Best Outdoor Dining Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica (90401)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Élephante
8.9
This buzzing rooftop destination serves coastal Italian cuisine with panoramic ocean views and transportive Mediterranean design. The wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas showcase California produce with Italian technique, while three bars pour creative cocktails inspired by the Southern Italian coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Wood-Fired Pizza, Vodka Rigatoni
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable ocean views and scene
#2
Uovo
8.7
Traditional pasta flown in fresh daily from Bologna makes this counter-service spot a purist's dream. Watch chefs finish carbonara in pecorino wheels and craft iconic Italian dishes with imported ingredients at the open kitchen bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe on Cheese Wheel, Traditional Bolognese, Carbonara
What makes it special: Fresh pasta flown daily from Bologna, Italy
8.5
Chef-owner Sergio Delmonte brings Northern Italian authenticity to this second-floor rooftop restaurant featuring herbs grown on-site. The romantic outdoor terrace offers an intimate escape with handcrafted pasta and seasonal dishes highlighting farmers market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tower Appetizer, Tableside Prepared Pasta, Osso Buco
What makes it special: On-site herb garden enhancing every dish
#4
Capo
8.4
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:
White Corn Ravioli with Truffles, Wood-Grilled Branzino, Osso Buco
What makes it special: Secret club ambiance with fireplace cooking and Grand Award wine list.
#5
Fritto Misto
8.3
This family-owned neighborhood favorite since 2005 serves generous portions of Cal-Italian cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor patio stays packed with locals enjoying customizable pasta combinations and seafood specials at reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create-Your-Own Pasta Combinations, Misto Salad, Veal Marsala
What makes it special: Build-your-own pasta concept with over 20 sauce options
#6
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:
White Truffle Pizza, The Pig Pizza, Daily Chef's Special Pizza
What makes it special: Daily rotating chef's pizza with seasonal ingredients
Worthy Picks
7.9
Since 1925, this legendary deli crafts massive Italian sandwiches including the famous Godmother sub loaded with five meats and provolone. The small outdoor patio fills with sandwich enthusiasts willing to wait for authentic Italian groceries and fresh-baked breads.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Godmother Sandwich, Burrata Caprese, Fresh Pasta Salads
What makes it special: Century-old institution with imported Italian specialties