Though the family behind Grandi Italiani may be better known for its old school spot Andre’s, this Canoga Park option is no slouch, either. Expect the usual staples like spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, and chicken parmesan, of course.

Pinocchio’s is a Valley staple, the kind of casual Italian-American destination that doesn’t try too hard, and that’s just perfect. While one half of the building is a dedicated market, the real focus is on the steam table restaurant portion of the place to the left, where diners snag trays to fill with whatever noodle-sauce-and-side combo they care to enjoy. It’s inexpensive, satisfying, and busy — a perfect Valley combo.

Domenico’s churned out family recipes in Pasadena since the 1960s. The third generation of Rosas are still making quality pizza, and every dish hails from one of Mama Rosa’s original recipes. According to the servers, the restaurant hasn’t changed much one bit since their inception, except for the locations. As a result, the veal patty, or the outrageously fatty pizza sandwich has been tested with time. So has the white clam sauce, manicotti, and lasagne.

Eagle Rock gem Colombo’s is the rare vintage restaurant that still attracts a loyal, and endlessly youthful, following. In the pre—pandemic times the Italian steakhouse would keep things lively with lots of live jazz inside, and now families can hang out on the exterior patio to down chicken parmesan, the famous rolled lasagna, and a heavy pour of wine.

Los Feliz’s Little Dom’s is the red sauce joint every town needs. It’s quaint yet modern, has a strong personality without being too fussy, and makes a mean plate of pasta.

Now celebrating more than two decades in the business, Jones on Santa Monica Boulevard has cemented itself as a modern Italian red sauce joint. Sure, during normal times the bar gets more love (and rightfully so), but sitting up front with the checkered tablecloths and a big plate of meatballs is, on the right night, where the party’s really at.

An offshoot of an impossible-to-eat-at New York City original, Rao’s in Hollywood is a little quieter, a little more subdued, but still a lot of fun. The kitchen pushes out big portions to everyone, where families, dates, and anyone looking to recreate a bit of magic can lean in for a taste of East Coast Italian.

63-year-old Marino restaurant is just as charming today as it has ever been, though dining in means eating al fresco on the ample back parking lot patio. Expect a variety of Italian classics, from fresh pastas to caesar salads and calamari and fried mozzarella.

Is there any more iconic old school Italian retaurant than Dan Tana’s? From its historic location adjacent to the legendary Troubadour music venue, to its timeless clientele of celebs, tourists, and cranky old-timers, this is the place to see and be seen over a big plate of chicken parm and red sauce pasta.

Rosemead’s charming 53-year-old Di Pilla’s feels like the days of old. Inside, the restaurant is wrapped in faux brick and fake vines, while diners today can take out everything from pasta with vodka sauce to linguini to fettuccini alfredo — and lots of toasty bread on the side, of course.

Matteo’s on Westwood is a bit more luxurious than others on this list, but is no less effective in its efforts. Those wrapping booths and white tablecloths can’t hide a traditional Italian menu of spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmesan, and fried calamari. And don’t forget to order a martini.

There’s solid options at Il Saggio, from pizzas, a bistecca panini, traditional salads, hamburgers, and steak. But there’s always time for the lasagna or spaghetti a la bolognese at this Commerce restaurant.

Paramount’s Cafe Corleone offers a massive menu filled with pizzas, appetizers like fried calamari, and over a dozen types of pasta, including the restaurant’s famed baked lasagna.