Mother Wolf

Step inside Mother Wolf and prepare to have your breath taken away. This Hollywood hotspot features one of the most dramatic dining rooms in Los Angeles—a sprawling, ballroom-like space that feels equal parts Roman banquet hall and old Hollywood glamour. The pink booths, theatrical lighting, and buzzing energy create an atmosphere that’s as much about the scene as it is about the food.

The pasta program is where Mother Wolf truly shines. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe, when it hits, ranks among the best in the city—perfectly al dente noodles coated in a silky, peppery cheese sauce. The rigatoni all’amatriciana offers a heartier option with its rich tomato-pork combination. But perhaps the most essential order is the La Mortazza, an ingenious creation that combines mortadella, ricotta, and pistachios in a charred, pillowy crust. It defies categorization and demands to be on your table.

This is the kind of place where you dress up, order negronis, and settle into a long evening with friends. The massive dining room means the experience can vary depending on where you’re seated—aim for the sections closest to the action for the best energy and service. Groups celebrating birthdays or special occasions will find plenty of theater here, and the pre-theater crowd benefits from the convenient Hollywood location.

Mother Wolf works best when you lean into its maximalist spirit. Come hungry, order the signature pastas, and let the room’s energy carry you through the evening. On the nights when everything aligns, there are few Italian restaurants in LA that can match its combination of spectacle and substance.