Maccheroni Republic

I'm a bit late getting on the Maccheroni train, but here I am!

Maccheroni Republic has two alluring attributes that warrant at least an initial visit: (1) handmade pasta and (2) BYOB with no corkage fee. *

* Word on the street is that they are obtaining a liquor license soon, which will likely force us to bid adieu to the BYO + free corkage perk.  Whether true or not, you have all the more reason to check them out sooner than later!

Let's start with the basics.

• Maccheroni Republic is an Italian trattoria located in downtown LA.  Look for the McDonald's on Broadway, but know that the entrance is not on Broadway, but around the corner, tucked behind some lush shrubbery.  
• This place serves excellent pasta dishes, while uniquely retaining the comfort of eating in a friend's [Italian grandmother's] home.  
• Parking is available on the streets (meters; free after certain hours) as well as an adjacent parking structure ($5).  
• BYOB without any corkage fee - oh, yeah! 

• There is indoor seating available, but opt for patio seating.  The ambience is cozy and inviting, especially with the glimmering lights that welcome the warm summer breeze.  It's all very romantic... for the romance between pasta and I, which is gradually blossoming.

$10 lunch deal is awesome! Must return.

Daily homemade, handmade pasta.

Non-pasta items.

Violetta Di Melanzane -- baked eggplant rolls, stuffed with mozzarella -- $9.50

This appetizer comes with about six small eggplant rolls and plenty of cheese -- so much cheese that after awhile, that's all I could taste.  So if you love mozzarella, you'll love the violetta di melanzane.  Would I order it again?  Probably not.

Spaghetti Vongole -- spaghettini with Manila clams in a garlic, white wine broth -- $13.95

Spaghettini pasta is thinner than regular spaghetti, but thicker than vermicelli or angel hair pasta.  I liked its use with the ample vongole (clams) and broth.

Tortelloni Burro E Salvia -- spinach & ricotta tortelloni with Parmesan sage sauce -- $14.95

A closer look inside.

The fave of the night was the tortelloni (the difference between tortellini and tortelloni is the size of the pasta; the latter being bigger.  And for most folks, bigger is better).  Delicately stuffed with the perfect balance of spinach and ricotta and tossed in a sage sauce, this is what defines pillow-y goodness.

There are many other diner favourites such as the black and white pasta (bianchi + neri) and the linguine ai fruitti de mare.  Whatever you choose to eat, remember to supplement it with (BYO) wine!  Have a great weekend, ya'll.






cuisine: Italian
location: Downtown LA
hours: M-F: 11:30am-3pm; 5:30-10pm; Sat: 5:30-10pm (dinner only); Sun: 4:30-9pm (dinner only).
websites: { yelp | facebook }
price: $10-$20
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters or nearby lots
reservations: no
notes: Forgot to bring wine?  Don't worry, just head to Buzz Wine Shop on Spring.  Also, the best time to check this place out is a weekday night.
other reviews: { j.gold | gastronomy | darindines }