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Top picks in Santa Monica

Italian food and salad spots

You are looking for a meal that combines the freshness of a salad with the traditional foundations of Italian cooking.

Based on 764 Opinions
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01
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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.

Starters include a burrata and beet salad that stands out. Salads come with fresh, nice dressing and pair well with dishes like sea bass and scaloppina.

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 found the salad to be truly amazing with fresh dressing."

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.

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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.

Salads feature Goat Cheese and Beet, Mediterranean, and Arugula varieties. Caesar salad dressing stands out for dipping fresh bread. Chopped salad also appears as a starter option.

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."

"I thought the salads we ordered were enjoyable."

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.

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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.

Salads feature fresh, locally sourced vegetables and come in generous portions. Options like the Thai Satay Salad with chicken and the house salad offer a balance of flavors and quality ingredients.

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."

"The spicy kale Caesar salad is a must-try."

Good to know

1

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

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The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

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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.

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.

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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.

Salads come with a great selection including arugula and beet salad options. Dressing often comes on the side, and the kale salad used to be available.

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 enjoyed the great salads and seriously good pizza."

"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.

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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.

Salads feature interesting greens like chicory and come with well-seasoned dressings and crunchy bacon. Some include unique touches like saffron aioli and puffed rice, adding texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The Caesar salad here is generously topped with crunchy bacon."

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

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.

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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.

Penne and Caesar Salad stands out as a go-to meal. The Mediterranean salad is also good, but salads take a long time to arrive, sometimes up to 30 minutes.

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."

"I found the Mediterranean salad to be good."

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.

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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.

Chicken salad features fresh white meat with no gristle, combined with crisp onions, peppers, and herbs in mayo. Potato and cucumber salads also appear, with salads tasting homemade and fresh.

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."

"The Godmother sandwich was mouth watering."

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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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.

Vegetarian options shine with roasted cauliflower and seasonal salads full of herbs and citrus. The Italian chopped salad and Caesar salad offer fresh, flavorful choices.

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 chopped salad here is huge and amazing."

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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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.

Salads come fresh and delicious, including a Maine Lobster salad priced at $40 with a solid rating. They pair well with soups and pastas, making for a well-rounded meal.

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."

"The salad here is delicious and fresh."

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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