Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Italian food desserts

Italian food that finishes with a real dessert instead of the usual generic, store-bought options.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated
01
Spumoni Pizza Restaurant image 1
Spumoni Pizza Restaurant image 2
Spumoni Pizza Restaurant image 3
View all

Italian restaurant offers cozy indoor space and heated outdoor patio with a calm, relaxed vibe. Neighborhood feel attracts casual diners and small groups, often with quiet street views through clean windows.

Spumoni stands out with its dark cherry chocolate shell and Neapolitan ice cream wrapped in chocolate. Desserts here pair well with savory dishes like pizza and arugula salad.

Fresh homemade pasta and ravioli stand out with perfect cooking and generous portions. Pasta alla puttanesca offers a flavorful, spicy experience, complemented by a delicious homemade marinara sauce.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is really tasty and delicious."

"You have to check out the half-price Mondays on Desserts!"

Good to know

1

Monday night offers 50% off food from 5 PM to 9 PM.

2

Seating is available without a reservation on Sundays at 6 PM.

3

Metered street parking is available nearby.

02
Chelsea Restaurant image 1
Chelsea Restaurant image 2
Chelsea Restaurant image 3
View all

Upscale restaurant with trendy decor and intimate vibe offers a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere suited for date nights or casual outings. Comfortable booths and a nearly full dining room create a lively yet relaxed energy. Inventive cocktails and gourmet menu complement the hip South London Indian influence.

Desserts include options with and without egg, clearly explained by staff. The selection pairs well with food and drinks, offering a satisfying finish.

Sweet corn ravioli and boar ragu stand out, with the ragu leaning very sweet. Dishes like lemon ricotta gnocchi, lobster linguine, and sea bass add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"The Italian food and service here are excellent."

"Wally sent multiple pre-fixe menus with variety."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy quickly.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking is also plentiful.

3

Dress code is business casual; avoid flip flops and shorts.

03
Locanda Portofino image 1
Locanda Portofino image 2
Locanda Portofino image 3
View all

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.

Desserts include torta della nonna, chocolate tart, and panna cotta. The chocolate tart stands out as especially rich and satisfying.

Fresh burrata cheese pairs well with bell peppers, and pasta dishes include sea urchin spaghetti and black squid ink tagliolini. Gnocchi options feature gorgonzola and creamy pesto, while risotto highlights porcini mushrooms. Desserts like torta della nonna and panna cotta finish the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Italian food here was authentic and legit."

"The desserts here are authentic and made with high-quality ingredients."

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.

04
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Orto Santa Monica image 2
Orto Santa Monica image 3
View all

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.

Coppa dellโ€™Orto stands out among desserts. The chocolate dome with hot caramel sauce and strawberries comes with a brandy cream. Homemade tiramisu also features as a delicious option.

Pasta stands out with perfectly cooked ravioli and fluffy homemade gnocchi in creamy vodka sauce. The menu features truffle pasta served with a cheese wheel and a superb burrata with Italian ham.

People are saying

"The Italian food here feels so authentic and romantic."

"I loved their delicious homemade tiramisu dessert."

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.

05
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Ugo Trattoria image 2
Ugo Trattoria image 3
View all

Quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and lovely patio. Music plays softly, creating a calm, inviting vibe without loud noise or crowds. The setting feels warm and simple, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Desserts include a Tiramisu served in a chocolate cup and a trilogy dessert. Cold desserts take about 15 minutes to arrive, longer than expected.

Homemade gnocchi shines with a rich basil pesto that tastes authentic and comforting. Dishes like Pappardelle Bolognese and fried calamari come in solid portions and showcase real Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The Italian food's gnocchi is perfectly soft and delicious."

"The desserts here are tasty and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

06
Capo image 1
Capo image 2
Capo image 3
View all

Old-world style Italian restaurant with cozy atmosphere and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting space. Walls and windowsills display authentic artwork, enhancing the intimate setting. Lively conversations and an eclectic music playlist keep energy balanced without overpowering.

Desserts come with a berry crumble that stands out for its taste and presentation. They are very cute but come with a high price tag.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like Bucatini with Lamb Ragu offering deep flavors and corn truffle ravioli delivering a perfect balance. The menu allows ordering half portions to try more, and the service includes helpful recommendations for pairing dishes.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is so good, it makes other Italian food look bad."

"I loved the desserts here; they were very good."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices; a truffle pasta costs around $250.

2

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to all bills.

3

Valet parking is available for $15, but metered street parking is also nearby.

07
Fia Restaurant image 1
Fia Restaurant image 2
Fia Restaurant image 3
View all

Outdoor garden with fire pits and seating under a pine tree creates a cozy, magical atmosphere. Space heaters and blankets help manage a chilly, intimate setting. The vibe suits modern American brunch and dinner, with a unique, beautiful indoor-outdoor design.

Desserts mix icy, sour, sweet, and crunchy flavors for a unique taste. The lemon tart is flavorful but a bit firm, while the strawberry shortcake stands out as a favorite. Special occasions sometimes get a surprise dessert.

Spicy arrabbiata pasta stands out with its rich, fiery flavor and boldness. All pastas are made in house and well put together, with tortellini and Caesar salad also notable.

People are saying

"The pasta here is rich, fiery, and unapologetically bold."

"The desserts here are delicious and memorable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch for four people costs around $460, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Happy hour is available from 4:30 to 5:30 PM on weekdays.

08
Citrin Restaurant image 1
Citrin Restaurant image 2
Citrin Restaurant image 3
View all

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music creating a bar-like atmosphere when busy. Outdoor patio offers a romantic and quiet setting ideal for dates. Interior blends new yet dated decor with veneers and cheaper materials.

Desserts include a crepe that offers a sweet finish and a decadent dark chocolate option for a rich ending.

Truffle risotto and lobster bolognese stand out among the Italian dishes. Pasta options are solid, though the truffle spaghetti is quite basic and the risotto portions are small.

People are saying

"The service here is top-notch and attentive."

"The Italian food, especially the Lobster Bolognese, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required well in advance for prime weekend seating.

2

The meal typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

3

A 4% opt-out service charge is added to the bill.

09
Cosetta image 1
Cosetta image 2
Cosetta image 3
View all

Open air dining with a large, heated patio creates a cozy Italian style atmosphere that invites lingering. The space combines a tasteful interior design with ample outdoor seating and a fire pit, supporting both lively and romantic vibes. A bar area complements the setting, making it suitable for casual drinks or date nights.

Chocolate peanut butter budino tastes like a deconstructed Snickers bar. Cheesecake comes creamy with a dark cherry compote. Ice cream sandwich shows some off oil notes.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizzas, had bold, flavorful toppings."

"The desserts here taste like a deconstructed Snickers bar."

Good to know

1

Reservation is highly recommended during weekends and peak hours.

2

Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant with two hours of validation.

3

Happy Hour runs from 4 to 5 pm on weekdays.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide