Valentino

Piero Selvaggio must be a magician. In a city where success is as ephemeral as a cactus flower and restaurants come and go in less time than it takes to learn their name, Valentino holds strong and firm and continues to shine on Pico Boulevard (and in Las Vegas). With his charming smile, Selvaggio has weathered storms of all descriptions from Italian nuova cucina to seismic tremors, not to mention the ever-changing mood of Angelenos.
He has wisely tamed the exuberance of the novelties of the '70s and shaped a style where the traditional resources and mainstays of his native Italy are prevalent. Although Piero is the common denominator, he has had to assemble a competent team year after year.

These days, a dynamic duo of young Italians mans the kitchen. Nico Chessa and Davide Giova execute the classic menu flawlessly. Remember the beef carpaccio, the duck crespella, and the lobster ravioli with mixed seafood to start, and also the roasted branzino, pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin and the Delmonico steak Alla Pizzaiola.
Then there is the tasting menu ' risotto del giorno inclusive and the menu del mare ' we simply love the stuffed calamari. And yet one more menu boasting traditional offerings: antipasto classico, artisanal pasta, lamb osso buco and gelato.
All this well-executed food is delivered by real professional service. Should Mr. Selvaggio find himself doing research in Italy, Giuseppe takes over the orchestration.
We have not said anything about Valentino restaurant until we describe, if even possible, the wine list and cellar. In fact, it is best for you to go there for a special celebration, book the private wine room upstairs and chip away at the telephone book size list. Pick anything amongst 70,000 bottles. There are unique diamonds such as an 1891 Biondi Santi Brunello
di Montalcino ($25,000) â?¦ and many more incredible offerings from
Italy, Napa and beyond.

		From	To	From	To	From	To
Monday	Open
Tuesday	Open					17:00	22:00
Wednesday	Open					17:00	22:00
Thursday	Open					17:00	22:00
Friday	Open	11:30	14:30			17:00	22:30
Saturday	Open					17:00	22:30
Sunday	Open