Cafe Delfini

On the recommendation of some friends, my husband and I went to Caffe Delfini last night for our second anniversary. We have a 6 month old and so we rarely get to go out to dinner just the two of us. I am happy to report that Caffe Delfini really delivered-- it was the perfect night! It wasn't very busy (it was a Monday), although I can imagine that you would want to make reservations for nights later in the week. The waiter was from Padua, and was attentive without being overbearing. It was a little bit dark in the restaurant-- which was romantic except when you were trying to read the menu. They must have had this complaint before, however, because each table is provided with a little penlight! We started with a tuna carpaccio (divine!), then shared a linguini with shrimp, tomatoes and basil (simple fresh ingredients combined just the way my husband's Italian grandfather would cook) and then shared a steak (perfectly cooked and so tender it melted in your mouth). I think I am drooling, just describing our meal! The wine list is a little pricey-- we had the cheapest bottle on the menu and it was $35-- but it was delicious and went perfectly with the meal. All in all, it was a special evening and I would highly recommend Caffe Delfini to anyone for a special occasion or just a treat!! Pros: fantastic food, romantic, great service Cons: parking can be a pain more

I chose this restaurant based solely on the reviews I read here. What a great choice! Our group included both picky eaters and people with high expectations. Everyone was thrilled. Great sauces, perfectly-cooked meat, wonderful pasta dishes, great wine list. The service was wonderful - our waiter was attentive, but not pushy, and had great suggestions for salads to share and wine. The prices are very reasonable for the large portions, beautiful ambience and quality of food and service. It's a perfect place for small groups, like visiting family, a romantic dinner or just meeting friends for a nice dinner. You can go dressed up or semi-casual - typical Malibu-setting. I know I said ""not one complaint"" but that's because I don't think the valet is a good representation of the restaurant, and probably a different company anyway. The valet was pretty bad - misdirected, rude and slow. However, it's a tiny price to pay for this small gem off PCH. I will definitely go back when I have something to celebrate or want a nice dinner out. Pros: quality/quantity, beautiful setting, reasonable prices Cons: valet was rude more

""too much garlic"" is one of the funniest things I can ever read about a restaurant. ""needs more endless bowl of breadsticks and salad"" would be up there too.\r \r Seriously, some people should only eat corporate. more

Cafe Delfini had been recommended by some friends and in doing some research I came across some more information that made me finally make a reservation for dinner. Let me just start by saying I walked in, and it immediately was the most perfect ambiance. It was candle lit, and had such a nice warm feeling. The waiter was extremely helpful from the wine list to the specials that evening. The food was absolutely delicious...we started with the brasala which melted in your mouth and the caezar which was perfectly crisp..We both chose pastas for our entrees which were equally amazing!! I cant wait to go back to try other things on the menu...it truly was wonderful in every way. more

I can't believe it took me a few years to finally try this place.... Every dish had fresh, simple... more

I can't believe it took me a few years to finally try this place.... Every dish had fresh, simple ingredients - flawly assembled and executed... E... more

Another perfect meal. The striped bass was cooked to perfection. View the menu, but await the specials, which are what you should order. Seafood is there specialty. Extremely fresh, cooked simply and perfect. Ceasar salad is excellent, along with the salmon carpaccio. Romantic and quaint. Enjoy! more

Best italian food in LA!! great freidnlys ervice, romantic!!! and amazing authetnic food!!! a little pricey btut he food speaks for itself!!! fresh fish,, amazing pastas and great desserts!! I love this place!!! more

I hope no one was turned off to Caffe Delfino based on the previous reviewer's opinions. On the Westside, where there is no shortage of quality Italian restaurants, Caffe Delfino is among the best of the bunch. They use nothing but the freshest ingredients: tomatoes, basil, spinach, garlic, pastas, etc. The service is outstanding, our waiter took the time to explain each menu item and gave his reccomendations, etc and when we left he shook our hands and made us feel like we were old friends. The previous reviewer stated that the prices are ""outrageous"", however there is no item on the menu over $22. If that is outrageous I suggest you go to Olive Garden where you can eat all the salad and breadsticks you please for $14.99. This restaurant is always crowded, and the space is small so make sure to have a reservation. There is very little street parking so you'll most likely have to use the $5 valet. If you want a romantic, homestyle dining experience then I recommend Caffe Delfino - a true neighborhood gem. Pros: Quality of Ingredients, Welcoming Staff, Nice Location Cons: Limited Street Parking more

I went to the Caffe Delfini with my wife based on favorable reviews I read here. The food was fine but the experience left a lot to be desired. The wait staff took my wife's plate when she was still eating, dropping her fork on her blouse. The prices were outrageous for what you got--$12-15 salads, etc. It should be listed as $$$. At first it felt very European, small portions for more than they're worth. But... instead of having a leisurely meal, they took our plates the instant they were done and brought the next course a minute later. We felt rushed. The restaurant was very loud and the waiters were running around, yelling to one another so despite candles on the tables it wasn't romantic. Ambiance goes a long way to making an expensive meal worthwhile. I don't mind spending money for value, but Delfini was a waste. Pros: good food Cons: price, waiters, no outdoor seating more

Cafe Del Fini is probably one of the best... Their simple menu and straightforward wine list are very complimentary to the palette. The service is top notch, the owners take care of you, and treat everyone equally. They are neither obnoxious, nor rude... and the price is not overwhelming... I have probably eaten there over 100 times, and I have never had a bad meal. This place is truly exceptional. Pros: food, ambience, quality Cons: no patio more

In a town full of pretenders in the food world Caffe Delfini is a welcome change of pace; the food is incredibly fresh, well prepared, and priced in relation to a lot of other LA ""spots"" the gnocchi especially so; and the wine list is commensurately well thought out. Certainly like any small gem, the restaurant is not with out flaws, the service can be on the slow side but with food this good taking time to enjoy dinner should be the focus not getting out quickly. Pros: food, wine list, price Cons: European style servic more

Outrageously poor service! Too much garlic! I would not return! more