BY JENNIFER DONEGAN
With a nod to Federico Fellini and nearby Hollywood, 8 ½ Taverna opens its doors in true Italian style. The newest edition to the little block that is Moorpark and Tujunga (think Aroma Café and Gelato Bar) brings us an Italian fusion gastropub complete with a chalkboard menu and enough beers on tap to make you brain and mouth tingle. Originally, the location of Nick’s and Zen Chi, this new eatery has been given a welcome new makeover.
An Italian fusion gastropub bringing a city vibe to the 818. Photo: Jennifer Donegan
Owners and Italy natives, Vincenzo Sanseverino (Enzo) and Fabrizio Di Gianni, serve up Italian comfort food as well as Italian hospitality. With their wide variety of wines, selected by Fabrizio, an AIS Associazione Italiana Somelier, and their authentic Italian cuisine, cooked up by chef Enzo, 8 ½ is on its way to becoming the next best neighborhood place. Throw in the big screen TVs perched high above the bar and you have a prime spot for watching the World Cup.
Their menu serves up classic Napolitano Pizzas with bubbly thin crust and beautifully melted mozzarella that are sure to be one of their biggest attractions. Along with the fresh made gnocchi (the special of the day), traditional piadas, Italian fish and chips, and savory polenta, I am sure to gain a few lbs with them moving in down the street.
Together, Enzo and Fabrizio create an incredibly delicious addition to the valley and I am glad to welcome 8 ½ as my new neighbor. Stop by for some vino and a pizza margherita and see what 8 ½ Taverna is all about.
8 ½ Taverna 11334 Moorpark Studio City, CA 91602 Phone: 818-308-1100 OPEN: noon – midnight 7 days a week Check out their World Cup viewing schedule HERE.
A southern bred Carolinian at heart, Jennifer Donnegan is a Media Studies Major from the University of San Francisco, a freelance writer, traveler, and foodie. In addition to writing and drinking sweet tea, Jennifer also works part time for an L.A. based clothing designer and loves hiking Runyon Canyon.
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