Ciao and welcome to PranzoLA, where I show you the tastiest Italian bites L.A. has to offer! Sor Tino has been one of my favorite places for lunch for years now, and during my most recent visit, it’s easy to remember why. Located right off of San Vicente in Brentwood’s Italian Row, Sor Tino is a divine, well priced, secluded little spot that will leave you anticipating your next visit. I felt it only appropriate to give my first review to them, as it is a staple of Los Angeles’ Italian cuisine without needing to save up for weeks before choosing to dine there.
Since I have been out of town for a number of years now, once I returned, I immediately scheduled a pranzo at Sor Tino. Sor Tino has many reasons to keep you coming back for more; an extensive wine list, a daily changing specials menu, friendly service, and some of the freshest ingredients LA has to offer. The many Italian waiters are adorable and this is a great place to practice Italian as most of them are fresh off of the boat.
This week, I went for oldies but goodies. I started with the magnificent Gavi di Gavi Black Label, a crisp, light ,and soothingly acidic white wine, variation of the Cortese grape. It’s available on the more expensive side of their wine list, but the taste and amiability of pairing with multiple dishes is unbeatable. Our first dish was a lovely insalata di carciofi (artichoke salad) with thinly sliced raw artichokes, frisee, long strands of parmasean, olive oil, and lemon. This is a dish that is ridiculously simple and extremely flavorful. Although there are plenty of restaurants that offer this classic Italian salad, this variation is healthy, delicious, and satisfying.
For my Primi, I ordered the special soup, Lenticche, and the amazing, awe-inspiring, keep you coming back for more, Ravioli di Zaffrone. The lentil soup was a first for me, but it certainly won’t be the last. It was an extremely liquid soup, a rarity in the lentils division, and so flavorful that I probably only shared about two bites. Full of broth and al dente lentils, along with minced potatoes, carrots, and onions, it is the perfect solution if you’re feeling under the weather, or just looking for something hearty and healthy. The ravioli is a family favorite; my cousin Carmen doesn’t even look at the menu anymore. It’s fresh, made from day-of pasta, stuffed with zucchini flowers, and presented with a sauce of cream, butter, and saffron. It is also beyond words. As a vegetarian option, it makes you feel satisfactory about annihilating your plate before anyone else even receives their food. Even though it may not look like much, looks are assuredly deceiving, and finishing the meal is more of a feat than you may think.
I kept dessert simple this time around, simply finishing the Gavi di Gavi and munching on a few generously bestowed biscotti, but Sor Tino is one of my absolute favorite LA Italian restaurants. Blocked off from the road with big, beautiful, green bushes, the patio offers a serenity not easily found among the hustle and bustle of the city and a menu to rival that of any posh restaurant in town. Take the time to have a lovely pranzo here, you won’t be disappointed.
Sor Tino Restaurant
908 South Barrington Ave
Brentwood, CA 90049
Tel : 310 442 8466
Sunday ~ Thursday 11:30am ~ 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday 11:30am ~ 11pm
Friday & Saturday 11:30am ~ 11pm
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