Baffo Street Food: With Love, From Italy
Did you know Los Angeles doesn’t have a Little Italy? Unlike most other major cities in the United States, L.A. lacks a central Italian community. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it lacks Italian food; there’s plenty to go around and in DTLA, Baffo is a must for Italian fare.
Nestled in the Arts District, Baffo has been redefining the approach to Italian cuisine and culture. Separating itself from the fancy, white cloth, upscale joints one might find in Beverly Hills or otherwise, Baffo brings the quality of Italian ingredients down to Earth. It all comes together in an outdoor atmosphere true to L.A.’s beloved food truck scene.
Chef Matteo Bizzotto moved from Italy with little knowledge of L.A. five years ago. Baffo is his first job, establishment, and project. With his culinary background primarily influenced from being in Italian kitchens, he says his food is a mix of home and California cuisines. He splits his time between being a dad and a business owner both in L.A. and in Assolo, Italy where he owns a bar, but Baffo (being his L.A. baby) gets all his attention. Given how difficult it is to procure some of the more authentic and original Italian products, he has adjusted his menu to fit the L.A. food scene, offering a vegan dish, burgers, and delicious fries.
The creativity of the menu shines through dishes Chef Matteo has experimented with such as a fish burger that is an absolute must-try. The menu doesn’t change often; he has some classics that have been staples since he opened Baffo in his vintage airliner three years ago, “The roast beef and the Baffo Blast have been around from the start. The roast beef is a favorite of many customers.”
The food is also substantial, the sandwiches are big, and you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck here. The food is prepared promptly and on any given day you’ll even find Matteo himself behind the grill. He has a small two-person team and he loves working in his little alley behind Arts District Brewing Co. The loyal regulars that come by for lunch have always enjoyed his warm and welcoming ambiance that is true of Italian culture.
Chef Matteo has a simple vision and philosophy for Baffo, “I want to see people happy, and I don’t want it to cost them a lot of money. I think my prices are reasonable for the quantity. I like to serve people and see them enjoy a meal. It’s an Italian tradition to eat together, smile, and love.”
The future looks promising for Baffo, as an established outdoor dining destination for locals. Chef Matteo hopes to move into a brick and mortar within the Arts District. He’d love to stay in the community that has given so much to him, “As soon as rent prices go down,” he joked.
Next time that you’re looking for some Italian loving and want more than a plain old pizza, head over to Baffo and get a taste of what true Italian hospitality is all about.
facebook.com/baffostreetfood | 830 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography by Rebekah Lemire
