Il Cielo

Last Night I had dinner with a friend at one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles, Il Cielo. This gorgeous restaurant is located in Beverly Hills off the cross streets of Burton Way and N. Doheny Drive. When you enter through a gate on the street, you are instantly transported in to the twinkle light secret garden of my dreams. With chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and surrounded by foliage adorned with lights, it truly presents such a special atmosphere. We were greeted by so many lovely, friendly staff members upon entry and sat at a little table for two. The tables are spaced out so you don’t feel like you’re joining anyone else for dinner you didn’t come with, which I love. Our waiter Nino made sure to make us feel right at home with his Italian charm, knowledge of the menu and all around amazing spirit. He truly made our dining experience so much more enjoyable.

First, we started off with ordering a bottle of Prosecco for the two of us. I wish I could remember the name but I do know it was the only one on the menu. I prefer Prosecco to champagne any day and I truly couldn’t tell you why, just a preference. Either way, it was a fantastic choice and Nino made sure to keep our glasses full throughout dinner without a raising a single glance. Loved that!

As an appetizer we got the Il Polipo, char-broiled octopus with poached potatoes and drizzled in a vinaigrette that was to die for. The octopus was cooked to perfection and an amazing starter to the rest of our meal. Octopus can be very tricky and if you enjoy it you know, when you find a place that does it right, it says a lot about how the rest of the meal is going to be. Delicious.

For one of our entrees we shared the Tortilla di Burrata which was actually stunning. Tri-colored pasta cooked to perfection stuffed with burrata drizzled in a burrata cream, basil oil, pesto sauce. You guys! Mouth- watering doesn’t even begin to describe the taste and flavor packed into these tortellinis. Definitely enough for one but I couldn’t be more grateful to be sharing this meal.

For our next entree we were between the chilean sea bass special and il branzino. When I asked Nino what he would recommend he let said the il branzino! It’s the only dish that has been on the menu for 35 years so we knew we had to try. This may have been the best fish I’ve had in my life. I can also honestly tell you I’ve never ordered branzino before and now I think it’s my favorite fish dish of all time. It was brought to the table as a whole fish which they separate the fillets from the bone table-side with sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, potatoes and a pesto like sauce on the side. Chef’s kiss to say the least, absolutely demolished this plate to the point of stuffed.

I never learn my lesson and even though I was uncomfortably full at this point in the meal, why not find room for dessert? We ordered the panna cotta that usually comes with fresh fruit and these sugared rose petals that I had had there once before. Unfortunately, they’re from a specific rose that they haven’t been able to get a shipment out with everything for a while but that did not compromise the panna cotta whatsoever. Absolutely delicious and highly recommend.

This restaurant is truly stunning and the food matches the atmosphere. I don’t have a single complaint about my meal besides wondering why I don’t go there more often. They also offer adorable packages for the option of a romantic night out including rose petals on the table, candlelit and what looked like a super cute dessert on a silver plate. ( I was spying on the table behind me) For my dinner and brunch enthusiasts, I highly recommend this restaurant for a lovely meal out with friends, every room is gorgeous and so many opportunities for photos, maybe even a Galentine’s day celebration? Also, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this place is amazing spot to take your date out where the atmosphere is already created for you. Let’s be honest the food is divine and the restaurant is gorgeous for any and all occasions. Couldn’t be happier sharing Il Cielo as my first local favorite restaurant!

Hope you enjoy and if you’re in the area go check it out!