Italian Roots. Local Ritual. Maria's has been West Los Angeles's neighborhood Italian kitchen since 2003, the Alfano family's Westside room among its 7 across the city. The hand-rolled meatballs are the reason regulars keep the same order for years: rolled from freshly ground beef, simmered in a marinara cooked slow on the house recipe, and portioned for tonight plus tomorrow's lunch. Beyond the meatballs, the scratch kitchen runs pizzas, pastas, chicken and seafood, and a vegan menu for lunch and dinner. It is a regular choice for family dinners, work lunches, and birthdays, with catering across the area. Kid-friendly, with takeout and delivery every day from 11 to 9, an easy stop on Pico near Westwood.