Newly opened in Los Angeles, Florence by the Water at Hotel Figueroa offers refined Mediterranean cuisine as the historic hotel marks a century of service. Housed within the hotel’s distinctive 1920s architecture, the restaurant enhances the property’s long-standing appeal. Florence by the Water is the latest collaboration from Francesco Zimone and Executive Chef Giuseppe Gentile, the team behind Florence Osteria and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
© Florence by the Water
Born in Locorotondo, Puglia, Executive Chef Giuseppe Gentile trained at leading culinary schools in Italy before refining his craft at the Grand Hotel Rimini and at a Michelin-starred kitchen in Paris. Drawing on that background, the menu highlights regional Italian specialties and fresh Mediterranean flavors. Starters include whipped ricotta finished with harissa honey and crisp gnocco fritto filled with stracciatella and 24-month prosciutto di Parma, alongside seafood antipasti such as gamberi tossed in Calabrian chili herb oil and lemon.
The menu features a selection of skewers and grilled offerings alongside handmade pastas. Pasta highlights include Fettuccine al Tartufo with shaved black truffle and Linguine Aglio e Olio served with scampi tartare, preserved Meyer lemon, capers and garlic confit. Signature entrées reflect Florentine and coastal traditions, with dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and whole Mediterranean branzino finished with a Meyer lemon herb relish.
Wine plays a central role at Florence by the Water, with an extensive list that emphasizes Mediterranean producers as well as notable regions from around the world. The cocktail program pays homage to Italian aperitivo culture with refined, contemporary creations such as Il Postino, made with aperitif, prosecco and fresh strawberries, and the savory Maldini, which combines gin, olive vermouth, basil oil and gorgonzola-stuffed olives.
© Florence by the Water
The beverage program also includes a contemporary non-alcoholic selection of spirit-free botanical blends and seasonal mocktails for guests seeking alcohol-free options. Florence by the Water is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Reservations are recommended to ensure seating.