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Casa 12
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Casa 12
8.5
Casa 12 is an intimate Italian ristorante just off the Venice Pier, combining candlelit tables, live-music nights, and handmade pastas for a classic romantic date formula. Guests praise the lobster ravioli, slow-cooked Bolognese, and grilled octopus as much as the warmly lit room and European-feeling sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Ravioli, Fettuccine Verdi alla Bolognese, Grilled Octopus
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Cozy Italian spot near the pier with handmade pastas and live music.
Who should go: Pasta-loving couples craving classic candlelit Italian romance.
When to visit: Later evening when lights, music, and patio feel most cinematic.
What to order: Lobster ravioli, Bolognese fettuccine, grilled octopus starter.
Insider tip: Ask about live music nights and request an outdoor table if available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Washington Square is limited, especially after 6pm; meter spots near the pier fill quickly. Small paid lots on Washington Blvd typically run $8–$15 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Date-night outfits feel at home, but polished jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate. Indoors is softly lively with music nights, but still comfortable for date-night conversation. Patio tables are quieter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during live-music nights.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options—Caprese, margherita-style dishes, and vegetable-forward pastas.
Vegan options: Limited. A few salads can be modified, but pasta dishes are generally not vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Gluten-free pasta is available on request, and many seafood and entrée plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit room, European-feeling patio, and intimate size make it a strong first-date choice—romantic without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights, yes. On weekends or live-music evenings, walk-ins may face a wait; patio tables are the first to fill.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, though it leans adult. Early seatings with older kids work fine, but there are no dedicated kids’ menus or activities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic Italian dinners with handmade pasta and a more intimate feel than larger Venice dining rooms.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, extensive vegan options, or ultra-quiet dining; nearby spots offer broader menus and more space.
Casa 12
8.4
Casa 12 is an intimate Italian ristorante near the Venice Pier where candlelight, sidewalk tables, and live-music nights create classic celebration energy. Handmade pastas and seafood, a compact wine list, and warm service make it a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, and small family milestones.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Ravioli, Bolognese Fettuccine, Grilled Octopus Starter
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cozy Italian spot with handmade pastas and occasional live music.
Who should go: Pasta-loving couples and small groups celebrating milestones.
When to visit: Later evening when lights, music, and patio feel cinematic.
What to order: Lobster ravioli, Bolognese, grilled octopus starter.
Insider tip: Ask for a sidewalk table for the most romantic experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Washington Blvd and Venice Pier can be tight after 6pm; metered spots are available but competitive. The nearby public lots at Venice Beach typically have paid spaces ($8–$15 depending on time/day) and are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for birthdays and date nights—think button-downs, blouses, or casual dresses.
Noise level: Moderate. Indoor tables stay conversational, while sidewalk seating can feel livelier when live music is playing or foot traffic is high.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm nights or live-music evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the patio may fill first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—most pastas contain egg and sauces skew classic Italian; expect 1–2 adaptable dishes if you request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—kitchen can accommodate with gluten-free pasta upon request, but cross-contact is possible in a compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelight, cozy tables, and warm service make it an easy win for a romantic first date, especially if you book a later seating when the room feels most atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Early evenings or weekday visits increase your odds, but for celebrations or patio seating, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The dining room is intimate and better suited to older kids or teens; high chairs and toddler-friendly amenities are limited.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and romantic than larger Italian spots in the area, with handmade pastas and a warm, boutique feel that suits birthdays and small celebrations.
Skip if: You want large-group capacity, extensive vegan selections, or a fully quiet room—Casa 12 leans cozy and atmospheric rather than spacious or highly specialized.