There’s a new kid on one of my favorite DTLA blocks, and with it being at the center of the Arts District, it’s safe to assume that it’s hip, easy on the eyes, and yeah – tasty. The Smile’s di Alba opened up just last week and is already attracting passersby and Chef Nina Clemente (The Standard) fans like myself. The concept is a partnership between Nina and the brains behind NYC’s successful multi-concept dining collective called The Smile. Di Alba is the first West Coast concept to open and it’s described as “a modern, market-driven take on an Italian focacceria”. Now I don’t know about you, but all I needed to hear was “focacceria” and my cheese n’ bread lovin’ brain was piqued. I can’t really think of any focacceria’s in LA, and if you’ve been to Italy you know what a crucial role these types of eateries play in just about every Italian city. Pizzerias/Focaccerias are about as plentiful in Italy as Donuterias are in America. (Yes I 100% just made up “donuteria” but it kind of has a ring to it, doesn’t it?)
Di Alba is the perfect place Downtown to stop in for a quick little something-or-other; they’ve got coffee, treats, beverages, and of course tons of market salads and pre-made focaccias to choose from. The menu is super casual, approachable, and most importantly market fresh. If you’re in the Arts District and just want to pick up something fast-ish, Italian inspired, and fresh – you know the place to go!
THE SMILE’S DI ALBA // 827 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA
What To Order | you can do 3 salads for $15 or 2 salads and 1 focaccia for $15 – I’d recommend doing that so you get a taste of everything, but hey, you do you! If you make it in there within the next few weeks I particularly loved the butter lettuce and beet salad, as well as the Bianca (spelt) focaccia that comes with Fontina, taleggio, trumpet mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, arugula.
Perfect Spot For | breakfast // lunch // to-go // something quick // Instagram purposes // market fresh food // salads // focaccia
Fun Fact | di Alba will be offering catering options soon!!
BONUS Fact | It’s attached to the Shinola boutique – kinda weird, kinda not.
HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
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