Miceli's

I have been going to BLD for sometime and have never had a bad experience. Everyone knows they job and do it very well, but never get in the way of your dining experience. The food is always good and a great wine selection. And I like the fact that the tables aren't too close together that you can hear someone else conversation. It's a great place to go for the 2nd date...

Pros: great lay out, not a bad table, good service

Cons: always busy

Posted 09/08/09

everything is so disgusting that they should shot-down the doors. my wife is still disgusting just thinking about it. Im italian and this is NOT an italian restaurant. stay away.

Posted 03/28/09

Visiting from back East and looking for good Pizza. This place was nearby so gave it a shot. Sat and ate pizza at the bar. Typical west coast cardboard crust,possibly frozen. Dominos,Pizza Hut and Papa Ginos are all much better . Still looking.

Pros: Not sure.

Cons: Pizza

Posted 02/14/09

We had a party of 12 celebrating a birthday - mixed group of adults and young adults. We made a routine request at the beginning of the meal for two checks - No Can Do! - we were told. The pipsqueak manager came by and said for 30 years they don't do this and that's the way it is.
Well, appears he wasn't done then as he stopped by - unasked, mind you - and proceeded to repeat this again with a little more edginess in his voice. We hadn't even ordered yet.
Where's the service - especially in today's economy?

The waitress countermanded the manager and did split it into two checks - but we weren't done with the manager just yet!

When we tried to pay, I picked up seven people and the other five struggled to figure theirs out - they kindly added 18% graturity to the bills - don't have a problem with that when you're provided good service - but this was very questionable by this time.
One young adult asked to get his total separate so he could pay with a credit card - the manager proceeded to acted up - again - in front of customers waiting to get in and went on a virtual tirade insulting us that we weren't even as competent as thirteen year olds to split a bill! He even called the cops because by this time the person with the credit card said he wasn't going to be insulted like that and refused to pay.

The manager -I referred to him as a pipsqueak previously because he was a little man with a chip on his shoulder, obviously - turned to me and yelled at me as to what was I looking at and I was not welcome anymore and to get out - mind you, I had said nothing and had already paid! All over providing some assistance and some service to split out a bill.

The food was mediocre - although we did enjoy hearing the staff sing. It definately was not worth the rudeness of this man! Steer clear - there's a lot of other fun and fine dining in LA.

Pros: The singing staff

Cons: The Management and service

Posted 02/08/09

I had lunch at Miceli's the other day and it was so good. I had the spaghetti ravoli combo with the meat sauce and it was the kind of italian I was looking for. Nice thick red sauce with lots of flavor.

Pros: Yummy Classic italian food

Cons: parking

Posted 09/14/08

Excellent "take out" perfectly prepared and packaged for entertaining at home rather then cooking. Everyone was very impressed with the meal and I did not have to cook for hours. I ordered a range of appetizers and salads and entrees. I ordered before I left work and picked it up on my way home, Everything was ready and neat packages. They helped me to my car with the packages and gave me reheating instructions. I had plenty for everyone and left overs or the next night. I was able to work a full work day , serve a perfect dinner and clean up was a snap (NO PANS TO CLEAN). I can not recommend their takeout and delivery service enough. When you do not have time to prepare dinner for entertaining at home this is the perfect solution. Thank you Miceli's Your friendly, welcoming style and great food explains why you have run a great restaurant in the difficult Hollywood market for an amazing 59 years.

Pros: The owners care deeply about their customers and the food is wonderful.

Cons: Not that fancy of a place and a bit dated, but comfortable and friendly and welcoming.

Posted 01/18/08

This was by far the most disappointing dining experience I've ever had!! The pizza (which is supposed to be a signature item) was really bad. It was still raw in the middle and looked like it came from a freezer. We sent it back immediately. I wouldn't even have fed it to my dog. It was inedible! My lasagna was covered in 2 inches of indigestible cheese and it was piping hot in some areas and cold in others. Clearly this was just thrown in the microwave.
The fried calamari was equally disappointing. Instead of tasting bad it had no taste at all!

Do yourself a favor..skip this place!!!!

Posted 01/17/08

One of the worst dinning experiences of my life, not because of the food, which was great, but because the waiter simply would not leave us alone. Upon arrival he berates us for not ordering alcohol, and then when I didn't order salad he gave us a (no joke) 10 minute lecture on why you have to eat salad before the main course. This was only the beginning. Throughout our entire meal he was hanging over us talking about this and that, and just generally ruining our experience. We gave him several hints that we weren't interested in his stories and in fact I even asked him if he was on coca1ne because he was talking so much. The manager had to ask him several times to get food or greet other customers as his attention was on us the entire time. The food was delicious, but i will only be returning for take out

Pros: Great food

Cons: Obnoxious service

Posted 01/06/08

I haven't been here in a while, but at one point I was coming at least once a week. I've never been here on a weekend, so I dont know about the whole reservation thing, but on weekday evenings it's fantastic -- that's when they have the piano player and the blonde singing waitress (who totally sounds like she should be on a Disney soundtrack) sings along in a very strong vibrato. The vibe is home-like and the pasta dishes aren't outrageously delicious, but they're also not bad. You have to try it here at least once - it's great for groups and kids, but like I said, i dont know what it's like on weekends.

