L'Angolo Cafe is Permanently Closed

 

For a number of years this was the official website for L'Angolo Café, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.

According to Yelpers the L'Angolo Cafe is Permanently CLOSED.

 

101 W. 9th St.
Los Angeles, CA
90015

 

 

L'Angolo Cafe is dedicated to creating traditional Italian cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients. From hand rolled pastas to homemade desserts, we are bringing Italian comfort with casual elegance to downtown Los Angeles. Stop by for a quick and fresh lunch or come in during dinner for a delightful respite from the hustle of the city.

L'Angolo Cafe had its grand opening in January of 2007. Ever since, it has been continuously growing and offering great food with great services. From fresh seafood to unique salads, L'Angolo Cafe will definitely become a favorite for anybody who comes and gives it a visit.

 

 

L'Angolo is the perfect choice for your next office event or small get together. Our catering repertoire ranges from hors d' oeuvres to entree dishes, and is ideal for events ranging any where from 10 to 100 persons. To receive more information about our catering services, please contact us at 213-622-2262 during our normal business hours or send an email to catering@langolo-cafe.com.

 


YELP REVIEWS

Maurice S.
Los Angeles, CA
4.0 star rating 4/10/2013
I got the "Classic Kobe Burger" at the L'Angolo Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles, California.

Melted provolone cheese, fresh tasting veggies (tomatos, lettuce, red onions, pickles), big 7 oz Kobe beef patty (medium rare of course), and a soft brioche (sweet yeast bread) bun.

I don't know how they did it, but the sauce used with the burger is nearly identical to the special sauce you would find at In-N-Out Burger. And who doesn't like In-N-Out Burgers??

This burger was quite delicious and the best way to describe it would be it is a gourmet In-N-Out burger. Fresh tasting. Might be worth the $12 except the fries seem like they were soft and not a crispy as a prefer. They might remind you of school cafeteria fries if you are into that.

Burger gets 7/10

+++

 

Cynthia N.
Brooklyn, NY
3.0 star rating 7/16/2013
This is one of those reviews that makes me think I may need to rethink my star-scale. On the one hand, in terms of the flavor of the food I had at dinner here recently with my sister and brother whom she and I were visiting, and the friendliness of the waiter, I think this place deserves four stars. However, based on the egregious amount of time we had to wait to get our check and prices I consider to be a bit too high, I'd rather go with a three... so I'm not sure what wins here. As much as I hate halves, I guess I'd consider this place a 3.5.

We were seated right away when we wandered in for a quick bite before an event at the Orpheum and had our waters filled right away, which I appreciated. I also didn't notice  much time going by before our waiter took our orders. I liked that he seemed ok with the fact that we were ordering very small meals (we had just come from stuffing our faces with desserts at a Cupcake Showdown down the street). I also liked the soft bread they offered with the complimentary bruschetta. A nice touch, and way better than just plain old butter!

The menu is pretty straight forward, and although the lettering outside advertises this place as 'Cal-Iitalian,' it's mostly classic Italian restaurant dishes like spaghetti primavera and fried calamari.

I ordered the beet salad, which came with a nice grape dressing and candied walnuts, my fave. In my mind you can't really go wrong with beets, so I was very happy with my decision. Considering there was nothing much else to the salad though, I'm not sure it was worth $10.

My siblings and I had a lively discussion during our meal about our cousin's cubic zirconia engagement ring. Her fiancé gave her a ring with a stone that looked like a diamond but was in fact a synthetic crystal that was, to the uneducated eye, identical to a diamond. We all thought this was tacky, given he's a wealthy business owner, but she claimed she didn't care. In fact, she chose the ring herself from an online jeweler's collection of cz styles often used as engagement rings. Of course, we don't plan to criticize her or her fiancé for their private decision, but we can't avoid the topic when we're together since it seems to always come up in our family discussions. I tried to refocus us on the rack of lamb, which was awesome.

Now to get back to this rating for L'Angolo Café. The real downer of the evening was the fact that our waiter didn't check in on us once during the meal and seemed to have disappeared when we want to get a check and leave. The clock was ticking and we wanted to get going and yet there was no waiter to be found. Finally I walked up to the cashier, which I think should not happen in a full-service sit-down restaurant and asked for a check. She asked a busboy to find our waiter who apologetically came to the table with our check.

