Litte Dom’s, simply put, is a little gem. I’ve now driven all the way over to Los Feliz a few times just to sample their Italian-American cuisine. This is not your typical spaghetti and meatballs joint, although they do have a version on the menu. A neon sign hangs over the red wood door in an old looking brick building and despite recent renovations, they kept what I would consider character to the place. Aged wood floors lead to an oak bar with red leather stools and booths make good space for smaller groups.
Chef Brandon Boudet steps it up a bit at this rather casual joint, with ever changing daily specials that can range from scallops to figs, and some of the thinnest pizzas I’ve had in Los Angeles (and I love my pizza super thin). Boudet prides himself on using seasonal, local ingredients and it shows in the quality of the food.
The grilled figs came out on roasted ciabatta bread topped with arugula, taleggio cheese and balsamic vinegar. This dish was an excellent use of the seasonal ingredient and left me very excited for my next course.
Everyone in the restaurant raves about the pappardelle with peas, sausage and ricotta so I figured I had to have it. The pasta was good, but not as memorable as the figs. I’m not a huge fan of sausage and am always ready to become a lover, but this dish did not do it for me.
Their pizza’s are wonderful and you can choose your own toppings. The bread is light a airy in the crust and thin in the middle. I had tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, prosciutto, arugula and egg. The waitress seemed impressed when we selected our choices, and I think all were good expect for the egg. It was a poached egg, so when cut, got very messy very quickly.
Another special was squid ink linguine with fresh seafood that was simple and fresh. The seasonal side of summer corn with basil and parmesan was excellent and quickly devoured by the table.
Overall it’s a great neighborhood spot to go with friends. Reservations are fairly easy to come by and the food is good. My favorite dish is still the figs on ciabatta—the pizza is great but not worth the drive when I have Terroni’s a whole lot closer.
Little Dom's (323) 661-0055 2128 Hillhurst Ave.
