Italian spot will have you smacking your lips, saying ‘buon appetito’

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT /// Novo Cafe



FRESH DISHES—Above, a scrumptious order of buccotini and puttansesca sauce made with garlic, olive oil, capers, marinara, kalamata olives and freshly chopped parsley. Below, Novo Cafe owners and husband-wife team, Tina and Massimo Forti. Courtesy photo

FRESH DISHES—Above, a scrumptious order of buccotini and puttansesca sauce made with garlic, olive oil, capers, marinara, kalamata olives and freshly chopped parsley. Below, Novo Cafe owners and husband-wife team, Tina and Massimo Forti. Courtesy photo

Why wait for Taco Tuesdays or Wacky Wednesdays when you can start your week out right on Mondays and Tuesdays with a Pasta Pizza Fair at Novo Cafe in Westlake Village. Here, in the over-the-counter area, you can get pasta with marinara, pink or alfredo sauce or a cheese or pepperoni pizza for just six bucks.

But let’s get real here, folks: Novo Cafe is much, much more than its Monday specials. This is a fabulous, truly Italian-style venue like a trattoria straight out of the Old Country itself, complete with an informal over-the-counter service area and a cafe featuring breakfast and lunch goodies, fresh-baked goods and tasty dishes that will make you want to smack your lips and exclaim, “Buon appetito!”

Then there’s a mini in-store marketplace featuring fresh house-made pasta, and jars and boxes of Italian goodies to take home to the family or to enjoy for yourself. Plus, over by the market area is a secluded cozy spot, perfect for eating those grab and-go sandwiches or other Italian delights.

ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

The Novo Cafe is massive. On top of the aforementioned, there’s another large seating area for guests who would rather order a meal from the over-the-counter cafe area and then wait while their food is brought to them. Or they can also opt to order from the menu and have their meal served at their table. Either way, there’s lots of choices for guests.

There’s also the ristorante part of the venue with the bar, where dinner patrons can comfortably drink and dine in peace and quiet.

As owner Massimo Forti says, “Novo Cafe can be your go-to place for all times of the day. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, not to mention dropping by for a specialty coffee and one of our baked goods on your way to the office or eat-in for an afternoon treat. Or sit and relax in our garden patio while enjoying one of our omelettes or breakfast sandwiches or lunch specials. There’s something for everyone.”

Although huge, this delightful eating establishment feels warm and welcoming. Someone greets customers at the door to help them decide what their needs are and where, or if, they’d like to sit down. There’s no right or wrong way. Bring a pile of friends and family members for a filling meal that will appeal to everyone, or come alone or with a pal for a more cozy, intimate dining experience. It all works.

After all that info about the venue, the best thing at Novo Cafe is the food. With a menu designed and created by Forti, this place is a real winner.

“I took the traditional classic Italian dishes and made them according to my taste,” he said. So if it’s on the menu, it’s Forti approved.

When he suggested I try the lasagna, I was all for it. The four-layer dish was tantalizing and smooth, with plenty to have for a second and possibly third meal. The key to the success of this dish and others, Forti said, is fresh everything.

The host also ordered up a special chicken dish he called “alla mostarda,” like breaded cutlets with a lovely mustard sauce, which earned two thumbs up.

Another great thing at Novo is the fact that there are gluten-free options on the menu.

Forti and his wife, Tina, have built their businesses on family dining as well as over-the-counter and casual-style service that appeals to a number of patrons, including surrounding companies and walk-in traffic from nearby shops. They also offer a catering menu for large and small gatherings.

If you’re ever in the Burbank area, you can check out the Novo Cafe there, a local favorite since 2013. When I asked him what made that particular spot so popular, he replied: “I just opened the door.”

SIP & SAVOR

30770 Russell Ranch Road Westlake Village 3900 W. Riverside Drive Burbank WLV open Mon through Fri: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat. and Sun.: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (818) 318-1466 novocafe.com