Knead & Co. offers fresh and hearty Italian cuisine


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Knead & Co. has arrived at Grand Central Market, bringing fresh pastas, artisan olive oils and the chance to watch the magic of pasta being created. The historic food court on South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles is becoming more and more popular.

Following the success of brunch hotspot Eggslut, more restaurateurs have been flocking to Grand Central Market for its trendy vibes and good reputation. Now featuring Thai food, various Mexican food options, McConnell’s ice cream, and even vegan ramen restaurant Ramen Hood, Knead & Co. is in good company, and offers something everyone seems to crave: carbohydrates.

Knead & Co is a joint venture by Bruce Kalman and Marie Petulla, who also maintain Union Restaurant in Pasadena. According to The Los Angeles Times, the 720-square foot space offers a menu that is rooted in Italian, New Jersey and Californian traditions. Not only do they offer 11 different pasta dishes, but they also have salads, paninis, traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu, cannoli and zeppoles. All pastas are made onsite; the space features a windowed workshop where you can watch the chefs make pasta. With bar seating that faces the window, there is ample opportunity to observe the pasta-making process as it continues throughout the day.

Not only is Knead & Co. a sit-down restaurant, but it also sells its fresh pasta to take home, in addition to various other artisanal products, including olive oils, cheese and cultured butter.

The food itself is remarkably delicious. Best known for its classic Sunday Gravy spaghetti and meatballs (which, at 14 dollars, offers a very generous portion), the menu also features a squid tagliolini, porcini lasagnette (ribboned strands of pasta) and duck agnolotti (stuffed pasta). For those feeling a little less adventurous, there is always “maccheroni & cheese” or simple spaghetti with tomato sauce.

The Sunday Gravy spaghetti and meatballs is very rich, but is definitely  worth trying. Large pork meatballs are served in a homemade beef and pork ragout that is simmered favorably, resulting in tender meat that is exceptionally flavorful.

The sauce’s name derives from the tomato sauce that Italians would make every Sunday and is a delicious version of a classic. Seasoned with fresh parsley and basil, grated fresh parmesan and a dash of olive oil, there is a light quality to the sauce. However, it is a little lost under the rich flavors of the meat and perhaps a tad too salty

The pasta itself is just as tasty. Unfortunately, for anyone wishing to recreate the iconic scene from Lady and the Tramp, the spaghetti has a small hole in the middle that makes slurping the noodles almost impossible. That being said, the freshness of the pasta is definitely noticeable and is a cut above anything one could find at Ralphs.

In addition, the staff wears t-shirts that say “What’s your spirit noodle?” With eight different types of fresh pasta, the decision is definitely a personal one.

Head down to 317 S. Broadway and discover which type of pasta is the perfect match. Knead & Co. is open Sunday to Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.