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Central Los Angeles › Downtown › Settecento DTLA
Settecento DTLABWorth Trying
700 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
· Italian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (294 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Gorgeous library-adjacent patio and stylish dining with solid pizzas and cocktails, but service inconsistency and occasional long waits temper the experience.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Settecento DTLA delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by an exceptional garden patio and standout pizzas and seafood, making it a worthwhile choice for date nights and special occasions. However, inconsistent seasoning and service pacing on busy evenings, combined with recent food safety concerns, prevent it from reaching higher performance tiers. The grade reflects a restaurant with genuine strengths in ambiance and select dishes, but operational reliability issues that merit awareness.
Restaurant Summary
Settecento DTLA unfolds beside the Central Library with a garden patio that feels elegant and leafy. Diners describe polished cocktails, warm lighting, and the occasional live band that can tilt the room from lively to loud. One diner put it simply: "The patio is gorgeous and the vibe makes downtown feel special." The cooking leans modern Italian more than avant-garde, with wood-fired pizzas, well-loved seafood, and desserts that often close the deal. Strengths cluster around the pizza program and seafood (octopus, branzino), while some pastas run salty or underseasoned. It suits date nights and groups who value setting and a relaxed pace over precision timing, though expect uneven pacing on busy evenings. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly anchors like pizza and pasta, plus burgers and brunch pancakes. Heat lamps help outdoors, but ask early if you need one. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, yet Margherita pizza, plain pastas, and gelato cover most young palates.
At a Glance
- Beautiful garden patio beside the library
- Standout pizzas and solid cocktails
- Service can be slow and uneven at peak times
- Several recent food safety complaints warrant caution
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- library_garden_patio
- live_music_evenings
- stylish_instrument_decor
What People Love
- The photogenic library garden setting
- Wood-fired pizzas, especially the namesake and truffle
- Seafood like octopus and branzino cooked right
- Cocktails that match the stylish room
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency with long ticket times on busy nights; several reports of missed items and slow check delivery
- Pricing can feel high at dinner; 3% surcharge and bread charge reported
- A few diners reported food poisoning; mixed evidence but worth caution
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; conservative palates may prefer basics like Margherita or pomodoro
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-$72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean on pizzas and seafood starters; consider lunch prix fixe for value; confirm water preference to avoid bottled charges
Perfect For
- A romantic patio dinner after the library or museum
- Drinks and shared pizzas with friends on a music night
- Business lunches using the $25 lunch special
- Celebrations that prioritize atmosphere over speed
Location Insights
Area: Cultural-business district beside Central Library; polished, artsy, after-work and date-night crowd.
Safety: Well-patrolled Bunker Hill core; generally safe with good lighting and foot traffic in evenings.
Nearby: Next to LA Central Library, near office towers, Grand Park, The Broad, and MOCA; event-friendly garden setting.
Financial DistrictThe Financial District is characterized by high-rise office buildings and a daytime population dominated by professionals working in finance, law, and corporate sectors. Dining options here cater largely to business lunches, after-work gatherings, and upscale dining experiences, with many restaurants offering refined menus and stylish atmospheres.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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