What Makes a Great Restaurant?

Last night my husband had an almost unheard of Tuesday night dinner date night. It felt very decadent like it was five years ago and we were childless because we never ever go out during the week these days unless Hank tags along. We went to our absolute favorite restaurant Osteria Mozza.While we were there we talked about what makes a great restaurant. Yes, there are a ton of amazing restaurants in Los Angeles - dazzling over the top places like Providence or Ink where many of the dishes are mind blowing while others fall a little flat perhaps because the are trying to reach such a high level, there are also wonderful ethnic restaurants that amaze, and even other great Italian restaurants like Angelini Osteria or Georgio Baldi but none of them are quite like Osteria.  Every single time we eat here it is just as delicious as the first time. They are so consistent and we fall in love with the dishes all over again. We have tried lots of things on the menu but we almost always get the same things. We basically never order entrees. We share a salad and the to die for grilled octopus and then we get some pastas. 

 I cannot go here and not get the orrechiette with fennel sausage. This is definitely my death row last meal request. Last night I asked my husband why don't they know us and love us at Mozza yet. We come a lot for us but this isn't an inexpensive restaurant so we aren't here every day. The truth is we are not alone in our love for this place. It's so so so good. If you live in Los Angeles and have not been here you need to go immediately. If you are planning on visiting Los Angeles do not miss this place. Last night we sat next to a family with a serious midwestern twang that warmed my heart. I am pretty sure that they too fell in love.