So, in short, I'm torn. I'd recommend this place to someone who's in the area and looking for a tasty meal, but not if you're in a rush or looking to save a few bucks.

+++

 

Vicky H.
Corona, CA
3.0 star rating 6/8/2013
My parents and I dropped by here randomly for lunch since we were starving and didn't want to eat at the local Mexican huts around the corner..

Anywho, the food was decent and service was friendly. I ordered the Kobe Burger, which was HUGE. It was good, though nothing memorable. Came out huge and juicy with a side of fries. My parents ordered the Lasagna and the Chicken Piccata, but I believe they brought out the Chicken Marsala instead, no complains.. They ate it anyway. The Lasagna was very typical and a small lunch size portion.. Nothing else to mention about it. Though, my mum very enjoyed the Marsala. It was drenched in wine, which wasn't for my taste, but my mom loved it! My cousin got the fish tacos, which were very typical and kinda bland especially the side of rice it came with.. but you can't really blame them, since they are an italian based restaurant. Again, the food wasn't spectacular or anything too great.. wouldn't be dropped by again, but don't get me wrong! we still had a nice time there!

Service was nice. They brought us complimentary bread, and refilled it every time it went empty. Our hostess/server was friendly and always smiling, he greeted us, seated us, and waved us goodbye as we walked out (lol). Our second server.. I guess did mix up one of our order like I mentioned earlier, but whatever food is food my parents loved the Marsala!

All in all, nice quaint little place.

+++

 

Jin N.
Los Angeles, CA
2.0 star rating 4/2/2010
I'm an avid supporter of small businesses local to my work and home. I'll always rave about a place if its good or well intended. I always try to give the benefit of the doubt to a place.

But this place ticked me off.

I'd like to say the food I got wasn't that bad at all. The pasta was cooked well. Even the shrimp was cooked nicely. The serving was generous. I actually would've gone back for the food.

But nope. Food service is always important to me. Its should be attentive and thoughtful, or unnoticeable or unobtrusive. The food service was poor.

I've passed by this place many times when I've been in the area. I was always curious what kind of food it served, but for some reason I was hesitant in going in. There was something about it that didn't ring well with me. I should have listened to my gut instinct. Instead, I ventured in with some friends for lunch.

When we entered, I could see that a few tables were already seated and already ordering or eating. I was curious why a big space like this wasn't full. We went ahead an ordered some pasta dishes. Simple enough right? Drinks came around, bread service came around... right? standard.

A girl friend wonders... hey this place is slow.
Oh shut up, impatient one. It'll come. Just wait.

As we were talking, we spot our waiter walking across the street! LOL
WTF? Did he take our order?

Even I started to wonder why my order was taking so long. I asked a busboy (or was it a psuedo waiter?) why our orders were taking so long. He replied with: "We are very busy"

WHAT? you're a fucking restaurant during a lunch service! You're supposed to be busy!!!

I monitored other tables as they were being seated or ordering, to see if they were served before us. I know we were among the first tickets taken to the kitchen.

Having 3 refills and 3 bread refills, its starting to tick me off. 45 minutes for a simple linguine scampi dish is ludicrous. It takes 9 - 12 minutes to fire up noodles!! WTF. I will rarely walk out of a restaurant. I was getting my things to go when the waiter scrambled and said our order was coming up. I stayed and went ahead with the lunch since so much time was invested in waiting.

The waiter apologized of course. He explained he had some huge order right before we came in.

HANDLE IT. You're a restaurant!

I let it slide because he tried to make it up. He knocked off 10 percent from the tab. Like I said, the food was decent, so I did not make an issue of it. However, I was irritated enough that I went in later that evening when I was in the area to complain to the manager about the inept service.

I may revise or update this review/score if I visit again. I am unsure when that will be, if ever.

