Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

Pasta and seafood

A pasta menu that treats seafood as the star of the dish rather than just a garnish for the noodles.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Orto Santa Monica image 2
Orto Santa Monica image 3
View all
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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp ravioli cooked to perfection and a creamy sauce that complements the shrimp and cheese filling. Pasta like linguine di mare comes with al dente noodles and seafood cooked just right.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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

"The shrimp ravioli here is cooked to perfection."

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
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.

Shrimp po boy stands out with its fresh shrimp and solid flavor. Fish tacos use never frozen fish, adding to their quality.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos and swordfish sandwich were delicious."

"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.

03
Orla by Michael Mina image 1

Tiered flooring and panoramic ocean views create an elegant, inviting atmosphere with high ceilings and a large bar. Music from a DJ blends into the background, supporting a vibrant yet conversational vibe. Spaces range from lively patio areas to quiet, segregated rooms for intimate talks.

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.

Fish dishes like Alexandria Fish and Branzino come out cooked to perfection. The salad and bread service complement the seafood well, and wine pairings match the fish nicely.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection, especially the fish."

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.

04
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.

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.

Oysters come pre-dressed with jalapeรฑos and grapefruit, blending spice and citrus. Popcorn shrimp and crostini add variety, while toasts feature vegetables and fish for a fresh mix.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is amazing, especially by the warm fire."

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.

05
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.

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.

Fresh seafood shines with juicy fish that stands out. The menu follows a farm-to-table philosophy using locally sourced ingredients.

People are saying

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

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

"The Seafood here is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin."

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.

06
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.

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.

Fish tacos stand out with their delicious flavor and generous portions during Happy Hour. Clams and panko crusted halibut also feature as great seafood options alongside steak.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers tasted excellent."

"The seafood here, especially the salmon and halibut, is better than perfect."

"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.'

07
Diner Antonette image 1
American restaurant

Old building hosts an American diner with retro-inspired decor and cozy booths under warm, dim lighting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with modern touches, creating a relaxed vibe. Patio and event spaces offer airy, bright settings 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.

Fish sandwich stands out with great flavor and quality. Other seafood options like salmon are available, but the fish sandwich is the highlight.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the fish sandwich; it's amazing."

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.

08
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.

Seafood centers on wood fire grilled preparations with prices reflecting quality, such as fish at $98. The focus lies on delivering excellent seafood that matches the premium cost.

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."

"I found the seafood here to be excellent."

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.

09
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.

Shrimp and grits stand out with rich flavors, paired with grilled fish and fresh tuna and salmon starters. Whole fish dishes deliver solid taste, complemented by homemade pasta with truffles.

People are saying

"The brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

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

"The seafood here is excellent; the staff is so attentive."

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.

10
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.

White fish stands out with fresh, clean flavors. The seafood pairs well with red wine and finishes with a tiramisu dessert.

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 seafood here is divine, especially the fish."

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.

11
1 Pico image 1
Californian restaurant

Upscale restaurant offers gorgeous ocean views and a welcoming, romantic atmosphere. Dining room provides a perfect sunset spot with meticulously decorated surroundings. Energy stays pleasant and relaxed, attracting diners who appreciate both setting and seafood.

Lobster spaghetti stands out as a notable dish here. Vegan ravioli tastes fresh but lacks seasoning. Pasta dishes cost at least $50 and feel overpriced for what they offer.

Seafood dishes stand out with delicious fish and great meat and seafood combinations. Oysters are small and lack flavor, but other seafood options are lovely.

People are saying

"I loved the gorgeous ocean views, especially at sunset."

"The wine list here is amazing and has a great variety."

"The seafood dishes here were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect entrees to range from $50 to $100, excluding sides.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

12
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 a unique taste and is highly recommended. The pesto spaghetti also draws attention for its rich flavor.

Seafood noodles and fresh oysters stand out here. Salmon and grilled fish come cooked perfectly, often paired with flavorful vegetables like asparagus and broccolini.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The seafood here is outstanding, especially the grilled fish."

"The pesto pasta here is to die for."

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.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...