Cento Pasta Bar began as a Downtown Los Angeles pasta pop-up by chef Avner Levi, a former pasta cook from Bestia, more than 10 years ago. Its West Adams location opened in 2021, where Cento has remained a destination for fresh noodles and vibey date nights, even expanding with a gallery-like, Neptunian raw bar next door. As the restaurant name suggests, the star of the menu is undeniably pasta; there are spicy renditions, long noodles and short, and luxuriously creamy bites. Get a bowl — or two — and dessert for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Outdoor seating features a massive olive tree at the center of the restaurant and fairy lights strung throughout the garden; the atmosphere is romantic without trying to be. Indoor seating feels a bit more austere but provides a clear view into the bustling kitchen.
Parking on this strip of West Adams is tricky and streets are dark. Valet is an easier option and rings in at $14.