Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price: Moderate (192)Price: Expensive (194)Price: Very Expensive (90)

105 restaurants available nearby

1. Orto Santa Monica

4.8

Exceptional(1068)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 11 times today

Orto Santa Monica has become the favorite destination for authentic Italian cuisine among the locals of Santa Monica and LA Westside. Patrons commend the restaurant particularly for its excellent pasta, quality ingredients, and unique offerings for truffle lovers. The reviews laud its dishes such as carbonara, pesto trofie, carpaccio, baked eggplant, and salmon entrée. The quality of food, active involvement of the proprietor, attentiveness of the staff, and great ambiance help create a typical Italian dining experience that makes guests feel transported to Italy. This top-tier experience is complemented by the beautifully plated dishes, courtesy, and attention of the staff, contributing to Orto Santa Monica’s reputation for delivering exceptional service.

A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant

2. North Italia - Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1455)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 21 times today

North Italia - Santa Monica is a favorite for Italian cuisine lovers, bringing together authentic flavors and a cozy ambiance. The restaurant offers a range of classic Italian dishes, from numerous choices of pizza such as "The Pig" and "Prosciutto", to fresh pasta like the house specialty, "Bolognese". Reviews emphasize the authenticity of the food, praising the "excellent Italian wines", "delicious small plates", and "authentic Italian food in the heart of Santa Monica". There is also a highlight on the special cocktail, Italian Spritz, which is regarded as one of the best in the US. The restaurant's location in a shopping strip coupled with great food, service, and ambiance, makes it a popular hangout and highly recommended for Italian cuisine.

3. Massilia

4.4

Awesome(796)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 11 times today

Massilia, located in Santa Monica, delivers a delightful French cuisine experience accentuated by a stellar ambiance and exceptional customer service. Customers rave about its magnificent dishes, with standouts being the delicious Ratatouille, superb pasta, and exquisite squid ink pasta with clams. The restaurant boasts an allergy-friendly menu, with knowledgeable staff capable of suggesting tasty alternatives to customers. Patrons particularly enjoy the relaxed yet high-end European Italian-French atmosphere. The 8-hour lamb shank is another crowd favorite, described as "better than anywhere in the world". The service provided by Diego and Jean Michael has been highlighted repeatedly in reviews, with customers praising their attentiveness and friendly demeanor. Convenient location, reasonable prices, and a broad menu accommodating different preferences, Massilia truly offers a remarkable French dining experience.

A photo of Élephante - Santa Monica restaurant

4. Élephante - Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1101)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 308 times today

Channeling the spirit and cuisine of coastal southern Italy, Élephante aims to transport guests from Los Angeles to the Southern Mediterranean with stunning ocean views and dramatic sunsets, all whilst staying in the heart of Santa Monica.Three bars on the property offer a variety of delicious, hand-crafted cocktails, as well as an extensive wine list. Élephante Beach House is full of custom furniture and design touches that surround the guests with natural wood and stone, copper finishes, and design pieces from Northern Africa and Southern Italy. We also offer lounge seating for larger table sizes, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the ambiance in comfort.**PLEASE NOTE:** For parties up to 4 guests will have the tables for an hour and half. Parties larger than 4 guest you will have the table for up to two hours.

5. Gjelina

4.6

Exceptional(2129)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Venice

Booked 200 times today

Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.

6. 1212 Santa Monica

4.3

Awesome(1753)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 18 times today

1212 Santa Monica is a top-rated Californian cuisine restaurant, praised for its excellent customer service, quality and variety of food, and wonderful ambiance. According to multiple reviews, the restaurant provides both a fabulous indoor and outdoor dining experience. The outdoor space is particularly appreciated for its vibrant, inviting atmosphere, adorned with colorful flowers and succulents. The cuisine is remarkable with dishes such as filet mignon, chicken, salmon, and red curry mussels receiving high praise from diners. The service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, and efficient. Whether for a celebratory event or just a casual meal, 1212 Santa Monica promises a satisfying visit.