 

DINNER MENU

 

ANTIPASTI

Bruschetta 10
Our take on the traditional starter, homemade flat bread topped with fresh tomato checca and crispy arugala

Carciofi Ripieni 12
Stuffed artichoke with seasoned homemade breadcrumbs and drizzled with a light garlic and herb sauce

Portobello all’Angolo 14

Portobello sautéed in white wine, olive oil and garlic and served on crispy arugala with shaved parmesan and finished with white truffle oil

Arancini 8

Parmesan filled risotto balls covered in breadcrumbs, gently fried golden brown and topped with marinara sauce

Grilled Octopus 10
Served in a light balsamic vinegar reduction

Polenta e Salsiccia 12
Creamy polenta, marinara, melted parmesan served with sautéed shallots and Italian sausage

Molluschi All’Angolo 14
Fresh mussels steamed with garlic and herbs, served in a caviar sauce

Calamari Steaks 12
Tender breaded calamari steaks pan fried golden brown and served with fresh guacamole

Seared Ahi 16
Sesame seed crusted and seared sushi grade Ahi tunaon a bed of mixed greens and an orange ginger sauce

Funghi Ripieni 10
Large white mushrooms stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers, served with a garlic sauce

INSALATE & ZUPPE

Insalata Della Casa 8
Tri-colore salad (radicchio, arugala & enpes) tossed in a strawberry dressing with fresh strawberries and shaved parmesan

Insalata di Cesare 12
Romaine spears drizzled with house caesar dressing topped with parmesan, crouton and steamed shrimp

Caprese di Mozzarella 12
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and sweet basil with salt, pepper and drizzled with olive oil

Lobster Cobb 15
Romaine, avocado, cucumbers, eggs and fresh lobsterclaw meat tossed in a fresh lemon vinaigrette

Goat Cheese & Pine Nut Salad 10
Served with green apples and arugala tossed in a lemon vinaigrette

Insalata di Finocchio 8
Crisp fennel and pink grapefruit are tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette

Insalata di Mare 15
Calamari, shrimp, mussels and clams on romaine tossed in a onion, bell pepper and lemon vinaigrette

Insalata di Granchio 12
Lump crab meat, frisee and arugala in lemon mustard vinaigrette

Insalata di Barbabietole 10
Roasted red and yellow beets, candied walnuts and mixed organic greens tossed in a grape dressing

Tofu Salad 8
Lightly grilled tofu, carrots, tomatoes and heart of palm on romaine tossed in a lemon vinaigrette

Minestrone 6
Hearty tomato and vegetable soup made from the day’s fresh vegetable selection

Zuppa del Giorno 7
Made fresh daily using the chef’s choice of ingredients

PANINI & SANDWICHES

Served on ciabatta with a side of French fries

Classic Kobe Burger 15
10 oz of our house ground kobe beef seasoned and flame broiled, topped with provolone and house sauce on a sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles on the side

Gorgonzola Burger 18
Gorgonzola cheese melted on our kobe beef patty withcaramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and chipotle mayo on a sesame seed bun

Pineapple bbq Turkey Burger 17
Grilled pineapple, provolone, lettuce, onion, tomato, bbq sauce on wheat bun

Caprese Panini 12
Fresh mozzarella, tomato basil and pesto sauce

Italian Panini 12
Ham, salami, prosciutto, provolone, lettuce, tomato and peperoncini

Panini All’Angolo 12
Goat cheese, roasted peppers, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized red onions, sun dried tomatoes and basil pesto

Portobello Panini 12
Sautéed Portobello in a balsamic vinegar marinade, grilled onions, roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella

Balsamic Glaze Chicken 12
Chicken breast glazed in a balsamic reduction with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and mixed greens

PASTA

Spaghetti Pomodoro 11
Spaghetti pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil

Pesto & Chicken 16
Penne pasta tossed with sautéed chicken breast in a creamy basil pesto sauce

Linguine alla busara
Tossed in a light tomato sauce, served with large fresh water prawn

Lasagna 15
Homemade with fresh pasta, seasoned beef, ricotta and mozzarella cheese

Fettuccine Alfredo 14
Creamy alfredo sauce with sautéed chicken breast

Tortellini Bolognese 14
Tri-colore cheese stuffed tortellini in a turkey Bolognese