Pros: singing waiters, welcoming setting

Cons: parking is a drag - pay lot around the corner

Posted 11/25/07

Please make reservations before arriving!!! My wait without reservations was an 1hr 20 min. The food was delectable but the wait was horrible. I would recommend this place to anyone that is in need of a nice night of entertainment and great food.

Pros: entertainment and food

Cons: the front desk hostess and absentminded waiters

Posted 11/02/07

I haven't been to Miceli's in awhile but I've been meaning to get back there. Last time I had a pretty god experience while there for a friends birthday dinner. Go check it out if you haven't been there, it's an L.A. institution.....and you're not....

Posted 07/31/07

When my boyfriend told me we were having Italian this is definitely not what I had expected. From outside the place looked kinda weird but inside it was the nicest place! It felt like grandma's house with its warm and cozy atmosphere. Just a look around the fully decorated room and I could tell many of the customers were regulars. The waiter was extremely pleasant and it was evident he enjoyed his job. Our food came right away and it was good! We both got lasagna and I can't wait to go back to try more of their dishes! Our singing waiter just added the final touch of perfection and I cant wait to go back!

Posted 07/26/07

It's a really neat looking place with a nice atmosphere. Wine bottles hanging from the ceiling, the wait-staff singing showtunes, but the food is absolutely terrible and dramatically over-priced. The bill was over $100 for four people, two of whom split something. If you like flavorless, rubbery over-boiled chicken than you'll love this place because thats how they serve it. The red sauce is inedible as well.
Usually I can overlook the food if the service is good. We sat for almost 15 minutes before anybody ever came to our table. You'd think with a full bar, they'd have something on tap, but when asked the selection, the waiter responded, "Nothing on tap." and moved on as though I no longer existed. Water it is, I suppose.
We went to the Olive Garden a few weeks ago and that meal far exceeded this one in terms of food, service, price, and overall experience. I would never recommend this place to anyone. Steer Clear.

Pros: Location, Atmosphere

Cons: Food, Service, Price

Posted 07/15/07

I've never been to New York, but my friend who has says this is the closest in L.A. for cozy, old fashioned ambiance and good, simple, satisfying Italian food. I love the pasta with Italian sausage and peppers. The live music is comforting too, just a piano player and a singer who was around when the standards were written. It's a piece of old Hollywood with food that'll make you happy to come back.

Pros: Old fashioned cozy environment and delicious, old fashioned food

Cons: less than convenient parking

Posted 03/07/07

I found this Italian restaurant to be the most authentic, the most delectable Italian restaurant ever. I love the food, the piano bar and the service. I simply love it!!

Posted 01/25/07

So, i had heard rave reviews about this place and I love me some Italian food, but was disappointed and hoping to head to the Olive Garden soon, to make up for this....the service was okay...the decor was awesome and romantic....but the food was not all that great...the rolls were good....my fiance had the lasagna which he did not like...he's picky but when something is not good, trust him, it's not...i got baked ziti and it was kinda tasteless...i can make it way better....I mean , I would go again, because it's a cool place to go to, the music is nice (someone is playing the piano) but I would probably go for something more common...stick to that...

Pros: romantic

Cons: food not too tasty

Posted 01/15/07

I'd been told Miceli's was the best Italian in LA, so I was excited to give it a try. The garden salad was a bit small and the Italian dressing wasn't that great; I didn't care for the cheese in the dressing. They gave PLENTY of rolls, thought they were salty. The spaghetti siliciano was very good; had lots of onions in it...I didn't eat them. And the chocolate cake was amazing!!! I tried to only eat part of it but, well, it was THAT good! Priced rather reasonably.

Pros: CHOCOLATE CAKE!!! Plenty of rolls, Delivery

Cons: Salty rolls, Italian dressing, small salad

Posted 06/06/06

Wanted:good food, close to Pantages, fun, not too expensive. Seated immediately, in rock hard booth, served BURNT rolls, no place settings. bottle of chante..house, $32.00. Wine ok, regular bottle, did not have straw bottles, salad, (directly out of a bag), eggplant parmagine, served in a soup bowl with at least two inches of cheese on top, not much else in bowl, a side of spaggetti came with order, chicken fettuccini, totally inediable (took home for dog), and spaggetti and ravaoli, (took home to dog) and the worst was an order of "cheese garlic bread", straight in to trash....it too had at least two inches of cheese, no garlic, no butter, bread was not even toasted...need I say more? Our not too expensive dinner, that no one ate, or could eat, totaled just over $89.00....for three people...two gals and one guy..DO NOT WASTE TIME AND MONEY HERE...

