Hidden Gem: Colori Kitchen

I am almost tempted NOT to post this because I don't want this hidden gem of a restaurant discovered by the masses. BUT because of my duty as a Culturista, I can't stop myself from informing our lovely readers about this restaurant: Colori Kitchen. Discreetly nestled in the heart of downtown LA, Colori Kitchen is a quaint Italian restaurant whose food is just like your grandmother used to make!! (If you had an Italian grandmother that is...) Otherwise imagine eating dinner in the heart of southern Italy. The family run restaurant boasts its chef Luigi Barducci Contessi who was also the longtime executive chef at Ca Brea.

The setting is like a Manhattan "dive" restaurant- small with brick walls. Wonderfully interesting and alternative photographs line the walls--which could keep you occupied for hours. As I said- the restaurant is family run- which adds to its charming appeal. When you sit you are greeted with fresh warm bread and a curious garbanzo bean "butter". It was unexpected and delicious. The dishes include, chicken parmigiana, chicken marsala, spaghetti bolognese or pesto and the like. There are also interesting specials- one of which was a sea bass with a sweet and sour sauce. Very unexpect at an Italian restaurant, but it was surprisingly delicious, delicate and subtle! Make sure you save room for dessert! While Colori has many of the go to italian desserts (canoli, tiramasu) but they have a wonderful bread pudding. Which you can see below:
And I didn't mention the best part: Inexpensive AND free corkage---so bring as many bottles of wine as you can and ENJOY this hidden gem.

Colori Kitchen is at:
429 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-5950