THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Massimo Ristorante & Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Massimo Ristorante & Bar Restaurant Review:

Any chef who opens a restaurant across the street from Rodeo Drive knows they're going to have to impress one of America's most discerning audiences. Chef Massimo Ormani chose to meet the challenge. He combines the comfort flavors of American Italian cuisine with playfully Californian décor and fine service. Splashes of red accent both the intimate bar and main dining room. A mural of Ormani peering down on diners from the ceiling in the main dining room adds a note of sweetness and frivolity to the room's otherwise formal feel. The Italian-born chef's cuisine combines heartiness and sophistication. Standouts include fresh pappardelle with wild boar ragù. The balsamic chicken, with its decadent, vinegar-based sauce, is delightful either as a dinner entrée or at lunchtime, when it's served on a bed of lettuce. Other salads include a roasted turkey chopped version and a delightful combination of thinly sliced baby artichokes with lemon juice and Parmesan. The wine list is small, but focused, with selections from California and Italy chosen to pair with the robust cuisine.