Settecento Brings Restaurant Life Back to Maguire Gardens in Downtown Los Angeles

With the US Bank Tower soaring above it, Settecento Italian restaurant has brought a renewed
spirit, beautiful atmosphere, and delicious menu to the Maguire Gardens in Downtown Los
Angeles, which is situated adjacent to the famed Central Library.

In the spirit of community, the restaurant teamed up with Palisades Charter High School recently
to host a grand opening event in support of wildfire relief. The fundraiser aimed to provide vital
assistance to the schools, students and families affected by the recent wildfires. Celebrities and influencers including Storm Reid, Jesse Metcalfe, Lukas Gage and Madelyn Cline attended the grand opening festivities, which featured a live five-piece Italian band and abundant amounts of food and drinks.

“The Maguire Gardens and the proximity to the Los Angeles Central Library represent a perfect
synergy between culture, history, and community. The gardens provide a serene, vibrant space
that mirrors the timeless beauty and artistry we aim to bring to Settecento,” Lucian Tudor, CEO
of Global Dining, Inc., which owns the restaurant, exclusively tells Splash Magazines. “Being
next to the library allows us to embrace a sense of intellectual curiosity and creativity—values
that align with our vision for the restaurant. It’s more than just a location; it’s a cultural
landmark, and we’re honored to be part of that legacy.”

The thoughtfully curated menu by Executive Chef Francesco Angri and Pizzaiolo (Italian for
pizza maker), Mario Orsini, is an ode to Italy’s vast culinary heritage, with each dish rooted in
original recipes. Pasta standouts include a gnocchi with ragu alla napoletana and pappardelle al tartufo while pizzas are baked in a one-of-a-kind, hand-made, clay oven which cooks a pizza in less than one minute, baking such creations as funghi & salsiccia and impeccable margherita and quattro formaggi pizzas.

“Settecento is more than a dining experience—it’s a journey. We’ve taken inspiration from 18th-
century Italy, blending its elegance with a modern perspective. Our menu is built around authenticity, featuring seasonal ingredients and centuries-old techniques while presenting them in innovative ways,” Tudor said. “The design reflects our commitment to storytelling, from the bar pillars made of books symbolizing knowledge, to the chandelier inspired by a rain of music. Settecento is where tradition meets evolution, creating a space that feels intimate, inspiring, and unmistakably unique.”

The bar area serves as the heart of Settecento. With Italian Renaissance art draping the bar,
thousands of antique books from The Last Bookstore, and floor-to-ceiling wine cellars, Settecento is a thoughtful tribute to the city’s rich cultural fabric. The bar is crafted from custom marble imported directly from Italy and a chandelier of instruments acts as the centerpiece of the bar, featuring violins and trumpets hung from the ceiling, paying homage to the neighboring historical theaters and concert halls like the Los Angeles Philharmonic. MOCA and The Broad Museum are also nearby.

Settecento seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor seating, and is the only restaurant in DTLA
currently offering live outdoor music. The venue features a dedicated stage for live
performances, where diners can savor dishes while being serenaded with Italian classics under the stars. The Italian-speaking staff are ambassadors of Italy’s legendary hospitality, bringing warmth, expertise, and authenticity with their recommendations. Located in the former Café Pinot space, Joachim Splichal’s California-French restaurant, which operated for 24 years until 2019, Settecento is the latest establishment from Global Dining, Inc., which also operates the popular La Boheme in West Hollywood and 1212 in Santa Monica. A Happy Hour menu is offered daily from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring $7 wine, $9 cocktails and food items, including their unique eggplant sliders, from $7-14.

Settecento is located at 700 W. 5 th Street in Los Angeles and is open seven days a week for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is also available for private events. Check their
website for hours and to make reservations.