Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price: Moderate (6)Price: Expensive (11)Price: Very Expensive (3)

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Toscana - Brentwood restaurant

1. Toscana - Brentwood

4.7

Exceptional(1052)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brentwood

Booked 30 times today

Toscana, located in Brentwood, is acclaimed for its outstanding Italian cuisine and fantastic ambiance. Known for its delicious pasta, authentic pizza, and innovative dishes like pear and spinach salad, this eatery has also earned praise for excellent service and attention to detail. The restaurant is celebrated in many reviews: "Toscana consistently serves outstanding, delicious food served by an EXCELLENT wait staff. It's the only place to dine for great Italian food"; "Toscana is some of the best Italian food in LA. Great service and amazing food." These attestations solidly place Toscana as a favorite among Italian restaurants in West Los Angeles.

2. Vicini

4.7

Exceptional(90)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Los Angeles

Booked 4 times today

Vicini Ristorante & Wine Bar, a concept celebrating Chef Lucio Bedon’s familial roots from the Veneto region of Italy, is located in West Los Angeles’ Cheviot Hills neighborhood. Informed by years of cooking throughout Italy and Los Angeles, including Michelin–starred restaurants, Chef Lucio’s seasonal menu spans crudo, cichetti, handmade pastas, larger-format plates and more, made with impeccably sourced ingredients elegantly prepared. Vicini is open for dinner daily with a welcoming dining room, bar and private room. At Vicini you’re sure to experience a getaway to Italy no matter the occasion. With comforting dishes, a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail menu and an inviting atmosphere, there’s always room for our friends and neighbors at Vicini.

3. Bar Toscana

4.8

Exceptional(209)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Brentwood

Booked 10 times today

Bar Toscana is a highly recommended Italian restaurant known for its contemporary take on traditional Italian cuisine. It has been consistently receiving positive remarks for its excellent food and exemplary service. Guests have praised their creative twist on Burrata, pizzas, and pastas, and particularly noted their gnocchi and the specially prepared cold cuts and cheese platter. The place is described as modern and interesting, offering an upscale yet casual atmosphere perfect for dining experiences. Patrons also commend the restaurant's fantastic bartenders and servers, specifically Miguel, and the knowledgeable and attentive waitstaff. Whether it's for a quiet early evening meal or a lively night out, Bar Toscana is praised as one of the best Italian spots in LA.

4. Caffé Delfini

4.8

Exceptional(532)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Santa Monica

Booked 15 times today

Caffe Delfini, located in Santa Monica, is highly recommended for its authentic Italian cuisine. Many patrons consider it a 'gem' and a neighborhood favorite. As per the reviews, the restaurant not only provides consistently delicious meals but also offers attentive, caring, and professional service. The fresh ingredients and homemade pastas transport diners straight to Italy with every bite. The squid pasta, sea bass, and red beet salad, among others, are singled out for particular praise. Caffe Delfini also accommodates dietary restrictions, offering tasty gluten-free options. Its cozy and romantic atmosphere further enhances the dining experience. Truly, it's like dining in a Tuscan home, right in Santa Monica.

5. Locanda Positano

4.7

Exceptional(1655)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Marina del Rey

Booked 12 times today

Locanda Positano is a gem of an Italian restaurant that guarantees an "authentic Italian experience" with every visit. Visitors consistently praise the "outstanding" food, specifically the salads, clams, calamari, vegetables, fish, pasta, and desserts. Whether you're going for their mid-week special summer black truffle dinner or dining in their quaint courtyard, the experience is recognized as a "pleasurable and amazing culinary journey". The restaurant's intimate ambiance gives a feeling of dining in a small Tuscan village. Reviewers have even hailed it as the "best Italian food" they have ever encountered. The service, described as "amazing," "superb," and "immediate," garners equal praise, making Locanda Positano a "go-to" Italian spot in LA.

