When chefs/founders Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton converted silent film legend Charlie Chaplin's intended office space into the comfortable Campanile in 1989, they scored an immediate and lasting hit with Los Angeles' finicky restaurant-going crowd. The combination of Peel on the Cal-Mediterranean menu and Silverton on the beignets, soufflés and pot de crèmes has been enough to earn numerous local and national distinctions over the years, including three stars from the Los Angeles Times, a DiRoNA Award of Excellence and enough James Beard Foundation nominations to sink a ship. Everything, from the seasonally apt ingredients to the freshly baked bread (hailing from next door's legendary La Brea Bakery), illustrates Campanile's staunch commitment to remaining one of L.A.'s top spots for tried-and-true foodies. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. Sat–Sun brunch 9:30 am–1:30 pm.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"This standard-bearer has been on the top tier of L.A.'s restaurant hierarchy since day one."
—Los Angeles magazine
"Chefs Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton have scaled culinary highs with Campanile, a California-Mediterranean restaurant with L.A. legend status."
—Mobil Travel Guide
"Campanile, in fact, is one of the more comfortable serious restaurants around. And fun. It's always been a restaurant for people who like to eat, not just contemplate their plates."
– S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times
"Mark Peel may be the most prominent chef in the country whose reputation largely rests with his prowess on the grill, and his Campanile may showcase more shades of fire and heat than any restaurant on Earth. ... Peel is the LeBron James of the grill."
– Jonathan Gold, Los Angeles Weekly
How others rate Campanile
James Beard Foundation
Outstanding Restaurant Award nominee, 2008
Mark Peel, Best Chef: California nominee, 2004, 2002, 2001, 1996, 1995, 1991
Outstanding Wine Service (national) nominee, 2004, 2000-1997
Outstanding Service (national) nominee, 2003, 2002
Outstanding Restaurant (national), 2001
Nancy Silverton, Oustanding Pastry Chef (national), 1991
Zagat 2009
26 food rating (extraordinary to perfection)
Mediterranean Tops
Los Angeles Times
*** (excellent)
Los Angeles magazine
No. 19 on 75 Best Restaurants list, 2008
*** (bold and ambitious)
Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA)
Award of Excellence
Frommer's
*** (exceptional)
LA Weekly
Jonathan Gold's 99 Essential LA Restaurants, 2009