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

843 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

Mar 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 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 120 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, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Popular dishes

Carpaccio di Manzo al Tartufo Nero*$32.00
Wisconsin Black Angus carpaccio, wild rucola, crispy celery, red cow parmigiano chips, Umbrian black truffles
Polpette della Nonna$20.00
Wisconsin Black Angus meatballs, pine nuts, raisins in San Marzano tomato purée
Burrata a Piacere (Choose One)
- Andrian Burrata Imported Weekly with Organic Tomatoes (Vegetarian)$23.00
- With Farmers Market Organic Pears, Almonds and Honey (Vegetarian)$23.00
- With 24 Month Aged San Daniele Prosciutto$24.00
Tagliere dell'Orto
daily selection of Italian premium cold cuts and Italian cheeses
- Serves 2 Persons$29.00
Torretta di Melanzane$19.00
sliced baked eggplant, red cow parmigiano, organic basil, San Marzano tomato purée
Tortino di Funghi$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

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, organic greens and aged goat cheese
Insalata di Carciofi e Pecorino$15.00
Calistoga organic artichokes, sliced Sardinian pecorino and wild rucola

Soup

Ribollita$10.00
purée of Farmers Market organic vegetables soup

Pasta

Gluten Free Pasta Available ($4 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$45.00
Umbrian black truffles, seasonal mushrooms, sausage and red cow parmigiano
Trofie al Pesto$25.00
traditional organic basil pesto, Farmers Market organic potatoes and green beans
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 and organic basil
Orecchiette dell'Orto$25.00
San Marzano tomato purée, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Ravioli ai Quattro Formaggi Nel Bosco$29.00
four cheeses ravioli, seasonal mushrooms sauce
Ravioli di Gamberi allo Zafferano$32.00
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
Spaghetti alle Vongole con Friggitelli$29.00
Manila clams, shishito peppers, garlic, Sicilian olive oil

Main

Filetto a Funghi*$49.00
Wisconsin Black Angus filet mignon with seasonal mushrooms, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Filetto al Pepe Verde*$49.00
Wisconsin Black Angus filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Entrecôte alle Erbe*$54.00
Wisconsin Black Angus New York steak with herbs, Farmers Market organic vegetables
Costolette d'Agnello al Balsamico*$56.00
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$49.00
fresh seafood, Maine lobster tail in a organic tomatoes broth

