Cento Pasta Bar

Tucked away on West Adams Boulevard, Cento Pasta Bar offers something that’s still surprisingly rare in Los Angeles: a genuine neighborhood pasta spot where you can pull up a seat at the marble bar, order a glass of wine, and watch skilled cooks work their magic on some of the city’s most memorable noodles. The space strikes a perfect balance between casual and special—whether you choose the string-lit front patio for a romantic evening or the lively communal table inside for a more social experience.

The pasta here is nothing short of exceptional. The spicy pomodoro stands out as a must-order, featuring thick, shell-like noodles coated in a creamy orange sauce with dollops of fresh ricotta and aromatic basil. There’s also the iconic beet spaghetti, the dish that originally put Cento on the culinary map years ago, with its striking purple strands enriched by whipped ricotta and nutty brown butter. For those craving something more adventurous, the squid ink mafaldine delivers briny depth with shrimp, ‘nduja, and serrano peppers.

What makes dining at Cento feel special goes beyond just the food. The staff treats everyone like old friends, the wine list is thoughtfully curated, and there’s an easygoing energy that encourages you to linger longer than planned. It’s the kind of place where one pasta leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve sampled half the menu while catching up over bottles of natural wine.

Don’t leave without trying the banana pudding tiramisu—it arrives tableside with a dramatic reveal and delivers layers of Kahlua-soaked goodness with Nilla wafers. Whether you’re flying solo at the bar or celebrating something special on the patio, Cento delivers an Italian dining experience that feels both polished and refreshingly unpretentious.