With my girlfriend Kellie coming from Santa Ana and me in Pasadena, a lunch date in Gardena was logistically sound since it was approximately halfway* between our respective starting points. After debating a few Hawaiian and Japanese restaurant options in the area, I selected Eatalian Cafe for our meetup. Pasta. Forever.

Eatalian Cafe brings a slice of Italy to an industrial stretch of Gardena lined with manufacturers and repairmen. Owner Antonio Pellini initially planned to transform this former textile factory into a production facility for fresh cheeses, gelati, and baked goods; however, the sheer size of the space was so grand that a dining room was built into the plans.

Here at this cavernous temple of Italian cuisine, pastas, sauces, gelati, breads, and pastries are made fresh every morning.

Joining our party were The Astronomer and Kellie’s sis—the more the merrier.

To start, we shared the Emilia, grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, onion, yellow and red bell pepper) topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and aged balsamic vinegar ($8.50). I loved the cheese’s salty granules, but the vegetables could’ve been smokier. 

A duo of pastas arrived following the appetizer. The house-made gnocchi ($12.75) with pesto was irresistibly pillowy—a must-order.

The Spaghetti Carbonara ($9.75) was very flavorful, punctuated by plenty of bacon, but could’ve been saucier. I like my lips to glisten after eating carbonara.

The heart of the menu is the thin-crust, brick oven-fired pizzas, with over 30 varieties of “Eatalian” and “Traditional” creations available.

Kellie’s sis selected the Margherita ($7.50), which was topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella but was curiously missing fresh basil. It was tasty enough, but I’m not sure what to make of basil-less Margherita. The menu should’ve just called it what it was: Cheese Pizza.

The Rock ($10.75), on the other hand, delivered on all fronts. Topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, gorgonzola cheese, spinach, and bacon, the pie was a savory powerhouse and justifiably a crowd favorite.

For dessert, we walked over to the gelati counter and sampled up a storm before selecting a full order of our favorites. I settled happily on the biscotti and baci. 

While I wouldn’t divert from my usual downtown pasta agglomeration economy to dine at Eatalian, it is a great spot for occasions when convenience takes precedence over foodie pursuits. It’s been known to happen.

* Based on time and traffic conditions.

—

Eatalian Cafe
15500 Broadway
Gardena, CA 90248
Phone: 310-532-8880

South Bay, baby!

Artesia

• Mumbai Ki Galliyon Se – Artesia
• {swoon} Binagoongang Baboy at Magic Wok
• {swoon} Pani Puri at Surati Farsan Mart

Compton

• Honey’s Kettle – Los Angeles (Compton)
• {swoon} “The Chronic” at Mom’s Burgers

Gardena

• Sanuki No Sato – Los Angeles (Gardena)

Inglewood

• Coni’Seafood – Los Angeles (Inglewood)
• L.A. Weekly’s Tacolandia: A Sneak Preview with Mo-Chica, Tamales Elena & Coni’Seafood
• Randy’s Donuts – Los Angeles (Inglewood)
• The Serving Spoon – Los Angeles (Inglewood)
• {swoon} Camarones Borrachos at Coni’Seafood

Lomita

• {swoon} Choux aux Sésames at Pâtisserie Chantilly

Manhattan Beach

• Dream Team: Charles Phan & David LeFevre “Can You Dig It?” Collaboration at M.B. Post
• M.B. Post – Los Angeles (Manhattan Beach)
• Weekend Brunch at M.B. Post – Los Angeles (Manhattan Beach)

Torrance

• Ichimi Ann Bamboo Garden – Los Angeles (Torrance)
• Mitsuwa Marketplace – Los Angeles (Torrance)
• Torihei – Los Angeles (Torrance)
• {swoon} Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet at Kagura