This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Caffe Pinguini

Name: Caffe Pinguini
Address: 6935 Pacific ave, Playa Del Rey, CA, United States, 90293
Telephone: (310) 306-0117
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1198 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

We are open for curbside pickup, takeout and delivery and offering a 10% discount on all orders! Lunch will be open from 12pm-2:30pm & Dinner from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

Italian owners, Tony Cotrufo and Enrico Fiorentini, both hail from Rome and have been serving fresh authentic Italian cuisine at their Playa Del Rey location since 1997. They offer homemade pastas, an excellent wine list, outdoor seating and daily specials.

Caffe Pinguini was awarded with the "Marchio Ospitalita" Italiana - Seal of Authenticity". The seal distinguishes those restaurants with the highest quality of Italian hospitality.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 26, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout from OpenTableNew

Accepting orders for today at 5:00 PM

Start takeout order

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 306-0117
Website
http://www.caffepinguini.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Gerardo
Catering
We do different kinds of catering from buffet to a full dining experience.

Location
6935 Pacific ave Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Neighborhood
Playa del Rey
Cross street
Culver Blvd
Parking details
Choose of street or valet parking.
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Delivery, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Popular dishes

Insalata Mista$13.50
House mixed green salad with shaved carrots and sliced tomatoes
Fresh Spinach Salad$17.50
Fresh spinach with buffalo mozzarella in balsamic dressing
Arugola e Radicchio$15.00
Arugola and radicchio with tomatoes and topped with thinly sliced parmesan cheese
Insalata con Finocchio$17.50
Fresh sliced fennel, arugula, avocado, sundry tomatoes, and sliced of parmesan cheese in an olive oil lemon dressing
Caprese$17.00
Buffalo mozzarella with fresh sliced tomatoes and basil
Prosciutto e melone$18.50
Sliced cantaloupe over Prosciutto di Pharma
Shrimp Salad$19.00
Grilled shrimp served with mixed greens and garlic in an olive oil and lemon dressing
Caesar Salad$14.50
Classic Caesar salad topped with homemade croutons
Burrata Salad$18.50
Soft creamy buttery mozzarella with tomato and basil
Smoke Salmon$18.50
Smoke salmon, Arugola ,onion in olive oil lemon dressing
Bresaola$21.00
Slices of cure beef with fresh Arugola, shaved Parmesan cheese and lemon dressing

Antipasti Caldi

Hot Appetizers (Salad split for two $1.50 – limited)

Spinaci Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino$13.50
Fresh spinach sautéed with garlic, olive oil and a touch of red chili peppers
Insalata di Mare$20.50
Warm clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari with extra virgin olive oil and lemon
Smoked Mozzarella con Shitake$19.50
Slices of smoked mozzarella broiled and topped with sautéed shitake mushrooms
Trio di Bruschetta$19.00
Assortment of bruschetta
Gamberi e Fagioli$20.00
Sautéed shrimp with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes and fresh Arugola on top

Zuppe

Zuppa del Giorno$13.00
Soup of the Day
Zuppa di Vegetali$12.50
Minestrone soup
Tortellini in Brodo$16.50
Four cheese ravioli and ground Italian sausage in savory chicken broth

Secondi

Entrées split for two $3.50

Filetto alla Gorgonzola
Prime Filet mignon topped with melted Gorgonzola cheese
- 8oz$42.00
Filetto al Porto
Prime Filet mignon topped with mushrooms sautéed in a port wine sauce with leeks
- 8oz$42.00
Filetto al Tartufo
Prime Filet mignon in a white truffle cream sauce
- 8oz$42.00
Veal Cotoletta Milanese
Pounded and breaded, pan fried veal
- Veal$33.00
Pollo Cotoletta Milanese
Pounded and breaded, pan fried chicken
- Chicken$30.00
Veal Scaloppine Ai Funghi
Medallions of veal sauteed with mushroom sauce
- Veal$33.00
Pollo Scaloppine Ai Funghi
Medallions of chicken sauteed with mushroom sauce
- Chicken$30.00
Pollo Piccata al Limone
Medallions of chicken sauteed with white wine, lemon, capers, and butter
- Chicken$30.00
Veal Parmigiana
Veal topped with eggplant, mozzarella cheese in a marinara sauce
- Veal$33.00
Pollo Parmigiana
Chicken topped with eggplant, mozzarella cheese in a marinara sauce
- Chicken$31.00
Pollo Carciofini
Chicken topped with artichokes in a light creamy sauce
- Chicken$31.00
Zuppa di Mare$33.00
Seafood soup with clams, mussels, shrimp, squid and fish in a tomato base
Chilean Seabass$39.00
Fresh fish of the day served with roosted potatoes and veggie
Branzino Puttanesca$35.50
Branzino filet with chop tomatoes, capers, black olives and a touch of white wine
Branzino$35.50
Mediterranean sea bass broiled and sautéed in a rosemary sauce
Salmon$33.00
Fresh fish of the day served with roosted potatoes and veggie

