Orto Santa Monica

Name: Orto Santa Monica
Address: 502 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, United States, 90401
Telephone: (424) 433-8100
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

731 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Growing up in Italy, my family cooked at home and had the most extraordinary experiences with ingredients grown in our backyard, paired with the wines my chef/restaurateur stepfather would bring back from regions throughout Italy. I fell in love with food as a child watching my stepfather, once nominated a top chef in Italy, work in restaurant kitchens and floors. Moving to California in 1991 and subsequently to Santa Monica and experiencing the Farmers Market inspired me to start Orto - Italian for “vegetable garden” - where I meld local ingredients and organic herbs grown here at the restaurant to create traditional Italian recipes. At our bar you’ll find a cocktail list created from fresh herbs and premium spirits, and our wine list focuses on sustainable and organic producers.
You’ll often find my wife and kids in the restaurant, continuing the culinary legacy of our Italian family. We welcome you with open arms and hope you’ll join us to experience our restaurant.
Andrea Inio

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 11, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(424) 433-8100

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(424) 433-8100
Website
http://www.ortosantamonica.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Andrea Inio
Private party facilities
We can host private parties up to 90 people

Location
502 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
5th street
Parking details
Parking is available daily for $7 at 1413 5th Street. Please take the elevator to the ground floor and check in with the host.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Popular dishes

Tagliere dell'Orto$29.00
daily selection of Italian premium cold cuts and cheeses (serves 2 persons)
Carpaccio di Manzo al Tartufo$29.00
Wisconsin Black Angus carpaccio, wild rucola, crispy celery, red cow parmigiano chips, Umbrian black truffles
Polpette della Nonna$19.00
Wisconsin Black Angus meatballs, pine nuts, raisins in San Marzano tomato purée
Burrata a Piacere (Choose One)$24.00
Andrian Burrata with 24 months San Daniele prosciutto
- With Organic Tomatoes (Vegetarian)$23.00
- With Farmers Market Organic Pears, Almonds And Honey (Vegetarian)$23.00
Torretta di Melanzane$19.00
sliced baked eggplant, red cow parmigiano, organic basil, San Marzano tomato purée
Tortino di Funghi con Fonduta$22.00
seasonal mushrooms cake on a bed of Piedmontese fontina cheese fondue
Fritto Misto Terra e Mare$19.00
fried calamari, shrimp and Farmers Market organic vegetables
Torte di Granchio$26.00
golden brown Dungeness crab cakes
Ribollita$10.00
purée of Farmers Market organic vegetables

Salad

Insalata dell'Orto$14.00
Farmers Market warm asparagus, wild rucola, cherry tomatoes and truffle oil
Mista della Casa$13.00
organic mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, Sicilian olive oil and Modena balsamic
Insalata di Arance e Finocchi$14.00
organic fennel, Farmers Market oranges, raisins, wild rucola and Castelvetrano olives
Insalata di Barbabietole$14.00
red and golden beets carpaccio, organic greens and aged goat cheese
Insalata di Carciofi e Pecorino$15.00
Calistoga organic artichokes, sliced Sardinian pecorino and wild rucola

Pasta

Gluten Free Pasta Available ($3 Charge)

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese$26.00
Wisconsin Black Angus meat ragout
Spaghetti alla Carbonara$26.00
organic egg, crispy pancetta and Sardinian pecorino
Cavatelli Tartufati alla Norcina$42.00
Umbrian black truffles, seasonal mushrooms, sausage and red cow parmigiano
Trofie al Pesto, Fagiolini e Patate$25.00
traditional organic basil pesto, string beans and Farmers Market organic potatoes
Penne alla Vodka$24.00
San Marzano tomato purée, shallots, cream and vodka
Fusilli alla Norma$25.00
San Marzano tomato purée, eggplant, dry ricotta cheese
Orecchiette dell'Orto$25.00
San Marzano tomato purée, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Ravioli ai Quattro Formaggi Nel Bosco$28.00
four cheeses ravioli, seasonal mushrooms sauce
Ravioli di Gamberi allo Zafferano$29.00
Shrimp ravioli, cream of Italian saffron
Linguine di Mare con Mandorle$29.00
Manila clams, calamari, shrimp, almonds, organic tomatoes
Spaghetti alla Bottarga$28.00
bottarga from Cabras, garlic, Sicilian olive oil, parsley
Linguine alle Vongole con Zafferano e Zucchini$29.00
Manila clams, organic tomatoes, Italian saffron and zucchini julienne

