Set amidst the luxury shops of Rodeo Drive, this osteria is housed within the renowned and glorious Gucci boutique. A full-length mirror by the elevator on the ground floor is ideal for last minute primping before riding up to the third floor, where the restaurant is located. Then, make your way into this striking space, dressed up with mostly alfresco tables, ringed by lush greenery, and set under a canvas canopy.
Chef Massimo Bottura has put the talented Mattia Agazzi in charge of this kitchen, and the results are very impressive indeed. This is cooking that is at once whimsical and grounded. Seafood salad arrives perfectly warm and tender, dressed with lemon, olive oil, and shaved radish; while risotto is camouflaged as pizza with tomato, stracciatella, and burnt caper dust evoking the taste of a charred crust. Thumb-sized tortellini, filled with the classic mortadella, veal and prosciutto mixture, sits pretty in a glossy pool of Parmigiano Reggiano-enriched sauce.
The meal ends on a high note with a concise choice of desserts, including a decadent ensemble stacking smoked chocolate ganache, miso caramel, chocolate sorbet, and cocoa nibs.