Restaurant: Alba
Location: 8451 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90048. (424) 484-3992
Date: July 9, 2025
Cuisine: Italian
Rating: Another great New York transplant
Alba, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills at 8451 Melrose Ave, is a culinary gem that offers an authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant’s concept is rooted in the traditional Italian philosophy of simplicity and quality, serving dishes that are crafted with the freshest ingredients and a profound respect for the rich culinary heritage of Italy. The menu is a delightful journey through the diverse regions of Italy, featuring classic dishes that are prepared with a contemporary twist, making Alba a must-visit for any Italian food aficionado.
As you approach ALBA, the playful neon lettering juxtaposed against lush greenery invites a sense of curiosity, hinting at a vibrant dining experience where contemporary design meets flavorful exploration.
The atmosphere at Alba is as captivating as its cuisine. The restaurant exudes an elegant yet relaxed vibe, with a tastefully designed interior that blends modern aesthetics with rustic Italian charm. The warm lighting, comfortable seating, and the soft hum of conversation create an inviting ambiance that makes every meal a memorable experience.
What sets Alba apart is its commitment to authenticity. Every dish is a testament to the culinary traditions of Italy, prepared with passion and precision. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a curated selection of Italian wines that perfectly complement the flavors of the cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a casual meal with friends, Alba offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience in the heart of Beverly Hills.
The menu from Alba features a refined selection of Italian-inspired dishes, primarily showcasing an array of artisanal pastas and expertly prepared mains. Highlights include innovative pasta options, such as black truffle agnolotti and a variety of seafood and meat dishes, emphasizing freshness and bold flavors.
The Capichera VT, produced by DueMilaVenti, hails from the scenic region of Sardinia, Italy. This 2018 vintage is a blend of Vermentino and other native varietals, showcasing a bright, mineral-driven profile. Its refreshing acidity and notes of citrus and white flowers make it an exquisite companion for seafood dishes, particularly grilled fish or shellfish.
With a focus on sustainability and terroir, Capichera’s dedication to quality is evident in this expressive white wine. The bouquet is inviting, revealing nuances of stone fruit and Mediterranean herbs, while the palate offers a crisp and harmonious finish, ideal for summer gatherings or elegant dining experiences.
Accanto Salad. Avocado, cashew. Creamy avocado plays against the buttery crunch of cashew for a fresh, clean, satisfying bite.
Tomato and Cucumber. weiser melon, yuzu kosho. Very bright and delicious.
Squash Blossoms. Porcini-lemon mousse. Excellent, particularly the aioli-like sauce. Delicate and lightly crisp, with a creamy, woodsy-citrus center that the sauce makes even richer.
Hamachi Crudo. Weiser melon, colatura vinaigrette. Sweet and tangy. Silky, cool slices of yellowtail meet crisp, juicy melon, with a gentle saline twang that brightens the plate.
Toro Tartare. Pine nuts, Fresno chile. Great. Silky, fatty tuna belly meets a gentle Fresno heat, with pine nuts bringing a buttery crunch and a clean, ocean-sweet finish.
Shrimp Trapanese. Marcona almonds. Sweet, briny shrimp in a bright, garlicky Sicilian-style sauce, with the almonds adding a buttery, delicate crunch.
The 2006 Poggio al Vento by Col d’Orcia is a stunning expression of Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany, showcasing a richness and depth that define the vintage. This wine is crafted from Sangiovese grapes, exhibiting aromas of dark cherry, leather, and tobacco, layered with subtle spice notes. Its structured tannins and bright acidity make it a sublime pairing for braised meats and aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.
As a Riserva, this wine reflects meticulous aging, allowing flavors to integrate beautifully. The finish is long and elegant, leaving hints of earthiness and floral notes that linger on the palate, making it an exceptional choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Agnolotti. Black truffle fonduta. Soft and delicious.
Sea Shells. basil pesto. Amazing pairing with the vermentino.
Gluten-free Gnocchi with Butter and Sage. Tender little pillows with a gentle chew, coated in warm butter and fragrant sage—simple, aromatic, and comforting.
Sea urchin special. Custardy and briny-sweet, it melts on the tongue with a clean ocean finish. Bright, sunset-orange lobes look as lush as they taste.
Bentagliati. Duck ragu, stone fruits. Rustic, irregular pasta folds cradle a rich, silky duck sauce, while the stone fruit adds a bright, lightly sweet lift that keeps it lively.
Rigatoni “smoked” al limone. Loved this one. Bright and lemon-forward with a subtle smoky note, the glossy sauce hugs the al dente ridges—zesty, simple, and satisfying.
Branzino al forno. Citrus, herbs. Oven-roasted and aromatic, with flaky, tender flesh and lightly crisp skin; the citrus lifts the fish’s sweetness while the herbs add a clean, savory finish.
Lamb Scottadito. Rosemary, mustard. Juicy, char-kissed chops with fragrant rosemary and a bright mustard bite—simple, finger-licking, and satisfying.
Two-tone mousse. Light, airy layers with contrasting flavors—often dark and white chocolate—make for a clean, striking look and balanced sweetness. Silky and creamy, it melts quickly on the tongue.
Glistening in a silvery bowl, the dish of golden raspberries entices with their sun-drenched hue, a warm golden blush that hints at their luscious sweetness. As you lean closer, a gentle aroma wafts forth, a captivating fusion of floral notes and sun-ripened earthiness, inviting you to savor each delicate morsel. The texture is a sublime interplay of velvety smoothness and a slight, satisfying pop, releasing an explosion of juicy nectar that dances on the palate. Each bite reveals a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy, reminiscent of a warm summer day, leaving a lingering hint of citrus that beckons for another taste. Very sweet and a touch tangy.
A delicious almond semifreddo. Silky and lightly airy, it melts cool on the tongue with gentle sweetness and a soft toasted-almond aroma.
The Capichera VT, a standout from the Gallura region of Sardinia, showcases the region’s unique Vermentino grape. The 2021 vintage delivers a crisp, mineral-driven profile with notes of citrus and white flowers, complemented by a refreshing acidity. This delightful white pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled vegetables, or light pasta dishes.
Col d’Orcia’s Poggio al Vento, a 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, exemplifies the elegance and depth of Sangiovese. With rich aromas of dark cherry, leather, and earthy undertones, this wine reveals a velvety palate accented by refined tannins. Perfectly suited for pairing with roasted meats, game, or aged cheeses, it embodies the essence of Tuscan winemaking.
Overall, we really liked Alba. It’s in the same vein as Marea, being another New York transplant, just slightly less seafood oriented. The outside space is quite lovely.
