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Lunetta
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lunetta
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Chef Raphael Lunetta's neighborhood restaurant features three distinct outdoor patios serving seasonally-driven California cuisine with house-made pastas and wood-grilled meats. The multiple patio spaces create intimate garden-like settings with string lights and lush greenery, offering both casual daytime dining and romantic evening ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kobe Beef Burger, Wood-Grilled Salmon, Chocolate Lava Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: MICHELIN Plate recognition with three distinct patios and chef-driven seasonal California cooking
Who should go: Date nights, locals seeking refined neighborhood dining
When to visit: Dinner for romance, lunch for relaxed patio dining
What to order: Kobe beef burger, seasonal pasta, salmon
Insider tip: Free parking in rear lot makes this more accessible than beach restaurants
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot in rear - rare for the area and a major advantage over nearby restaurants
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy given the romantic setting
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - excellent for conversation across all three patios, though front patio gets some street noise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including seasonal vegetable preparations and multiple pasta dishes that can be adapted
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - 2-3 dedicated options, chef accommodating with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available and kitchen knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the string-lit patios create natural romance without being too formal or expensive, and the neighborhood vibe keeps it relaxed. Request the back patio for maximum intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll likely get seated. Weekend dinners book solid - reserve 3-5 days ahead or try the bar for walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for lunch and early dinner - the outdoor setting is forgiving for active kids, though it skews more date-night romantic after 7pm. No kids' menu but pastas work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Best neighborhood alternative to beachfront dining - you get MICHELIN-recognized food quality, romantic outdoor ambiance, and free parking without the Santa Monica/Venice crowds and parking nightmare. Ideal when you want upscale but not stuffy.
Skip if: You want ocean views or beach proximity - this is inland Mid-City. Also skip if you prefer indoor dining year-round (patios are the main draw). For pure Italian, more focused trattorias exist, but few match the complete outdoor dining experience here.
Lunetta
8.2
Chef Raphael Lunetta's neighborhood diner serves California-inspired fare from breakfast through dinner on a dog-friendly back patio. Market-fresh ingredients shine in lemon ricotta pancakes, grass-fed burgers, and wood-grilled Jidori chicken with seasonal preparations changing based on farmers market hauls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Grass-Fed Kobe Burger, Rock Shrimp Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-driven all-day concept with farmers market ingredients and outdoor charm
Who should go: Brunchers, families, and locals seeking California-casual dining
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner for market specials
What to order: Pancakes at breakfast, burger at lunch, sticky toffee pudding
Insider tip: Free parking lot behind restaurant makes this rare for beach-close dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free dedicated lot behind restaurant - rare gem for Pico Blvd this close to beach
Dress code: California casual - athleisure, jeans, sundresses all work
Noise level: Conversational - indoor dining room has pleasant hum, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (6-8pm), reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including seasonal vegetable plates and grain bowls
Vegan options: Moderate - 3-4 dishes, kitchen accommodates modifications with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - pancakes available GF, burger served on GF bun, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date. Neighborhood vibe is warm but casual - great for conversation but lacks romantic drama. Patio seating adds charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast/lunch yes, walk right in. Weekend brunch arrive before 10am or after 1:30pm. Friday/Saturday dinner book ahead or expect 30+ min wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu available, high chairs provided, relaxed atmosphere welcomes families. Patio gives kids space to move. All ages comfortable.
Is the patio actually dog-friendly? Genuinely yes - water bowls provided, staff welcomes dogs, patio designed with pets in mind. One of better dog-dining spots on Westside.
Is this worth it for dinner or just brunch? Worth it all day. Dinner showcases chef's skills more - wood-grilled proteins, seasonal preparations. Brunch is popular but dinner is underrated gem.
Best For
Better for: Choose Lunetta when you want chef-driven quality without pretension, need guaranteed parking, bringing your dog, or want reliable neighborhood spot for any meal. Ingredient quality rivals fine dining at accessible prices.
Skip if: You want scene-y brunch (try Rose Cafe), romantic ambiance (try Rustic Canyon), or cutting-edge innovation (try Destroyer). This is comfort-meets-quality, not experimentation.
Lunetta
8.2
Chef Raphael Lunetta's New American restaurant sources seasonal ingredients from California Coast farmers for market-driven menus. Multiple patio spaces and power lunch specials cater to weekday business while maintaining neighborhood warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon ricotta pancakes with roasted blueberry butter, Steak frites with sautéed kale, Breakfast bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Farm-to-table commitment with dedicated power lunch menu Tuesday through Friday
Who should go: Business lunchers, brunch groups, seasonal food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch 11am-3pm for power lunch deals, weekend brunch
What to order: Power lunch specials weekdays, steak frites, seasonal menu highlights
Insider tip: Free parking lot in rear—rare commodity for Santa Monica business lunches
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot in rear (major advantage) - street parking also available on Santa Monica Blvd
Dress code: Business casual during lunch, smart casual evenings - blazers and button-downs common at lunch
Noise level: Moderate indoors - ideal for business conversation. Quieter on patios during off-peak
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday 6-8pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - designed for business efficiency
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - market-driven menu always includes 3-4 seasonal vegetable-forward dishes
Vegan options: Limited but quality - typically 2 options that change with seasonal availability
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates with advance notice, several naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples or casual dates - patio seating is romantic, but power lunch vibe during weekdays can feel transactional. Weekend dinner is your move.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes at lunch most days. Dinner requires reservation Friday/Saturday. Bar seating available as walk-in backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch and early dinner - spacious patio works well. Not ideal for business lunch hours when tables are packed with deal-makers.
How long does lunch take? Power lunch menu designed for 45-60 minutes - kitchen understands the business crowd needs efficiency without feeling rushed.
Is the power lunch special actually worth it? Absolutely - $28-32 for appetizer/entree/dessert combo beats ordering à la carte by $15-20. Same quality, better value.
Best For
Better for: Free parking alone beats most Santa Monica lunch spots. Farm-to-table quality without the stuffiness of higher-end business restaurants. Patio space gives flexibility other power lunch venues lack.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge culinary innovation or scene-driven energy. This is reliable excellence, not experimental. Also skip if you need quick in-and-out - the service is attentive but not fast-casual paced.