Savoca at the Ritz Carlton is second to none when it comes to gorgeous dining experiences that run the gamut — outstanding food, exceptional service, hip crowds, and memorable moments.
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, right on the edge of the Fashion District, Savoca's open and airy room is instantly inviting. We were greeted as soon as we stepped into the restaurant and were overcome with the captivating smell of Italy that softly hung in the room, designed to make your mouth water.
So, of course, as soon as we sat down, there was no question that we had to order immediately. Arriving early for breakfast, the sun softly beamed into the room, lighting up each table. However, outside is where you need to be. Each table is adorned with a gas fire, although on this Los Angeles morning, there was no chill in the air.
Starting with a plate of the daily selection of fruit, we were delighted with a generous serving of plump strawberries, juicy blueberries, and thick wedges of pineapple. And when in Italy — or an Italian restaurant — you’d be remiss not to order a strong espresso and cappuccino to start the day. The smooth coffee perked us right up just in time for the main event.
What makes any Ritz dining experience enjoyable is simple: reliability. The servers were attentive and friendly, happy to share their favorite menu items with us. And the experience itself was characteristically Ritz: trendy but not so upscale it’s intimidating. So naturally, you’ll find a nice mix of hotel guests and hungry outsiders filling the buzzing room.
The food arrived promptly, and we were ready to gorge ourselves on this indulgent feast of fluffy pancakes, salty sausages, and scrambled eggs. Unable to ignore my rumbling stomach, I decided on the veritable choose-your-own adventure of the three-egg omelet. A hearty offering of tomato, onion, bell peppers, and pork sausage, the creamy goat cheese tied everything together. Meanwhile, the breakfast potatoes were pillowy, crispy balls that were instantly devoured.
The buttermilk pancakes were light and cooked to perfection, playing with notes of sweetness and acidity thanks to the generous dollops of blueberry compote and lemon curd.
But Savoca’s specialty — the eggs in purgatory — was the real standout of the meal. Spicy, rich, and a hint at the restaurant's otherwise traditionally Italian offerings (dinner service is a must-visit), the eggs arrived at the table piping hot, swimming in a creamy tomato sauce with delectable bits of Italian sausage. The one nearly impossible thing you must do is save the focaccia for last, to sop up every bit of that spicy ragu-like sauce — otherwise, you might just find yourself tempted to literally lick the plate clean.
The portions at the Ritz are Los Angeles-sized: enough to satisfy without causing your waistband to suffer too much strain before midday, and ultimately, it’s the ideal way to start the day.
Hungry to sample more of Savoca’s Italian flair, we’re already planning to return for a boozy dinner that’s heavy on the bucatini, cavatelli, and lasagna and light on, well, nothing. We can’t wait to try the espresso martini . . . for research purposes, of course.
