Amici Brentwood

Amici Brentwood Restaurant Review:

Younger sibling to a Beverly Hills location, this upscale neighborhood restaurant on the Brentwood-Santa Monica border draws prosperous Westside couples and families, including that of the former Governator himself. We, like regulars both famed and unknown, enjoy Amici Brentwood for its down-to-earth warmth, evident in the welcome offered by Tancredi De Luca and his staff, and in a menu that features sophisticated takes on trattoria favorites. Hot pizza bread and bowls of suave white-bean dip and tomato checca greet guests. Save room for appetizers both refined, such as fresh mozzarella filled with ricotta on a bed of haricots verts, and earthy, including organic lentil soup garnished with raw spinach julienne. We like the thin-crusted pizzas, especially a sauce-free version with mozzarella and shaved prosciutto; and pastas that range from spicy penne alla arrabbiata to robust spaghetti alla bolognese and lasagna with turkey ragoût. Among main courses, try fresh seafood like Adriatic fish soup or grilled wild salmon filet with quinoa, flame-broiled organic chicken with garlic and herbs, grilled Hawaiian prawns, or meats such as grilled lamb chops with mustard and thyme and sliced tenderloin on a bed of arugula. The good Italian-heavy wine list highlights about 250 options. Desserts feature chocolate volcano cake and tiramisu.