MOZZA Osteria isn't worth the wait

Reservations must be made three months in advance for MOZZA Osteria and the Pizzeria.  Why?  I'm clueless.  The food is good, but not spectacular. With the economy in a recession, who knew this Italian hot-spot would be so popular, ecpecially because it is on the pricey side.  It's filled with the LA crowd.  People sit at their table glancing up at everyone who passes by, just in case its a celebrity.

My favorite dish at MOZZA Osteria was the Ribollita "Da Delfina."  What?  Its a vegetable soup than has been reduced to thickness and then Nancy Silverton's bread is added to make this dish an Italian delicacy.  Many know Nancy from LA Brea Bakery and years ago, the head pastry chef a Spago's.  Her bread at MOZZA is delicious.  No butter, olive oil or balsamic vinegar is served with it.  Just a silver platter with three varieties: White, Wheat or Whole Grain.  I'm a bread lover, so this could be my meal.  Our friend Mitch loved the Butter Lettuce Salad with hazelnuts, bacon, gorgonzola dolce and egg.  My husband ordered an appetizer from the Mozzarella Bar of  Burrata with marinated beets that were overpowered with horseradish.  Word to the chef, be dellicate with horseradish, a little goes a long way.

All the fish dishes were adequate.  My Pan Roasted Halibut con pepe verde was tasteless with the veal reduction sauce.  They offer a Pasta Tasting Menu with 7 different pastas for $69.  Add $50 more to include accompanying wines with the dishes.  It starts to add up if you include the $12 desserts.

Located on the corner of Highland and Melrose at 6602 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles.  For reservations call: 323-297-0100.