Inside LA's Under-the-Radar Italian Gem: Tai Lopez Visits Antico Nuovo
TL Team Jul 10, 2025
Sometimes the best meals aren’t in Beverly Hills or on the Sunset Strip—they’re tucked just east of Larchmont, in a quiet stretch of LA that only the food-obsessed venture into. Tai Lopez, always chasing that next great culinary experience, recently dropped into Antico Nuovo, one of LA’s most buzzed-about (yet still somehow low-key) Italian restaurants.

This isn’t a red-sauce joint. This is refined, modern Italian done with an eye toward tradition and a palate that doesn't shy away from flavor. And Tai? He went full "greatest hits" mode.

The Story Behind Antico Nuovo

Antico Nuovo has been a hidden-in-plain-sight staple of LA's Italian scene for several years now. Helmed by Chef Chad Colby, a veteran of Mozza and one of the city’s most respected chefs, Antico is his ode to rustic, regional Italian cooking. Colby built this restaurant with a passion for old-world technique – house-made pastas, wood-fired meats, and deeply personal dishes inspired by his travels and heritage.

During the pandemic, Antico became an unlikely star for its small-batch ice creams. Locals would drive across town just for a pint of the honeycomb. It became the restaurant's cult product, earning features in Bon Appétit and the LA Times.

Neighborhood Vibes: East of Larchmont

Antico Nuovo sits just outside the charming, walkable stretch of Larchmont Village. While the restaurant’s exact block can feel a little sketchy at night, don’t let that stop you. Use valet instead of street parking and enjoy the cozy glow of Antico's open kitchen ambiance.

Inside, it’s all wood, warm lighting, and Danish-style hygge. You can see your food being cooked, and there’s a quiet buzz of in-the-know diners and industry folks. Tai even spotted a few TV actors—not A-listers, but definitely LA-famous.



What Tai Ordered at Antico Nuovo

Tai started with the famous focaccia – thick, crispy-edged, golden-brown slabs of bread that are a must-order here. He added the whipped ricotta, a cloud-like accompaniment that everyone raves about. Pro tip? The pricing is a bit of a trap. The menu makes it seem like you're just adding a few bucks for extras, but adding that ricotta more than doubled the cost.

"$30+ for bread and cheese? You gotta love carbs to make that make sense," Tai joked.

Next up was the broccoli chicory Caesar. This was probably the dish of the night. Crunchy, bitter greens with a creamy, garlicky dressing that made every bite pop. A sleeper hit.

Then came the tortelli, a small but rich pasta dish filled with lemon, ricotta, marjoram, and topped with pine nuts. It was delicate, bright, and flavorful—but probably unnecessary given everything else on the table.

The roasted chicken followed – classic, juicy, and solid, and yes, it comes with more focaccia because why not lean into the carb life? Tai admitted it was overkill by that point. He barely touched it and had to box it to-go. Which, by the way, they handle in a quirky way: you get a number and pick it up at a separate station on your way out.

Despite being stuffed, Tai made room for dessert: the iconic honeycomb ice cream. There was a new rotating flavor—cookies & cream—that was tempting, but he stuck with the classic. "This stuff made them famous during COVID," he said. "They were selling pints like crazy."




Menu Highlights: The Greatest Hits of Antico Nuovo

This is the kind of place where it pays to come with a group. Portions are designed for sharing, and the variety really shines when you’re not limited by picky palates. Tai’s dining companion wasn’t the most adventurous, so if you come with a crew that’s down to explore, here are a few can't-miss items in addition to what Tai tried:
  • Lasagna al Forno – One of the most popular dishes on the menu, made with layers of handmade pasta and slow-cooked meat sauce. Rich, comforting, and highly requested.
     
  • Agnolotti dal Plin – Delicate pasta pockets filled with meat or cheese, served in a butter sauce. A favorite among regulars.
     
  • Wood-Fired Pork Chop – Perfectly charred and juicy with a beautiful crust. Great for sharing.
     
