Gaetano's Restaurant
Torrance, California, USA
Experience a casual Italian dining atmosphere at Gaetano's Restaurant, offering a comfortable space on Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA.
2731 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505, United States
Gaetano's Restaurant
Torrance, California, USA
Overview
Gaetano's Restaurant is a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant located on Pacific Coast Hwy in Torrance, CA. Since opening its doors in 1999, it has been a go-to spot for classic Italian fare paired with well-curated wine flights. The setting offers a romantic atmosphere with cozy indoor seating or a relaxing patio, ideal for savoring authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients.
The menu features a wide array of options including traditional pasta, wood-fired pizza, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Guests appreciate the great cocktails, excellent coffee, and decadent desserts. Whether visiting for lunch, dinner, or a casual solo meal, Gaetano’s combines warm hospitality with fast service and a welcoming ambiance suited for families, groups, and tourists alike.
Gallery
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
Enjoy authentic Italian flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and a diverse menu that appeals to families, groups, and solo diners alike.
Renowned for classic dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli and Florentine Skirt Steak, delivering rich flavors in hearty portions.
Enjoy prompt, attentive dining experiences noted for great recommendations and accommodating requests.
A choice of fine wines, cocktails, beer, and coffee complements every meal, including happy hour specials and wine flights.
Welcoming atmosphere with kids’ menu, high chairs, and full wheelchair accessibility to ensure comfort for all guests.
Dine comfortably inside or enjoy the scenic patio with seasonal heating for pleasant outdoor meals year-round.
Easy access on Pacific Coast Hwy with ample free parking and street parking options close by.
Perfect setting for date nights or casual meals with a trendy yet comfortable vibe enhanced by elegant décor.
Experience
Ideal for a variety of dining occasions, Gaetano’s blends classic Italian flavors with a cozy, inviting setting that suits both intimate meals and lively group gatherings.
Known for its hearty portions and attentive service, this Italian gem offers an extensive menu from traditional pasta and pizza to standout dishes like Tagliatelle & Chianti Short Ribs and their popular cocktails. Comfort food meets fine dining in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. — FoodPlacee editorial note
A perfect spot for a satisfying midday meal with options ranging from fresh salads to savory pastas, offering quick service without sacrificing quality.
Enjoy an intimate evening with classic dishes, excellent wine selections, and a cozy atmosphere ideal for date nights or special celebrations.
With a kids' menu, high chairs, and a welcoming environment, it's a great place for families to share Italian favorites and desserts together.
Take advantage of outdoor seating for a relaxed meal with friends or solo dining while enjoying beautiful weather and fresh air.
Convenient options for enjoying Gaetano’s classic dishes at home without compromising taste or portion size.
Reservations are advised for brunch and dinner to secure a spot at this popular neighborhood favorite, especially on weekends.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"Make a reservation ahead of time because Gaetano's is absolutely worth it. Huge portions of incredible food."
"Beautiful Italian restaurant located at Crenshaw and PCH that is always very busy due to their great food and lovely ambiance. Even outside the landscaping and decor are very inviting with grape vines and heated waiting areas.. the interior or large patio area are both very nice but not overly formal.. a nice balance of comfort but very sleek and happening. Locals enjoy sports at he bar and this is clearly a neighborhood favorite as the staff knows the guests like members of the family. Out server Amanda gave us some great recommendations and the service was top notch. The food was even better than expected.. starting with meatball app these were hearty, flavorful, and the texture was perfect. The pesto crusted halibut had great flavor and was served with delish past and green beans.. this dish looked as amazing as it tasted. The homemade pasta with short rib is a must try.. the rich short rib falling apart in a zesty light tomato sauce was really an outstanding dish. The pizza and desserts looked incredible coming out of the kitchen. Everything from decor, great service, and amazing food was on point at Gaetano's Restaurant.. a great place for a special occasion or a casual night out and highly recommended for the food!"
"One of our go-to Italian spots! This restaurant offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great choice for any occasion. We made a reservation and were seated promptly, despite it being a busy spot. The service was top-notch - friendly, courteous, and attentive. Food arrived quickly, and the dishes were delicious as always. The fried calamari is a must-try! Although my Mediterranean Shrimp was a tad too salty, the staff promptly accommodated my request for a remake and even offered a soup while I waited. Overall, a joyful dining experience!"
"Sunday night and the place was very busy -- a positive sign! FOOD: For an Italian restaurant there was a variety of flavors and sauces. And everything was (a) quite good, and (b) served in significantly large portions. The Italian pizza was overflowing with toppings, the butternut squash ravioli were rich and flavorful, and the lasagna came out in a brick-sized (delicious) portion. Even the the complementary bread tasted fresh-baked and served with an herbed olive oil. Yum! Indeed, the biggest regret of our visit is that we were returning from out of town the next day, so there was no way to take home the large amount of leftovers. SERVICE: Even with a reservation, it took a while to be seated (we asked for an indoor table, but enough people asked for outdoor ones while we were there to make me think the heating out there would be quite adequate). Once seated, our waiter was pleasant and helpful, didn't push, but made sure our needs were voiced and met. AMBIANCE: For all the Family Business vibe, the place felt a bit like it had all been recently redecorated. But everything was clean and in good shape. Overall noise level was a bit loud. NET-NET: A definite neighborhood gem, and more than worth our visit. Thanks to Yelp for the recommendation, and I'm flagging this place for a return visit should we be back in town any time soon."
"High Quality ingredients. Delicious salmon. Perfect asparagus! The pasta was al dented. The white sauce was not the best I've had but it was tasty and held when microwaved! All and all a delicious meal!"
"I have been here a couple of times now with coworkers on the patio, and they have an excellent & affordable lunch menu. You definitely have to save room for dessert. The bread pudding, spumoni, and Strawberry Mascarpone were fantastic. I also tried the Italian Blood Orange soda, which was great. Our server, Brooklyn, was very attentive and friendly. We will definitely keep coming here and recommending it to other work friends."
"Gaetano’s Restaurant is one of the best Italian spots in the area and my go to neighborhood Italian place. It’s perfect for a date night or a get together with friends. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a simple yet elegant table setting. The service is top notch, and the staff gives great menu recommendations. The dishes are absolutely delicious, made with fresh ingredients, and full of flavor. Quick tips: They can accommodate parties of up to 25 people. Plenty of parking is available in the plaza. Reservations are recommended, as it gets packed during dinner. This place has been a local favorite for nearly 19 years as of 2025!"
"It was a great meeting place to see great friends. I was delightfully surprised to be invited to eat here. The parking was fine. The food and service were great. The lunchtime meals were well designed for variety and were all well-apportioned. It tasted and looked all fresh. From the warm bread and olive oil starter to each salad, pasta, sandwich, etc. If I lived in this area, it would be a staple place to eat. Otherwise, make it treat and head on over, You’ll enjoy it!"
Visit info
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Plan your visit to enjoy lunch, dinner, or brunch in a casual yet elegant setting. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
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Questions answered
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.