Osteria La Buca

5210 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
$$$ Italian restaurant
(1036 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Osteria La Buca, an enchanting Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Los Angeles on the bustling Melrose Avenue. With a reputation for serving soul-soothing dishes that evoke the warmth of traditional Italian dining, this culinary gem is sure to capture your heart and palate.

Stepping inside, the lively chatter of Melrose fades away, replaced by an ambiance that is both cozy and inviting. The dimly lit interior, adorned with charming decor that whispers romance, creates a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether it's a casual lunch or a special dinner, Osteria La Buca caters to all occasions with grace and style.

The highlight of any visit here is, without a doubt, the exceptional menu that showcases the true essence of Italian cuisine. Be prepared to indulge in a feast featuring dishes like the Nero Spaghetti, a striking black ink pasta that has captured the hearts of many, or the rich and hearty Rigatoni Bolognese, renowned for its creamy texture and flavorful sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is the delicately crafted Short Rib Ravioli — a true testament to the skill and care that goes into every bowl. And for a simple yet exquisite taste, don’t miss the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, where the creaminess of cheese melds seamlessly with perfectly al dente pasta.

Customer reviews echo the restaurant's stellar reputation: Kathleen described her experience as “amazing food for your soul,” while Serj Baumtsveyger praised the intimate atmosphere combined with outstanding service. Repeat visitors often find themselves enchanted by the grilled octopus, a must-try for those who appreciate maritime flavors, and the Branzino, elegantly served atop a refreshing arugula salad. Each dish is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that leaves diners craving more.

The wine selection is equally impressive, enhancing the joyful culinary experience. Henry, a standout at the bar, is noted for his impressive knowledge and attentive service, ensuring you find the perfect pairing to complement your meal.

Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner under the soft glow of candlelight or a lively catch-up with friends over traditional Italian specialties, Osteria La Buca delivers on every level. With a commitment to quality and a genuine passion for food, it’s no wonder why this eatery is often described as one of the best in Los Angeles. So, next time you're in the area, make a reservation and prepare to be enchanted by the flavors of Italy.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Valet parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

1036 Reviews
Kathleen Ballweber

08 Sep 2025

Osteria is on a busier part of Melrose but once you walk inside all the noise stops. A very quaint restaurant that has amazing food for your soul. We had the grilled octopus, Branzino, and short rib raviolis. I personally like my Branzino a bit crispier but this one paired well with the arugula salad on top. The drinks here are always well made and the service is charming. Our next stop will be the sister restaurant Osteria Mamma.

Sean Lara

03 Sep 2025

WOW! Where do I even begin? Osteria La Buca delivered a flawless dining experience from start to finish. The food, service, and ambience were all outstanding, creating the perfect evening. Henry at the bar was especially impressive, knowledgeable, attentive, and made our visit truly memorable. I can’t wait to come back and experience it all again!

Lauren Dana Boynton

28 Aug 2025

Walked in in a Saturday night and was able to sit at the side bar for an amazing meal! We got artichokes, burrata salad and cacio e Pepe with some fantastic wine. Will definitely be back.

Tanner Grimes

22 Aug 2025

READ THIS: First time at this restaurant. The outside area is a little shaky but what do you expect from LA. Inside the restaurant is beautiful. Would definitely recommend to go after dark. The ambience is great, dimly lit, cozy orange light/candle vibe. Dinner was about $80 for two, including a nice tip. The pasta and pizza was amazing, can taste how it was homemade. Defiantly a place I would go back to and tell my friends about. Order the honey bacon pizza. And I know this sounds weird but the water they serve was the perfect ambient temperature.

Kat Robinson

06 Aug 2025

This food was incredible! It is a bit higher end on pricing if you're used to chains like Olive Garden, but the quality of the food is well worth the price! The pizza and Bolognese that my bf and I ordered were absolutely divine. The pizza had thick slices of applewood bacon when I was only expecting bacon bits at most. The Bolognese was rich and creamy, but still had a hearty meaty tomato base. The pasta was perfectly al dente. You get a lot of food for the dishes as well, which also justifies the cost in my opinion. Definitely check this place out!

Elliott Im

17 Jun 2025

All the pastas were great, especially the black ink squid pasta is a must try! Would recommend and come again!

Serj Baumtsveyger

14 Jun 2025

Osteria La Buca is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of dining at! The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with a warm and inviting decor that immediately makes you feel at home. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is the exceptional service and of course, the incredible food! Our waiter, Tamara, was absolutely fantastic! She was attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. Her recommendations were spot on, and she presented each dish with a smile and a story that added to the overall enjoyment of the meal. The pasta dishes were cooked to perfection, and the flavors were rich and authentic. We also loved the selection of wines, which Tamara helped us navigate with ease. Overall, we had an unforgettable evening at Osteria La Buca, thanks in large part to Tamara's outstanding service. If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience with top-notch service, look no further! Highly recommend! 5/5 stars!

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