Pros: convienent parking

Cons: terrible food, terrible food, god awful food

Posted 05/17/06

Simply the worst food I have had at a restaurant in my memory. Went to a prix fix dinner for a friend's bday. Bread was hard as a rock. Food was beyond bland. Amused myself watching everyone scramble to cover their food in salt, parmesan, pepper flakes, and lemon. It didn't help. If you think this is "real" italian, you need to get out more. Wait staff dropped silverware on the floor and continued to serve it to people. The waitress sure can sing though.

Pros: Singing waitresses

Cons: incredibly bland food

Posted 01/15/06

I have only been here twice, but I had the same thing both times.....veal francais. Someone else also mentioned this dish, and it is honestly the best around. I swear, I have cravings for it. I can't speak for the rest of the menu. But this dish is definitely my favorite. Miceli's has a cute and old world ambiance, so I recommend checking it out at least once. And definitely try the veal!

Pros: good food, cute ambiance

Cons: loud

Posted 12/22/05

This is a place that must be seen. A true Hollywood landmark in style but the actual food leaves a tad to be desired. Their lasagne is not one of the better. Lasagna should be layered with cheeses and a good ground veal or marinara sauce and more cheese baked on top. Theirs, although made to order, is merely mounds of ground beef sauce between pasta, cheese on top and heated. Hamburger helper does the same. Other dishes are just as passe' in style and flavor. You will enjoy the evening but there are much better restaurants for quality in Italian flavors. This place is popular because of the cost and setting.

Pros: inexpensive, ambience

Cons: quality in food

Posted 11/16/05

Miceli's is great. Gourmet cuisine it's not -- it's kind of like Americanized Italian soul food. Great, hearty dishes that taste great and please. Attentive service and a great selection on the menu. Note that the portions are ENORMOUS, so if you go with someone, split a salad and an entree and you'll still be full. (And if not, get dessert). Definitely worth it, but a note of caution: The plates the entrees are served on are insanely hot -- as in, your skin will blister if you touch them (this is not an exaggeration). Either use your napkin or utensils -- but avoid touching the plate. Great otherwise!

Pros: Inexpensive, Great Food, Fun atmosphere

Cons: Blistering plates, Crowds

Posted 09/05/05

Its my all time favorite Itailian restaurant. I have been going ther since my childhood when I lived in Hollywood. My parents have been going there since they were teenagers. The food is fantastic. The rolls and butter are to die for. My favorite dish is the Veal Francais - if you like veal - this is the best! Go there and try it, you won't be sorry. Beware - it gets very crowded esp. on weekend nights.

Posted 06/11/05

In over 30 years, I have never been disappointed. A Southern California institution. They are famous for their over done rolls. I would complain if they were not overdone. All items they serve are indeed excellent. Highly recommend to anyone

Pros: great service, great food

Posted 03/15/05

I took my husband here last night for dinner. He turned 30 and I wanted to make it special. This was the place to go. If you order a bottle of chianti, they bring you markers to decorate the bottle that they hang around the restaurant. We drank and decorated 3! The food was amazing. The chicken milanase was the best I've ever had. The service couldn't be better. Everything was great. We left very happy and already want to go back. This is the ONLY place for italian food.

Posted 03/02/05

Initially what brought me to this restaurant was the large neon sign OPEN TIL 2a, Miceli's. I love Italian food and thought I'd give it a go.

On a Friday night, we were seated immediately and sat next to the piano player and next to a few other couples. We had the half & half (spaghetti & cheese ravioli) and baked ziti. The food was hot and delicious! The lively atmosphere, tasty pasta dishes, and friendly wait staff brings us back time and time again.

Go already!

Pros: Live entertainment, Food, Atmosphere

Cons: , location

Posted 11/17/04

To be fair I have only been to this place once, but the pizza was not that great-really bordering frozen. Interesting crowd-very diverse and it is a cool hang out but the food was just okay.

Posted 09/06/04

I have taken many different groups to Miceli's and it is truly all about the Caprese. The best mozzarella I have ever had, and it makes me want to try and make it myself. Anywhere else it might as well be a substitute for a rubber dog toy. The food is average to good for the price, except for the Caprese which is worth the price of admission. Cross your fingers tomatoes are in season, but if not, it's still amazing.

Posted 06/15/04

The food is TERRIBLE -- well, the spaghetti was. I couldn't eat the sauce, and the spaghetti was way overcooked. The singing waiters are annoying. I'd recommend Ca del Sol or Buca di Beppo over this place.

Posted 06/13/03

Love the atmosphere and the music and a really great staff...but the food leaves much to be desired. Chef boy are dee makes a better sauce than this place. the raviolis were obviously frozen and then over microwaved and the chicken was like rubber. We used to eat here when I was little and it is not the same. The Hollywood location has food that is a bit better but still...go for the fun and some wine but not for the food!

Pros: atmoshere, dessert

Cons: food

Posted 07/11/02

I had the best date EVER here. We drank wine and hung the bottle on the ceiling.

The spaghetti and meatballs is exquisite.

Best enjoyed with good company

Posted 05/27/02