Main

Filetto ai Funghi$49.00
Wisconsin Black Angus filet mignon with seasonal mushrooms, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Filetto al Pepe Verde$48.00
Wisconsin Black Angus filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Entrecôte alle Erbe$49.00
Wisconsin Black Angus New York steak with herbs, Farmers Market organic vegetable
Costolette d'Agnello al Balsamico$49.00
Australian lamb chops, balsamic vinegar reduction, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Scaloppine di Pollo al Limone$29.00
Mary's organic chicken scaloppine in lemon and capers sauce, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Salmone con Mostarda e Dragoncello$39.00
wild-caught salmon with Dijon mustard and tarragon, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Pesce Fresco del Giorno
fresh daily selection of fish
- Market Price
Cioppino di Lusso$47.00
fresh seafood, Maine lobster in a organic tomatoes broth

What 731 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Westside
Romantic

Sort by

Filters

MI
MICAELAB
Milan
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Finalmente un ristorante italiano che può fregiarsi di tale nome ! La cena è stata ottima e il proprietario italiano molto cordiale con due connazionali. Sicuramente il miglior ristorante italiano nel quale siamo stati durante la nostra vacanza in California
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
literally terrible do not go here
DR
DanielaR
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was very good. I will just check the smell on the
JS
JenniferS
Las Vegas
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
Visiting Santa Monica and decided to check this restaurant out. Frankly, their claim that they have fresh made Italian pasta every single day is what sold me. At first we asked for an indoor table but when they suggested the outside seating we went for it. What a great decision. The ambience was amazing, the setting was lovely, loved the courtyard/rooftop feel, the service was wonderful, and the food was amazing. Absolutely would go here again
CR
CesarR
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing. The host, the maître and the waiter were all very kind. Not to mention the food, very good. Their signature drinks are wonderful as well.
r
rabenbru
Los Angeles
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
while everyone was eating on the roof patio, we ate inside on the ground floor and it was superb. great ambiance. the food was superb. i had a burrata with tomatoes to start and then a pasta with sausage and black truffles; amazing. had a great italian red and just a lovely evening. felt like i was back in new york
LR
LR1980
Los Angeles
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the cavatelli with truffles and mushrooms and the cauliflower soufflé as appetizers-they were outstanding! I had the crab cakes, which were crispy outside and moist inside. My husband loved the bolognese. Going back!
m
maardvark
Los Angeles
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outdoor comfort, excellent service, and love the truffled carpaccio and chocolate dome
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience2
Great food. Average service. Very cool spot. But just dead. No customers. A bit sad if an experience for a Friday night.
AD
AlexD
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dinner! We had so much fun. Impeccable service and recommendations!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We consistently look forward to dining at Orto. Whether it’s date night, fun with friends, a business dinner or special occasion, the restaurant is warm and inviting. The management and staff make certain every detail is perfection.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mexico City
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Muy buena comida
LF
LianaF
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall great! First time here and only came based on other reviews which did not lead me wrong. Glad we came...food, service and ambiance were wonderful. Sat outside (plenty of heat lamps for those who tend to get chilly) and so glad we did...patio is darling. Definitely a "do over"
C
Claudia
Miami
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent, we, a family had four different dishes and all were tasty. The service very attentive and friendly. The restaurant is a bit hidden. As the outdoor is in a courtyard it was nice to sit outdoors (not windy as in other places)
AB
ArnieB
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Their outside patio, which is almost on the rooftop, is reminiscent of New York or Europe. It is surrounded by an old brick building; it has a fountain and is just beautiful. The service and food have always been great at Orto, but the inside space was always a bit cramped and overcrowded to my taste. The addition of this outdoor terrace has transformed the restaurant into a great place to have a great dinner. The service is always attentive and the homemade pasta dishes and fish are wonderful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall3food5service4ambience4
Food is very good but prices were very high to the point that it made for a subpar value overall
B
Best
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Food Wine Service Outdoor dining
c
cristenk
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My daughter had her 22nd birthday dinner there with 8 of her friends and said it was really lovely.
AF
AlexF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved it! Great ambiance, excellent service and authentic Italian food.
PL
PareshL
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
They made my brothers’ 49th birthday extra special. The best Italian restaurant in LA. And one of the top restaurants overall.
a
aquaeyes4
Los Angeles
42 reviews
vip
3.0
42 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
