Italian cuisine can be comfort food or daringly original. A few restaurants are skilled enough to offer you your choice. Bettolino Kitchen is one of those rare places and their versatility is breathtaking. If you’re in the mood for a traditional eggplant Parmesan or steak with potato and veg, they can deal out an expert version, but if you’d like something daring, say, a grilled peach and chicken salad, or Prosciutto-wrapped sea scallops with squash and asparagus tips, they have you covered. Whatever you select, mild or wild, it’s served in an elegant modern space by people who know their wines and are service pros. Bettolino Kitchen is a gem and a worthy winner in a category with tough competition.
211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach. (310) 375-0500)
