yet cozy, dining:

• The Pizza Style: It’s renowned for its naturally leavened pan pizzas, often described as a Detroit-slash-Sicilian style. They are thick, square-shaped, with a signature light, airy, and fluffy midsection, contrasted by a crisp golden crust.
• Market-Driven Menu: The menu, especially the popular Market Pizza, rotates to highlight fresh, seasonal, and local produce and ingredients, keeping the offerings dynamic and farm-forward.
• Vibe and Ambiance: The restaurant captures a unique “vibey” atmosphere that feels like an “Italian/Amalfi coast summer mixed with an LA backyard pool party.” The decor is described as simultaneously grandma-like, tropical, and retro.
• Expansive Outdoor Seating: A significant portion of its seating is outdoors on a string-lit brick patio and pergola area, creating a lush, tranquil, garden-like urban escape.
• The Sister Bar: It’s attached to The Let’s Go Disco, a disco-themed cocktail bar, offering a complete night-out experience.

History

De La Nonna was founded by long-time friends Patrick Costa (Executive Chef), Jose L. Cordon, and Lee Zaremba.

• Pandemic-Era Pop-Up: The concept was initially born during the pandemic when the founders—who had backgrounds at notable restaurants like Tartine, Felix, and Chicago’s Boka Group—collaborated on an idea for an Italian concept offering a more accessible alternative to expensive patio dining.
• Brick-and-Mortar Opening: After a successful year of popping up at various Los Angeles locations, they brought their dream to life with a permanent brick-and-mortar location in the Arts District in November 2021.
• Expansion: De La Nonna has since expanded with a second location in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Highlight Menu Items

While the menu is seasonal, here are some of the standout and frequently praised items:

• The Pizzas:
  • Pepperoni: A crowd-pleaser often topped with spicy honey for a sweet-heat kick.
  • White: Featuring paper-thin slices of Japanese sweet potato, fennel, onion, and pesto.
  • Market Pizza: The seasonal, rotating pie that showcases the best of fresh, farm-forward ingredients.
• Appetizers/Small Plates:
  • Caesar Salad: Frequently called one of the best in the city, noted for its bright, lemony dressing and crunchy kale/romaine mix.
  • Eggplant Caponata: Fried eggplant in a sweet and sour sauce.
  • Whipped Eggplant: Served with Calabrian XO sauce and toasted focaccia.
• Drinks:
  • Frozen Aperol Spritz: Unquestionably their most popular drink.
  • Draft Cocktails: Including the Melonita (mezcal-based with hibiscus, rose, and cinnamon) and the Margariti (an herbal tequila margarita).
  • Natural Wine and a curated Italian-leaning wine list.
• The Nonna Pack: A popular special, often available on select days, which includes two pizzas, a Caesar salad, and a bottle of wine (or a 6-pack of Italian Pils) at an attractive price point.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the quality of the food and the ambiance:

• The Pizza: Customers rave about the crispy edges, fluffy midsection, and fresh, thoughtful toppings. It is often cited as a favorite pizza spot in LA.
• Ambiance: The “vibe” is a huge draw, with people appreciating the cozy, comfortable, and romantic atmosphere, especially the outdoor patio.
• Service: While the food and atmosphere receive high marks, the service sometimes gets mixed reviews due to their unique hybrid style of service where patrons are seated but then order at a counter to start a tab.

Significant Events

While a comprehensive list of specific events is not readily available, the venue is known for:

• Pop-Up Success: Its most significant historical event was its successful transition from a highly-coveted pandemic-era pop-up to a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant.
• Sister Bar Opening: The opening and integration of The Let’s Go Disco next door solidified De La Nonna as a comprehensive entertainment and dining destination.
• Private Events: The venue hosts various events, including wedding receptions and large gatherings, utilizing its large 4,500 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space.
• Anniversaries: They celebrate their anniversaries, with their 3rd-year celebration noted as a significant event.

📍 De La Nonna (Arts District, Los Angeles) Contact Information

Hours of Operation (DTLA – Arts District, CA):

• Tues – Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
• Fri & Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
• Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Slice Window (Late Night): Fri & Sat, 11 PM – 1 AM