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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica

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24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1626)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 13 times today
We heard about this restaurant from a friend and It was WONDERFUL. Our waiter was so kind and knowledgeable. The food was excellent and beautifully plated.
A photo of The Courtyard Kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(272)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 20 times today
Food was excellent, quickly served, price was fair, staff was very friendly and accommodating, the wait was nothing. But I booked a table before going, on this app,and would recommend that effort.
A photo of Fia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 35 times today
Came here for my anniversary after having my wedding here and it was an amazing experience. The staff treated us great and made our anniversary very special. Highly recommend.
A photo of Toscana - Brentwood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1175)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Brentwood
Booked 38 times today
All time favorite! Marc, our server, is the best. All staff in general is great. Personable, attentive and friendly people. The food is always phenomenal.
A photo of Scopa Italian Roots restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(234)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Venice
Booked 46 times today
Squash blossoms it was my first time eating that the rigatoni al vodka and mini cannoli .. also first time ever liking cannolis ..its was superb and so was my server Andreas .. thank you for looking after me .. oh that's right you also gave me a little Brussels sprouts salad which was so light and not bitter at all... I will be back ❤️
A photo of Caffé Delfini restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(680)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 15 times today
Always consistently good with great service and atmosphere
A photo of The Tasting Kitchen restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1961)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Venice
Booked 49 times today
We had such a wonderful dinner at The Tasting Kitchen last night, and a huge part of that was Taylor and Santos. The service was absolutely impeccable from start to finish. They were warm and attentive, and every recommendation they made was spot on. The plethora of olives was a perfect way to start, and the passionfruit and tonic was so refreshing. Taylor and Santos steered us toward the flat iron steak and the green garganelli, and both were excellent. Those are the kinds of dishes you keep thinking about the next day. I first came to The Tasting Kitchen about 10 years ago, so it was really fun to be back and see that it’s just as special as I remembered. The ambience is great. Tip: ask to sit in the bar area on the right side. You get great views of the whole space. Dinner was a real treat, and we’ll definitely be back. Thank you, Taylor and Santos!
A photo of Cipriani Beverly Hills restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(219)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Beverly Hills
Booked 17 times today
Had such a wonderful experience at Cipriani Beverly Hills! The food was great, but what really made our experience stand out was the incredible service. Our server, Thomas, was exceptionally attentive, kind, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the evening. Also Jermey who was helping with the drinks throughout the night was AWESOME as well! Definitely will be back
A photo of Vito Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1837)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 19 times today
A classic and classy experience in Santa Monica for over 40 years. Love this place! 
A photo of Local Kitchen + Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(394)
££££
• Contemporary Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 18 times today
Food and atmosphere were exquisite! Simply the very best!

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Daniel
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Came here for my anniversary after having my wedding here and it was an amazing experience. The staff treated us great and made our anniversary very special. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Fia$$$$• Californian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • Shelly
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As always, North Italia didn’t disappoint. This is my favorite go to restaurant. Food, service, ambience was on point. There was quite a few newcomers in my party of 17 and they were happy and amaze at how reasonable the cost was. We had a blast and already planning our return. Thanks North Italia for always meeting my every needs
    More info
    North Italia - Santa Monica$$$$• Italian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.4
  • Traci
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always consistently good with great service and atmosphere
    More info
    Caffé Delfini$$$$• Italian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • MarcelaGold
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    All time favorite! Marc, our server, is the best. All staff in general is great. Personable, attentive and friendly people. The food is always phenomenal.
    More info
    Toscana - Brentwood$$$$• Italian• Brentwood
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa-Marie
    Toronto / Ontario •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Squash blossoms it was my first time eating that the rigatoni al vodka and mini cannoli .. also first time ever liking cannolis ..its was superb and so was my server Andreas .. thank you for looking after me .. oh that's right you also gave me a little Brussels sprouts salad which was so light and not bitter at all... I will be back ❤️
    More info
    Scopa Italian Roots$$$$• Italian• Venice
    •
    4.8

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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