Pasta Palace

The Latin word for happy or lucky is LA’s best new Italian restaurant. Felix is inspired by the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy and enriched with ingredients grown by California’s greatest family farms. And you will be both happy and lucky to score a seat- anywhere- at Evan Funke and Janet Zuccarini’s space on Abbot Kinney. The Zuccarini family’s pioneering spirit and passion for hospitality began in 1954 with Giacomo Zuccarini, the first importer of espresso machines to Canada. Forty years later, Janet Zuccarini, entrepreneur and visionary, continued in her father’s legacy with the creation of Gusto 54. Trattoria Nervosa in Yorkville and Gusto 101 on King West set the benchmark in Toronto for soulful service and innovative culinary experiences. Zuccarini has since built upon her successes, adding Gusto 54 Catering, the ever popular Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Kiin and now Felix Trattoria on Abbot Kinney to the growing roster.

Funke has wowed Los Angeles in the past, at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica and then at Bucato in Culver City. I missed Funke’s run at Rustic Canyon but was a fan  of Bucato, where he raised the bar for pasta making in the city and introduced us to focaccia sfincione which became an iconic dish. Since Funke left Bucato in 2015, he- along with owner Janet Zuccarini- spent well over a year bringing Felix to life in the former Joe’s location in Venice. The space is wonderful in the way only restaurants built in old houses can be, outfitted in warm brown leather booths and green botanical wallpaper that feels both modern and vintage-tinged. And then there’s the pasta…which could take weeks to sample it all. And then there’s the sublime pizza…and then there’s the rest of the menu where many dishes at Felix will be the best version of anything you’ve ever had. www.felixla.com