Settecento Opens In Gorgeous Maguire Gardens Of DLTA
Downtown Los Angeles just gained a new dining destination that combines high design, Italian culinary tradition and theatrical flair. Settecento, the newest concept from Global Dining Inc. (the group behind 1212 and La Boheme), recently opened its doors in the historic Maguire Gardens, just beside the Los Angeles Public Library.
Indoor dining at Settecento
From the moment you step inside, Settecento feels like something out of a classic film set. The space is anchored by cascading fountains, custom Italian marble finishes, and a chandelier of musical instruments suspended dramatically from the ceiling. Antique books from The Last Bookstore line the walls, while Italian Renaissance artwork drapes the bar. The overall effect is immersive, evocative and distinctly cinematic-somewhere between vintage Europe and modern L.A.
'At Settecento, the book-lined columns stand as the pillars of society–symbolds of the wisdom and knowledge that uphold our community,' writes CEO Lucian Tudor in an email. :The skylight above them illuminates the infinite opportunities unlocked through reading, while the chandelier of musical instruments reminds us that life itself is a harmonious melody, rich with passion and possibility."
Settecento's bar is not just beautiful, it's spirited. The cocktail program offers a refined twist on Italian classics, such as a zesty Venetian Spritz and a Tuscany-inspired Negroni, each designed to evoke specific Italian regions. Whether sipped at the bar or on the outdoor patio under twinkling lights, each drink feels like a brief passport stamp to the Mediterranean.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Francesco Angri and Pizzaiolo Mario Orsini, Settecento's kitchen presents a menu that's both rooted in tradition and elevated by technique. Pastas are a standout: the Gnocchi with Ragu alla Napoletana and Pappardelle al Tartufo feel as if they were plated straight from a Neapolitan grandmother's kitchen, only sleeker.
The wood-fired pizzas are baked in a one-of-a-kind, handmade clay oven that cooks each pie in under a minute. Varieties like the Funghi & Salsiccia feature hand-stretched dough and premium, Italian-imported toppings. All pizzas, pastas, breads, and pastries are crafted entirely in-house, using GMO-free flour sourced directly from Italy.
For heartier entrées, guests can opt for a 24-hour marinated whole chicken, Guancia Brasata, or the show-stopping Fiorentina porterhouse steak.
Settecento isn't just a dinner destination. During the day, the kitchen offers a relaxed menu of Italian street food staples, including Cuzzitiello (stuffed Neapolitan sandwiches), handmade croissants, and Italian-roasted coffee, perfect for those looking to dine alfresco in the lush Maguire Gardens.
With Italian classics, the menu features something for everyone.
With generous indoor and outdoor seating, Settecento is designed to host everything from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. It's also the only restaurant in Downtown L.A. with live outdoor music, featuring a dedicated stage for performances. Whether you're planning a birthday, wedding, or corporate gathering, Settecento delivers atmosphere, elegance and a hint of theatricality.
Host your next outdoor birthday or celebration.
By fusing timeless Italian culinary traditions with Downtown L.A.'s creative pulse, Settecento offers more than just a meal. Whether you come for the cocktails, a celebration, or the setting, Settecento promises something rare in Los Angeles: a restaurant that feeds both appetite and imagination.
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