Similar to many other Italian restaurants, at C & O Trattoria Italian Restaurant in Marina Del Rey the emphasis is eating as a social group. Portions are large - even the smaller "individual" portion can feed two people - and the food is filling. Located an extremely short walking distance from the beach in Marina Del Rey and Venice, C & O Trattoria offers a great atmosphere as well. The outdoor seating is in the style of a charming, rustic Italian block of apartments in Tuscany. The food compliments the authenticity put into the look. The delicious menu offers varieities mainly from Northern Italy; dishes include many different pastas, lasagnas, and meat dishes. The eggplant lasagna with grilled Italian sausage is quite good. Above everything else, the complimentary bread rolls are incredibly tasty. These small, almost-pill-like baked bread rolls may be too greasy to some, however, to me they were perfect. With a crispy crust on the outside, warm and soft inside, the balls are also covered in olive oil and herbs. Check out their website for a viewing of these delictable balls of dough. Although I have yet to try a dessert dish at C & O Trattoria, they all looked and sounded delicious. I have only been once, and during that one visit I found the service rather disappointing. The waitors and waitresses responsibly for bread, water, parmisean cheese, etc. had a problem keeping up with our table. A small group of four, our table should have always had glasses filled with water and a plate filled with bread rolls. I cannot say this is a trend at the restaurant, and would not want this once experience to stop anyone else from visiting the C & O Trattoria. The location as well as food quality and quantity is well worth the trip.
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