You can find almost every possible cuisine in existence somewhere in LA. From Persian to Ethiopian to Mexican and everything in between, the diverse food culture is one of the many characteristics that make this city great. But some cuisines will always reign supreme, ensuring a certain level of success for restaurants that other cuisines don't. And one of those cuisines is Italian-- the ubiquitous and often vague "Italian" moniker is often applied to restaurants around the globe to signify approachable Western cuisine (something we noticed when traveling in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul). However, successful Italian spots here have evolved past the generic spaghetti and red sauce offerings to create a formula for popularity across the city. That formula usually includes a modern and contemporary space, fresh takes on classic dishes, small plates, and modern pizza offerings. None of this is a bad thing; in fact, some of LA's best new restaurants fit into this category, and are excellent go-to neighborhood joints for a laid-back yet delicious meal. 

One of these new contemporary-Italian spots, Cosa Buona, has become a must-visit corner pizza joint in Echo Park since opening in May. But interestingly enough, they're bringing their casual Italian fare and celebrated pizza menu to lunch, which seems surprisingly novel, especially when mixed in with dishes like tuna sandwiches and chicken wings. We popped in on for a low-key Monday afternoon meal, and really enjoyed the whole experience.