The Courtyard da Gino, handsomely adorned with...

The Courtyard da Gino, handsomely adorned with a wall-length mural of the Italian coastline and original oil paintings, has been a Lomita landmark for four years.

Many customers begin their dinner by splitting one of the non-traditional pizzas such as

the Mediterranean ($8.95), featuring Roma tomatoes, eggplant and a snowy topping of ricotta. Another recommended first course is the swordfish carpaccio ($8.95)--thin shavings of raw fish, drizzled with olive oil and topped with capers, arugula and grated Parmesan.

At a recent South Bay health fair, Courtyard da Gino’s general manager Kim Sodaro, who also cooks some dishes table side at the restaurant, prepared a healthful pasta dish called Ortolana (also available at the restaurant: $6.95 at lunch, $8.95 at dinner). It consists of a penne (a tubular pasta like macaroni) or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) covered with eggplant, roasted red peppers, olives, tomatoes and a smattering of anchovies for kick.

Another good pasta dish is the linguine Tarantina ($9.95 at lunch, $13.95 at dinner) with mussels sauteed in garlic and fresh fennel.

An occasional special, salsiccia pumante ($9.95) features two grilled sausages set on spaghettini with red peppers, tomatoes and fresh basil.

A highlight of the flambe menu is aromatic quail alla Gino ($21.95). Two birds are sauted with rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes and a seasonal fruit such as raspberries, then flamed with brandy and served over fettuccine.

On weekends, the entire serving staff takes turns singing arias from well-known operas.

Courtyard da Gino is located at 24503 Narbonne Ave., Lomita. Open Monday through Friday from 11 am. until 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Phone (310) 325-5000.