Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica

Real videos of Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica — 12 places, filmed by creators on the ground.

Ranked venues

Élephante
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StylishScenicInvitingRooftop diningMediterranean cuisineUnique cocktails
About the venue
Élephante, located at 1332 2nd St in Santa Monica, offers a stylish rooftop dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The restaurant features a vibrant setting adorned with colorful decor, making it a popular spot for brunch and sunset dinners. Opened in 2018, Élephante has quickly gained popularity for its fresh and seasonal dishes, complemented by unique cocktails. It attracts a diverse clientele seeking both a picturesque view and quality dining.
What the videos show
The video shows a plate of pasta with tomato sauce, spinach, and grated cheese. A fork enters the frame and twirls some pasta, lifting it out of the dish.
1332 2nd St, Rooftop
@What_adi_ate
@haeminomnom
Tar & Roses
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$$$RusticInvitingSeasonalWood-fired cookingHouse-made pastasOpen kitchen
About the venue
Tar & Roses, located on Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica, is renowned for its wood-fired cooking and farm-to-table approach since opening in 2013. The restaurant features a seasonal menu that changes regularly, with standout dishes like roasted meats and house-made pastas. The warm atmosphere combines rustic design elements with a modern twist, making it a destination for food enthusiasts. Regulars appreciate the open kitchen layout, allowing glimpses of the cooking process.
What the videos show
The video showcases a close-up of a plate of spaghetti carbonara with a poached egg being lifted by a fork. The dish is lifted and twirled, revealing the creamy texture and ingredients such as bacon and herbs.
602 Santa Monica Blvd
@ukangaroo
Citrin
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$$$ElegantUpscaleSereneTasting menuCalifornia cuisineOcean views
About the venue
Citrin in Santa Monica provides a fine dining experience focused on California cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients. Opened in 2015, the restaurant features an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio with ocean views. The tasting menu emphasizes local seafood and fresh vegetables, appealing to food enthusiasts. Known for its attentive service and upscale atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for special occasions and romantic dinners.
What the videos show
A man is seated at a table outside at night, enjoying a plate of pasta. Someone else is grating parmesan cheese onto his pasta, and the camera focuses on this action. The man then looks up from his meal towards something out of frame.
1104 Wilshire Blvd
@steve
La La Land Kind Cafe
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UpliftingCommunity-drivenWholesomeHealthy mealsSpecialty coffeeCommunity mission
About the venue
La La Land Kind Cafe is a heartwarming café located on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, focusing on providing a nurturing space that serves quality coffees and healthy meal options. Founded in 2018, the café employs young adults in transition from foster care, adding to its community-focused mission. Signature offerings include fresh, nutrient-dense bowls and specialty coffee drinks. The colorful decor and uplifting atmosphere make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
What the videos show
The video captures an outdoor dining scene at 'La Tavola Trattoria,' where people are seated under white umbrellas. A man in sunglasses walks past from right to left, and the view is partially obscured by a red awning. Another restaurant, 'Sicilianova,' is visible to the left. Throughout the video, people continue dining.
1426 Montana Ave
@endlessariana
North Italia
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$$UpscaleStylishRefinedHandmade pastaWood-fired pizzaExtensive wine
About the venue
North Italia in Santa Monica is an upscale Italian restaurant known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. With a stylish interior and an extensive wine list, it caters to food enthusiasts and those looking for a refined dining experience. Opened in 2020, the restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and offers a variety of antipasti and pasta dishes. The patio seating provides a beautiful outdoor dining option, appealing to a diverse crowd.
What the videos show
The video shows a close-up of a bowl of pasta with black squid ink noodles, orange sauce, and shrimp. A hand enters the frame to stir the pasta with a fork, revealing additional ingredients like sliced mushrooms.
1442 2nd St
@kecedy
@emilyrose
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
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$$ElegantRelaxedSeasonalLocal ingredientsWine selectionTasting events
About the venue
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, located at 1736 Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica, offers a unique blend of Californian cuisine paired with a curated selection of wines. Its seasonal menu features dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients and changes regularly to reflect what’s in season. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere attracts both food lovers and couples looking for a cozy meal. Regular wine tasting events add to the experience for wine enthusiasts.
