Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re familiar enough with focaccia to want to know where to get the good stuff. Welcome; we’re glad you’re here.
But before we jump into our list of the best focaccia in LA, some fun facts: did you know that it’s believed that focaccia has been around since sometime at the beginning of the first millennium originating likely in Northern Italy or Greece, even before the Roman Empire? The word focaccia comes from the Latin root focus, meaning hearth or fireplace, which is traditionally where focaccia got its big break. When recipes survive the test of time, you know they’re good.
The beauty of focaccia is that it’s highly customizable; there’s some variation to the recipe, but it always always includes the star of the show: olive oil.
Focaccia is a type of flat bread, known for its classic dimpling. Those little holes allow for the spices and olive oil to pool in them for even more decadent taste and texture of the crust. The recipes are considered to be fool-proof, and range from slightly sweet, to savory. You can keep it simple and classic, or add some flair with cold cuts, cheese, herbs, tomatoes, etc. Some dreamers (as you’ll see below) take focaccia to a new level with their own unique combinations.
Check out our list below of the best focaccia in L.A.
etta
Address:8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Located slightly outside of LA, at The Shay – Destination by Hyatt – is etta. You’ll find a lovely indoor and outdoor seating area, bar, and full menu with plenty of options no matter what you’re in the mood for. On their dinner menu, under starters, is their fire-baked focaccia served with ricotta, honey, and truffle (insert drooling emoji, here). Keeping to the classic roots of focaccia, many of their food items are, in fact, cooked over a wood fire, including their brick oven pizza.
“From crave-worthy pizza and warm focaccia, to fresh, crisp seasonal salads to family-style shared pig and lobster picnics, etta has something for everyone. Just as the kitchen is the focal point of interaction within a home, etta’s open kitchen design gives guests that same intimate experience.”
Ceci's Gastronomia
Address: 2813 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Owned by Italian couple, Chef Francesco Lucatorto and Francesca Pistorio, Ceci’s Gastronomia is a hat-tip to Italian Nonnas (aka Grandmothers). Chef grew up in Italy, which is where – with the help of his very own Nonna – he cultivated his love for cooking. Before Ceci’s Gastronomia was born, he and Francesca were cooking out of their apartment, filling orders for homemade lasagna, tiramisu, and yes – focaccia. You can read more about their amazing journey from Italy to opening their own restaurant in L.A. here.
Here you’ll find the focaccina, a sandwich made on focaccia bread. Your options include a sandwich with “Nonna’s meatball,” Farmer’s Market frittata of the day, Caponata, or Zucchine alla Parmigiana.
“Thank you to everyone who supported and helped us finally make this project possible. To our customers who have shown up since the first day, to our family and friends that held us up from the very beginning and a special thanks to our Nonnas who taught us to cook everything with love."
Atrium
Address: 1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
If you’re in the mood for a light bite in a gorgeous setting, look no further. Atrium is just that: bright natural light, built-into-the-flood-trees, wood beams, and exposed brick, galore. For an in-depth account of one individual’s experience at Atrium, check out this brutally honest review. One thing is for certain: while the small portion sizes and wide range of dish styles may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the focaccia with kimchi butter is reason enough to visit. Keep in mind that the portion sizes are small, and intended to share for more variety.
“Atrium is an elevated neighborhood restaurant focusing on Modern American cuisine inspired by the many culinary traditions of Los Angeles and it's [sic] people.”
Chi Spacca
Address: 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
This is likely not the place you’ll stop in on a whim, but don’t let that stop you from adding it to your list of places to try. On their menu under pane you will find their FOCACCIA DI RECCO, with stracchino and extra virgin olive oil. We think the reviews speak for themselves:
Alex Kruglov: “The place is a meat lover's paradise. Unique flavors, unique cuts, and lots of precise care. Tiny place so all seats are good, but worth trying the bar. Also focaccia is excellent. Unlike any I've had”
Peter B.Peter Bovey: “Holy beefsteak! A most delicious Bistek Florentine! Better than any I had in Tuscany, and we've had a few! The focaccia is a must try dish.”
“Heralded as a ‘Meat Speakeasy’ by Food and Wine Magazine…Chi Spacca is Nancy Silverton’s small, intimate restaurant on the corner of Melrose and Highland. Nestled between Mozza2Go and Osteria Mozza, Chi SPACCA – Italian for ‘she (or he) who cleaves’ – has come to represent the quintessential new Italian dining experience.
Chi Spacca has been decorated as one of the country’s best restaurants by GQ, Esquire, Bon Appetit, and Time Out LA as well as one of Los Angeles Magazine’s 75 ‘best restaurants’ in LA.”
Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli
Address: 1726 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
This local business has been proudly bringing freshly baked products to the area for over 70 years. Stop in for freshly baked bread, Italian desserts, and house-made sandwiches whenever the craving hits you. If you plan to visit, keep in mind that this is grab-and-go fare, making it the perfect companion for a picnic or quick bite.
“Founded in 1949 and bought by current owner Nick Cafarchia in 1961, Eagle Rock Italian Bakery and Deli has been dishing out authentic Italian meats, pastries, sandwiches and Italian goods in their market. Now, son’s Anthony and Vito Cafarchia manages [sic] the shop, producing their famous cannolis along with cookies, cakes, deli meats, cheeses, sauces and freshly baked breads. We hope to continue our tradition of excellence for decades more to come with continued improvements.”
If your mouth is watering as much as ours, and you’re in the Los Angeles area, run – don’t walk – to get yourself some freshly made focaccia and let us know which ones you love!
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