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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Italian food

A craving for pasta and regional staples requires a place that understands the fundamentals of Italian cooking.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated April 2026
01
The Curious Palate image 1
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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.

Food features homemade dishes crafted from local produce including beer. Quality consistently rates as outstanding with delicious flavors and excellent service.

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."

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

"Their Italian food is handmade, from the pasta to the sauces."

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.

Authentic Italian flavors shine through every dish. The food shows high quality and is consistently well executed.

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."

"The service here is so attentive, it makes for a great date spot."

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
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.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and fantastic flavors. Service complements the meals well, creating a solid dining experience.

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 Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

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

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.

04
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.

Food features authentic Italian flavors with dishes that taste exactly like traditional recipes. Meals offer great value for money in an area known for higher prices.

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."

"The food, especially the gnocchi, is simple, comforting, and executed flawlessly."

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.

05
Wally's Santa Monica image 1

Walls lined with hundreds of wine bottles create a wine cellar atmosphere with high ceilings and marble surfaces. Loud music fills the space, generating energetic vibes where people gather around the bar and dining areas. The setting combines upscale decor with a chilly temperature, offering shawls for warmth.

Food features exquisite dishes with a strong focus on truffle homage. The menu pairs well with an amazing wine selection and includes cheese and charcuterie options.

Spicy salami pizza stands out with bold flavors. The menu also features truffle pasta, brie bread, and a notable seafood risotto with complex sauces.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and exquisite."

"I enjoyed the massive wine selection and delicious food."

"The Italian Food here is amazing, with wine bottles covering the walls."

Good to know

1

Weekly tequila tasting events occur every Saturday, offering a fun experience.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Live performances take place on Monday nights, adding to the venue's atmosphere.

06
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.

Fresh ingredients and a wide variety of authentic Italian foods stand out here. Hot food options are reasonably priced and draw people from far away.

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 wicked good food."

"You have to try the Godmother sandwich; it's amazing Italian food."

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.

07
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.

Food offers great quality and fresh taste with a variety of options at a decent price. The kitchen stays busy, reflecting the quick service and consistent flavor.

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.

08
Citrin Restaurant image 1

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music creating a bar-like atmosphere when busy. Outdoor patio offers a romantic and quiet setting ideal for dates. Interior blends new yet dated decor with veneers and cheaper materials.

Food here is beautifully prepared and consistently delicious. Presentation stands out alongside the Michelin-level quality.

Truffle risotto and lobster bolognese stand out among the Italian dishes. Pasta options are solid, though the truffle spaghetti is quite basic and the risotto portions are small.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The service here is top-notch and attentive."

"The Italian food, especially the Lobster Bolognese, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required well in advance for prime weekend seating.

2

The meal typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

3

A 4% opt-out service charge is added to the bill.

09
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.

French cuisine shines with delicious dishes and amazing flavors. Service matches the food quality, creating a very good dining experience.

Lobster pasta stands out with thick savory sauce and generous chunks of lobster, paired with black noodles for a unique twist. Family-style dishes include squash blossoms, hamachi, pizzas, steak, branzino, linguine, and carbonara, all served with excellent quality.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

"The Italian food here is amazing, and the service is so attentive."

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.

10
Sbarro Santa Monica image 1
Pizza restaurant

Food court spot offers freshly made dough and pizza by the slice with a variety of pasta options. Atmosphere is clean and quiet, suitable for quick meals or casual sit-downs. Prices lean toward restaurant-level, with deals available and a rewards program for frequent purchases.

Food offers consistent deliciousness with a variety of options recommended for first-timers. Service pairs well with the food, creating a solid dining experience.

Massive servings of Spaghetti and Meatballs come in to-go containers. Pasta options include a meat lasagna and a spaghetti variety. Cheese pizza features cheesy notes beyond typical mozzarella.

People are saying

"Gabriel's food prep was excellent and he was so fast and nice."

"Gabriel's enthusiasm made my pizza experience enjoyable."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The price for a couple of slices and a drink is $12-$15.

2

The location is in the food court on the top floor.

3

They offer a free rewards program called Sbarro Rewards to earn points with each purchase.

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