Drago Centro is the spinoff of Santa Monica’s Italian restaurant Drago at Downtown. Their menu is standard Italian three course meal. Since the three of us weren’t that hungry, we ordered only from the antipasti and first course (pasta).
The bar area has a pretty big dining area as well (with access to the same menu), they also have happy hour priced cocktail and wine by the glass that you can’t get at the restaurant menu. Though it was quite empty on a rainy Friday.
Amuse Bouche: Mozzarella with Pine Nuts. We started with Langoustine Carpaccio with raspberries, micro herbs, citrus dressing. It’s very light and gone faster than I can form a solid impression.
From the antipasti as well: Pork Belly with Farro, Spinach in Grape Gastrique $14 This is incredible! The pork belly was cooked so tenderly that they literally melt in your mouth! I love the chewy texture of farro, and the grape sauce is wonderfully fruity.
Pappardelle with Roasted Pheasant and Morel Mushrooms $19 Definitely got a unique, rich, gamey flavor and aroma. The strong flavors paired well with the freshly made pappardelle that are smooth, eggy and light. The morel mushrooms soaked up the sauce and added the another interesting texture to the dish. Very good!
Dungeness Crab Tagliolini, Tomatoes, Basil $25 Fresh, light, smooth and delicious, it’s so simple (a nice contrast with the previous pasta) but oh-so-good!
Walnut tart, Market grapes, Marsala, Parmesan Gelato $9. Good and pretty, but albeit taste a bit more normal than it sounds.
Chocolate custard, Date Carpaccio, Pecan, Caramel gelato $9. The sugary decor compliment nicely with the rectangle shaped custard.
A complimentary soft candy that reminds me of Hawthorn Fruit!
The food is very good and memorable, I wanted to try the meat dish next time. The entrance is a little tricky: after you dropped off your car near 5th and Figueroa to the valet (free for 3 hours), you’d take the elevator #2 to 1st floor.
Drago Centro
525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2200
Freda – you made me hungry – would love to try the meat dishes with you next time. This is my kind of food…
huge fan of this place, and their happy hour, AND the free valet parking. Love love love.
Yes, Free valet parking in LA!? Unheard of!
I realized that you haven’t tried this Italian restaurant in downtown la. It’s a hidden gem called “Colori Kitchen” and is family owned authentic northern Italian food. You should try this place.