BACETTI || Roman-Inspired Eatery in Los Angeles
Local chef, Chef Joel Stovall, is all set to welcome diners to a new neighborhood trattoria in the Eastside of Los Angeles.
Bacetti (prononced Ba-CH-etti) meaning “little kisses” in Italian, is located in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant takes over the majority of the bow-truss building on Eco Park Avenue that was established in 1928. This new Roman-inspired eatery is designed by young architecture firm Stayner Architects. “Much as you might find in Rome, the interiors are a combination of materials, textures, and details from various eras,” said Christian Stayer, Principal of Stayner Architects. He explains, “The terrazzo and streamlined espresso machine are straight out of Rome in the 60s, but coexist with rough-hewn lumber and exposed brick from the 20s, and with old-fashioned plates and table settings.” Bacetti’s diners are seated in the dining room infused with natural light, the airy central atrium, or on the sidewalk terrace. The interiors showcase the owner’s creation of terrazzo floors, tables, and countertops, as well as exposed original firm beams and leather booths for larger parties.
“The best restaurants in Rome are essentially neighborhood spots, holes in the wall where you’ll find genuine food in a warm setting. We wanted Bacetti to have that same spirit, and to feel like a little bit of Rome in Echo Park.”
Bacetti’s airy central atrium | Credit: Dylan + Jeni
“Bacetti is a love letter to Rome, written from LA,” said Chef Joel Stovall. “We wanted to honor classic Roman dishes while infusing them with a California sensibility and allowing them to evolve and break the mold from time to time.” The restaurant was named for its menu of dishes made with love and served with warmth. Inspired by the traditional trattoria of Rome, Bacetti offers a full menu of antipasti, house-made pasta, pizza and main courses, paired with natural Italian wines. Chef Joel Stovall’s menu features both Roman classics - such as cacio e pepe with handmade tonnarelli and rigatoni all’Amatriciana - and of course, his own invention such as agnolotti with chicken and sage polpettine and toasted pumpkin seeds. Aside from house-made pasta and main courses, the menu emphasizes “piatti piccoli,” meaning small plates, designed to be shared, as well as a tight selection of Roman-inspired pizza. The wine selection focuses on regional wines from all throughout Italy. And last but not least, we can’t forget the after-dinner coffee, made with a classic Italian espresso machine.
Focaccia Ebraica with black olives, currants, rosemary and sea salt | Credit: Katrina Frederick
Left: Radicchio Salad - with shaved fennel, persimmon,walnuts, and manchego Right: Suppli al Telefono - rice fritters with chicken liver, guanciale, mozzarella | Credit: Katrina Frederick
Polpo alla Griglia - grilled octopus, romano bean, romanesco, confit tomato | Credit: Katrina Frederick
Concia marinated sunburst squash, okra, basil, pine nut | Credit: Katrina Frederick
Pappardelle - short rib ragù, grana padano | Credit: Katrina Frederick
Branzino - served whole, gremolata, marjoram, lemon | Credit: Katrina Frederick
“Cotoletta” - breaded half rack of lamb, rosemary,wilted greens
If you’re looking for a trendy hangout in LA where you can find an authentic taste of Rome, visit Bacetti and we promise you will be in for a romantic surprise filled with little kisses. Bacetti is open for dinner six nights a week from 5PM-10P and closed on Mondays. Catch you there!