  • Marinated Artichokes – A great starter or side, bright and citrusy, and cuts the richness of heavier dishes.
     
  • Seasonal Crudo – A lighter, fresh option that often flies under the radar but surprises with its depth.
     
  • Focaccia + Whipped Ricotta – Soft inside, crispy outside, ridiculously good (but watch that pricing).
     
  • Broccoli Chicory Caesar – A modern twist on a classic. Creamy, punchy, and unforgettable.
     
  • Honeycomb Ice Cream – The crown jewel. Don’t skip it.

Drink Recs: Go for a crisp white wine or something sparkling. Their wine list is focused, and the staff is happy to recommend. If you're in the mood for a red, ask for something from Piedmont or Tuscany—great pairings for the heartier dishes. Just a heads-up: Antico Nuovo does not have a full bar. It's beer, wine, and a curated sake selection only—so don’t expect cocktails or spirits.

Service with a Side of Attitude?

The hosts and most of the staff were friendly and on-point. Tai noted the server had "that too-cool LA vibe," slightly condescending but attentive nonetheless. "You couldn’t tell if he was in love with us or wanted us to leave," Tai laughed.

Tai's Ratings

Food: 7.5/10 – Good to very good. Standouts, but not mind-blowing.

Service: 7/10 – Attentive but a little too aloof.

Ambiance: 9/10 – Cozy, modern, open kitchen. Very date-night.

Location: 6/10 – It’s not a destination neighborhood, but close enough to Larchmont.

Value: 6/10 – Prices are high for what you get, especially that $30+ focaccia.

Overall Experience: 7.5/10 – Worth checking out for serious food lovers.

Tips for Visiting Antico Nuovo
  • Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
     
  • Get the Caesar. No questions.
     
  • Be cautious with pricing—the menu can be a little misleading.
     
  • Valet is worth it. Street parking isn't ideal.
     
  • Don’t skip the ice cream, even if you're full.
     
  • Beer, wine, and sake only—no full bar or cocktails.

Perfect For:

Date Nights – Romantic lighting, upscale but not stuffy.

Foodie Nights Out – Great for people who want to try everything.

Small Group Dinners – Shareable portions, better to go with 3-4 people.

Nearby Itinerary: Larchmont Village

If you want to make a full day or evening out of it, Larchmont Village is just a 5-minute drive west:

Morning/Afternoon:
  • Go Get Em Tiger – killer coffee and light brunch.
     
  • Larchmont Wine & Cheese – grab a sandwich and picnic at the park.
     
  • Chevalier's Books – iconic indie bookstore.
Evening:
  • Antico Nuovo for dinner.
     
  • Post-dinner dessert at Salt & Straw or Jeni’s Ice Creams on Larchmont if you skipped the ice cream at Antico (but don’t).
     
  • Drinks at Great White on Larchmont—an all-day café with a stylish coastal vibe and solid wine, beer, and low-proof cocktails. A great spot to keep the night going without leaving the neighborhood.
Other Noteworthy Italian Spots in LA:
  • Bestia (Arts District) – Creative, bold flavors, always busy.
     
  • Angelini Osteria (Fairfax) – Old-school charm and legendary lasagna.
     
  • Rossoblu (DTLA) – Stylish Bologna-inspired fare.
     
  • Osteria Mozza (Melrose) – Nancy Silverton's mozzarella bar is a classic.
Travel Tips for LA Visitors
  • Where to Stay: West Hollywood or Larchmont-adjacent Airbnb for food lovers.
     
  • Transportation: Uber or Lyft. Don’t rely on LA public transit.
     
  • Book Early: Most popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
     
  • Dress Code: LA casual—think elevated but relaxed.
Tai's Final Thoughts

Antico Nuovo delivers on ambiance, hospitality, and originality, but it comes with a steep price tag. Tai appreciated the warm, open vibe of the restaurant and enjoyed most of the dishes, but he left wondering if the hype (and the pricing) matched the food.

"Would I go back? Yeah," Tai said. "But next time, I’m ordering smarter. And bringing more people to split that focaccia."

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