Impeccable service and delicious Italian food in Malibu.

Sometimes we get a jonesing for authentic Italian food, and fortunately, here in Southern California, good Italian restaurants are plentiful.

One of our favorites is Tra di Noi, in the Malibu Country Mart.  Owned by Tarcisio Mosconi  and Antonio Alessi, the restaurant has a main dining room, a wine room, and a great patio – perfect for people watching, and star gazing (both kinds).  Mosconi, a nattily dressed Italian, often greets you at the entrance to the patio, just off the often noisy playground, at least during the day. The Chef, Francesco Velasco, prepares a wide variety of dishes from both Southern and Northern Italy.

On our last visit, we shared a generous Duchessa salad, composed of red and yellow beets, tomatoes, asparagus, avocado and goat cheese, followed by their thin crust Quattro Stagioni pizza, which tastes like it came straight from Capri.  On previous visits, we’ve sampled Spaghetti Carbonara, which fortunately can be ordered in a “small” size.  It compares favorably to all the carbonaras we’ve taste-tested across Italy, and trust me,  we’ve tried a few.

You can make a meal out of the large Antipasti menu, which includes Gamberi E Aragosta Con Legumi (shrimp and lobster tail sauteed with a lentil and white bean ragout), Flori Di Zucca Ripieni (zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese and fresh herbs, served with marinara sauce), and Tonno Tartare (ahi tuna, avocados, tomatoes, mustard lemon sauce, crostini and micro greens).

For those looking for heartier fare, there are plenty of choices in the Pasta, Carne, and Pesce sections of the menu, including Gnocchi San Daniele (homemade potato dumplings with Italian ham, mushroom, fresh peas, and a light cream sauce), Stinco D’Agnello (lamb shank in merlot wine and spices, served with mashed potatoes and French beans), and Scaloppine Boscaiola (tender veal medallions with wild mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce, served with organic vegetables).

On Sundays, they serve an Italian buffet for Brunch, or you can order off the regular menu.

If you’re not up for a sit-down meal, there’s a take out window where you can order a variety of salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. There are plenty of picnic tables around the playground where you can sit and watch all the Malibu Country Mart action.

Tra di Noi is located in the Malibu Country Mart at 3835 Cross Creek Rd, between Civic Center Way and the Pacific Coast Highway, 310-456-0169.  

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