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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Pasta

A bowl of pasta is the ultimate comfort. It is about that simple, hearty satisfaction that only noodles can provide.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Chelsea Restaurant image 1
Chelsea Restaurant image 2
Chelsea Restaurant image 3
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Upscale spot blends South London Indian flavors with a quiet, sophisticated vibe perfect for dates. Sweet corn and ricotta ravioli with a Thai green curry twist offers a unique pasta choice. Inventive cocktails add to the hip, intimate atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and super inventive."

"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.

02
Spumoni Pizza Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot boasts fresh homemade pasta with bold flavors like pasta alla puttanesca. Heated patio adds charm to the calm, relaxed vibe. Perfect for casual diners seeking generous portions and quiet street views.

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.

People are saying

"The wine here is fantastic and the waiter is knowledgeable."

"The warm bread with olive tapenade was phenomenal."

"I enjoyed the fresh, handmade pasta here."

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
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Homemade pasta shines with distinct flavors like Spinach & Pea Pesto and Coconut Curry. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax away from noisy spots.

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.

People are saying

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

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"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.

04
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with soaring ceilings and a bright atmosphere. Cheese ravioli with mushroom sauce offers perfect cooking and unique taste. Soft jazz music keeps noise low, making it easy to chat in the charming courtyard.

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.

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.

05
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with a dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Pasta options like Wagyu spaghetti and Nonna lasagna offer rich, flavorful meals. Fire pits add warmth to the outdoor seating, making it lively and cozy.

Wagyu spaghetti offers rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked pasta paired with French bread. The Nonna lasagna stands out as exceptional, alongside a notable truffle pappardelle option.

People are saying

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

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"Our server Rico gave great recommendations for the pasta."

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.

06
La Vecchia Cucina image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an elegant, warm vibe with heated patio seating. Pasta shines with perfectly al dente dishes like chicken parmesan and penne a la vodka. Bar area is spectacular, making it a lively yet classy spot.

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.

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.

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.

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
Giorgio Baldi image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot offers handmade pastas like pumpkin ravioli and corn agnolotti with fresh flavors. Cozy seating includes a sea view patio and valet service. Atmosphere shifts from quiet intimacy to lively and cramped with tables close together.

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.

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."

"It's a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at ease."

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.

09
Locanda Portofino image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant Italian dining offers authentic European charm with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Pasta dishes shine with rich flavors like penne vodka and black squid ink tagliolini. Indoor and outdoor seating create a romantic, moody vibe perfect for classic East Coast energy.

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.

People are saying

"I thought the chocolate dessert was perfect."

"The food here is perfection, especially the amazing pasta."

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

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
MUSE Santa Monica image 1
Modern French restaurant

Modern French restaurant offers an intimate, stylish setting with art deco decor and moody lighting. Eggplant pasta, especially eggplant cappelletti, delivers rich flavor and pairs well with seafood like halibut. Guests enjoy exceptional culinary craftsmanship and memorable desserts and cocktails.

Eggplant pasta stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. The menu features eggplant cappelletti and other pasta dishes that pair well with seafood like halibut.

People are saying

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

"The staff's attentiveness and warmth made it feel so intimate."

"The pasta here is served by a team that's attentive and warm."

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.

11
Orla by Michael Mina image 1

Tiered flooring and panoramic ocean views set an elegant scene with lively patios and quiet rooms. Macaroni bechamel with shaved truffle shines among rich pasta dishes. A large bar and DJ music create a vibrant yet conversational vibe throughout.

Macaroni bechamel with shaved truffle stands out as rich and indulgent. The prawn pasta and ravioli also offer elevated flavors that impress beyond basic dishes.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is extraordinary, with layers of flavor."

"The sunset view here is a beautiful, magical show."

"I'm still thinking about that exceptional macaroni dish."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $25 if validated inside.

2

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to all bills.

3

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot, especially for outdoor seating.