Portobello Ravioli 16
Portobello mushrooms, onions and garlic filled in hand rolled pasta, served with a creamy asparagus sauce

Lobster Ravioli 18
Seasoned lobster filled in our hand rolled pasta served in a rich lobster sauce

Pumpkin Ravioli 14
Sweet pumpkin, parmesan and almonds fill hand rolled pasta, served in a light sage infused sauce

Cheese Ravioli 11
Five cheese ravioli served in marinara

Salmon Ravioli 16
Fresh salmon, white wine and herbs fill hand rolled pasta, served in a creamy asparagus sauce

Shrimp fra Diavolo 16
Sautéed prawns and linguine tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and red peppers

Lobster Gnocchi 24
Hand rolled potato gnocchi served in a creamy lobster sauce

Linguine di Mare 26
Shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels, clams and lobster in a spicy tomato or white wine sauce

Canelloni 15
Spinach and ricotta filled rolled pasta served tomato sauce beside creamy Alfredo sauce

RISOTTO

Wild Mushroom Risotto 19 
Porcini, Shitake, Portobello, oyster and white button mushrooms

Saffron & Crab Risotto 19
Risotto Milanese topped with crab meat

Risotto of the Day

Chef’s special using fresh ingredients available that day

ENTRÉE

Entrees are served with chef’s vegetables of the day

 

Chicken Scapriello 18
Sautéed chicken breast in a lemon sauce with rosemary and Italian sausage

 

Chicken Sorrentino 18
Sautéed chicken, eggplant, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella layered together and baked

Chicken Caprese 16
Sautéed chicken topped with tomatoes, red onions and melted mozzarella

Chicken Valdostana 16
Sautéed chicken breast and prosciutto in a savory

lemon sauce

Rosemary Chicken 16
Chicken breast, fresh avocado and melted provolone in a rosemary & white wine sauce

Stuffed Chicken Romano 18
Chicken breast stuffed with spinach and provolone cheese

Rib Eye 25
Flame grilled and served with a peppercorn sauce

Rack of Lamb 28
Flame grilled, served in a demiglaze red wine sauce and shitake mushrooms

Veal Marsala 24
Sautéed with mushrooms and marsala wine

SEAFOOD

Seafood entrees are served with chef’s vegetables of the day

 

Saffron Tilapia 15
Sautéed in saffron & clam lemon sauce

 

White Fish 12

Sautéed tilapia in a light fresh tomatoes, black olives and basil sauce

Grilled Salmon 19
Flame grilled salmon served with a blueberry and champagne sauce

Stuffed Sea bass 25
Chilean Sea bass with lump crab stuffing pan seared with lemon thyme sauce

Swordfish 18
Flame grilled and served alla checca

Black Grape Snapper 15
Grilled red snapper in a savory black grape sauce

 

 

More Background on L'Angolo Cafe

L'Angolo Cafe occupied a respected spot in downtown Los Angeles for several years, offering locals and visitors an authentic Italian culinary experience characterized by warmth and classic flavors. Though the restaurant is now permanently closed, it left behind a rich legacy, a devoted following, and a reputation that outlasted its years of operation. This detailed review gathers the cafe’s history, distinctive features, menu highlights, operational specifics, customer feedback, and more to provide a thorough account of what made L'Angolo Cafe noteworthy in LA’s dining scene.

Establishment and History

L'Angolo Cafe opened its doors in January 2007 at 101 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90015, strategically located in the heart of the city’s thriving Fashion District. The name “L’Angolo,” Italian for “the corner,” reflected its ambition to be both a local fixture and a culinary cornerstone. The restaurant was conceived to bring traditional Italian cuisine—crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and handmade elements like pastas and desserts—to the vibrant metropolitan palate of downtown Los Angeles.

From its earliest days, L'Angolo Cafe was associated with a welcoming atmosphere and a growing customer base. Over time, it attracted a clientele seeking both the comfort of Italian home-style cooking and the convenience of a quick-yet-elevated meal during busy city days.

Ownership, Management, and Mission

While the individual owner or chef’s name was not publicized in official communications or widely documented online, L'Angolo Cafe was run as a small, locally managed business. This intimacy was reflected in the hands-on service and the tightly curated menu. The restaurant’s stated mission centered on “creating traditional Italian cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients,” blending elements of Cal-Italian cuisine with timeless European culinary roots.

