LOCANDA PORTOFINO // A sun-filled beautiful little patio for lunch that will transport you to northern Italy for a warm afternoon with a great wine selection, fresh fish and the very best spaghetti alla vognole.
FORMA // A top priority for any cheese lovers like myself. You will obsess over the perfectly curated selection of cheeses ripe for a formaggio cheese course at the end (or beginning for us Americans) of a meal. But perhaps the most important detail is the dalla forma, a process in which they bathe pasta in a large cheese wheel. They have several pasta options for this, my favorites are the tortellini and cacio e pepe!
THE GEORGIAN ROOM // Reminiscent of a cozy, sophisticated New York steakhouse on the garden level, this spot is ironically located across the street from the Pacific Ocean, at the newly renovated Georgian Hotel. With a no cell phone policy, plush banquets and a piano bar you can actually sit in front of, this westside spot has quickly become a new favorite of mine for date night and dinner with friends. We love the fried olives, cauliflower steak and rigatoni alla vodka. And while I don’t drink martinis, it’s definitely the type of place you would!
GIORGIO BALDI // A Los Angeles hotspot that is well known for their delicious corn agnolotti and Rhianna’s frequent appearances. The paparazzi are always outside but you’ll feel the warmth of a chic trattoria in Rome once you nestle into the tiny dining room, with a glass of vino under the twinkling lights!
SOGNO TOSCANO // I love this small spot on the tree lined Montana Avenue that houses an espresso bar, Italian deli and causal restaurant with live music, a great selection of cheeses and meats one a chic outdoor patio. I am not obsessed with the menu, but they do have salads, sandwiches, pasta and of course, spritz!
LA VECCHIA CUCINA // An old school vibe on Main Street with white tablecloth and a robust menu almost anyone will be pleased with; they have bruschetta, pizza, salads, pasta, steak, etc. I love the carbonara (sans meat) and chicken Milanese. Go with friends, family or lovers!
NORTH ITALIA // The only big chain restaurant on the list, but worth it if you want something easy, modern and spacious while out and about in downtown Santa Monica. They have a chicken parmigiana that I often order for takeout, delicious pizza and a full bar making it perfect for larger groups and children too.
Boun Appetito! xx
