Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Il Forno
Open kitchen showcasing Chef Domenico's pasta-making and Ruth Reichl-praised home-away-from-home atmosphere
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
Since 1990, brothers Mark and Anthony Mollica have served exceptional northern Italian home cooking in a buzzing dining room where strangers swap recommendations. The house-made burrata with heirloom tomatoes achieves perfection through simplicity, while Chef Mark's Sicilian family recipes deliver consistent quality year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Made Burrata Salad, Rigatoni Bolognese, Fiore di Zucca Fritti
What Makes it Special: 35-year neighborhood institution with Sicilian family recipes and owners who create genuine community warmth
#3
Fritto Misto
8.4
This beloved family-owned trattoria has served generous portions of customizable pasta for over 30 years, letting diners choose their noodles and sauces for personalized combinations. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a neighborhood institution where servers know regulars by name.
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
8.3
Family-friendly Italian restaurant since 1995 featuring house-made pasta and traditional lasagna layered with meat sauce, bechamel, and Italian cheeses. Known for pasta made with techniques learned directly in Genova, Italy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Handmade Carbonara, Linguine Pescatore
What Makes it Special: Chef trained in Italy on authentic pasta-making techniques
8.1
Family-owned for over 30 years, this old-school Italian gem serves authentic handmade pizzas and traditional dishes. Red checkered tablecloths and genuine hospitality create a warm home-away-from-home atmosphere just blocks from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY-Style Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: 30+ year local institution with authentic Italian family recipes
Worthy Picks
7.9
Neighborhood Tuscan restaurant established in 1990 serving hearty portions of traditional Italian comfort food. Wood-fired oven from Tuscany produces excellent pizzas alongside their classic meat lasagna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Meat Lasagna, Pollo Al Mattone, Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
What Makes it Special: Authentic wood-fired oven handmade in Tuscany
7.8
Operating since 1991, this Northern Italian spot near Third Street Promenade specializes in Lake Como cuisine with housemade pasta and focaccia. The Wine Spectator award-winning list of 400+ selections complements traditional recipes using Santa Monica Farmers Market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco alla Milanese, Housemade Ravioli, Fresh Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Authentic Lake Como recipes with local ingredients
#8
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