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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Italian food

Made for those who seek out the specific regional traditions and ingredients of authentic Italian cooking.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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01
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Bright space with an eclectic gallery wall sets a lively, laidback vibe. Homemade focaccia bread shines with fresh, crunchy texture. Sandwiches mix classic Italian flavors and creative twists like turkey pesto with arugula and avocado.

Homemade focaccia bread stands out with its freshness and perfect crunch. Sandwiches blend classic Italian flavors with creative twists, like the turkey pesto featuring arugula, avocado, and garlic mayo.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the focaccia, is delicious and perfectly crunchy."

Good to know

1

The joint is small, so seating is tough.

2

Expect long queues around lunch hour.

3

They don't accept cash, only touchless payment methods.

02
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Cozy back patio with olive trees sets a chill vibe for dining. Antipasti offers a variety worth trying while chicken Parmesan delivers a crispy, flavorful bite. Sidewalk tables invite lively people-watching in a dog-friendly space.

Antipasti stands out with a variety worth trying alone. Chicken Parmesan has a crispy breaded chicken breast and light marinara. Pizza options include a meatball slice with balanced flavors and a prosciutto Neapolitan with a crispy crust. The white lasagna and cacio e pepe are notable dishes.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, has a delicious, flavorful crust."

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.

03
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Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz sets a calm mood. Pasta shines with perfect ravioli and creamy gnocchi in vodka sauce. Outdoor courtyard adds charm, blending elegance and comfort.

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."

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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Italian restaurant offers an elegant, warm atmosphere with a spectacular bar and heated patio seating. Chicken parmesan shines with rich flavor, while pastas are perfectly al dente with bold sauces. Vibe stays relaxed yet classy, often buzzing and crowded.

Chicken parmesan stands out with its perfectly cooked texture and rich flavor. Pastas come al dente with sauces like Bolognese and carbonara that are full of taste.

People are saying

"Their Bolognese is the best Italian food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets quite busy.

2

Happy hour is available at the bar with limited seating.

3

It gets chilly by the sea in the evening; bring a warm layer.

05
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Cozy indoor space and heated patio create a calm vibe for casual diners. Fresh homemade pasta and ravioli shine with perfect cooking and generous portions. Pasta alla puttanesca delivers a flavorful, spicy kick, paired with delicious marinara sauce.

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."

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.

06
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Quaint Italian spot offers homemade gnocchi with rich basil pesto and solid portions of Pappardelle Bolognese. Cozy atmosphere with a lovely patio and soft music creates a calm, inviting vibe. Warm, simple setting ensures a relaxed dining experience.

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."

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.

07
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Traditional Italian deli offers meatball subs and cured meats in a cozy, bustling spot. Outdoor stone picnic tables invite quick bites with a quaint charm. The vibe echoes Little Italy with authentic groceries and a lively cafรฉ feel.

Meatball Subs come with meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and parmesan cheese. The hot bar offers meat-filled lasagna priced at $8. Sandwiches like the Godmother and Don Lorenzo feature Italian cured meats and fresh bread with rich toppings.

People are saying

"You have to try the Godmother sandwich; it's amazing Italian food."

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.

08
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Elegant Italian dining offers fresh burrata and unique pasta like sea urchin spaghetti. Warm, inviting atmosphere with romantic outdoor seating creates a cozy, authentic vibe. Classic East Coast energy blends with porcini mushroom risotto for a true Italian experience.

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."

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.

09
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Walls lined with hundreds of wine bottles set a wine cellar vibe with upscale decor and marble surfaces. Loud music creates energetic vibes where guests enjoy spicy salami pizza and seafood risotto with bold, complex flavors.

Spicy salami pizza stands out with bold flavors. The menu also features truffle pasta, brie bread, and a notable seafood risotto with complex sauces.

People are saying

"The Italian Food here is amazing, with wine bottles covering the walls."

Good to know

1

Weekly tequila tasting events occur every Saturday, offering a fun experience.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Live performances take place on Monday nights, adding to the venue's atmosphere.

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Upscale spot blends trendy decor with a quiet atmosphere perfect for dates or casual nights. Italian dishes like sweet corn ravioli and lobster linguine shine alongside inventive cocktails. Comfortable booths add to the relaxed yet lively vibe.

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."

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.

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Old-world style Italian restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and authentic artwork. Pasta dishes like Bucatini with Lamb Ragu shine, with half portions to sample more flavors. Lively conversations and eclectic music keep energy balanced and inviting.

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."

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.

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Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Fresh, light pea pesto pasta impresses with savory flavors. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax away from noisy spots.

Pasta quality stands out with fresh, light pea pesto pasta loaded with pesto, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes. Salads and pasta offer a fresh and savory taste that impresses even those familiar with Italian food.

People are saying

"Their Italian food is handmade, from the pasta to the sauces."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

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Outdoor garden with fire pits and cozy seating under pine trees creates a magical vibe. Spicy arrabbiata pasta shines with bold, fiery flavor, while house-made pastas impress. Space heaters and blankets keep the intimate setting warm for modern American brunch and dinner.

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."

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.

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Cozy Italian spot offers handmade pastas like pumpkin ravioli and corn agnolotti with fresh flavors. Seating is tight, ranging from quiet indoor to lively patio with sea views. Valet service adds ease to dining in this intimate, charming setting.

Handmade pastas like pumpkin ravioli and corn agnolotti stand out for their freshness and flavor. The langoustine linguine offers a subtle sweetness, while the gnocchi with meat sauce and classic spaghetti deliver solid, delicious options.

People are saying

"The Italian food here has big flavor but small portions."

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.

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Santa Monica, California

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