Superfine Playa

Superfine Playa exists as a Westside middle ground between its DTLA siblings Superfine and Rossoblu (two restaurants we very much enjoy). This lively sit-down spot in Playa Vista—yes, you read that correctly—is more upscale than a curbside pizza at Superfine and less fussy than a white tablecloth dinner at Rossoblu. More importantly: Superfine Playa is a welcome battery jump for this sleepy part of town with a buzzy dining room filled with dates breaking the ice and straightforward yet delicious takes on traditional Italian dishes. 

Kick off a meal here with the crackly-edged focaccia with softened anchovy butter before ordering a few of their excellent homemade pastas, like a simple al dente spaghetti in a tangy pomodoro sauce to a bold, in-your-face rigatoni with creamy chicken liver ragu and salty parmesan. Whatever you do, save room for the grilled heritage pork chop. The slab of seared meat easily feeds two and comes with sweet sliced fennel, fermented chilis, and a porky pan sauce that mixes with wedges of blood orange on the plate (please wipe all of that deliciousness up with the focaccia).