The cafe’s operational philosophy went beyond food service, extending to personalized catering for office events, family gatherings, and larger groups—demonstrating a significant commitment to community connection and hospitality.

Location and Ambiance

Situated steps from the city’s bustling business, retail, and entertainment sectors, L'Angolo Cafe's location made it especially accessible for office workers, residents, and visitors heading to nearby theaters or events. Guests often stopped by for a quick lunch or enjoyed the cafe as a relaxing dinner alternative to the city's energy. The ambiance was casual yet refined, defined by intimate indoor seating, friendly staff, and elegant but unpretentious décor.

Menu: A Tribute to Italian Tradition

L'Angolo Cafe’s menu was a vibrant homage to Italian culinary tradition, updated with California’s fresh produce and global influences. Below is a summary of the menu categories and some of the stand-out dishes:

Antipasti

  • Bruschetta: Flatbread with tomato checca and crispy arugula

  • Stuffed Artichoke (Carciofi Ripieni)

  • Portobello all’Angolo: Sautéed in white wine and truffle oil

  • Arancini: Parmesan-filled risotto balls, gently fried

  • Grilled Octopus

  • Polenta e Salsiccia: Creamy polenta with Italian sausage

Insalate & Zuppe

  • Insalata Della Casa: Tri-color salad with strawberry dressing

  • Caprese di Mozzarella

  • Lobster Cobb

  • Goat Cheese & Pine Nut Salad

  • Insalata di Barbabietole: Beet salad with candied walnuts

  • Minestrone

Panini & Sandwiches

  • Classic Kobe Burger: 10 oz house-ground Kobe beef, provolone, house sauce

  • Gorgonzola Burger: Topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms

  • Italian Panini: Ham, salami, prosciutto, provolone

  • Panini All’Angolo: Goat cheese, roasted peppers, mushrooms, basil pesto

Pasta

  • Spaghetti Pomodoro: With fresh tomatoes and basil

  • Lasagna: Homemade with fresh pasta, seasoned beef, ricotta, mozzarella

  • Tortellini Bolognese: Cheese stuffed tortellini in turkey Bolognese

  • Lobster Ravioli

  • Pumpkin Ravioli

  • Shrimp fra Diavolo

Entrees

  • Chicken Sorrentino: Chicken, eggplant, prosciutto, mozzarella

  • Chicken Caprese

  • Stuffed Chicken Romano: Stuffed with spinach and provolone

  • Rack of Lamb: In red wine sauce with shitake mushrooms

  • Veal Marsala: With mushrooms and marsala wine

Seafood

  • Saffron Tilapia: Sautéed in saffron & clam lemon sauce

  • Grilled Salmon: Blueberry and champagne sauce

  • Stuffed Sea Bass: With lump crab, lemon thyme sauce

  • Black Grape Snapper: Red snapper in black grape sauce

This menu, both broad and specialized, stood out for offering thoughtful variations, gourmet touches, and an impressive array of choices for vegetarians, seafood lovers, and meat enthusiasts alike.

Proximity and Accessibility

Located in downtown LA, close to the Fashion District and popular venues like the Orpheum Theatre, L’Angolo Cafe was a frequent pre-event dining destination. Guests appreciated its proximity, often stopping in before shows or business meetings, which contributed to steady walk-in traffic and loyal local patronage.

Catering Services

The restaurant’s catering capabilities rounded out its role as a trusted local establishment. Serving groups from 10 to 100, L’Angolo offered tailored menus with hors d’oeuvres, entrees, and side dishes suitable for office luncheons, private celebrations, or community events. The attention to detail and flexibility in catering helped the cafe forge more lasting relationships with area businesses and families.

Clientele and Audience

L’Angolo Cafe catered to a diverse audience. Office workers and professionals frequented the lunch service for its efficiency and quality. Local residents and theatergoers were regulars at dinner, and family groups found the menu accommodating for various tastes. Repeat customers often cited both the food and the friendly, informal service as reasons for returning, reflecting a loyal neighborhood following.