This place was just ok. I wouldn’t go back. The food was fine, not great. The service was spotty and took a long time for our appetizers and check. The food gets wheeled around on a very large loud metal cart- not exactly fine dining ambiance. But overall of the dishes we ordered only one was good enough to order again.
SF
SamanthaF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was authentic, we have been fortunate to have traveled to Italy several times and this was it! The staff were very attentive but not overbearing. A perfect night.
MS
MaxineS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great dinner. Service, management, presentation of dishes were all a 10!
HM
HelmutM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience! Nice flavors and excellent service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tucson
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience1
Food was delicious but with small servings. Way overloaded themselves with more than they can handle. Was offered the option of an indoor seat via open table, but none existed. We were either cold or overheating because of the warmers outside. We had 8 in the party but they served 7 plates when dinner arrived. Our son waited another 5-10min before receiving his meal after already waiting an hour and a half. We waited over 20-30min just to get our drinks and when it arrived Margarita had sugar mixed with salt, confronted teenage bar tender and discovered the issue; awful just like the rest of the staffs’ inability to provide appropriate service. Waited 30 minutes for our appetizers and we were sat 1.5 hours before getting our food. Manager was useless pouring water for his servers instead of managing the flow of the restaurant. Trying to fake it till they make it with a hole in between 4 buildings. Even though you have the space physically, if you don’t have the means to provide service the is above subpar, you should make the bigger decision of not allowing more customers to be promised service. Then waited another 20min for dessert. Expo should know to expedite certain things before others. This experience took OUR ENTIRE evening up. Our last night with our family from out of state that we met here. Such a disappointment. We even decided on this restaurant after looking over dozens and deciding on this one after seeing how close we were to it with numerous good reviews and a great menu. Avoid this place.. such a disappointment It is 10pm now. Take note, we arrived promptly and were sat at out 7:30pm reservation time
JM
JonM
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great outdoor courtyard. Friendly professional service and delicious food
KN
KimN
Los Angeles
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Orto was great. We sat in the courtyard which was tucked away from street noise and pedestrians. Our appetizers were the burrata and baked eggplant. For entrees, the shrimp ravioli and penne vodka. Dessert was the chocolate dome with vanilla gelato. Food was fantastic. The entire staff starting with host, gave us excellent service.
MS
MaryS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a romantic spot. Ideal for a date, will be back!
RR
RogerR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely evening under the stars. Food and service in the outdoor venue was great!
MR
MaxR
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The share platter was generous. The spaghetti with the bottarga were excellent. I liked the location as it was original
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience2
Odd location. Food was mediocre at best
C
Carluca
Los Angeles
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service, delicious pasta, nice patio, portions are kind of small but that’s ok, you can enjoy your pasta without feeling full. Burrata appetizer is the best ever.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best services we have ever experienced
R
Raghda
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my team for dinner, we were a big group, everything was perfect and the setup was great. The food was delicious and the service was really good.
m
musicman
Los Angeles
51 reviews
vip
4.0
51 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Good food and excellent service, but quite pricey. We didn't think the food was good enough to warrant the expense though we had a pleasant dinner.
PS
PaulS
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food , setting and hospitality. Lovely wine as well. Loved the restaurant
JS
JenniferS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
I hosted a dinner for 8 people at Orto. It was easy to get a reservation and the host I spoke to by phone was very polite! This restaurant is great for large groups! The outdoor dining was large and pleasant; all my guests enjoyed the urban look and lighting ! There were many heaters available in case the weather turned chilly. My only negative issue was the noise factor; it was difficult to hear and chat with guests unless they were seated across from or next to me.
J
Joachim
Stuttgart
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Das Essen ist gut, aber nicht außergewöhnlich Das Ambiente in einem offenen Innenhof ist ansprechend.
D
Dell
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent, great choices on the menu and then on top of that great specials. Service was great too. The outdoor patio is beautiful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellente adresse. Véritable cuisine italienne. Établissement tenu par un italien originaire du lac de Garde. Le patron est partout et au petits soins de ses clients. Adresse que nous recommandons vivement!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Orto Santa Monica does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Orto Santa Monica also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (424) 433-8100.

Orto Santa Monica is rated 4.7 stars by 731 OpenTable diners.