La Cava is what I like to call a secret gem–an Italian gem in the valley. Those kinds of restaurants are my absolute favorite. Not a lot of people know about it, yet the food is really spectacular. La Cava is about the size of my bedroom. It’s very small for a restaurant, but it’s cozy and it serves authentic Italian Tuscan food at its finest. La Cava is on the busy street of Venutra Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, but it can be easily missed if you’ve never heard of it. I heard about it through word of mouth and went there for my good friends birthday dinner. I was very impressed with the food and service so I took my family there for dinner on another occasion. The waiters are straight off the boat from Italy; they all have thick Italian accents. Everything at La Cava is made from scratch- the pasta noodles, the sauces, cheeses, etc. I would recommend a pasta dish because the noodles literally melt in your mouth. See all the dishes that were ordered below:

PIZZE MARGHERITA
We were brought all different kinds of fresh pizzas, and they were all amazing. Super thin and crispy with fresh flavorful ingredients on top. Each pizza had loads of flavor and tasted like an authentic Italian pizza you would have anywhere in Italy. I highly recommend you try a couple different ones to share with your table. Amazing!

SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIA

Grilled salmon served with chopped tomatoes & spinach

TAGLIATELLE ALLA BOLOGNESE

Tagliatelle pasta with meat sauce

Best bolognese I’ve ever had. The noodles just melt in your mouth. They are made from scratch, and they are silky and tender. Not starchy and thick. I recommend this pasta!

COSTOLETTE DI AGNELLO

Roasted lamb chops with rosemary, veal sauce & balsamic vinegar,

served with mashed potatoes

SPAGHETTI DI MARE

Spaghetti with fresh seafood in light tomato sauce

VEAL PAPPARDELLE (ON THE SPECIALS MENU)

Papardelle is a thick, flat, and long pasta. Again, the noodle texture was amazing. You have to order a pasta if you go to La Cava. You can really taste the difference between homemade noodles. This veal pasta was a special of the night and was recommended by our server, but it just wasn’t as flavorful as the Bolognese. Wouldn’t order it again.

 FRUTTI DI MARRE PASTA (ON THE SPECIAL MENU)

RAVIOLI IN SALSA ROSA

Homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach & ricotta in a pink sauce

Simple but great. The pink cream sauce was rich and flavorful and the ravioli melted in your mouth. Can’t go wrong with this dish. It’s safe and delicious.

PESCE BIANCO ALLA LIVORNESE

Superior white fish sauté with tomato sauce, fresh oregano & capers

served with spinach & roasted potatoes

GAMBERONI ALLA GRIGLIA

Grilled prawns served with chopped tomatoes & spinach

 HOMEMADE TIRAMISU

HOMEMADE CREME CARAMEL

One of the best desserts I’ve ever had. This one was special. It tasted like a creamy rich white chocolate pudding. I can’t even describe how amazing it was. It was so satisfying and perfect after a great meal. Even the chocolate lovers at the table loved this. Highly recommended!

 WARM CHOCOLATE SOUFLEE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE ICE CREAM

GUAVA SORBET

LA CAVA
13565 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 981-1517
www.lacavashermanoaks.com