ALBA TRAVELS WEST
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 6/19/25
On February 6th, 2025, West Hollywood welcomed an irresistible new Italian hub: Alba LA. What was once an art gallery on Melrose Avenue has been transformed into an “Italian holiday,” capturing the essence of Italy’s charm and sophistication, according to Prince Street Hospitality.
In an effort to resonate with the Los Angeles dining scene, the space brings together locals and out-of-towners to enjoy an elevated Italian meal. As described by the team at Alba, the cosmopolitan style blends seamlessly with coastal energy.
PRINCE STREET HOSPITALITY
Business partners Cobi Levy, Will Makris, and Julian Black are renowned for operating popular restaurants in New York City, including Cucina Alba, Lola Taverna, Little Prince, and Lucali. The group is known for creating unique culinary experiences and memorable atmospheres in each of their establishments.
Alba LA marks the group’s first venture on the West Coast. Recognizing that the dining scene across the country demands a different approach, Julian Black emphasizes the importance of catering to local preferences. "Angelenos have a very specific way they like to eat," Black says. "And I think a lot of New York restaurants that have come to L.A. have failed because they haven’t catered to that exactly."
Levy explains that the group’s desire to head west was twofold. "From a culinary standpoint, the opportunity to cook here was exciting," he says, highlighting access to fresh ingredients and the city’s burgeoning food culture. "From a brand standpoint, Los Angeles is the media capital, and the convergence of media and tech makes L.A. an ideal hub to tell the Alba story."
Alba LA is a graceful fusion of Il Dolce Far Niente and Los Angeles’ breezy, laid-back charm, celebrating life’s beauty in its simplest, most indulgent form.
DINING SCENE IN LOS ANGELES
The Los Angeles dining scene in 2025 continues to thrive, celebrated for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. It remains a true melting pot of cultures, offering an ever-expanding range of authentic international flavors—from Ethiopian and Filipino to Sri Lankan and Central Asian.
West Hollywood, where Alba is located, stands out for its lively nightlife and culinary scene. The area is home to high-end restaurants, celebrity-frequented hotspots, and stylish cafés, making it a prime destination for both dining and entertainment.
California is renowned for its vegan, vegetarian, and wellness-focused food culture. Plant-forward restaurants are increasingly popular, emphasizing sustainability, locally sourced ingredients, and inventive vegetarian techniques. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have embraced chef-driven concepts and pop-ups from renowned culinary talents, creating buzzworthy and distinctive dining experiences. Immersive environments and chef’s tables are especially in demand, offering guests uniquely curated, memorable meals.
Los Angeles boasts an exceptionally dynamic dining landscape, featuring everything from street food to Michelin-starred fine dining. The city’s culinary offerings reflect its multicultural identity and creative energy. Whether you're seeking a casual beachfront patio or a sleek, modern dining room, L.A. offers an impressive variety of options to explore.
EXPERIENCE AT ALBA
The 10,000-square-foot space, designed by GRT Architects, nods to the golden age of Hollywood supper clubs while channeling the elegance of the Italian coast. The open-air main dining room seats 120 guests and is complemented by a 14-seat bar, an intimate dining lounge, and a private dining room.
The kitchen at Alba is helmed by Chef Adam Leonti, known for his acclaimed work at Cucina Alba in New York. The menu artfully blends traditional Italian flavors with California’s seasonal bounty, resulting in dishes that feel both comforting and contemporary.
Signature Dishes Include:
Caramelized Onion Agnolotti with Black Truffle Fonduta
A standout dish featuring delicate agnolotti filled with sweet caramelized onions, served in a luxurious black truffle fonduta. It has earned praise for its rich depth of flavor and silky texture.
Lobster Cardinale “Seashells”
A playful reinterpretation of the stuffed shell, this refined dish features lobster-filled pasta shaped like seashells—a nod to Italian-American classics with a sophisticated twist.
Roast Chicken “Alla Diavola”
This bold take on a traditional roast chicken is elevated with a spicy Calabrian chili sauce, adding a fiery kick that showcases the dish’s Southern Italian roots.
Semolina Cake
A dessert that has received attention for its unique texture and flavor, Alba’s Semolina Cake offers a sweet and satisfying end to the meal. Its rustic charm and nuanced flavors make it a standout on the menu.
The team at Alba continues to incorporate California-inspired elements into the menu, highlighting local produce and plant-forward concepts. The Roman Artichokes with Vegan Bagna Cauda is a creative, vegan take on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender artichokes paired with a mustard-forward bagna cauda sauce. Meanwhile, the Shrimp with Pesto alla Trapanese showcases shrimp atop a robust pesto made with Marcona almonds, delivering a rich, nutty flavor profile with Sicilian roots.
Alba’s interior is as thoughtfully crafted as its menu. The restaurant features a lush courtyard adorned with greenery and a retractable canopy, offering an elegant yet relaxed al fresco experience. Inside, the dining room is outfitted with white oak paneling, terrazzo floors, and midcentury modern furnishings, creating a stylish and welcoming environment. Service is attentive and personalized, ensuring each guest enjoys a memorable dining experience.
For those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, Alba offers a menu that honors tradition while embracing innovation—all within a beautifully designed setting that captures the spirit of both Italy and California.
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.