Is there anything better than fresh pasta? Sex… maybe. And perhaps Ryan Gosling in a speedo. While I can’t speak on where to find the last two, it just so happens that I have one of the best and most reasonably priced places for fresh pasta minutes from my apartment. Such glamour, I know. Delancey on Sunset just off Bronson is a classy, warmly lit Italian establishment that has a Manhattan vibe with a distinctly European air. Perfect first date place. Equally good for enjoying a cocktail at the bar with a few friends or unabashedly mowing through a bowl of their fresh made pasta. Or, just as good, one of their thin, crispy, brick-oven pizzas – they’re a little too small to share, but a little too big to finish by yourself with any sort of self respect. But come on, it’s Italian food – no one blames you. Clearly this is not the place to visit if you are trying to watch your refined carb intake, but certainly the place to indulge. Their penne a la vodka is the best I’ve ever had. Rich, creamy, yet somehow light – magic? My roommate swears by the La Guardia pizza – mozz, truffle cheese, sage, and pancetta. Ridiculous. We also adore their caesar salad – house-made dressing with plenty of anchovies. So fresh, so good. 
I was treated to dinner here last evening by a collaborator and dear friend of mine. His birthday gift to me. I truly have such wonderful people in my life. Both of us are starving artists and both of us are watching our weight, so, though it was tempting to go all out, we decided to keep it in check. We split the chicken parm and each get our own caesar salad. I am such a huge advocate of splitting meals in restaurants. It moderates portion size and saves you money – nothing could be more starving artist. They actually brought the parm already separated onto two plates – very impressive. It was the perfect portion to accompany a caesar and I was able to leave the restaurant without hating myself. Brilliant.
If I had to point out one downside to this place, I would way that the service is a bit… crass. The waiters are generally good, but the servers who bring your food to the table have the strange habit of throwing your plates onto the tables… and I’m only exaggerating mildly. I was here once with two of my girlfriends and one of their salads literally had air time as it left the server’s hand and nearly toppled her water glass as it crashed to the table. Luckily, the food and the atmosphere are good enough that you can deal with it, but still it’s kind of weird.
At the end of the day, whether you’re looking to indulge and drop some money or gently and frugally satisfy a craving for fresh Italian food, Delancey has you covered.
Delancey
5936 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles 90028
www.delanceyhollywood.com