There’s always room for bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings, as evidenced by the quick arrival of di Alba, a new Roman-inspired focaccia shop taking over the space next to the Shinola boutique in the Arts District.
Chef Nina Clemente (The Standard) and partners Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Melia Marden come from New York City’s The Smile, a multi-concept company with sit down and takeout options back East. Now they’re doing some seriously casual Italian fare inside a brick-walled, marble-stuffed space on one of the Arts District’s hottest blocks, next door to Salt & Straw and within eyesight of Manuela and Blacktop Coffee.
The menu (below) offers a mix of by-the-slice Roman focaccia, topped with everything from San Marzano tomato sauce to red onion and mint, with plenty of cheese, mushrooms, and more to go around. There are gluten free options as well, plus a bevy of sub-$10 salads, grain bowls, drinks, and sweets. You can enjoy your meal inside the small space thanks to a couple of two-tops both inside and out, but mostly this is a takeaway option to enjoy while hoofing your way through the Arts District.
The new di Alba officially opens tomorrow, keeping hours Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
di Alba
827 E. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA