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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Pasta and wine

A glass of wine alongside a bowl of pasta is the classic way to slow down. It is about savoring the combination of flavors.

Based on 592 Opinions
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01
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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.

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.

A large wine selection pairs with a wide variety of beers. Wine sells at 50% off with a class at the Gourmandise School.

People are saying

"The pasta here is handmade with fresh ingredients."

"They had a great wine selection and local brew options."

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.

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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.

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.

An incredible wine selection pairs well with the food. The top notch wine stands out in the intimate ambience.

People are saying

"The staff gave excellent wine and food recommendations."

"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.

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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.

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.

Short but decent wine list offers house red wines with good value. Prices stay reasonable while pairing well with food choices.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the fresh, handmade pasta here."

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

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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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.

Well curated wine list pairs with excellent service and delicious food. The wine selection offers a lovely variety that complements the menu.

People are saying

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

"I found the food and wine to be delicious."

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.

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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.

Wine pairings receive expert attention from the sommelier, matching dishes like fish with precise selections. The menu features thoughtful wine recommendations that complement each course well.

People are saying

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

"The wine pairings for each course were spot on."

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.

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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.

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

Wines come with great selection and knowledgeable recommendations. The quality stays consistent alongside tasty pizzas and appetizers, all enjoyed easily on a super cute patio.

People are saying

"I thought the pasta was great."

"The wine here is amazing, friendly, and attentive."

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.

07
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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.

Fine Italian wines, including a white Vermentino from Sardinia, complement the food well. The wine list offers good variety and staff assist with pairing choices.

People are saying

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

"The wine here is authentic Italian, just like the food."

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.

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Parking can be difficult during busy times, so plan accordingly.

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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.

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.

Offers a great selection of wines alongside fine Italian food. Includes breads, cheeses, and premade sandwiches that complement the wine choices.

People are saying

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

"I found a great wine selection here."

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.

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

Patrick, the sommelier, offers knowledgeable and attentive service. The wine list is great and impressive, pairing well with the food and cocktails.

People are saying

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

"The wine here is amazing and delicious."

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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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.

A huge selection of wines fills the list, offering many options. The list is extensive and includes special bottles for unique tastes.

People are saying

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

"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.

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