7. Felix Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2506)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Venice

Booked 94 times today

Felix Trattoria stands out as an exemplary Italian dining destination, delighting patrons with its masterfully crafted and flavorful cuisine. The reviews speak of the restaurant's exceptional service, elegant ambiance, and extraordinary culinary expertise. Standout features of the exceptional dining journey include the "decadent birthday dessert," "delicate handmade pasta," and the "exquisite wines" courtesy of the knowledgeable sommelier. Described as a "culinary revelation," Felix Trattoria's dishes leave an unforgettable gastronomic imprint, from the seasonal peaches & burrata to the authentic Italian pasta - each bite is savored and appreciated. Hailed as the "best Italian" by multiple satisfied customers, Felix Trattoria is a mark of excellence in showcasing the richness and splendor of Italian cuisine in its truest sense.

8. Fia

4.6

Exceptional(2467)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 61 times today

The Italian restaurant "Fia" in Santa Monica is lauded by patrons for its top-notch dining experience, consistent with an A+ rating and recognition as the best Italian restaurant in LA. Reviews applaud the restaurant atmosphere, likening it to a hidden gem akin to dining in Italy or Europe. Its friendliness, welcoming service, and knowledgeable staff are often mentioned. The food is repeatedly described as excellent, cooked to perfection, and the menu boasts a good balance of Californian fare with a touch of modern Italian cuisine. Signature dishes like the Cavatelli even earned the tag, "out of this world". One reviewer exclaims, "this was the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to! The food was heavenly and the servers were so nice. 1000/10 would HIGHLY recommend." The enchanting ambiance, a blend of unique settings and a touch of celebrity encounter, adds to the memorable dining experience. Despite being a bit pricey, the consensus is that Fia is well worth it.

A photo of Palma at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

9. Palma at Santa Monica Proper

4.7

Exceptional(261)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 20 times today

Palma, a gem in the heart of Los Angeles, is a delightful revelation in Californian cuisine. High praise from reviewers emphasizes the restaurant's stunning aesthetics, outstanding fine-dining experience, and excellent customer service. Patrons are in awe of the visually pleasing interiors, describing Palma as a "work of art". The cuisine is lauded as delicious with highlights being oysters, squash blossoms, and gnocchi. The rooftop bar offers an added delight. Many admire the restaurant's ability to deliver a 'perfect' service, while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere and great music. It's not surprising Palma is named a top-tier favorite among the LA restaurants.

10. Capo

4.9

Exceptional(1297)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 14 times today

Located in Santa Monica, Capo has been lauded as the "best Italian restaurant in LA" and one of the top dining experiences you can have in Los Angeles. The reviews highlight a consistent theme of exceptional food, ambiance, and service. Capo's authenticity is key in its success, with one diner describing it as the "most authentic Italian food" they've had in California, praising its unique dishes such as the grilled Caesar and sublime gnocchi. Despite being a high-end restaurant, the cost is deemed as worth it, underlining the high quality of its food and wine selection. The restaurant's setting, whether indoors or in their converted parking lot, is additionally applauded for its romantic and appealing decor. With accolades such as 'iconic', 'outstanding', and 'fantastic', Capo certainly stands out in the world of Italian cuisine.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in Santa Monica

Experience the essence of Italian cuisine in the vibrant neighborhood of Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, Santa Monica offers an array of Italian dining experiences that cater to all palates, from traditional dishes to innovative culinary twists. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of Italian cooking as local restaurants serve up everything from rustic Tuscan dishes to the exquisite flavors of Southern Italy. Each establishment boasts unique attributes, such as handcrafted meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, creating a truly Italian dining experience. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also an inviting atmosphere, often enhanced by thoughtful decor and attentive service. Explore the Italian culinary landscape in Santa Monica, where each meal is a celebration of rich flavors and culinary craftsmanship, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and Italian cuisine lovers alike.

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