30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Santa Monica
Best Date Night Italian in Santa Monica
Best Italian in Santa Monica
Best Outdoor Dining Italian in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Orto Santa Monica
8.2
Chef Andrea Inio grows herbs on-site for traditional recipes inspired by his Italian upbringing, creating a farm-to-table experience with housemade pasta. The second-floor patio offers a family-friendly atmosphere where Farmers Market ingredients meet authentic Italian techniques.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tower Appetizer, Tableside Prepared Pasta, Osso Buco
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: On-site herb garden enhancing every dish
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm
What to order: Fresh pasta specials, herb-crusted fish, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Validated parking available behind Citibank for $7
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking behind Citibank for $7 (2 hours), street parking limited especially weekend evenings
Dress code: California casual to smart casual - nice jeans welcome, business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Lively but conversation-friendly - second floor patio quieter than main dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, strongly recommend booking ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, seasonal vegetable dishes, wood-fired pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, ask server about daily specials
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto, grilled fish, salads (no dedicated GF pasta)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the second floor patio offers romantic ambiance without being too formal, and the herb garden provides a natural conversation starter. Request a corner table upstairs for more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually yes. Weekend dinners are tough - try the bar area or expect 30+ minute waits. Happy Hour bar seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu with housemade pasta options, and the outdoor patio gives restless children more space. Best for ages 4+ during dinner service.
Best For
Better for: More authentic Italian than Maggiano's with the on-site herbs and housemade pasta, better outdoor space than most Santa Monica Italian spots, and more family-friendly than upscale options like Forma
Consider Alternatives If: You want quick casual Italian (try Stella Barra instead), need extensive vegan options (Gracias Madre better), or want oceanfront dining (go to The Water Grill)
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm