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Capo

1810 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$$$$
Italian

Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Capo 8.7
Ocean Park ✓ Verified
An intimate Italian hideaway where a Tuscan-style fireplace sets the stage for exceptional homemade pasta and grilled meats. Wine Spectator's Grand Award winner with museum-quality art and only 16 tables creates exclusivity perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes: White Corn Ravioli with Truffles, Wood-Grilled Branzino, Osso Buco
Scores:
Value: 7.3 Service: 9 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 9.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Secret club ambiance with fireplace cooking and Grand Award wine list.
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and anniversary celebrants
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday for quieter intimate dinners
What to order: Truffle ravioli, fireplace-grilled meats, aged wines
Insider tip: Ask for table near the Tuscan fireplace
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited - arrive 10min early to find spots
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts, nice jeans acceptable but dressy preferred
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation, soft background music
Weekend wait: Walk-ins nearly impossible - book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 3-4 pasta options, seasonal vegetables from fireplace
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify 1-2 dishes with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Limited - risotto and grilled meats, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the intimate fireplace setting and $200+ dinner creates pressure. Save it for when you're both invested.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely with only 16 tables. Try Tuesday/Wednesday at 5:30pm or 9pm for bar seats. Weekend reservations book 3-4 weeks out.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12. No kids menu, intimate adult atmosphere, and other diners expecting quiet romantic evening.
Best For
Better for: Wine connoisseurs and milestone celebrations - the Grand Award wine list and fireplace cooking outclass nearby Fia or Forma
Skip if: You want lively scene or modern Italian - try Gjelina or Felix for trendy crowds, Osteria Mozza for innovative takes
Capo 8.2
Ocean Park ✓ Verified
Bruce Marder's hidden Italian gem features wood-fired cooking with almond wood, an award-winning 2,500-label wine list, and museum-quality art in an elegant fireplace-warmed dining room. This special-occasion destination has been impressing Westside elites since 1998 with handmade pastas, prime steaks, and impeccable old-school service.
Must-Try Dishes: White Corn Ravioli with Black Truffles, Wood-Fired Porterhouse, Rigatoni with Truffle Meat Sauce
Scores:
Value: 6.5 Service: 9.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Wine Spectator Grand Award list with 2,500+ selections
Who should go: Wine connoisseurs and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday dinner for full experience
What to order: White corn ravioli, anything from wood-fired grill, soufflé
Insider tip: Ask sommelier for Burgundy recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking $10, limited street parking on Main Street fills up by 7pm
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts preferred, nice jeans acceptable but lean upscale
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - fireplace dining room allows easy conversation
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely seated
Weekday lunch: Reservation recommended but bar seats often available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - house-made pastas and wood-fired vegetables, 5-6 solid options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - grilled meats and fish, some pasta substitutions available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressing - romantic fireplace setting, excellent wine list, and quiet enough to connect. Just be ready for the $150+ per person tab.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely for dinner. Best bet is arriving right at 5:30pm opening or trying the bar for full menu. Tuesday/Wednesday slightly easier than weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, formal atmosphere. Most diners are couples and business groups. Consider their sister restaurant for family dining.
Best For
Better for: Superior wine program and more intimate setting than Giorgio Baldi, better service and consistency than Gjelina
Skip if: You want trendy scene dining (try Gjelina) or casual Italian (go to Bay Cities)
Capo 8.4
Ocean Park
This elegant fine dining establishment features a Tuscan-style fireplace where chefs prepare dishes tableside, complemented by a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning cellar. The covered outdoor patio provides an intimate setting for special occasion Italian dining.
Must-Try Dishes: Osso Buco alla Milanese, Wood-Grilled Branzino, Truffle Risotto
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 9.1 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Tableside preparation in the Tuscan-style fireplace.
Who should go: Anniversary celebrants and business entertainment
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full theatrical experience
What to order: Osso buco, anything from wood-fire, wine pairings
Insider tip: Sommelier's secret stash available for serious collectors
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 6:30pm on Main St
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts preferred, no athleisure
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation despite open kitchen theater
Weekend wait: 2-3 week advance booking required for prime times
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins possible but call ahead recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - chef creates custom pasta and risotto options
Vegan options: Limited - advance notice allows kitchen to prepare special dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated prep protocols, modified pasta available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for third date or beyond - the intimacy and price point set high expectations. First dates might feel too formal unless you're both foodies.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins after 9pm. Full dining requires reservations, especially for patio or fireplace-view tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children under 12. No kids menu, lengthy service, and refined atmosphere better suited for special teen celebrations or mature young diners.
Best For
Better for: Tableside theatrics and wine program surpass other Italian spots. The fireplace preparation creates Instagram moments competitors can't match.
Skip if: Want quick casual Italian or large group energy. Giorgio Baldi better for celebrity spotting, Gjelina for trendy crowds.