Toscana is a cozy, lively neighborhood trattoria of quality in Brentwood, CA, a small Italian treasure where you will see the rich and powerful mingle at lunch and elegantly coiffed 90049 grande dames with their swains making eyes at each over during romantic dinners.

Rustic is the word that comes to mind when we think of Toscana. Décor is minimal with a warm brick wall, open kitchen and shutters setting the tone. The food is simply prepared with care.

Diners are greeted with a lovely gesture–delicious complimentary salted flatbread or crudités on ice. Then relax and put yourself in the hands of the professional kind waiters who will navigate the menu for you. Service is top notch.

There are terrific pizzas, hot and bubbling from the wood oven and some of our favorite dishes are carpaccio, tagliatelle Bolognese, grilled branzino, spaghetti with seafood, mushroom risotto, rack of lamb, and fine steaks.

The Toscana chefs cook authentically and with respect for traditional Italian combinations and flavors. If you are lucky, your visit will coincide with white truffle season and Toscana combines them with polenta, asparagus, and meats brilliantly.

Best of all, careful thought has been given to the wine selection and either by the glass or bottle, prices are reasonable and the variety endless.

If you are alone, no problem. The hospitable manager will find a seat for you at the bar, the perfect perch to watch the busy culinary team work their magic. You will be treated with the same grace and attention here as the celebs and moguls at tables.

Owners Kathie and Mike Gordon are totally dedicated to value and quality. They also own the highly regarded S.Y.Kitchen in the wine country of Santa Ynez.

Toscana is located at 11633 San Vicente Boulevard #100, Los Angeles, CA 90049, (310) 820-2448