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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Santa Monica

Italian food

Authentic Italian food that feels like a genuine kitchen experience rather than a mass-produced menu.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated April 2026
01
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Orto Santa Monica image 2
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Italian restaurant

Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz sets a calm mood. Pasta shines with perfect ravioli and creamy gnocchi in vodka sauce. Outdoor courtyard adds charm, blending elegance and comfort.

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.

02
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Fresh, light pea pesto pasta impresses with savory flavors. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax away from noisy spots.

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.

03
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with a dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Outdoor fire pits add warmth to the lively scene. Italian dishes like gnocchi and wild boar papperdelle offer rich, memorable flavors.

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
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli offers meatball subs and cured meats in a cozy, bustling spot. Outdoor stone picnic tables invite quick bites with a quaint charm. The vibe echoes Little Italy with authentic groceries and a lively cafรฉ feel.

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."

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

"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.

05
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Quaint Italian spot offers homemade gnocchi with rich basil pesto and solid portions of Pappardelle Bolognese. Cozy atmosphere with a lovely patio and soft music creates a calm, inviting vibe. Warm, simple setting ensures a relaxed dining experience.

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 atmosphere feels light and cozy with a calm vibe."

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.

06
Wally's Santa Monica image 1

Walls lined with hundreds of wine bottles set a wine cellar vibe with upscale decor and marble surfaces. Loud music creates energetic vibes where guests enjoy spicy salami pizza and seafood risotto with bold, complex flavors.

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.

07
Citrin Restaurant image 1

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music, creating a bar-like vibe. Outdoor patio offers a romantic and quiet setting perfect for dates. Italian dishes shine with truffle risotto and lobster bolognese, though portions are small and decor mixes new and dated elements.

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.

08
Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen image 1

New York style pizza shines in a chill spot with baseball games on TV and spacious seating. Chicken parmesan boasts great sauce and mozzarella, while lasagna has homemade noodles cooked al dente. Prices vary but the vibe stays relaxed and easy-going.

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.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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