What the videos show
The video begins with a close-up of a grilled piece of bread on a white plate, followed by a transition to a plate of burrata cheese with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. The camera then pans to show a glass of white wine being held up, with other glasses and a candle visible in the background.
1736 Ocean Park Blvd
@soulofchris
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar
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$$ArtisanalStylishInvitingArtisanal cheesesSeasonal dishesCheese boards
About the venue
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar, located on Montana Ave in Santa Monica, specializes in artisanal cheeses and crafted dishes emphasizing seasonal ingredients. The menu features cheese boards, pasta dishes, and a variety of appetizers centered around cheese. Opened in 2016, the restaurant has become a popular spot for cheese lovers and food enthusiasts. The stylish decor and knowledgeable staff create an inviting atmosphere.
What the videos show
A person wearing gloves uses a metal strainer to place cooked fettuccine pasta into a large wheel of cheese. They then use a spoon and fork to mix the pasta with the cheese, lifting some of the mixture to show its stretchiness.
1610 Montana Ave
@i_therefore_conclude
Fia Restaurant
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$$$CoastalTrendyVibrantWood-fired cookingMediterranean-inspiredSeasonal ingredients
About the venue
Fia Restaurant, located on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, offers a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Since its opening in 2017, the restaurant has emphasized a wood-fired cooking technique that enhances the flavors of its dishes. Signature items include the wood-grilled octopus and seasonal vegetable pastas. The bustling atmosphere attracts a mix of locals and visitors enjoying the coastal vibe of Santa Monica.
What the videos show
A person is grating cheese onto a plate of pasta at a restaurant table, with an empty black plate and another untouched plate visible. Two glasses of water are also present. The setting suggests an indoor dining experience.
2454 Wilshire Blvd
@lyndsnicole
@grubbinwithgabb
Met Him At A Bar
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$$TrendyCasualSocialArtisan burgersSignature cocktailsComfortable setting
About the venue
Met Him At A Bar at 801 S La Brea Ave in Hollywood offers a casual yet stylish setting with a menu that emphasizes modern pub fare and innovative cocktails. The space features an inviting bar area along with comfortable seating for small gatherings. Opened in 2019, it focuses on a relaxed dining atmosphere with options like artisan burgers and signature cocktails, prioritizing fresh ingredients. The overall vibe makes it suitable for both casual evenings or special celebrations.
What the videos show
A man wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap is sitting at a wooden table, eating pasta with a fork. The camera pans up to reveal his face and then zooms out to show the street view behind him.
801 S La Brea Ave
@k8linville
LA Puglia
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$$AuthenticWarmCasualFresh pastaHomemade saucesRustic decor
About the venue
LA Puglia, located on Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, offers an authentic Italian dining experience rooted in traditional recipes since its opening in 2019. The restaurant features an extensive menu with a focus on fresh pasta and homemade sauces, including popular dishes like the orecchiette with broccoli rabe. Decorated with rustic wooden tables and a warm atmosphere, it attracts a diverse clientele ranging from locals to tourists.
What the videos show
The video showcases a close-up of a black paper plate containing spaghetti topped with grated cheese and brown seasoning. The camera remains still, focusing entirely on the dish. The narrator mentions they will do more passes, suggesting this is part of a larger cooking or food presentation video.
1621 Wilshire Blvd
@eatingaround
@eatingaround
Great White
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RelaxedBrightHealth-consciousSeasonal menuBeachy decorWeekend brunch
About the venue
Great White, located on North Larchmont Boulevard in Los Angeles, is known for its fresh, seasonal food and laid-back vibe since its opening in 2017. The café combines a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on healthy dishes, featuring menu items like avocado toast, grain bowls, and refreshing smoothies. The bright, beachy decor creates an inviting space for both locals and visitors to enjoy breakfast and lunch. The café is particularly popular for its weekend brunches, drawing in a lively crowd.
What the videos show
A short-form video clip featuring a person speaking directly to the camera about their 'love language' being food. The visual content includes shots of a restaurant interior, a menu, and close-ups of food items such as pasta and pizza. The video appears to be a vlog-style recording with text overlays.
244 N Larchmont Blvd
@cherryluna11
Homemade Pasta
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What the videos show
A close-up shot of a pasta dish, specifically pappardelle with a creamy sauce and grated cheese, is visible. The camera is fixed on the dish, with no visible hand interactions or motion. The background is slightly out of focus.
@eatingaround