What 843 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Westside
Romantic

Sort by

Filters

R
Rebecca
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was excellent. The staff was warm and attentive and the food was delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience3
Food was food. Portions really small. Overall a bit overprice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service! Had a great time and great food. A must in Santa Mónica for sure!
YR
YRS2000
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. The cocktails were also amazing!
C
Cory
Indiana
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
A really nice little spot for good pasta. I ordered the carbonara which was good. I make fresh pasta any time we eat at home and something about this pasta did not seem fresh. $26 for a basic carbonara and I should be able to taste the pasta, which I couldn't. The branzino was plated in a spectacular fashion, but the polenta was dry and had the consistency of a brick.
MM
MoxiesMom
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our Go-To Restaurant when Entertaining Friends Of the many Italian restaurants in Santa Monica and the LA Westside, this is our favorite. Although their pasta is excellent, we love the many other dishes on offer. Particularly good choice for truffle lovers. When the weather is warm, ask to be seated on the beautiful rooftop terrace.
MS
MelissaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was outstanding for our table of 19! Food was delicious. Highly recommend for groups big or small!
h
hardmarker
Los Angeles
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit to Orto, and we'll definitely be back. The eggplant appetizer and the beet and green salads were fine starters, and our steak was delicious. (It came out of the kitchen blood rare the first time, which was not what we had ordered, but it was perfect the second time.) Both the meat and the seasoning were great. The service was somewhat leisurely, so even with a 5:30 reservation we barely made it on time to our 7:30 concert a few blocks away. We recommend keeping that in mind if you have plans for after dinner.
J
Joma
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great evening! We were welcomed the moment we entered the restaurant. Wonderful evening. The food and service was 5 Star. We’ll be back. Thank you!
KO
KenO
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this restaurant. I love the food. I love ambience. I love the staff. I love this restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely experience for a night out! We both had special appetizers and a pasta dish. Everything came out hot and quickly. The ambiance is charming . The little bat area is so cute. There is no valet but street parking was easy, we got a meeting almost directly across the street.
m
mags
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience4
Food was great, service was very slow. The restaurant was not terribly busy and it took forever to order everything from wine to desert. And to get the bill. The server was nice but not quite sure why we had to always ask for him.
SW
SWAKS
Los Angeles
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the most wonderful meal at Orto Santa Monica! We were a large group but the manager accommodated us, and the service and food were amazing. I would definitely recommend this neighborhood gem!!
JP
JesseP
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
The staff hovered very close to our table all throughout the evening which made me and my partner quite uncomfortable. It was dead quiet inside for the first half of our dinner, and when music was finally turned on, it was in poor taste (“Funky Town” is not conducive to a romantic evening)…
FE
FussyEaters
Los Angeles
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner for our Valentine Day celebration.
RL
RobertL
Sacramento
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.
L
Lusikamu
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
It was our first time there and I can assure you that we’ll go back soon :) Everything we got was delicious and especially the tiramisu. It’s a must!
MO
MarieO
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic and the staff was fabulous! This place is a must when you are in Santa Monica.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my new favorites!!! Both the food and wine were excellent and the service was top shelf the minute we walked in.
J
Jeanne
San Francisco
49 reviews
vip
3.0
49 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience2
we had a party of 10. really really expensive and our waiter was a joke. i had to get up 3 times to ask him if we could order/get drinks...
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am still thinking about the truffle butter filet!! Everything was incredible, the food, the service, and the ambience.
BO
BOBE
Los Angeles
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience4
Excellent cuisine, service, a little slow, excellent value
CM
ChristianM
San Antonio
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Todo estuvo excelte
CE
CissyE
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was excellent, the waiter was great, the service was rushed.
RS
RSVPwithLori
Nashville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent for large group meetings. Could also be reserved for a romantic setting.
BG
BethG
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We took clients here for a special dinner and it was so good-- the food of course, but most of all the very Italian staff. Funny and warm they made the difference and helped it to be a great night of celebration. The wine list is on the smaller side but very good. Same with the menu. Only thing that wasn't really good was the penne with vodka sauce. Skip that one. But the ravioli with a mushroom and cream sauce was heaven.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Fantastic food! It was a very busy night and the waitstaff was super busy but always made us feel special when they were able. Lovely dinner
y
yduj
Los Angeles
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
A restaurant that is lovely, food is wonderful, service is outstanding and you can actually talk to who you are dining with. So nice to not have to shout to have a conversation over dinner. Highly recommend.
NR
NicolasR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server was very nice and patient. We ordered a salad and two main entrees, all of them were great. As for the wine, they didn't have the one that we wanted but they offered a suitable replacement for the same price. The dessert (chocolate domo) just blew our minds!
P
Patti
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Loved the eggplant torretta appetizer. The pasta dish was too salty and seemed pre-cooked.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
I come from an Italian family, and since moving to Los Angeles 5 years ago, I've had a hard time finding an Italian restaurant with genuine flavors. Most are adapted to the local taste. It was a pleasant surprise to find this restaurant with authentic Italian food. Very friendly service and delicious dessert.
S
Service
New Orleans
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The server and matte de were so kind to our family and took excellent care of us.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went back again to Orto after picking up family at LAX. The food was great again and the service was excellent.
B
Best
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We still think this is the best restaurant in town.
MM
MargaritaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was excellent. We didn’t even mind the waiting👍
DG
DebraG
Los Angeles
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely fabulous experience, drinks and food were incredible, and so was the service. Highly recommend!
AG
AmberG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was outstanding. The food was delicious and fresh ingredients.
PM
PoppaMike
Los Angeles
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food. The focus is Italian food.
EG
EatieGourmet
Los Angeles
77 reviews
vip
4.0
77 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience4
It's been a rough few years for every restaurant in every area from wait staff to kitchen talent. We've relied on Orto for years as a source of well-crafted cuisine served by attentive staff. Last night, though, time seemed to have taken its toll... for one of us, at least. The soup was superb, the pasta divine, but the veal was unremarkable, and the cauliflower/truffle special was considered wonderful by one of us and bland by the other. So, more good than not but not as all good as usual. The server was... not so good. Nothing's quite as conducive to indigestion as being constantly asked, "How is everything?" A specific inquiry, such as "Is the veal cooked to your liking?" or "Is the cauliflower meeting your expectations?" wouldn't be bad. It might indicate an interest in getting useful feedback for the kitchen. Yet generic questions, especially when asked while chewing, are just interruptions. This was probably just an off night, and we've had too many fabulous meals at Orto not to return.
G
Gabrielle
Cleveland
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful food and service. Our waitress was fabulous, we loved our drinks and our food and we will be back!!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
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 843 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(424) 433-8100

Other options

502 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
5th street
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
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.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Andrea Inio
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ortosantamonica.com/
Phone number
(424) 433-8100
Private party facilities
We can host private parties up to 120 people

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Orto Santa Monica

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Tiramisu

Crème Brûlée

Starter

Carpaccio di Manzo al Tartufo Nero*$32.00

Polpette della Nonna$20.00

Burrata a Piacere (Choose One)

Tagliere dell'Orto

Torretta di Melanzane$19.00

Tortino di Funghi$22.00

Fritto Misto Terra e Mare$19.00

Torte di Granchio$26.00

Salad

Insalata dell'Orto$14.00

Mista della Casa$13.00

Insalata di Arance e Finocchi$14.00

Insalata di Barbabietole$14.00

Insalata di Carciofi e Pecorino$15.00

Soup

Ribollita$10.00

Pasta

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese$26.00

Spaghetti alla Carbonara*$26.00

Cavatelli Tartufati alla Norcina$45.00

Trofie al Pesto$25.00

Penne alla Vodka$24.00

Fusilli alla Norma$25.00

Orecchiette dell'Orto$25.00

Ravioli ai Quattro Formaggi Nel Bosco$29.00

Ravioli di Gamberi allo Zafferano$32.00

Linguine di Mare con Mandorle$29.00

Spaghetti alla Bottarga$28.00

Spaghetti alle Vongole con Friggitelli$29.00

Main

Filetto a Funghi*$49.00

Filetto al Pepe Verde*$49.00

Entrecôte alle Erbe*$54.00

Costolette d'Agnello al Balsamico*$56.00

Scaloppine di Pollo al Limone$29.00

Salmone con Mostarda e Dragoncello$39.00

Pesce Fresco del Giorno*

Cioppino di Lusso$49.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Orto Santa Monica offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Orto Santa Monica restaurant rated?

Is Orto Santa Monica currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica