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Colapasta
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
Skip if: You need guaranteed seating times, want a full bar menu, or prefer larger portions over artisanal quality
Colapasta
8.6
Michelin Bib Gourmand winner where Chef Stefano De Lorenzo crafts handmade pasta daily at the front-center station, using organic ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. This intimate trattoria delivers exceptional value with perfectly executed traditional dishes in a breezy beach-town setting just blocks from the Pacific.
Must-Try Dishes:
Colonne di Pompeii Arrabiata, Calamarata with Stracciatella, Handmade Tortellini
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized pasta made fresh daily in open view
Who should go: Pasta purists seeking authentic Italian craftsmanship
When to visit: Early dinner at 5pm to secure a table
What to order: Any handmade pasta, burrata add-on, pint of gelato
Insider tip: No reservations taken - arrive right at opening
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, very competitive after 5:30pm - budget 10-15 min to find a spot or use nearby public lot on 4th St ($8 flat rate evenings)
Dress code: Casual beach town vibe - nice jeans and a decent shirt perfect, no need to dress up
Noise level: Lively but manageable - open kitchen adds energy but you can still have intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, up to 2 hours on Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 excellent pasta options plus appetizers
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify marinara pasta, call ahead to confirm
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pasta but risotto and several secondi options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate lighting, not too loud, shareable pasta portions create natural conversation, and watching pasta-making gives you built-in talking points
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - arrive at 5pm sharp on weekends or put your name down and grab drinks at The Misfit nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 7pm - they have simple butter pasta and watching the pasta station entertains kids, but gets too crowded/loud for little ones during peak dinner
Best For
Better for: Superior handmade pasta texture and traditional technique compared to trendy spots like Jon & Vinny's - this is where pasta enthusiasts go for the craft, not the scene
Skip if: You need guaranteed seating (try Forma instead), want extensive wine list (Osteria Mamma better), or prefer modern Italian over traditional