We were pleased to have been invited to experience a heck of a feast at Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar in Downtown Los Angeles. This past Tuesday, July 17, Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar opened its doors to the public. This is one of the latest concepts from Innovative Dining Group (IDG), the creators of BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, Katana, Robata Bar, and Delphine at W Hollywood. Executive Chef Sascha Lyon, who we had the chance to interview last year, oversees the menu which is comprised of straight forward, unpretentious food, and inspired by Southern Italian cooking.

When you walk in to Soleto you immediately notice the 360-degree bar, with all sides facing inward toward other patrons promoting a community vibe without feeling too close. In addition to the main bar seating, they have rows of tall tables, stool seating at the exhibition pizza bar which overlooks their pitfire oven and a convivial 1,100-square-foot outdoor dining patio all lending to the communal vibe. See menu highlights from our visit below:

*Straight forward Italian Comfort Food

*Attentive & Knowledgeable Staff

*A good variety of foods (appetizers, lunch, dinner.)

*Good selection of drink options (cocktails, beers, wines.)

*Downtown Dwellers

*Very nice space and concept designed by Studio Collective

*Happy Hour M-F 3-7 p.m.

Dig In: (Menu)

Charred Cauliflower Granda padano, Italian parsley.

Sauteed Calamari Anaheim chilies, marinated tomatoes.

Shrimp Oreganato Hand torn croutons.

Caeser Salad romaine, parmesan crisps, grana padano.