Living in the South Bay, there is not an abundance of Italian food. However as I am a lover of this particular cuisine I searched and discovered the gem of Fritto Misto, a small intimate Italian restaurant that couples good food with incredibly friendly service.
When entering Fritto Misto you notice the loud, warm atmosphere and the vintage wine crate tables that are seated very close to one another. The cheerful service begins as soon as you open the front doors. The Maître De recognized me from my previous visit and asked us if we would like a drink while we waited for our table. After we were seated warm, flaky bread and butter were placed on our table and our waitress instantly brought us our drinks.
The menu contained everything a pasta place should posses. It contained appetizers, salads, specials, a build your own pasta section, and even a special Vegetarian and Gluten-Free section. Most of the items ranged from $10-16 but the servings are so big two people could easily share them. The waiter took our orders and told us the numerous specials that night. She suggested the Il Carnivoro, linguini pasta with a tomato-based sauce, with chunks of tri-tip. When the huge steaming volcano of pasta made it onto the table the smell and sight of it set my saliva glands working like a waterfall.
At this moment a waiter walked by and filled my almost empty glass with water. This would have been fine except I had been drinking Sprite and the same thing had happened the last time I was here as well. However as soon as I told him he scrambled away with my cup and brought it back filled with fizzing soda. The Il Carnivoro was amazing. The Tri-tip was juicy and although everything was slightly overpowered by the sauce it still left me very satisfied. I also tried the creamy Pasta Pancetta containing fusilli noodles and bits of bacon and the Garlic shrimp pasta that included shrimp that was as fresh as if they had just been caught. After our meal was done and our leftovers packed in boxes the floor manager came to our table and asked if it was our first time at Fritto Misto. My family said it was their first time and because of this the manager brought us a complimentary, flour-free chocolate cake that was as dark as the night. Nowhere have I found such quality food at such cheap prices with friendlier service than at Fritto Misto.
If you are interested in tasting quality Italian food, Fritto Misto is located at 316 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach or at 601 Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. Visit their website for more information.
