Ospi

Venice has no shortage of excellent Italian restaurants, yet Ospi has managed to carve out its own distinct identity on the Westside. This sprawling Southern Italian spot from the team behind El Segundo’s beloved Jame Enoteca brings a celebratory energy and a menu packed with creative riffs on regional classics. From the moment you walk in, there’s a warmth here that goes beyond the rustic ambiance.

The menu sprawls across handmade pastas, cracker-thin tonda-style pizzas, hearty meats, and an entire section devoted to fett’unta (toasted bread with various toppings). The malloreddus is the star—delicate Sardinian pasta swimming in a thyme-scented beef cheek ragu that will make you forget every other pasta dish you’ve ever had. The pizzas are whisper-thin and beautifully topped, with the Hapa being a standout: pepperoni, slow-roasted pineapple, and pickled jalapenos creating a sweet-spicy balance that actually justifies the Hawaiian pizza concept.

What truly sets Ospi apart is the personal touch. The owners are often on the floor, pouring water, chatting with guests, and making everyone feel like a regular. Order the butter chicken parm-style—a perfectly cooked chicken breast doused in vodka sauce and pecorino Romano—and you’ll understand why people keep coming back. The ceci e tria, a deceptively simple dish of fried pasta with chickpeas and lemon, is a masterclass in restraint and balance.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, impressing a first date, or simply treating yourself to a night out, Ospi delivers an experience that feels special without being stuffy. It’s the kind of place where great food meets genuine hospitality, making every visit feel like an occasion worth remembering.