Risotto

Risotto ai Funghi$22.00
Risotto with mixed wild mushrooms
Risotto al Radicchio$22.00
Risotto with pancetta (bacon) and radicchio
Risotto con Scampi$24.00
Risotto with shrimp, tomato sauce and a touch of cream

Pasta

Add on: Chicken | Shrimp | Bacon | Sausage

Penne Arrabbiata$19.00
Penne pasta with lots of garlic in spicy tomato sauce
Fettuccine Bolognese$20.50
Flat noodles with delicate ground veal and tomato sauce
Rigatoni Gorgonzola$19.00
Large tubular pasta with gorgonzola cheese cream sauce
Linguine Mare Red Sauce$26.00
Linguine pasta with clams, shrimp, mussels, calamari, garlic, parsley and a touch of red chili peppers in a red tomato sauce
Linguine Mare White Sauce$26.00
Linguine pasta with clams, shrimp, mussels, calamari, garlic, parsley and a touch of red chili peppers in a white wine sauce
Linguine Pesto$19.00
Linguine pasta with basil, minced pine nuts and garlic
Rigatoni All' Amatriciana$20.50
Rigatoni pasta with pancetta sautéed with onions in a red sauce
Penne Alla Vodka$19.00
Penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce and a touch of vodka
Rigatoni al Radicchio$20.00
Large tubular pasta with pancetta radicchio in a light creamy sauce
Penne Siciliana Arrabbiata$20.00
Penne pasta with fresh chopped tomatoes, basil, eggplant, red and yellow bell peppers and garlic in a spicy tomato sauce
Linguine Calamari Jalapeno$23.00
Linguine pasta with calamari in a fresh chopped tomato sauce, garlic and jalapeños
Fettuccine Contadina$22.00
Fettuccine pasta with green peas, mushrooms, pancetta in a light creamy sauce
Linguine Portofino$26.00
Linguine pasta with shrimp and garlic in a fresh chopped tomato and basil sauce
Fettuccine Smoked Salmon$25.00
Fettuccine pasta with smoked salmon, onion, in a cream sauce
Linguine Tiger Diavola$33.00
Linguine pasta with tiger shrimp in red spicy tomato sauce
Farfalle Fresh Salmon$25.50
Bow tie pasta with fresh salmon in creamy tomato sauce
Orecchiette Porcini e Salsiccia$23.00
Orecchiette pasta with porcini mushrooms and Italian sausage in a cream sauce

Pizze

Salsiccia e Funghi$20.50
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions
Pepperoni$18.50
Tomato sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni
Quattro Formaggi$19.00
a blend of mozzarella, fontina, gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses
Prosciutto Funghi$20.00
Tomato sauce, mushrooms, mozzarella and prosciutto
Pinguini$19.00
tomato sauce, mozzarella, red and yellow bell peppers, onions and basil
Salmone e Arugola$20.00
Mozzarella and sliced smoked salmon topped with fresh arugula
Carciofini Olives$19.50
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, baby artichokes and black olives
Margherita$18.00
Classic mozzarella cheese pizza with tomato sauce and basil
Napoli$19.00
Tomato sauce, mozzarella and anchovies

Beverages

San Pellegrino$7.00
Sparkling water
Panna$7.00
flat water
Chinotto Sanpellegrino$4.50
Chinotto is made from extract of chinotto oranges distinct flavor from unique condition of the Mediterranean land
Soft Drinks$4.00
Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up
Cranberry Juice$4.00
Iced Tea$4.00
Coffee$4.50
proudly serving Danesi (Regular or decaffeinated)
Cappucino$5.00
Espresso$4.50
Tea$4.00
Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chamomile, Peppermint

