How This Old-School Italian Steakhouse Became A Hollywood Staple Over The Last 70 Years

Colombo's Italian Steakhouse has been a charming fixture in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, since 1954. Opened by Sam and Ann Colombo when the area was a hub for the city's Italian community, the restaurant used to be a hidden gem. But following its local success, probably spurred by word of mouth, Colombo's grew into a bustling spot.

Part of the restaurant's emergence in the spotlight was undoubtedly related to its menu, which covers classics from bruschetta to chicken piccata. And while it's been 70 years since Colombo's first opened its doors, diners can still enjoy the food exactly as it was, as the recipes have never been adjusted. Apart from the tasty meals, the steakhouse's ambiance was all the rage. For years, diners at Colombo's Italian Steakhouse enjoyed live jazz performances. After all, it's true that the restaurant atmosphere can make food literally taste better. While it's unclear whether the restaurant still regularly hosts these post-pandemic, it hasn't totally foregone them, as there are live performances on special occasions.

The welcoming and homey vibe has also remained unchanged. The family-owned charm is still central to the steakhouse, which has since been passed down to the founding couple's nephew, Vic Parrino, so you can still get a glimpse of its early days when you dine. Its down-to-earth interior showcases this sentiment, resistant to modern-day decor trends, which adds to its uniqueness in the sea of up-and-coming LA eats. Colombo's has even been featured in TV shows like HBO's "I Love LA," highlighting how it continues to be an iconic spot in the city today.

If you only have 24 hours to eat in Los Angeles and you have a hankering for pasta or steak, it's worth making a stop at Colombo's. Wondering what exactly to order at this old-school spot? Colombo's menu is filled with Italian-American bites made from recipes passed down through generations, allowing you to get a taste of flavorful dishes steeped in history.

The rolled lasagna is one of the top contenders at the restaurant. The presentation of the classic dish really sells it; picture pasta pinwheels with beef, sausage, and mushrooms covered in cheese and swimming in red sauce. It's also available as a vegetarian option with spinach. And while spaghetti and meatballs is one of the things you should think twice before ordering at an Italian restaurant (it's an American creation, after all), Colombo's version is popular with diners for its flavorful sauce and beef. Of course, don't miss out on the restaurant's dazzling selection of steaks and other meats, including rib eye, top sirloin, and grilled pork loin chop — the whole shebang.

Between the food and the atmosphere, Colombo's remains a fixture of LA. And who knows, maybe if you dine there yourself, you'll be welcomed with funky tunes, along with the old-school charm that makes you feel like you've stepped into a time machine.