Chef Celestino Drago has etched his name in culinary fame by cooking up some of the best Italian food in Los Angeles, and it all started with the opening of Drago Ristorante in Santa Monica, CA. Celebrated by both the general public, the pickiest food critics and renowned publications like the Los Angeles Times, this Italian food-lovers dream restaurant has been consistently rated as one of the top 5 LA Italian restaurants since its doors opened back in 1991.

When dining at Drago’s, your senses won’t be assaulted by the sight of kitschy entrees like spaghetti and meatballs on the menu; instead, you will begin a journey through Sicily that, instead of a passport, requires a reservation. With recipes straight from Drago's childhood home in Sicily, be prepared to explore different selections of antipasti, pasta, and traditional Sicilian entrees that range from outstanding carpaccio salads to fresh, flavorful pastas; one of the most popular dishes on the menu is the Tortelloni di Zucca alla Salvia (pumpkin tortelloni in a creamy sage sauce). Chef Drago has been also praised for his preparations of rich game dishes straight from his homeland, such as the Coniglio all’Agrodolce, succulent pan roasted rabbit in a sweet and sour sauce.

In addition to daily specials that reflect the year’s changing seasons, Drago Ristorante also offers diners the chance to indulge in rare, seasonal delicacies on the Truffle Menu and the Game Menu. The Truffle Menu, typically available in winter and occasionally summer, features dishes prepared specifically to accompany the rich, earthy truffles in season. The Wild Game Menu, available in autumn, features exquisitely prepared dishes like venison carpaccio, pan roasted wild boar and roasted pheasant. During the seasons that feature these menus, getting a table will be near impossible without reservations made well in advance.

Honoring the great food and wine-pairing heritage of Italy, Celestino Drago has also taken care to find the perfect selection of wines to compliment the delectable cuisine. Though both domestic and French wines are available, the centerpiece of the list is the extensive selection of Italian wines. There are also many older vintages found on the list, and each of these available wines have been stored at 55 degrees since their release, ensuring the highest pedigree.

Menus:

Lunch Menu | Dinner Menu | Truffle Menu | Wine List | Game Menu