What 1,198 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Beach Cities
Italian

Sort by

Filters

C
Christine
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the restaurant. The food and wine were delicious. Definitely a place to go..
t
tsb610
Los Angeles
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Caffe Pinguini is a favorite of ours! Great food and service. A little noisy and always crowded on the weekend nights, but it is positive and enjoyable energy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! I had a delayed Mother’s Day dinner here with my mom and boyfriend and we had the most delicious Italian food that I’ve had since I was actually in Italy. Fresh warm bread, Chianti wine, and perfectly cooked al dente pasta. Perfecto!
JB
JeanieB
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved every course!!
TV
TomV
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food. Exceptional service. Highly recommend.
PG
PaisanGirl
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good food and reasonable prices for what you get.
b
barryr
New England
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience2
Well we love this place but they def were overloaded. Waited over 45 minutes for our entrees after our salads. We will be back but I hope they work in their front of house.
r
rogerg
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
outstanding food and ambiance. the owner, Tony,makes the guests feel as if they are in italy dining at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.
DT
DebbieT
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for my birthday and the service and food was wonderful! Had the filet with gorgonzola sauce and my boyfriend had the sea bass. Both were excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were going to see Paul McCartney at SoFi Stadium. We wanted great food and service for a late lunch before the show at a restaurant close enough to the venue. Caffe Pinguini was perfect in every respect. I highly recommend this wonderful gem and it’s awesome staff!
C
Christina
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my favorite restaurant in the world 💜🌸
c
cholling
Los Angeles
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There were 6 of us. Each of us ordered something different. Everyone of enjoyed our meal. On Thursdays they have home made gnocchis. They are delicious. The salads were great, the dessert was fabulous, and the service was perfect. Highly recommend this restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Lovely ambiance, attentive service, pleasant evening
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat!
T
Tiggy
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
We usually really like this place. They had a fixed menu for mothers day which we did not know about or we would have chosen a different day. the wine was great. The Ceasar salad was soo small for $18. They must have ran out of lettuce. The pasta dish was excellent as usual, the sea bass was just ok, nothing special. We will try again and hope for a better experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day!
DR
DeborahR
Los Angeles
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this neighborhood gem. Staff and ownership is personable and food is delicious.
EO
EricO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great experience. Service was outstanding. The arugula chicken was excellent. The lobster ravioli was good but not great - not as flavorful as i was anticipating. the appetizers were also excellent.
KO
KathleenO
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just excellent. Makes me think of the quality of food in Italy. And you are a quick walk to the beach.
BF
BestFriendsForever
Los Angeles
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The BEST. Our go-to favorite for many years. Food is wonderful, service is perfect. Always feel like we are family. Ambience is like being in a cozy, beautiful Italian cafe.
LL
LelandL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine and a proper Italian experience, Pinquini is perfect.
AN
AnneN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The tiger shrimp and homemade spaghetti arrabiata was one of the best Italian meals we have ever had. We’re from NYC so have access to amazing Italian restaurants. I would rate Pinguini among the best of them.
M
Michelle
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal. We take all of our out of town guests to Pinguini because the food is amazing, the atmosphere relaxed, the service impeccable and the outside patio is so comfortable.
DP
DominickP
Los Angeles
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Great ambiance as well as option to dine in or out. Well prepared food and nice place for a special event
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’re locals and have been coming here for years. The best PDR has to offer. Excellent as always!
HO
HenryO
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
This is a lovely restaurant by the beach. We had a nice table. The food good and the service was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely, the food was amazing. We sat inside and it was a bit loud.
MB
MaryB
London
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fresh , Delicious and it feels like you’re at a home in Italy ! We love everything about Pinguini
HR
HollyR
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Caffe Pinquini never disappoints. Food and service are great. Large menu and daily specials keep it interesting.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love love love celebrating birthday’s at cafe Penguini!! Probably our favorite restaurant in South Bay
TL
TomL
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We’re never disappointed at Caffe Pinquini. Always a great experience.
C
Camryn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a pleasure coming here. The staffing and food are excellent and perfect ambience. Best & most authentic Italian in LA.
ML
MoniqueL
Los Angeles
24 reviews
vip
2.0
24 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall2food4service1ambience4
We often dine at this establishment. We've never had slower service and heard more complaining from the staff and fellow diners. The owner was there but was so busy chatting it up he didn't recognize the cooks were slow, the waiters stressed, the customers hungry and upset, everyone would have benefited from all hands on deck. The food and ambiance are almost always wonderful but you have to service the customer. Sadly that last part of the equation failed miserably last night.
MH
MarieH
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful restaurant. been going to Pinguini for over nearly 20 years
T
Tiggy
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time dining. We had the Ceasar salad, minestrone soup, chicken Parmesan, Tiramisu and a couple of glasses of delicious Wine. My husband and myself felt like we were in Italy dining again. Which by the way, was our favorite part about being in Italy. So good. Thank you. We will be going back very soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service start to finish… Valet was great, wait staff great, food was both hot and delicious!!! Love this restaurant !
M
Maribeth
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The dining experience doesn't get any better than this. Consistently, for 23 years! Grazie to all of the people who make it happen at Pinguini.
JT
JosephT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Although I was not able to have lunch at Caffe Pinguini as planned, I did have dinner there that day. My family had a great dinner and were extremely pleased with the staff and how they handle the presentation of the meal. Also, they allowed us the time (four + hours) to reminisce about our family's history.
DR
DeborahR
Los Angeles
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful neighborhood venue. Food and service always great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Filetto al porto was perfect .

