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Local picks

Pasta and Italian food in Santa Monica

You want authentic Italian pasta that respects the tradition of the dish.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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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.

Cheese ravioli with mushroom sauce stands out with perfect cooking and a unique taste. The truffle pasta served in a cheese wheel offers an amazing, rich flavor that defines the pasta experience here.

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

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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

"The truffle pasta in the cheese wheel is amazing."

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.

02
Spumoni Pizza Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

Fresh homemade pasta stands out with generous portions and perfect cooking. Dishes like pasta alla puttanesca and lasagna offer bold flavors and satisfying spice levels.

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 wine here is fantastic and the waiter is knowledgeable."

"I enjoyed the fresh, handmade pasta here."

"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.

03
La Vecchia Cucina image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an elegant and warm atmosphere with close-set tables and a spectacular bar. Outdoor seating includes a heated patio but can be affected by street odors. The vibe balances relaxed yet classy, often buzzing and crowded during peak times.

Pasta dishes come out perfectly al dente with delicious sauces. Options like chicken parmesan with spaghetti, penne a la vodka with chicken, and pasta carbonara stand out for their flavor and quality.

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."

"I loved dining on the heated outdoor patio."

"I enjoyed the delicious pasta with many tasty options."

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.

04
Chelsea Restaurant image 1

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.

Sweet corn and ricotta ravioli stands out with a Thai green curry twist. Corn ravioli appears alongside dishes like boar ragu, adding a unique pasta option.

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

"This place is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual night out."

"The Italian food and service here are excellent."

"The sweet corn ravioli is a must-try pasta dish."

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.

05
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.

White lasagna stands out with rich flavors. The menu offers a great selection of classic Italian pastas, alongside salads and pizzas.

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

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

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

"I thought the pasta was great."

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.

06
The Curious Palate image 1
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.

Homemade pasta stands out with dishes like Spinach & Pea Pesto, Coconut Curry, and Cilantro Pasta offering distinct flavors. Quality remains consistently high, making the pasta a highlight of the menu.

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

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

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

"The pasta here is handmade 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.

07
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.

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 here is fresh and the sauces are rich."

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.

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.

Freshly made cheese ravioli and meat-filled lasagna stand out here. The lasagna from the hot bar offers rich flavor at a reasonable price, alongside a variety of quality pastas and sauces.

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

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

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

"You have to try the lasagna inside the Godmother sandwich."

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.

09
Locanda Portofino image 1
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.

Pasta dishes feature rich flavors like penne vodka and black squid ink tagliolini. Options include spaghetti with Santa Barbara sea urchins and pasta with swordfish and eggplant.

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 chocolate dessert was perfect."

"The pasta here is authentic Italian and utterly perfection."

"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.

10
Capo image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

Corn truffle ravioli stands out as a perfect dish. The ragu and pasta portions can be ordered as halves to share. The pasta dishes pair well with other courses like steak and dessert.

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

"I loved getting their handmade pasta; it made other Italian restaurants look bad."

"I had one of the greatest dinners of my life here."

"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.

11
Fia Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

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.

Pastas come well put together with attention to detail. The lobster pasta stands out as a dish that gets devoured quickly.

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 brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

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

"The house-made pasta, especially the arrabbiata, is rich and 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.

12
Giorgio Baldi image 1
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.

Handmade pastas like pumpkin ravioli and corn agnolotti stand out for their freshness and flavor. The linguine with langostino offers a subtle sweetness that complements the dish well.

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

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

"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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