Here’s a new word to add to your lexicon. ‘CouchPotatoitis,’ as defined by the leading authorities in the medical field, physics and gravitational sciences, is the condition of being attached to a sofa or couch directly facing one’s television. The cure? A never-ending supply of nightlife, and we aim to get you to it.

Don Corleone doesn’t have to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Eating at Caffe Roberto in Culver City is a no-brainer, with a taste of Italy in every bite and in their romantic atmosphere. "A truly fine restaurant combines the skill of fine cooking with the freshest if ingredients," says owner and executive chef Roberto Nobile Soofiani.

Caffe Roberto has been part of the Culver City scene for 15 years, long before it was known as a foodie town. This terrific place just slightly off the beaten path has evolved, experimented, but always been popular in up-to-the-minute, excellent Northern Italian food from the provinces of Veneto and Tuscans. We pronounce it grandioso!

Trained mostly in Florence, Italy, Roberto is a Master Chef with a culinary degree, who has been in the food service business for 30 years. He told us Northern Italian food is lighter, healthier fare with less oil and salt. His wife Afsan now works with him at lunch and is also making much of the pastry. This is a true husband and wife ristorante.

Though we have been eating here for years and have our favorites, we love trying new dishes and are always impressed. Two appetizers are a must for starters. The Spinach al Limone, steamed spinach sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, is easily the best spinach we’ve ever eaten. Along with this order the Mozzarella alla Caprese, with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and extra virgin olive oil. If you ate just these two mind-blowing dishes with Roberto’s fresh focaccia bread, life would be good.

For an entrée, try the Lasagna Bolognese – an incomparable wonder of cheeses, meat and a great sauce. Caffe Roberto’s Cioppino is a delicious fish stew filled with shrimp, mussels, clams, other tasty fish, and penne pasta in the most wonderful sauce. The spaghetti and meatballs are ace. Enjoy these excellent foods with fine wines.

Caffe Roberto uses more than six pounds of garlic every day, the freshest ingredients and only the finest olive oils. Coupled with Roberto’s talent, it’s easy to understand why this cuisine is remarkable. A few well-known Westside restaurant owners, even one from an Italian restaurant, come here for their pasta fetes because pasta is the specialty of the house. A high compliment indeed.

Caffe Roberto does a big catering and party business. They also serve the community, Culver City schools and the police department. Prices here are quite reasonable, yet Roberto’s has 2-for-1 ads everywhere because he believes that once you come in, you will be back.

Caffe Roberto is located at 11800 Jefferson Blvd. (one block west of the 405 Fwy), in Culver City. For more information, call (310) 390-5736.

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