by Brent Miller

Finding a place to dine in Hollywood isn’t a problem. However, finding a place that focuses on cuisine as opposed to a trendy nightspot is where the challenge lies. My personal goal is to find spots that have a little bit of both — a gastronomical experience with an atmosphere that a group of friends, or even Mom, could enjoy.

Chef Mark Peel and former wife/business partner and pastry chef Nancy Silverton — founder of La Brea Bakery — co-founded Campanile Restaurant back in 1989 and have maintained a consistent and devoted clientele since opening. The menu focuses on the freshest of ingredients, while utilizing local suppliers and farmers’ markets to create an organic selection that changes day to day. They have weekly specials including, but not limited to, a Chef’s Tasting menu the third Wednesday of every month, Monday night’s Family Style Dinners and the infamous Grilled Cheese night every Thursday. The wine selection is thick, and the overall dress code consists of casual and business like attire. After nearly 20 years of business, Campanile remains at the top of its game, with no need or desire to ever expand into a chain.

Speaking of being at the top of one’s game, Nancy Silverton left Campanile and partnered with famed chef Mario Batali to open Hollywood’s most popular restaurant duplex. On the corner of Highland and Melrose, you’ll find Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza.

The rumor is Silverton spent nearly a year searching for the perfect pizza crust recipe for Pizzeria Mozza. Mission accomplished! The best seat in the house is at the bar in front of the wood-burning pizza oven. Order Nancy’s Chopped Salad and the white anchovy pizza and you’re sure to be satisfied. If you have room at the end of your dinner, order a scoop of olive oil gelato for dessert. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Reservations are difficult, but the seats turn rather quickly for lunch. As for dinner, enjoy a glass or two of wine while you patiently wait for your table—the kitchen stays open till midnight.

Osteria Mozza sits next door to Pizzeria Mozza and is the most recent addition to the successful pair. Executive Chef Matt Molina is at the helm of both restaurants, while collaborating with Batali and Silverton to create the menu. Osteria’s attire is a bit more dressy, yet California casual is still acceptable. In a similar manner to Mozza, the best seat in the house is at the bar—not the pizza bar, but the mozzarella bar, where you’ll find Silverton working her magic.

The Details

Campanile Restaurant
624 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles
www.campanilerestaurant.com

Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles
www.mozza-la.com

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles
www.mozza-la.com

Brent Miller has more than 10 years experience—nationally and internationally—in the special event and food and beverage industries.