THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES Oliverio

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES Oliverio Restaurant Review:

You might have to circle around a few times before you find the discreet entrance of the Avalon Hotel, on the southwest corner of Olympic and Canon. Marilyn Monroe’s former home, back when it was an apartment building, was taken over by Viceroy Hotel Group in 2000 and given a mid-century Italian twist by interior designer Kelly Wearstler. But when going to Oliverio, you don’t want to dine inside, but rather poolside, where you can choose tables or booths that can become very private. Chef Mirko Paderno has left his position at the restaurant. The modernized Italian menu may offer starters such as beef meatballs or tuna tartare. Don’t skip the pizzetta that can be topped simply by tomato, basil and burrata, or smoked mozzarella, arugula and truffle honey. Larger plates may include branzino with Tuscan beans and rapini. For the end, ask for a cheese plate, or go directly to milk chocolate and caramel panna cotta. The affordable wine list draws mainly from Italy and California, but be sure to ask the bartender about signature cocktails.