C & O Trattoriasimilar businesses >
31 Washington Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Fax: 310-577-2366
(46 Ratings)
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Find this business under: Caterers, Banquet Rooms, Restaurants-Italian, Restaurants, Bars
- Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Cash, MasterCard, Visa
Known for massive quantities of pasta served alongside prices long-thought extinct, the Cheese & Olive draws in hordes of the starved every night for flavorful Northern Italian cuisine. Eat indoors or on the popular patio -- a bustling courtyard overlooking faux-Italian tenements that might as well have laundry flung over their balconies for full effect. Pasta dishes involve rich sauces, composed of such ingredients as artichoke, eggplant, Italian sausage, red peppers and cream -- oh, do they love cream -- dumped over eight different types of noodles that diners are encouraged to mix and match at their discretion. While waiters croon 'That's Amore' (sung every night by the energetic staff), you can slurp down Chianti, dispensed from vats, accessible to diners via the honor system (keep track of your own consumption). A little tip about the huge portions: Unless you feel like humming an ode to the Pepto people while engaging in doggie-bag arm curls all the way home, understand that C & O's full orders are big enough to nourish a whole army infantry -- so unless you plan on bringing one, order wisely.
One drawback is that C & O's reputation usually precedes them. Expect long lines for getting both seated and into restrooms that, unfortunately, are a tad too small to handle the crowds. Management is always prepared for unease, however, weathering impatient storms by throwing garlic dough-ball appetizers your way to satiate the ravenous hordes standing in line. However, like so many other diners, once you go, you are hooked forever.
46 Ratings and Reviews
Citythreads - 07/07/2008Good But Watch Out
Karter383391 - 06/21/2008I love C & O's but not long after I ate the last time, I had a headache I could not get rid of. If you have health concerns particularly high blood pressure watch the garlic balls. I ate one too many and they are bathed in garlic, oil and apparently salt. Nevertheless, if high blood pressure isn't your issue, dive in and enjoy until your hearts content. This is a great place, food, ambiance, the whole nine yards!
Add Comment- Dede3284 - 06/14/2008
Both are good
Mikeinlaca - 05/25/2008We have been going to both C&O's for years and have never been disappointed. I was glad to see some folks not liking it as I hope they don't go back so we won't have to wait so long for a table. Hey, if it was as bad as some say, there would not be long waits every time we go.
- REDSOXGIRL1988 - 05/25/2008
Pretty good but not great!
americashpaul - 09/16/2007Most traditional Southern Italian dishes. Good quality and quantity. It's family style, so naturally the quantites will be enough for 2-3. The post on 07/0302007 (terrible) must have been written by a competitor. No way can you call this place terrible- not even close.
Terrible
tamarl23 - 07/03/2007Large quantities, but the quality is terrible. Barely passes as Italian food.
AWSOME
ashalay42612 - 04/29/2007garlic balls are great. no doubt, fast service and fun atmosphere, you can sing my amore a few times and drink by the honor system. and if your on a date, you will find it romantic to walk on the pier while you wait or after your dinner the ravioli is great, same with calimari
Wonderful Place
malikili - 04/24/2007I have been to both restaurants and each time I have had a wonderful experience. I love the portion sizes too because my son and I can share. The atmosphere is great!
Garlic balls are the best!
patrawils - 10/10/2006Excellent, food, wine, and atmosphere. I cannot say enough about this restaurant. It is great. I will be back for more