Serving monstrous portions of Northern Italian cuisine since 1969, this restaurant is in such a popular locale, that at times there can be a line to match the portions.

The waiters bring their “Killer Garlic Rolls” around every few minutes and make the wait somewhat more pleasant.

Most tables are left open for walk-ins as they only take reservations for parties of eight or more.

The casual ambiance is fun and exciting, with Frank Sinatra tunes playing rather loudly, but not overbearingly in the background.

Try to get there by eight so you’re seated in time to partake in the festive singing of Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore,” along with restaurant diners and employees alike who joyfully clink the patrons’ glasses.

The orders come, including most salads and appetizers, with the option of a whole or a half order.

The restaurant isn’t skimpy on their servings, and holds true to their sign that hangs on the door: “People generally don’t leave here hungry.”

The average cost for a whole order is around $11, with a half order running around $8.

The Calamari Fritti served with marinara sauce is an excellent starter. It is extremely tender and not very greasy. A half order is sufficient for four.

For those who are interested in wine, the house red is placed on the table, as if it were a real Italian family meal.

Customers serve themselves as needed and are charged by the number of glasses used, and hope that the customers respect the honor system.

Dishes that are recommended are the Fettuccine Al Limone, and the Rigatoni with Sweet Italian Sausage.

The Fettuccine Al Limone is served in a lemon zest, Stolichnaya Vodka, and Parmigiano cream sauce.

The zest give this cream sauce an unusually light and fresh taste.

The Rigatoni with Sweet Italian Sausage comes tossed in a roasted red pepper, tomato cream sauce with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Plenty of dishes are available for vegetarians as well with the Roasted Eggplant Lasagna being one of the more popular choices.

If after the main course, you still have room for dessert, try the chocolate cake. It is dark and moist and extremely decadent with shaved dark chocolate on top of the chocolate frosting.

For something a little lighter, the Mango Sorbet is an excellent option, which is uniquely served in a carved out mango.
When it’s all said and done people might have to loosen a couple of belt notches, but will be out the door for around 20 bucks a head.

The C&O Trattoria is located at 31 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, near the Venice Pier.

It’s open seven days a week, serving dinner from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday to Saturday.