Reputation and Reviews

L’Angolo Cafe amassed a considerable body of online reviews and earned a moderate rating overall, testifying to its generally favorable standing. Sampled feedback from review platforms revealed the following trends:

  • Food Quality: The use of fresh ingredients, generous portions, and homemade touches like hand-rolled pasta and desserts were regularly praised by diners.

  • Signature Dishes: The Kobe Burger, beet salad, rack of lamb, and various pastas (including ravioli and lasagna) were among the most frequently cited favorites. The Kobe Burger, in particular, was compared favorably to gourmet versions of other iconic local offerings.

  • Service: Reviews were mixed on service speed and attentiveness. While many remarked on the staff’s friendliness, others recounted long waits during peak hours or occasional order mix-ups.

  • Ambiance: Guests described the setting as cozy and laid-back, with a lively, neighborhood feel suitable for both quick bites and longer dinners.

Example reviews included high marks for the “Classic Kobe Burger” (described as a “gourmet In-N-Out burger”) and the lamb rack, but also some low points for occasional slow service and pricing perceived as high for certain salads or simple items.

Menu Details and Specials

Beyond standard offerings, frequent guests noted the changing “Zuppa del Giorno” (soup of the day) and risotto specials, which reflected the kitchen’s adaptability and commitment to fresh, seasonal produce. Complimentary bruschetta, soft bread, and frequent refills were appreciated touches that contributed to positive word-of-mouth.

Cultural and Social Significance

Though never an award-winning hotspot or listed as a culinary destination in national press, L'Angolo Cafe filled an important role in the daily routines and special occasions of the local community. Its Italian roots, comfort-driven menu, and convivial setting made it a valued staple for residents, office workers, and event-goers in downtown Los Angeles. The cafe contributed to the rich tapestry of LA’s food scene, representing the enduring appeal of neighborhood restaurants in an era of fast-changing tastes and rapid urban development.

The closure of the cafe has not erased its memory. Online discussions and archived pages underscore the fondness with which it is remembered; for some, it was the backdrop for family gatherings, workplace celebrations, or relaxed evenings with friends.

Press and Media Coverage

While L’Angolo Cafe did not attract major media coverage or prestigious culinary awards, it maintained a presence on numerous local directories, review sites, and digital food platforms. Mentions in popular forums, the inclusion in food delivery and review apps, and coverage on sites aggregating feedback for Los Angeles eateries contributed to its steady profile among local diners.

Awards and Recognition

There is no evidence from existing directories, customer reviews, or the business itself of formal awards or high-profile recognitions. However, consistent positive reviews and the return rate of customers suggest that the cafe was highly regarded within its niche.

Noteworthy Insights and Examples

  • The beet salad, praised for its grape dressing and candied walnuts, stood out as a customer favorite—an example of L’Angolo’s commitment to classic Italian flavors elevated by quality ingredients.

  • The “Classic Kobe Burger,” often described as a successful blend of Italian-American and LA burger culture, drew attention for its quality and originality.

  • Complimentary bread and bruschetta at the beginning of meals offered a warm and homey start, setting the tone for the rest of the dining experience.

Specifics: Staffing and Operations

The small staff size, as reported in directories, was a key feature of the cafe’s intimacy. Personalized service and scalability were distinguishing characteristics, though they sometimes resulted in delays during peak periods or large group bookings.

Closure and Legacy

L’Angolo Cafe’s closure, confirmed by business review platforms and the restaurant's own announcements, marked the end of an era for its loyal customers. The reasons for closure remain undocumented, but the cafe’s history is preserved through archived web pages, review sites, and ongoing community recollection.

 

L’Angolo Cafe’s story is emblematic of many beloved local eateries: born from a passion for tradition and hospitality, sustained by neighborhood loyalty, and remembered long after its doors have shut. Its reputation for fresh, hearty Italian fare, friendly ambiance, and authentic presence in the city’s daily life continues to inspire nostalgia and appreciation in downtown Los Angeles. The cafe’s impact serves as a reminder of the role intimate, independent restaurants play in shaping a city’s cultural and culinary identity.

 


 

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