Caffe Pinguini Italian Restaurant
| Address: | 6935 Pacific Ave, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293, USA |
| Phone: | +1 310-306-0117 |
| Site: | caffepinguini.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 6–10:30PM 5:30–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 31
GA
Gary Cziko
Beware of Price Gouging Specials My wife and I along with a visiting guest had a very nice lunch today on July 30, 2015 at Caffé Pinguini. The fish specials sounded very good, but no prices were offered. Since we were treating our guest, I was reluctant to ask the price. Recalling that the highest priced entrée on the lunch menu was something like $18, I was not pleased when the check came with $33 for the two Chilean sea bass specials and $35 for the Mediterranean sea bass. I feel that a waiter should always provide the price for specials, but especially when the price is much higher than the highest priced entrée on the item (in this case almost twice as much). A restaurant is in the business of selling food. The customers are buying. Knowing the price is an essential part of the transaction and I feel that providing special prices is an expected and essential part of your the responsibilities of an ethical restaurant. I will not dine at Caffé Pinguini again when bringing guests that I am hosting unless I receive assurance that waiters will provide the prices of specials as part of their description. I sent two message to the restaurants management about this issue, but received no reply.
YC
Yc Lio
I recently visited after a ten year (at least) hiatus, and think that it is even better than I remember. This is the number one Italian restaurant in all of Los Angeles. I only say that because I want to help these folks out as they really deserve it, and it is a bit too pricey for me to go there too often. Not that the food is not worth it. It is. If I could I would eat there every day as if it were my own kitchen in my house. Remember I do not eat ANY fast food, and I am an Italian from Italy that has been languishing here for decades waiting for the savages to understand cuisine. All I can say is: Finally!! Much like Madeline Kahn when she finally found it in "Blazing Saddles" lol
MI
Mike K
We stumbled upon this restaurant for the first time a couple of years ago, we came back last week, after a walk by the beach of Playa del Rey, the staff was very friendly and helpful. We felt like if we were back on our honey moon, when we first visited Italy, the food is incredibly authentic and delicious, but the whole atmosphere is magic and incredibly relaxing. Its a perfect combo between elegant fine dining and a casual trattoria, candle light, soft music, Italian hospitality. No wonder celebrities of the caliber of Phil Jackson & Jeanie Buss were there, almost hiding from the chaos of the city. This is definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in LA, Grazie!
LY
Lynne Pope
A true Italian experience and within a short drive from home. The food is 100% the very best you can imagine. The fish is light and melts in your mouth. The experience melts you too. This is a time to relax and enjoy living. The lunch was so memorable that it really did feel like a vacation destination. This could be your special occasion spot. Private yet open, sunny yet shaded, it offers everything in a new time dimension. It’s your time. I felt as if violins were softly playing through the soft voices in the room. This was a memory to treasure.
M
M Reaves
Fun, smallish restaurant with very good food and service. Went here on a Tuesday with a group of coworkers and we had a good time. The waiter (and support team) were efficient and friendly. We did have a corked wine which they replaced after a short consideration (only reason I didnt give 5 stars). Wine list is short but decent with good Italian selections. Veal piccata was tasty as was the tortellini in broth.
MI
Mimi Nguyen
How this neighborhood gem has continued to stay a well kept secret is beyond me. This is Italian dining at its best, especially given the more than reasonable price point. Italian waiters with heavy accents usher delicious home-made pastas, pizzas and seafood to your table, and the wine list complements it all beautifully. While it can get crowded, the wait is well worth it! Shhh - dont tell!
KA
Katie DeRosha
I love going to this restaurant. Ive eaten here multiple times and love their Rigatoni Gorgonzola. They have a very cute outside eating area and a cozy inside as well. I love that I can enjoy a nice meal near the beach and then take a walk on the beach afterwards. Parking tip: although they offer valet parking, there is a public parking lot just to the right of the restaurant.
LU
Luca Pareti
If you are looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, Caffe Pinguini is definitely the most traditional Italian restaurant you would find in the area: fresh homemade food, great wine selection and a cozy, romantic and relaxing atmosphere will make you feel like if you were dining on the Italian riviera...
LU
Luke W
Delicious Italian food, definitely my favorite spot in Los Angeles, great hospitality and relaxing ambiance give this restaurant a very unique vibe. We enjoyed a nice and romantic walk by the beach after dinner, well definitely be back for the Filet mignon and for the wine!
UN
Unfiltered News Daily
Playa del Rey is a quiet and sleepy beach town, Id never thought to find such a great and charming Italian restaurant over there, its actually a very well hidden secret. We enjoyed the food and the service, well definitely be back.
LE
Leonard Paluzzi
I recently went to Caffe Pinguini for dinner with my girlfriend. The menu had a nice variety and the food was very good. Above all else though, the service we experienced was excellent. I would defiantly recommend this restaurant.
RO
Roy Stewart
Great place for lunch or dinner and great place to take business guests. It feels like you are miles away from Los Angeles but very close for people working in Culver City or El Segundo. The food is very good!!
JA
Jay Esguerra
The spaghetti with meat sauce was light and fluffy. Check out their interior as its definitely a hidden gem Italian restaurant youll love
MO
Modell Bleu
I am partial to this place for evening dining outside. The food is superior and the staff very inconspicuous but efficient.
CH
chris morgan
pinguini is tucked away, relentlessly italian, and delicious! the staff is always super awesome, and the food equally so.
MI
Mike k
The best restaurant in Manhattan Beach neighborhood, great wine and food, italian hospitality, romantic and by the beach
FR
Frank Thomas
Perfectly prepared food with exceptional service-close to lax-and atop all that- The Boz are there!
ER
Eric Stewart
Great food, excellent service. Will return once I burn off that amazing home-made pasta!!!
CH
Christopher Lawliss
A little pricey for some of the dishes. Excellent pasta though, best in Playa del Rey.
JE
Jeremy Fleming
Always great Italian food and service! Cant wait for my next meal and good time here.
NI
Nicole Larocque
Great atmosphere!! The food was very tasty. Our server Luca was very friendly.
JE
Jean-Christophe Dick
An Italian staple restaurant by the beach. Great authentic Italian classics.
BR
Bruce Kimbrough
I had the Sea Bass and it was fantastic!!! Great place well be back!!!
A
A Private User
Great authentic Italian food, good crowd, great service!!! Must try!
SA
Sacrod Angels
Authentic Italian food, great ambiance, superior staffs. Thanks
TE
Ted Cabeen
servicable italian, but nothing to write home about.
RO
Ron Pedersen
Like it for its ambience but it is noisy.
BO
Bobby Gerjarusak
Great pastas and friendly staffs
A
A Private User
Great good and service
LI
LISA Kurth
Best Chilean sea bass
DE
Devin Smith
Great hosting
