Maccheroni Republic restaurant in downtown Los Angeles

USC students Vicki Chang, left, and Erika Ignacio have dinner at Maccheroni Republic. The restaurant is the project of Antonio Tommasi and Jean-Louis de Mori, who ran Locanda Veneta, Ca' Brea and other fancy, well-regarded Italian restaurants.

USC students Vicki Chang, left, and Erika Ignacio have dinner at Maccheroni Republic. The restaurant is the project of Antonio Tommasi and Jean-Louis de Mori, who ran Locanda Veneta, Ca’ Brea and other fancy, well-regarded Italian restaurants. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Jan. 16, 2014 2:01 PM PT

Maccheroni Republic

Violetta di Melanzane, baked eggplant rolls stuffed with mozzarella. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Maccheroni Republic

Trippa con Passarelli, calf tripe soup with Parmesan Passetelli pasta. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Maccheroni Republic

Agnolotti di Cotechino, tortellini filled with Emilian sausage in a salsa verde. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Maccheroni Republic

Maccheroni Republic co-owner Jean-Louis de Mori. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Maccheroni Republic

The facade of Maccheroni Republic on Broadway. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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