A photo of Stella West Hollywood restaurant

6. Stella West Hollywood

4.3

Awesome(221)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Hollywood

Booked 51 times today

Stella represents an expression of artistry across the mediums of cuisine, art, and design. Italian for ‘star’, Stella is inspired by the traditions of the traveling hearth of the coastal and pastoral communities of Southern, Central, and Northern Italy, enriched with local, seasonal California ingredients.A creative collaboration between restaurateur, Janet Zuccarini, and Executive Chef Rob Gentile, Stella brings modern twists on age-old Italian culinary traditions to West Hollywood.Inspired by 1950s Italy and created by award-winning designer Wendy Haworth, the restaurant features bold architectural details, rich woods, and vintage-inspired furniture. The multi-level restaurant is complete with private dining rooms and an intimate terrace.With an emphasis on unique dining experiences at every turn, Stella offers a refreshing take on time-honored Italian recipes, where the quality of ingredients takes center stage.

A photo of North Italia - El Segundo restaurant

7. North Italia - El Segundo

4.7

Exceptional(3154)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • El Segundo

Booked 98 times today

North Italia - El Segundo is renowned for its good Italian cuisine, serving up a variety of traditional dishes with a contemporary flair. Reviewers are consistently pleased with the restaurant's offerings, praising dishes such as the "Chicken Pesto" and "Salmon" as "absolutely delicious", and the "Bolognese (House Specialty)" as reminiscent of "really good Northern Italian taste". Indeed, the high praise extends to their desserts with the "Affogato" being described as "scrumptious". The "Zucca Chips" and "Italian Farm salad" also come highly recommended. The excellent service, pleasant atmosphere, and accommodating staff are repeatedly acknowledged, contributing to North Italia's reputation as a favourite among Italian food lovers.

8. Via Alloro

4.6

Exceptional(1554)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Beverly Hills

Booked 20 times today

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Via Alloro is renowned for its sublime Italian cuisine. The restaurant's reputation for excellent food and service is consistently highlighted by its patrons. Frequent visitors admire the chef's mastery and authenticity, relishing in dishes like the tasteful Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, prepared table side with a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel. With a well-curated and vast wine list, the establishment is also noted for its high-quality in-house selection. The owner, Tanino Drago, is often praised for his warm welcome and attention to detail. Many regard Via Alloro as the best Italian eatery in Beverly Hills, always returning for its great ambiance and delicious meals.

9. Terra E Mare

4.7

Exceptional(514)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Studio City

Booked 7 times today

Terra E Mare, an Italian restaurant in Studio City, is heralded by reviewers as an excellent spot for contemporary Italian dining. Patrons single out the restaurant's authenticity, with dishes like Salmon Carpaccio, Red Snapper Special, and Cacio e Pepe receiving high praise. The restaurant's fine dining ambiance, coupled with attentive service, is consistently noted. The wine list, featuring Italian red wine and local choices, is praised for perfectly complementing the dishes. Unique offerings like the risotto with half lobster on top are highlighted as culinary masterpieces. Terra E Mare's beautiful private terraces add to the overall dining experience, making it a local gem worth repeated visits.

10. Nerano

4.6

Exceptional(355)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Beverly Hills

Booked 10 times today

Nerano, a gem nestled in LA, is a frontrunner for authentic Italian cuisine. Rave reviews hail it as "the best Italian in town," with a seamless fusion of high-quality, gourmet, and comforting flavors. The menu boasts unique award-winning dishes, such as the Gnudi, a pasta that was recognized as the "sexiest pasta in LA." Patrons are enamored not just by the delectable food but also by the extraordinary service, with the staff’s knowledge matching the culinary excellence. Customers echo praises of a warm, attentive staff, creating an atmosphere that transports you to the Amalfi Coast. Experience the allure of Nerano for a stellar Italian dining encounter.

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Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the elegant charm of contemporary Italian cuisine in the vibrant Westside of Los Angeles, specifically in Santa Monica, where culinary excellence meets coastal sophistication. Here, a selection of restaurants offers an array of modern Italian dishes that blend traditional flavors with innovative twists, each crafted by chefs who are passionate about their culinary heritage. These establishments stand out not only for their exceptional menus but also for their commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring every dish served is a reflection of true Italian craftsmanship. Santa Monica's dining scene is dynamic and diverse, with contemporary Italian restaurants providing a culinary exploration that is both delightful and memorable. The atmosphere in these eateries ranges from casual chic to upscale elegance, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration. Patrons can expect top-notch service, an inviting ambiance, and a gastronomic experience that pays homage to Italian culinary traditions while embracing local influences. These restaurants are widely appreciated for their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and their ability to create a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Santa Monica's contemporary Italian dining offerings is sure to be a highlight of your culinary adventures.

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