Eatalian

I hesitate to even mention this totally random, authentic Italian gem as it's in Gardena, and I know most people won't even go east of Lincoln, so your car may not be capable of heading that far south, though you will be rewarded for the drive.  The owner comes from a tiny village in Ventosa, Italy, and he set out to make out cheese and bread for local restaurants in this solitary shop in a former textile factory.  By request he ended up setting out a table or two to see if people would want to eat there, and next thing you know, Eatalian is born.

​Eatalian, not to be confused with Eataly, which wasn't even a thought in Mario Batali's head when this place served its first pizza

They make everything by hand here - pizzas, pastas, bread, gelato; it's like an Italian Disneyland.  They could stand to invest in a dimmer switch though, as it's lit up like a basketball court, but that said, there is much action to watch around you at the various stations. 

No reservations, and no booze, but I know how creative my friends are, so that shouldn't stop you from having a good time.

Of course you have to start with one of their uber thin, crisp pizzas like the simple, but perfect mozzarella and mushroom.

Next try a homemade pasta such as the spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter sage sauce, but save room for the gelatto bar. 

With so many flavors, be happy you can mix and match.  It's cheap and cheerful, and worth a drive out of the comfort zone for a little taste of Italy.