We've always longed to live in downtown at the Biltmore, or maybe Westin Bonaventure full-time, and now we have more reason to pursue that fanciful Eloise-ish dream: Celestino Drago's latest restaurant, Drago Centro, is just a pop over from both, right near the Central Library. This latest entry into luxe, downtown dining continues to put the focus on what the star chef has become known for: delicious, authentic Italian dishes with a surprise or two thrown in.
Our eye is especially drawn to the space -- sleek and downtown-y, not comfy/cozy with urns of flora everywhere -- and the pretty, glassy wine tower at the center. Also, the pasta choices on the menu intrigue. In true Drago style, the sauces don't merely change while the noodles beneath remain, well, noodles; Drago Centro boasts distinct offerings under "hard egg pasta" and "filled and baked pasta" and "hard durum wheat pasta" (is it unseemly to pick a plate from each?).
Secondi of course contains an impressive selection of le carni, the meats, and lamb ossobuco and roasted squab sound perfectly hearty and autumnal. And for dolce? Something luscious involving walnut semifreddo and figs. Va bene.
Drago Centro
525 Flower Street, Suite 120, Los Angeles
213-228-8998
