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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Authentic spots with wine in Santa Monica

You want wine that respects its origins without the pretense of a tourist trap.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
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Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere highlighted by live Spanish guitar music and ambient lighting. The vibe suits date nights and quiet conversations, with a mix of trendy sounds and cozy spaces. Wine selections, including red sangria and Albariรฑo, complement the experience.

Spanish dishes feature authentic flavors true to Spain. Imported manchego cheese adds rich, genuine taste to several plates. Tapas offer a classic, authentic experience hard to find elsewhere.

Albariรฑo white wine pairs well with desserts like tiramisu. Waiters show good wine knowledge to help with selections.

People are saying

"The tapas here are outstanding and authentic Spanish food."

"I found my new favorite wine, especially the albariรฑo."

"I found authentic Spanish tapas, it was hard to find."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with good deals on food and drinks.

3

Parking is available in lot 11, a short walk from the restaurant.

02
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Italian restaurant

Elegant Italian dining space offers authentic European charm with warm, inviting atmosphere and classic East Coast energy. Both indoor and outdoor seating create a romantic, moody vibe that feels like dining in an Italian home.

Food offers authentic Italian flavors with a strong European influence. Dishes consistently deliver delicious and genuine tastes that are hard to find elsewhere.

Fine Italian wines, including a white Vermentino from Sardinia, complement the food well. The wine list offers good variety and staff assist with pairing choices.

People are saying

"I thought the chocolate dessert was perfect."

"The wine here is authentic Italian, just like the food."

"The food here is incredible and authentic Italian."

Good to know

1

Reservations are available for same-day dining, but it's best to call ahead.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

Parking can be difficult during busy times, so plan accordingly.

03
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a smallish space with soaring ceilings and lots of windows, creating a bright and pleasant atmosphere. Soft jazz music keeps noise levels low, making it easy to have conversations. The outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting that complements the elegant interior.

Handmade pasta and quality ingredients create a truly authentic Italian experience. The truffle pasta stands out with its rich, creamy flavor that feels fresh and genuine.

An incredible wine selection pairs well with the food. The top notch wine stands out in the intimate ambience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The staff gave excellent wine and food recommendations."

"I found the food to be amazing and authentic Italian."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for large parties of six or more.

04
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Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Tapas here are excellent and very authentic, closely matching traditional Spanish flavors. The food consistently delivers a genuine Spanish experience.

Eclectic wine selection pairs well with tapas and food. Scott the sommelier offers detailed descriptions and suggests better options to enhance the experience.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"Their Spanish wine selection is excellent and authentic."

"I found the Spanish food here to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

05
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian trattoria with classic vintage design and traditional Italian music creates an authentic atmosphere. Outdoor patio overlooks the pier, blending Italian and Californian vibes. Staff speak Italian, enhancing the genuine feel.

Italian dishes come with authentic charm and a fresh, hot presentation. The pasta, especially fettucine alfredo, tastes perfectly delicious and true to tradition.

Offers a fine selection of Italian wines that pair well with dishes. Chianti and other options enhance meals, complementing flavors like soup and main courses.

People are saying

"The pasta and gnocchi here are delicious."

"The food here is authentic and delicious, especially the pasta."

"The wine here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect large portions; sharing is recommended.

2

A $3.60 charge applies for each additional topping on pizzas.

3

They charge extra for protein additions to dishes.

06
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Pizza restaurant

Back patio offers cozy outdoor seating under olive trees with quaint lighting, creating a chill and intimate vibe. Sidewalk tables provide a chance for people-watching in a lively neighborhood setting. Dog-friendly space adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Pizza here aims for authentic Neapolitan style but does not fully capture it. It stands out as a spot for those seeking delicious pizza on the west side, though it may not satisfy strict authenticity.

Wines come with great selection and knowledgeable recommendations. The quality stays consistent alongside tasty pizzas and appetizers, all enjoyed easily on a super cute patio.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza had a delicious, fluffy, and crunchy sourdough crust."

"The wine here is amazing, friendly, and attentive."

"I loved the authentic Neapolitan pizza here."

Good to know

1

A $5 per person cake cutting fee applies for birthday celebrations.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for two pizzas and two beers, including tip.

3

Online ordering may not work reliably; consider calling instead.

07
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio and parking lot dining areas. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and intimate to loud and cramped, with tables placed very close together. Valet service is available, and the setting includes dimmed lights and a sea view.

Authentic Italian dishes require advance reservations here. The cuisine offers authentic quality, though it may not match New York standards.

An exceptional wine list features a standout Italian wine called Dreams. The best wine selection comes from Giorgio, offering a variety worth exploring.

People are saying

"The pasta portions here are small, but the flavor is fantastic."

"The cuisine here is so authentic, it feels like stepping into Italy."

"The wine here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required by phone as the restaurant is usually fully booked.

2

Valet parking costs $17 cash or $20 if paid by credit card.

3

Expect a wait of 15-20 minutes for valet service during busy times.

08
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli combines market, cafรฉ, and quick-stop in a bustling, cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian grocery offerings. Outdoor seating includes stone picnic tables for enjoying sandwiches. The vibe recalls Little Italy in Manhattan with a quaint, small-town charm.

Italian food features authentic ingredients and traditional flavors. The deli offers a wide variety of fresh, high-quality Italian goods including a meatball sandwich with genuine marinara sauce.

Offers a great selection of wines alongside fine Italian food. Includes breads, cheeses, and premade sandwiches that complement the wine choices.

People are saying

"The Godmother sandwich with the works is the best choice."

"I found a great wine selection here."

"Their authentic sandwiches, especially the Godmother, are wicked good."

Good to know

1

They accept only cash and debit card.

2

You need to grab a ticket with a number and wait until they call out the numbers.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

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Santa Monica, California

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