Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica (90405)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Il Forno
8.6
Northern Italian trattoria where Chef Domenico Salvatore crafts thin-crust pizzas and homemade pastas in an open kitchen, with standout Ossobuco alla Milanese slow-braised to perfection. The family-style warmth and reliable quality have made this a local favorite for years, with GM Sorin greeting diners like old friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco alla Milanese, Homemade Tagliolini, Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza
What makes it special: Open kitchen showcasing Chef Domenico's pasta-making and Ruth Reichl-praised home-away-from-home atmosphere
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Santa Monica institution since 1980 offering classic tableside service and old-school Italian-American cuisine. Chef Ernesto's 30-plus years in the kitchen deliver consistent quality across signature dishes, with a newly added patio enhancing the dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Della Casa, Tableside Caesar Salad, Gnocchi Sorrentina
What makes it special: Chef Ernesto's 30+ years cooking with love creates signature dishes like the famous Spaghetti Della Casa
#3
Ghisallo
8.3
Ocean Park neighborhood staple serving both New York-style slices by day and Neapolitan-esque whole pies at dinner. Chef Casey Lane works with renowned baker Jyan Horwitz to perfect naturally leavened dough, creating blistered crusts that support creative toppings like nduja sausage with fermented honey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Funghi & Truffle Pizza, Calabrian Sausage, Margherita Slice
What makes it special: Dual dough approach offering both NY slices and Neapolitan pies from artisan bakers
Worthy Picks
#4
Cosetta
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Chef Zach Pollack's Westside Italian restaurant features California-inflected cooking with wood-fired pizzas and market-driven dishes. The plant-filled patio welcomes families with crayons and sippy cups while maintaining appeal for adult diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Mozzarella Sticks, Margherita Pizza, Chocolate Peanut Butter Budino
What makes it special: One of few spots successfully balancing toddler-friendly touches with grown-up culinary ambition