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North Italia
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
North Italia
8.3
Handcrafted Italian with daily chef's choice pizzas and fresh pasta made from scratch, offering sophisticated late-night dining until 11pm on weekends. The open kitchen and ocean breeze create an energetic atmosphere perfect for Santa Monica nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Truffle Pizza, The Pig Pizza, Daily Chef's Special Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Daily rotating chef's pizza with seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Date nights and sophisticated pizza lovers
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm or late dinner
What to order: White truffle bread, chef's pizza, budino
Insider tip: Bar seats available for walk-ins when booked
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, nearby public lots $8-15, valet available Friday-Sunday for $10
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and a button-down works, many dressed up for dates
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - can have intimate conversation at regular tables, louder near the bar
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, pizzas, and seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and request vegan cheese for pizza
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta and pizza crust available, clearly marked on menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, conversation-friendly noise level, and shareable plates create natural interaction. The ocean breeze on the patio adds romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seats are your best bet for walk-ins. For tables, try right at 5pm opening or after 9pm on weeknights. Weekend walk-ins are tough but possible if you're willing to wait 60+ minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate good food. No kids menu, but they'll make plain pasta or cheese pizza. The late-night vibe skews adult after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Superior late-night option with kitchen open until 11pm, more inventive pizzas than typical Italian chains, and better cocktail program than most pizza spots
Skip if: You want quick casual pizza under $20 per person, need a quiet romantic spot, or have young children who need standard kids menu options
North Italia
8.4
Upscale casual Italian spot crafts handmade pizzas and fresh pasta daily from scratch. Their wood-fired pizzas and vibrant atmosphere create the perfect setting for special family celebrations and group gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Daily Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Fresh Handmade Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta and chef's choice pizzas from scratch
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions or date nights
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chef's daily pizza, any fresh pasta, Italian cocktails
Insider tip: Happy hour 3-6pm Monday-Friday in the bar area
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at Santa Monica Place ($3 for 3 hours), street parking scarce after 5pm, valet available Friday-Saturday nights for $10
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, many dress up for date night
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic, quieter on weeknights
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating usually 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for vegan cheese option
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free pasta and pizza dough available, prepared separately
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to feel relaxed. Bar seating available if you want a more intimate vibe without a reservation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 7pm usually fine, but weekends require reservations. Bar and high-tops are first-come-first-served and turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly despite upscale vibe - kids menu, high chairs available, and staff accommodating. Best before 7pm when it's less crowded.
Best For
Better for: Fresher pasta than chain Italian restaurants, better atmosphere than casual pizza joints, more consistent quality than trendy spots
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan pizza (try Pizzana instead) or intimate romantic ambiance (choose Forma instead)
North Italia
7.9
This modern Italian concept scratches everything from pasta to pizza daily, featuring a dedicated kids menu and vibrant atmosphere perfect for family gatherings. The chef's daily pizza specials and handcrafted cocktails elevate the casual dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Truffle Pizza, Short Rib Pasta, Italian Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Scratch-made pasta and pizza with chef's daily creations
Who should go: Families wanting modern Italian with kids options
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm weekdays for deals
What to order: Prosciutto pizza, bolognese, budino dessert
Insider tip: Kids menu includes healthier options with fresh fruit
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging evenings/weekends, public lot on 2nd Street ($8 flat rate after 6pm), valet available Friday-Sunday ($15)
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to business casual works, beach attire acceptable for lunch
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - can have conversations without shouting, gets louder during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation, 60+ for parties over 4
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during 12:30-1:30 rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, pizzas can be customized, dedicated vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can modify pasta with olive oil base, ask for vegan cheese on pizza
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta and pizza crust available for $3 upcharge, marked on menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - lively enough to avoid awkward silences but not too loud for conversation. Skip weekend peak times for better ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinners require reservations or expect 30-45 minute waits. Bar seating often available sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - dedicated kids menu with healthy options, high chairs available, staff patient with families. Pizza dough for kids to play with while waiting. Best before 7pm when it's less crowded.
Best For
Better for: More affordable than Forma or Felix for families wanting quality Italian without fine dining prices. Better kids menu than most upscale Italian spots. Happy hour deals beat similar concepts.
Skip if: Want intimate romantic atmosphere (try Gjelina instead), seeking authentic regional Italian (go to Bestia), or need truly quick service (Mendocino Farms better for fast casual).
North Italia
7.7
This modern Italian kitchen crafts everything from scratch daily, from the handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas. The vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful cocktail program create an energetic date night spot steps from the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Truffle Garlic Bread, Squid Ink Mafaldine, The Pig Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Scratch-made everything with a California twist on Italian classics.
