Atwater Village, known for its culinary diversity, has witnessed a swift transformation in its restaurant scene. The locale’s Vietnamese restaurant Blossom, which has been operational since 2021, bid farewell on November 17, 2023. In its place emerges a delightful Italian eatery named Spina, materializing seemingly overnight and offering the neighborhood a fresh culinary experience.
Duc Pham, the owner of Blossom, is not entirely bidding adieu to the culinary scene; instead, he joins forces with chef Pablo Cruz to introduce Atwater Village to the wonders of Italian cuisine. Notably, Pham has previously brought the renowned Florence-based sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio to Los Angeles, taking over a former Blossom location for this venture. Spina, the reincarnation of Blossom, is set to welcome patrons for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday.
The name “Spina,” with its various Italian meanings, including thorn, plug, and a beverage available on draft, aptly captures the restaurant’s eclectic and vibrant ambiance. Cruz, mentored by Eataly’s executive chef Antonio Giordano and seasoned in the kitchens of renowned establishments like Terroni, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele, and Terra at Eataly, spearheads the kitchen with a dedicated focus on crafting classic Italian dishes, with pasta at the forefront.
The initial menu offerings at Spina promise a delightful journey through Italian culinary traditions. From the timeless cacio e pepe to the indulgent ricotta-stuffed ravioli with butter and sage and the delectable lobster linguine in tomato sauce, Spina promises a pasta haven. Noteworthy is the partnership with Mani In Pasta, a wholesale handmade Italian pasta company founded by Niccolo Di Spes, one of the restaurant’s partners, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the restaurant’s pasta.
The antipasti selection caters to diverse palates with crowd-pleasers like meatballs in tomato sauce, fried calamari, and burrata with prosciutto. For those seeking heartier options, Spina offers a range of secondi dishes, including grilled salmon, a prime ribeye steak, and a tomahawk pork chop. Dessert options feature Italian classics like tiramisu and panna cotta, providing a sweet conclusion to the mouthwatering culinary experience.
Complementing these culinary offerings is Spina’s thoughtfully curated all-Italian wine list, boasting eight options available by the glass and an extensive selection by the bottle. Spina’s menu includes a range of food and beverages at appealing price points. Patrons can also savor a refreshing $12 spritz, adding to the authentic Italian dining experience.
While Blossom earned acclaim from Atwater Village residents, the transition to an Italian-focused menu reflects Pham and his partners’ confidence in the community’s appetite for diverse culinary experiences. Drawing inspiration from the success of All’Antico Vinaio, Pham aims to establish Spina as an enduringly beloved destination at Atwater Village.
Spina warmly invites patrons to its location at 3193 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039. The establishment operates from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. With undeniable charm and quality cuisine, the restaurant provides a cozy setting for Italian food enthusiasts. As Spina opens its doors, it aspires to become a cherished addition to Atwater Village’s rich culinary offerings.
