This cosy SoCal joint in Amoy Street opened its doors in April 2022, with a humble Italian menu that respects fresh produce and the seasonality of ingredients. When it’s by The Dandy Collection, the same team behind culinary household names like Firangi Superstar, Neon Pigeon, and Fat Prince, it goes without saying that we had high expectations.
California Republic has the bones of a traditional trattoria but everything about it speaks of the lazy summers of yesteryear. It was a good-enough start with grilled oysters ($22), sauced with chipotle bourbon butter, and faux artichoke ($18) which innovatively featured jackfruit instead.
Most memorable though, were the pork and veal meatballs ($28). The original recipe is by Chef David Almany, who was once at Osteria Mozza and now-defunct Italian restaurant Angeleno. With his Italian-American roots, it’s no surprise that these meatballs were the star of the show.
Another standout is anything off California Republic’s selection of artisanal pasta. It’s all handmade from scratch, with chefs waking up extra early to painstakingly roll out fresh pasta dough. Try the cappellacci ($29), a type of stuffed pasta that resembles miniature dumplings. The cavatelli ($32), rolled pasta shells seeped in a rustic pork sausage stew, is also worth a try. This comes with subtle hints of black truffle mixed in.