Who should go: Young couples seeking lively atmosphere
When to visit: Happy Hour 3-6pm weekdays for deals
What to order: Truffle bread, any pizza, Italian mule cocktail
Insider tip: Make reservations; walk-ins face long waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking $2-3/hr until 8pm, fills up fast. Valet $10 at 3rd Street Promenade garage (5 min walk)
Dress code: California smart casual - nice jeans and a stylish top work perfectly
Noise level: Energetic buzz - you can hear each other but need to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, and dedicated appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for vegan cheese option
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta and cauliflower crust pizza available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - lively enough to ease awkward silences but not too loud. The open kitchen and cocktails provide natural conversation starters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating is your best bet for walk-ins. Otherwise, arrive right at 5pm opening or after 9pm weekdays. Weekend walk-ins are nearly impossible during prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 7pm - they have a kids menu and high chairs. After 7pm it gets louder and more date-night focused.
Best For
Better for: Superior happy hour deals and cocktail program compared to other Italian spots nearby. The scratch-made pasta beats most competitors at this price point.
Skip if: You want authentic traditional Italian or a quiet romantic dinner - try Forma or Drago Centro instead for those experiences.
North Italia
7.7
Upscale casual Italian chain featuring daily chef's choice pizzas alongside handmade pasta and craft cocktails. Modern atmosphere with patio seating creates an elevated dining experience near Third Street Promenade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Daily Pizza, The Pig Pizza, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Daily rotating chef's pizza featuring seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Groups and date night diners
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday happy hour
What to order: Chef's daily pizza, truffle bread, chicken parm
Insider tip: Bar seating available for walk-ins during peak times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid structure nearby ($3-8), valet available weekends ($15), street parking very limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and a button-down work, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic on weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ during summer
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for off-menu preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pasta and pizza crust available for $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to keep things relaxed. Request patio seating for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but grab bar seats if dining at peak times. Weekend reservations essential unless you're ok waiting 30-45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, though atmosphere skews adult after dark. High chairs available, best for ages 8+.
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality and ambiance compared to local spots - ideal when hosting out-of-towners or need a reliable group dining option
Skip if: You want authentic neighborhood Italian or budget-friendly options - try local family-owned spots on Montana Ave instead
North Italia
7.8
Modern Italian chain elevating everyday dining with handmade pasta, chef's choice daily pizzas, and a vibrant bar scene perfect for happy hour. The spacious dining room and patio create an energetic atmosphere where fresh ingredients and scratch cooking deliver consistent crowd-pleasers for groups and families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Squid Ink Mafaldine, The Pig Pizza, Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Handmade pasta and pizza in a lively modern setting
Who should go: Groups and families seeking reliable Italian
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm for best deals
What to order: Squid ink pasta, any daily pizza, white truffle garlic bread
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch pasta-making action
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 with validation, nearby public garage $15 flat rate evenings, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to business attire fits in
Noise level: Energetic buzz - conversation-friendly but gets louder during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ min for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12pm, 10-15 min wait 12-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and pizza options, clearly marked on menu
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for vegan cheese option
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free pasta and pizza crust available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the lively atmosphere is fun but not intimate. Bar seating works well for casual first meets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, but make reservations for dinner. Bar and patio often have walk-in availability within 20-30 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, and servers used to families. Best before 7pm when it gets more bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Large group celebrations where everyone can find something they like, unlike smaller Italian spots with limited menus
Skip if: You want authentic regional Italian or intimate romantic ambiance - try Forma or Gjelina instead
North Italia
8.2
This modern Italian kitchen crafts everything from scratch daily, from handmade pasta to chef's choice pizzas. The vibrant patio buzzes with locals enjoying approachable Italian favorites paired with an extensive wine list and creative cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Pizza, Bolognese, White Truffle Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta and dough made fresh on-site.
Who should go: Groups seeking reliable Italian with great happy hour
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 3-6pm for deals
What to order: Prosciutto pizza, bolognese, truffle bread
Insider tip: Walk-ins often seated faster at the bar area
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking $2/hr until 8pm, public garage 2 blocks away $5 flat after 6pm
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a decent shirt work perfectly
Noise level: Lively buzz - patio gets loud during peak times, inside more moderate
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min Friday/Saturday 7-9pm
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, pizzas, and seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for off-menu options
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pasta available, pizzas cannot be made GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the lively atmosphere makes intimate conversation tough, but the sharable menu and reliable food make it a safe choice once you're comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins within 20 minutes. For patio tables without reservation, arrive before 6pm or after 9pm
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for lunch and early dinner - high chairs available, kids love the pizza. After 7pm becomes more of an adult scene, especially on the patio
Best For
Better for: Consistently good food for groups where everyone will find something. Better happy hour deals than most Santa Monica Italian spots
Skip if: You want authentic regional Italian or intimate romantic ambiance - try Forma or Gjelina instead