Sapori

Out on the crystal blue waters of Marina Del Rey sits Sapori. While I realize that this place sounds Japanese, it’s actually Italian. Judging from the outside you would never be able to guess that Sapori had so much charm. If it’s a pleasant day it’s far better to sit on the outdoor patio, but with the view from the inside you’ll still catch a glimpse of the yachts to dream of owning out in the marina. On the menu you’ll find true Italian fare, for example, shrimp served with the head on. For appetizers, the crab cakes are quite tasty, or if you’d prefer more of a sampler, there is an antipasta dish that comes with olives, proscuitto, and a few veggies. While there are several really delicious dishes on the menu, one of the best things about Sapori is that they’ll customize any entrée you wish. They serve a risotto special every day, but they’ve always allowed me to throw together my own (porcini mushrooms with truffle oil is wonderful!). The risotto is so good that it’s usually what I get when I come here, but I’ve had a few other things on the menu too. The spaghetti is actually quite good as are all of the pastas. During lunch they also serve paninis and some additional entrees, majority being fish. The portions are large (big enough to share or take 1/2 home), but if you can make it to dessert, it could certainly be worth it. I’ve only gotten that far once, and we had the lemon sorbet served inside a hollowed out lemon. It’s crisp and refreshing, like having a iced lemonade at a baseball game. I believe they also serve tiramisu and I’m sure have a few other desserts. You’ll have to forgive me that I don’t have it committed to memory, but I am writing this on the plane!

http://www.sapori-mdr.com/