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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 825 Opinions
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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.

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

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

"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.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

02
Orto Santa Monica image 1
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.

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

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"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.

03
MUSE Santa Monica image 1
Modern French restaurant

Modern French restaurant showcases art deco inspired decor with moody lighting and elegant, inviting atmosphere. Space feels intimate yet stylish, balancing comfort with sophistication. Guests experience exceptional culinary craftsmanship paired with memorable desserts and cocktails.

Salads here are light and refreshing, featuring options like a garden salad and a roasted beet salad that works well for summer.

Saffron risotto stands out with its aromatic and technically well executed preparation. Tuna tartlets and eggplant pasta add variety with solid flavors.

People are saying

"The French food here is amazing, with such attentive and friendly service."

"The brioche here is the best bread I've ever eaten."

"The beet salad was so nice and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at the restaurant.

2

Valet parking is suggested as parking is limited in the area.

3

Expect to spend between $400 and $500 for two people, including drinks.

04
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.

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 wine here is fantastic and the waiter is knowledgeable."

"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.

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.

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

"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.

06
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.

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

"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.

07
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.

Salads feature well-seasoned proteins like salmon and blackened chicken. Dressings are light, and ingredients stay fresh and flavorful.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The server made excellent recommendations for the salad."

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.

08
Cosetta image 1
Italian restaurant

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 food here is fantastic, especially the steak and prawns."

"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.

09
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.

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

"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.

10
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.

Salads here include a house salad with burrata, a flavorful antipasto salad, and a classic Caesar salad. Each offers fresh ingredients and solid Italian flavors.

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.

People are saying

"The pasta and gnocchi here are delicious."

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

"The house salad here is perfect."

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.

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.

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 brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"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.

12
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.

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

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

"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.

13
The Galley image 1
Steak house

Rustic steakhouse with nautical-themed decor and Christmas lights creates a unique, intimate vibe. Large, heated patio offers a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere with fun staff and a late-night menu. The setting blends dive bar charm with high-quality steaks and casual social energy.

Caesar salad comes somewhat deconstructed with lettuce you cut yourself. The house dressing stands out and is a reason to try the salad. Salads pair well with other dishes but are not large enough to be a main course.

Pasta dishes like shrimp pasta, pasta marinara, and linguine with clams or mussels stand out here. The seafood pasta and steak sandwich also get attention, while the fried shrimp divides opinions.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers tasted excellent."

"The Italian food here has a great atmosphere and is a lovely place to meet friends."

"You have to try their amazing salad dressing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5-7pm with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers late-night food service until 1am.

3

Expect some menu items to be marked as 'market price.'

14
Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen image 1

Pizza restaurant offers New York style pizza with a chill atmosphere and baseball games on TV. Seating is spacious and casual, attracting a neighborhood crowd. Prices can vary between online and in-store, but the vibe stays relaxed and easy-going.

Chicken Caesar salad comes with a distinctive dressing that stands out. Salads are available in small sizes and often paired with pizza and drinks for a quick meal.

Chicken parmesan stands out with its great sauce and plenty of mozzarella, cooked well in a sub. Lasagna features homemade noodles cooked al dente, with sauce and cheese full of flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always tastes fresh."

"This New York Style Pizza is simple, yummy, and generously topped with ricotta."

"The chicken Parmesan here is really, really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Online menu prices may not match in-store prices; check before ordering.

3

A slice of pizza costs about $4.

15
Rustic Canyon image 1
Californian restaurant

Rustic, chic design with hardwood interiors and close seating creates an intimate but loud atmosphere filled with music and chatter. Small, open space includes a back patio that offers a charming outdoor experience. The vibe blends upscale yet laid-back energy, welcoming casually dressed diners.

Beet and tomato salads stand out with freshness and complexity. The tomato variety salad offers a refreshing and layered taste.

Gnocchi stands out as a well-presented and delicious dish that appeals even to young kids.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, highlighting fresh, local ingredients."

"The beet and berry salad was a definite highlight."

"The Italian food here, especially the gnocchi, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for tables during peak hours.

3

A 4% health charge is added to the subtotal before tax.

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