Discover the top 3 upscale dining experiences
Find 3 upscale italian restaurants in Santa Monica. Great italian food that fits your budget.
Santa Monica's Upscale Italian Destinations
Santa Monica’s coastal charm provides the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated evening of Italian dining, where ocean breezes meet refined culinary artistry. This curated selection features premier destinations like Orto Santa Monica and 1212 Santa Monica, offering everything from handmade pastas to contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean flavors. Whether you are looking for the vibrant rooftop atmosphere at Elephante or a more intimate setting for a special occasion, these establishments represent the very best of the city's upscale Italian scene.
6 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica | Upscale Italian Food
- Orto Santa Monica — Italian: Sunlight filters through lush greenery in this airy Santa Monica sanctuary, where the vibrant essence of a coastal Italian garden is captured in every seasonal dish. Guests linger over plates of silken house-made pasta and farm-to-table creations that celebrate the purity of local ingredients, all within a sophisticated atmosphere that feels both elegantly refined and effortlessly breezy.
- 1212 Santa Monica — Italian: Bathed in natural light from soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, this expansive Promenade destination pulses with a vibrant energy that flows from its chic, industrial-inspired dining room to the breezy wrap-around balcony. Guests gather over artfully plated seasonal dishes and inventive craft cocktails, where the sizzle of the open kitchen meets the hum of a lively social scene. It is a place where sun-drenched lunches effortlessly transition into spirited evening celebrations under the glow of dramatic, oversized chandeliers.
- Bay Cities Italian Deli — Italian: This legendary Santa Monica landmark buzzes with the kinetic energy of a true Italian marketplace, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of aged provolone and freshly baked, crusty filone bread. Guests weave through aisles of imported delicacies to secure the iconic Godmother sandwich, a towering assembly of premium cured meats and spicy peppers that offers a perfectly tactile, salt-of-the-earth dining experience.
- Elephante — Italian: Perched above the Santa Monica coastline, this sun-drenched rooftop sanctuary transports guests to the Mediterranean with its breezy, bohemian-chic decor and sweeping ocean vistas. The air carries the scent of wood-fired crusts and zesty citrus as diners gather over vibrant shared plates and chilled spritzes that capture the essence of an endless summer. As the golden hour glow settles over the terrace, the space transforms into a high-energy retreat where the rhythm of the waves meets the sophisticated pulse of coastal Italian living.
- North Italia — Italian: This vibrant modern trattoria hums with energy as the open kitchen showcases the artistry of hand-stretched pizzas and silky, house-made pastas tossed in fragrant, seasonal sauces. Sun-drenched interiors and a lively bar scene invite guests to linger over botanical cocktails, making every visit feel like a spirited celebration of fresh, soulful Italian craftsmanship.
- Bruno's Italian Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights, Bruno’s Italian Restaurant invites guests into an intimate space where the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic fills the air. The kitchen honors the spirit of the Mediterranean through silken, hand-rolled pastas and savory mains that celebrate bold, sun-drenched flavors, all served with a grace that encourages lingering over a final glass of wine. Every meal feels like a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the timeless traditions of a true neighborhood trattoria.
