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ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Italian in Santa Monica
Best Italian in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Colapasta
8.5
Michelin Bib Gourmand winner where Chef Stefano De Lorenzo crafts handmade pasta at an open station, sourcing ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. The intimate 30-seat space offers front-row seats to pasta artistry at remarkably fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamarata with Stracciatella, Handmade Tagliatelle, Daily Pasta Special
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized pasta made fresh daily at exceptional value.
Who should go: Pasta purists and budget-conscious foodies
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid long waits
What to order: Calamarata, daily special, Italian wines by bottle
Insider tip: No reservations; arrive at 5pm opening
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 6pm, public lot 2 blocks away on 2nd St ($8 flat rate evenings)
Dress code: Casual chic - nice jeans and a stylish top work perfectly for the intimate setting
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for date conversation but lively pasta station adds energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, arrive before 5:30pm or after 8:30pm for shorter waits
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 excellent pasta options plus seasonal vegetable antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - usually 1-2 modified dishes, call ahead to confirm
Gluten-free options: No - fresh pasta focus means no GF alternatives available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate 30-seat space creates natural conversation starter watching pasta-making, and fair prices remove pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - arrive at 5pm opening or put your name down and grab a drink nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate quality food - tight space and no kids menu make it challenging for young children
Best For
Better for: Authentic pasta at half the price of other Michelin spots, plus the theater of watching your pasta being made
Consider Alternatives If: You need guaranteed seating times, want a full bar menu, or prefer larger portions over artisanal quality
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Saturday11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
SundayClosed