Posh Pasta

Get cozy at Silver Lake's Domenico Domenico is an intimate date spot that keeps distractions and din to a minimum. A pillbox-sized Italian bistro with only a small collection of tables, the mostly-white dining room has only a few pieces of artwork and a contemporary crystal chandelier, keeping the focus on the food (and your date) and off the service and interruptions. The highbrow Italian menu is subject to change with the chef’s whims. Don’t expect pizza and meatballs. Think delicate caramelized scallops with sautéed escarole, sweet red beet tortelli pasta with poppy seeds, and a risotto with the intriguing combo of wild mushrooms and blueberries. Hearty osso buco and tomato-braised veal rolls are among the typically meatier entrée options, as is fusilli with a full-flavored wild boar and mushroom ragu. You’ll also get a martini glass of deep-fried, cheese-filled green olives to snack on before you order. Desserts are exceptional -- save room for the chilled chocolate raspberry tart or the torta del nonna with ricotta and pine nuts.
			Domenico 1637 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake (323) 661-6166 domenicoristorantesilverlake.com Price: 3 (out of 4) Noise: 1 (out of 4) Parking: $5 valet Scene: Subdued seniors and date-night couples dining to a soundtrack of Italian tenors. Best bets: Scallops with sautéed escarole; wild boar ragu fusilli; chocolate and raspberry tart Hot seat: Sidewalk tables incur the risk of occasional neighborhood skunk fumes. Opt for inside near the window instead. BYOB: They haven’t landed a liquor license, so bring your own (there's no corkage fee) or dart across the street to Silver Lake Liquor Store. Nearby: Reservoir; LA Mill; Spaceland