30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Lunetta
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Chef Raphael Lunetta's neighborhood restaurant features three distinct outdoor patios serving seasonally-driven California cuisine with house-made pastas and wood-grilled meats. The multiple patio spaces create intimate garden-like settings with string lights and lush greenery, offering both casual daytime dining and romantic evening ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kobe Beef Burger, Wood-Grilled Salmon, Chocolate Lava Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: MICHELIN Plate recognition with three distinct patios and chef-driven seasonal California cooking
Who should go: Date nights, locals seeking refined neighborhood dining
When to visit: Dinner for romance, lunch for relaxed patio dining
What to order: Kobe beef burger, seasonal pasta, salmon
Insider tip: Free parking in rear lot makes this more accessible than beach restaurants
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot in rear - rare for the area and a major advantage over nearby restaurants
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy given the romantic setting
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - excellent for conversation across all three patios, though front patio gets some street noise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including seasonal vegetable preparations and multiple pasta dishes that can be adapted
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - 2-3 dedicated options, chef accommodating with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available and kitchen knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the string-lit patios create natural romance without being too formal or expensive, and the neighborhood vibe keeps it relaxed. Request the back patio for maximum intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll likely get seated. Weekend dinners book solid - reserve 3-5 days ahead or try the bar for walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for lunch and early dinner - the outdoor setting is forgiving for active kids, though it skews more date-night romantic after 7pm. No kids' menu but pastas work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Best neighborhood alternative to beachfront dining - you get MICHELIN-recognized food quality, romantic outdoor ambiance, and free parking without the Santa Monica/Venice crowds and parking nightmare. Ideal when you want upscale but not stuffy.
Consider Alternatives If: You want ocean views or beach proximity - this is inland Mid-City. Also skip if you prefer indoor dining year-round (patios are the main draw). For pure Italian, more focused trattorias exist, but few match the complete outdoor dining experience here.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9:30pm
Saturday10am - 9:30pm
Sunday10am - 3pm