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Top picks in Santa Monica

Italian food for lunch

You want a midday break that prioritizes the consistency of Italian cooking.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
The Curious Palate image 1
The Curious Palate image 2
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New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

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.

Lunch features a burger and fries with a house-made dipping sauce. The spot works well for casual meetups and family lunches with kids.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

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

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and prepared with fresh ingredients."

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.

02
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

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.

Lunch here comes quickly during a quiet service with few people around. Food tastes very good and can be enjoyed in the sun on the high street.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

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

"The pasta at this Lunch Spot is fresh and homemade."

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.

03
Bread Head image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers a bright, well-designed space with an eclectic gallery wall and Margaritaville-themed bathroom. Atmosphere is loud and lively with a laidback, neighborhood vibe that feels fun and relaxed. Seating is limited but includes a gorgeous curbside patio that adds charm to the setting.

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.

Gourmet quality sandwiches come on house-baked focaccia, including a notable Muffaletta Sandwich. Portions are generous, with a half sandwich often enough for lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were fantastic."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches on house-baked focaccia are incredible."

"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.

04
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.

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.

Ordering online helps skip the wait during lunch. The Godmother sandwich stands out, alongside potato and cucumber salads and a chicken salad option for next-day meals.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the Godmother sandwich was the best I had ever had."

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.

05
Bruno's Italian Restaurant image 1
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.

Ravioli stands out as a fantastic dish here, paired with fresh, hot fettucine alfredo that tastes authentic. The menu also features great pizza and pasta, along with chicken parmigiana and cannoli.

Lunch offers a relaxing time with a different kind of meal focus. The panini stands out as a solid choice for a midday bite.

People are saying

"The pasta and gnocchi here are delicious."

"This pizza is fresh, delicious, and perfectly baked."

"This Italian lunch spot has the best pizza and pasta."

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
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Gnocchi and mushroom risotto stand out for their rich flavors. The Wild Boar Papperdelle comes with bread to soak up the bolognese sauce, and the Nonna lasagna is consistently exceptional.

Lunch offers a prix fixe menu around $18 with attentive and friendly service. It serves as a reasonably priced spot for a midday meal or happy hour.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"Our server Rico was so friendly and gave great recommendations."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

07
The Cloverfield image 1
American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Shrimp Pasta stands out with strong flavors. The tiramisu tastes sour and old, and costs $25 for two pieces.

Offers a convenient location near the airport with easy walking access. Serves lunch with a friendly ambiance suitable for meeting friends. Functions well for brunch, lunch, or dinner options.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

"The short rib bucatini here is so flavorful and cooked perfectly al dente."

"This lunch spot's large patio is dog and kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

08
Ghisallo image 1
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.

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.

Slices come as an option alongside whole pies for lunch. Options include Market Veggie and Buffalo Chicken pizzas, suitable for team meals.

People are saying

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

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

"The cacio e pepe pizza at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

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.

09
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Lobster pasta stands out with thick savory sauce and generous chunks of lobster, paired with black noodles for a unique twist. Family-style dishes include squash blossoms, hamachi, pizzas, steak, branzino, linguine, and carbonara, all served with excellent quality.

Trendy, chic vibe defines the lunch experience here. Express lunch offers great prices and Sundays bring a lively brunch and lunch scene.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The food at this lunch spot is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The Italian food here is amazing, and the service is so attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

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Santa Monica, California

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