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.
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46 Ratings and Reviews
Fun atmosphere, great wine!
aprilhol19 - 02/26/2005My husband and I visited C&O for the first time and we enjoyed it. Eventhough it was a very busy Friday night, we only waited 20 minutes to be seated. We ordered an excellent bottle of Pinot Grigio and our orders came about 10 minutes later. We had Linguini Mare and Penne al Fumo and they were delicious. Only two con's I can think of are that the garlic breadknots were few and far between (only served 6 at the beginning of the meal and that was it) and if you want to have a conversation amidst the chatter and loud music, be prepared to raise your voice. Other than that, the service, food, and wine were good. Oh yeah, and I sang "That's Amore!" with gusto!
Add CommentAWESOME PLACE
escalald - 01/31/2005took a date there before and it was great. Enough food for an Italian army. Great atmosphere,and they are warm people. Get treated like family. I give it 2 big thumbs way up in the sky.
go for the atmosphere not the food
lawerber - 01/25/2005
Other than the garlic knots, the food is so-so at best. Pasta dishes are big on mushy pasta and light on other ingredients, and really are nothing to write home about. Not worth going if it's good Italian food you want. The outdoor patio area is nice, though. Be prepared to wait unless you're with a large group.
yahoo
yisaacs5 - 11/16/2004great food great prices .. wine is on the cheap side and good . had a birthday perty there and was really happy...
REPULSIVE!!!!!!!
bigpinksnowcone - 10/02/2004After waiting for 1/2 hr. we were seated on the patio near the sidewalk next to a fake flowerbox stuffed with cigarette butts, empty paper cups and REAKING of urine. When we asked to move they said it would be another 1/2 hour although other tables were available. The wait staff was rude and arrogant talking to one another the entire time we attempted to order so, of course our simple order came 40 minutes later....with meat sauce for the vegetarian in the party. Food was room temperature, tepid stuck together pasta in a dish with the bottom FULL of undrained pasta water. The waiter's RING fell off of his finger into my pasta as he was grating cheese and he picked it up and said "Oh..sorry" and continued to grate...When I told him I would not eat that he was acted annoyed and told me "The kitchen is busy, you'll be waiting a long time for something else!" When I asked for the Manager it took about 15 minutes and everyone else was nearly through eating their equally unappealing meals. The Manager didn't apologize and although he comped my meal which NEVER came back, he then asked if we were THROUGH WITH OUR TABLE as it was a weekend evening and others were waiting. As if we had taken so long because we were slow eaters and not because RTHEY had caused delay after delay!!!! Disgusting, rude, dirty. It's no wonder it reaks of urine there is ONE restroom per gender for the entire restaurant.EECCHHH. worst imagineable tourist joint...unbelievable DON'T GO!!! Go to Alejo's on Lincoln for yummy unpretentious Italian. No corkage..BYOB! Avoid this scummy place.
Fun place with huge portions
founderstelecom - 07/24/2004I love it here. It's fun, the food is delicious and if you order the large size portions (they come in two sizes) you'll have enough food to eat for a week. Great value! The garlic bread balls are completely addictive, so if you are on a diet, do not come to C&O (or just take the night off from dieting and pig out on the endless supply).
no complaints....
yosoyrockera - 07/15/2004this place is awesome, the food never ends, the prices are fabulous, the service is great, expect a wait, but that's just because the place is so great. It's great for a date, for family, for friends, co-workers, etc.... Definitely in my top ten and I am definitely a recurring customer.
Amore Amore!
angelfase013 - 04/16/2004The food is excellent. With the huge portions you are sure to leave with an appetite that is totally satisfied. You may even want to take your food home if you dont finish. It makes a great meal again.C & O is a great place to go on a date with someone, if you want a causal night out.
ZZZWRITER's Review
zzzwriter - 11/04/2003I've been there several times for breakfast, and would rate it excellent. Good food, friendly and attentive service, reasonable prices, nice outdoor patio ambience. What more can you ask for?
Cinnysim's Review
cinnysim - 10/05/2003If you're looking for New York Italian, avoid this place. Pure California in both food and atmosphere. Go to Matteo's.