Obicà means, in the Neapolitan dialect, “here it is.” Since 2004, Obicà has been “where it is” with regards to its high-quality buffalo mozzarella and its stellar array of Italian wines and cuisine. They have just opened their 20th restaurant here at Sunset Plaza at 8630 Sunset Boulevard. Other locations include those in Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan.
Obicà is primarily known for its mozzarella bar, featuring the highest quality Mozzarella de Bufala Classica DOP, flown in twice weekly from Campania. These cheeses are among the freshest and highest quality that one can obtain. Other varieties are featured are a smoked version of the Mozzarella, a creamy Burrata, as well as a Burrata al Tartufo, made with black truffles. These can be had on their own, or in three versions of well-known Caprese salad: traditional with tomato and basil, one with Sardinian mullet roe, and another with grilled eggplant and mint.
Under the heading Small Plates, one can find an array of cured meats like Prosciutto Crudo di Parma DOP, Prosciutto Crudo San Daniele DOP, Speck Affumicato dell’Alto Adige DOP, and Carpaccio di Bresaola. Other small plates include caponata, salmon tartar, Brussel sprouts, and sautéed Rapini. One could make a whole meal of these, or just have one as a starter.
The pizzas here shine, with their light delicate crust. They are made from Italian flours and the dough is allowed to rise slowly for 48 hours, giving the resulting pizza a delicious airiness.
Also featured are classic Italian dishes such as Lasagna, Risotto, Ravioli and Branzino, and contemporary dishes such as the Taglieri Neri, a squid ink pasta with Sardinian mullet roe, crab ragu, and sea urchin. All pasta is handmade on the site, except for the Schiaffino di Gargnano, a specialty from Campania which is flown in, and all the produce comes from organic and local farmers.
The extensive list of Italian wines gives diners an array of choices to accompany their meal. Obicà has a “garden-to-glass” cocktail program that uses house-made syrups, purees, and infused spirits. Traditional aperitifs including Aperol and Campari spritzes are also available.
The interior of the restaurant reflects the combination of traditional and contemporary with a high ceiling, Carrara marble countertops, oak floors, teak furniture and leather barstools. The back terrace is particularly lovely and takes full advantage of the unparalleled southern view over Los Angeles. Always lively is the front patio along Sunset Boulevard with its non-stop parade of people watching.
Obicà is a wonderful addition to Sunset Plaza and is a place one can either have an excellent meal, or just a nibble with a glass of wine.
Obicà is located at 8630 W. Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Open Sunday –Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.obica.com, email la-sunset@obicausa.com or call 310.360.5983. Follow Obicà on Instagram and Twitter @obicarestaurant or like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/obica.usa.
