My boyfriend and I have been frequenting this spot for a few years now. The space itself is small, but the atmosphere is warm and comfortable and feels like a quaint bistro you would find in San Francisco or New York. The patio area is great for people watching. The staff is friendly and there are many regulars who are addressed by their first name, which adds to the neighborhood feeling -- a rarity in Los Angeles. Porta Via also serves up some delicious comfort food. I enjoy the cappellini checca (although it was recently removed from the dinner menu) and the grilled salmon. My boyfriend is a fan of the ribeye, which was served with a side of french fries. Recommend reservations for Saturday nights, as it is a smaller space that tends to be packed on the weekend.
Pros: Relaxed atmosphere; reasonably priced, good food
Cons: Parking, although there are some public lots off Canon
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