FAQs

Caffe Pinguini offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 306-0117.

Caffe Pinguini is rated 4.8 stars by 1198 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 26, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout from OpenTableNew

Accepting orders for today at 5:00 PM

Start takeout order

6935 Pacific ave Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

Additional information

Cross street
Culver Blvd
Neighborhood
Playa del Rey
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Choose of street or valet parking.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Gerardo
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Delivery, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.caffepinguini.com/
Phone number
(310) 306-0117
Catering
We do different kinds of catering from buffet to a full dining experience.

Featured in

50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Caffe Pinguini

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout from OpenTableNew

Additional information

50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Pinguini

Burrata Salad

Shrimp Salad

Antipasti Freddi

Insalata Mista$13.50

Fresh Spinach Salad$17.50

Arugola e Radicchio$15.00

Insalata con Finocchio$17.50

Caprese$17.00

Prosciutto e melone$18.50

Shrimp Salad$19.00

Caesar Salad$14.50

Burrata Salad$18.50

Smoke Salmon$18.50

Bresaola$21.00

Antipasti Caldi

Spinaci Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino$13.50

Insalata di Mare$20.50

Smoked Mozzarella con Shitake$19.50

Trio di Bruschetta$19.00

Gamberi e Fagioli$20.00

Zuppe

Zuppa del Giorno$13.00

Zuppa di Vegetali$12.50

Tortellini in Brodo$16.50

Secondi

Filetto alla Gorgonzola

Filetto al Porto

Filetto al Tartufo

Veal Cotoletta Milanese

Pollo Cotoletta Milanese

Veal Scaloppine Ai Funghi

Pollo Scaloppine Ai Funghi

Pollo Piccata al Limone

Veal Parmigiana

Pollo Parmigiana

Pollo Carciofini

Zuppa di Mare$33.00

Chilean Seabass$39.00

Branzino Puttanesca$35.50

Branzino$35.50

Salmon$33.00

Risotto

Risotto ai Funghi$22.00

Risotto al Radicchio$22.00

Risotto con Scampi$24.00

Pasta

Penne Arrabbiata$19.00

Fettuccine Bolognese$20.50

Rigatoni Gorgonzola$19.00

Linguine Mare Red Sauce$26.00

Linguine Mare White Sauce$26.00

Linguine Pesto$19.00

Rigatoni All' Amatriciana$20.50

Penne Alla Vodka$19.00

Rigatoni al Radicchio$20.00

Penne Siciliana Arrabbiata$20.00

Linguine Calamari Jalapeno$23.00

Fettuccine Contadina$22.00

Linguine Portofino$26.00

Fettuccine Smoked Salmon$25.00

Linguine Tiger Diavola$33.00

Farfalle Fresh Salmon$25.50

Orecchiette Porcini e Salsiccia$23.00

Pizze

Salsiccia e Funghi$20.50

Pepperoni$18.50

Quattro Formaggi$19.00

Prosciutto Funghi$20.00

Pinguini$19.00

Salmone e Arugola$20.00

Carciofini Olives$19.50

Margherita$18.00