12
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli blends market, cafรฉ, and quick-stop with authentic Italian grocery and cozy vibe. Fresh cheese ravioli and rich meat lasagna shine at the hot bar. Outdoor stone picnic tables invite relaxed sandwich breaks.

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.

People are saying

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

"The bread here is remarkably fresh and enhances every sandwich."

"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.

13
Calif Chicken Cafe image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken spot shines with take-out window and no seating, making it quick and easy. Pasta dishes like broccoli pasta and mini chicken salad pasta taste fresh and satisfying. Menu focuses on healthy, affordable meals with highlights like Chinese chicken salad and green goddess dressing.

Broccoli pasta stands out with its delicious flavor and fresh preparation. Mini chicken salad pasta comes moist and properly cooked, offering a satisfying texture.

People are saying

"I loved their massive, flavorful salads."

"These wraps are so fresh and delicious, you can't go wrong."

"The mini chicken salad pasta was very good and properly cooked."

Good to know

1

The cafe has a take-out window only; no dine-in options available.

2

Customers need to order at the window or ahead of time.

3

This place is cashless, so bring your card for payment.

14
Capo image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-world style Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and authentic artwork. Pasta lovers will enjoy the corn truffle ravioli and shareable ragu portions. Lively conversations and eclectic music create a balanced, inviting energy.

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.

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 wine list here is amazing and extensive."

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.

15
Bruno's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian trattoria offers authentic atmosphere with vintage design and traditional music. Pasta shines with fantastic ravioli and classic dishes like gnocchi and lasagna. Outdoor patio with pier views blends Italian and Californian vibes for a unique dining experience.

Pasta dishes include potato gnocchi with ragรน, tomato ravioli, and spaghetti with ragรน, all cooked authentically. The ravioli stands out as a fantastic dish alongside great lasagna and scampi.

People are saying

"The pasta and gnocchi here are delicious."

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

"The pasta here is delicious and satisfying."

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.

16
The Galley image 1
Steak house

Rustic steakhouse shines with high-quality steaks and a large heated patio for relaxed dining. Seafood pasta is hit or miss, with a shrimp pasta that feels sparse and a marinara that tastes canned, but kids enjoy the pasta options. Nautical decor and Christmas lights add a unique intimate vibe.

Seafood pasta dishes include a shrimp pasta with only four shrimp and a fish pasta special. Pasta marinara tastes like canned tomatoes. Kids enjoy the pasta options here.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers tasted excellent."

"The clam chowder here is hearty and full of fresh clams."

"The pasta here has a great atmosphere and is a lovely place to eat."

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.'

17
Diner Antonette image 1
American restaurant

Old building hosts an American diner with retro-inspired decor and cozy booths under warm lighting. Fresh, in-house-made pasta shines in lobster and crab dishes. Patio offers airy, bright settings perfect for gatherings.

Fresh, in-house-made pasta stands out, especially in the lobster and crab dishes. The crab pasta is delicate and the meatballs with pasta are solid.

People are saying

"The diner's fried chicken is wonderfully spiced and crispy."

"It's a warm, retro-inspired atmosphere with a modern, curated vibe."

"The homemade pasta here is better than in Italy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks before 7 PM on weekdays.

2

Kids meals are available for $5 each.

3

Parking is generally available on the street, but check for meters.

18
Fia Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Outdoor garden with fire pits and cozy seating under pine trees sets a magical scene. Lobster pasta shines with attention to detail and gets devoured fast. Modern American brunch and dinner blend perfectly with the indoor-outdoor design and intimate vibe.

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

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.

19
Ghisallo image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy back patio under olive trees sets a chill vibe with quaint lighting. Classic Italian pastas shine, especially the white lasagna with rich flavors. Sidewalk tables offer lively people-watching in a dog-friendly space.

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

People are saying

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

"The back patio seating is super cute and charming."

"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.

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Santa Monica, California

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