Del Porto on the Northshore- Most underrated in LA? W/Review

I had my first dinner at Del Porto last night and it was fantastic. I've always heard good things but rarely get across the lake to dine.

Ok, I submit that Del Porto is the most underrated restaurant in LA. It's on the wrong side of the lake and can compete with any Italian restaurant in NOLA. It's better than most. Any opinions on this hidden jewel?

Quick review:
Started with the warm House-Made Mozzarella, confit tomato, pine nuts, white Sicilian anchovy, basil, garlic crostini. We snacked on this while we looked over the menu. Loved the anchovy kick.

Veal Meatballs- nice crispy outside with tender center. Veal jous and polenta were perfect pairing for the rich offering.

Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly & Gulf Shrimp- I was shocked at the size of this app. It was only three very good size shrimp with tons of pork belly, perfectly rendered. It was served with shaved Brussels sprout-mustard slaw, toasted garlic, orange zest, pine nut-currant vinaigrette. Excellent dish.

Split a Caramelized Mushroom, baby spinach, frisée, ricotta salata, mushroom-sherry vinaigrette. It was a nice way to break up the rest of our meal and we were warned that the 1/2 size pasta wasn't very big. Mushrooms were delicious.

Then split these two pasta dishes:
House-MadeSweet Potoato & Ricotta Gnocchi, oxtail ragu, Parmigano Reggiano
and
House-Made Cavatelli, Del Porto fennel sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, broccoli, chili flake, parmesan & pecorino cheese.

Two great dishes, full of flavor, that were both good size for a 1/2 portion. It's tough to be homemade pasta and these were both first rate.


Del Porto menu