When you first enter L'Ottavo, you know you are in for an authentic Italian dining experience. The low lights give this modest restaurant a feeling of classic elegance. Painted murals and tokens of Italian life adorn the walls. You are submerged in all things Italian.
The restaurant is small, so reservations are highly recommended. This seems to be a popular place to eat for theatre-goers, since it is in the theatre district.
I started off the meal with wine and the bruschetta, toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, virgin oil, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. The fresh ingredients were absolutely wonderful.
I was curious about how this authentic Italian restaurant would dish up lasagna, so I ordered a plate. I wasn't disappointed. Delicious! I received a generous portion, so it was just a bit more than I could finish by myself. Again, those wonderful fresh ingredients blended nicely.
I didn’t indulge in an Italian dessert, but I did finish off my meal with coffee. As my experience came to an end, I marveled at how warm the atmosphere is - you almost forget you are in a major city. This would be a perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two.
If you're in a hurry, save L'Ottavo for another day. Fresh food such as this takes time, but it is well worth the wait.