Located in Larchmont Village, Vernetti really stands out as an authentic experience which is well loved by the local community. The focus is on traditional Italian dishes, and the ingredients are sourced with care and quality in mind. There are no unnecessary ostentatious touches, the food is simple and classic and the flavours speak for themselves as a result. Everything is delicious and unassuming, it feels like the perfect restaurant for the relaxed Los Angeles consumer. The attention to detail here is fabulous, the wines have all been hand-picked and tried and tested to ensure they perfectly compliment each dish. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of cuisine, and as the name suggests the dishes are the mastermind of Head Chef Steve Vernetti.
We began with an aperitif, two fine glasses of Sylvoz Prosecco DOC Treviso Le Colture, Brut, NV.
To begin we ordered from the antipasti selection, I ordered the Fresh Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Olive Oil, and Reduced Balsamic. The carefully sourced ingredients were evident from the first bite, the Burrata had a lovely consistency, and paired with a glass of 2012, Sauvignon Blanc, La Lunella Friuli, this was an excellent start to the evening. My partner ordered the House Cured Salmon, with Chive Goat Cheese, Capers, and Toasted Ciabatta. This dish was paired with a glass of 2014, Chardonnay, Oeno Russian River Valley. The Salmon tasted incredibly fresh and was prepared and seasoned to perfection.
“The menu at Vernetti will impress you, and the dishes will not disappoint.”
For main course I ordered the Bucatini Pesto Alla Genovese Con Gamberi, with Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic, and Pecorino. The attention to detail and execution of flavours continued to impress me with this dish. The dish was paired with a glass of 2013, Chianti, Poderi del Paradiso Colli Senesi. A great Seafood wine, with dark fruits and a peppery aroma. My partner ordered the Fillet Pan Roasted Branzino with Sage, Lemon, Butter, and Asparagus. The Branzino was wonderfully presented and tasted divine, the Sage, Lemon and Butter completed the dish wonderfully and was the perfect marriage of flavours. This dish was paired with a glass of 2011, Sangiovese, Poggio Anima, “Belial” Toscana, a vibrant, floral wine, matching up perfectly with fish and accentuating the flavours.
Moving on to dessert we decided to share the Chocolate Budino with Vanilla Whipped Cream. A traditional Italian dessert, and I haven’t tasted a better example. This was paired with a glass of Moscato d’Ast, Alice bel Colle. Another Italian export, and a dessert wine to compliment any dessert. If you enjoy Italian cuisine the menu at Vernetti will impress you, and the dishes will not disappoint.
