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Orto Santa Monica
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Orto Santa Monica
8.2
Chef Andrea Inio grows herbs on-site for traditional recipes inspired by his Italian upbringing, creating a farm-to-table experience with housemade pasta. The second-floor patio offers a family-friendly atmosphere where Farmers Market ingredients meet authentic Italian techniques.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tower Appetizer, Tableside Prepared Pasta, Osso Buco
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: On-site herb garden enhancing every dish
Who should go: Families celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm
What to order: Fresh pasta specials, herb-crusted fish, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Validated parking available behind Citibank for $7
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking behind Citibank for $7 (2 hours), street parking limited especially weekend evenings
Dress code: California casual to smart casual - nice jeans welcome, business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Lively but conversation-friendly - second floor patio quieter than main dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, strongly recommend booking ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, seasonal vegetable dishes, wood-fired pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, ask server about daily specials
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto, grilled fish, salads (no dedicated GF pasta)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the second floor patio offers romantic ambiance without being too formal, and the herb garden provides a natural conversation starter. Request a corner table upstairs for more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually yes. Weekend dinners are tough - try the bar area or expect 30+ minute waits. Happy Hour bar seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu with housemade pasta options, and the outdoor patio gives restless children more space. Best for ages 4+ during dinner service.
Best For
Better for: More authentic Italian than Maggiano's with the on-site herbs and housemade pasta, better outdoor space than most Santa Monica Italian spots, and more family-friendly than upscale options like Forma
Skip if: You want quick casual Italian (try Stella Barra instead), need extensive vegan options (Gracias Madre better), or want oceanfront dining (go to The Water Grill)
Orto Santa Monica
8.3
Chef Andrea Inio brings authentic Northern Italian traditions to a romantic second-floor terrace setting. The restaurant grows its own organic herbs on-site, creating garden-to-table Italian dishes that transport diners straight to Tuscany.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tower, Short Rib Ravioli, Homemade Fettuccine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Rooftop garden terrace with herbs grown on-site for dishes.
Who should go: Couples wanting authentic Italian romance
When to visit: Warm evenings for outdoor terrace dining
What to order: Mushroom tower, any handmade pasta, organic wines
Insider tip: Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm on terrace
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 6:30pm, public garage 2 blocks away on 4th Street
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and elevated tops work, many dress up for date night
Noise level: Moderate - terrace is quieter than indoor dining, good for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 dedicated options plus customizable pastas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 2-3 dishes, ask server for off-menu options
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available, kitchen experienced with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic terrace setting impressive but not overly formal, sharing plates encourage conversation, lighting is flattering after sunset
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for terrace on weekends - try bar seating or arrive right at 5pm opening. Weeknights better odds after 8:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids 10+ who appreciate good food - no kids menu, romantic atmosphere more suited for adults, early dinner times more accommodating
Best For
Better for: More intimate and authentic than Forma or Gjelina, actual Italian chef unlike many SM Italian spots, terrace beats most restaurant patios
Skip if: Want casual/quick Italian go to Stella Barra, need large group go to Elephante, prefer modern Italian fusion try Pasjoli
Orto Santa Monica
7.5
Chef Andrea Inio brings Northern Italian traditions to this romantic spot where ingredients from the on-site herb garden meet wines from his restaurateur stepfather's collection. The intimate atmosphere and farm-to-table approach create an upscale neighborhood gem focused on seasonal Italian cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso Buco, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Branzino
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: On-site herb garden provides ultra-fresh ingredients
Who should go: Couples seeking romantic Italian dining
When to visit: Weekend dinner for full romantic atmosphere
What to order: Risotto cooked to order, osso buco, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm for deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 6:30pm, public lot 2 blocks away
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable but lean toward business casual for dinner
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation, patio slightly livelier
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta options plus seasonal vegetables from garden
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 2-3 dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto naturally GF, can modify certain dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting, intimate tables, and sophisticated but not stuffy atmosphere. Request patio seating for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight bar seating usually available, but weekend reservations essential. Try OpenTable 2 weeks ahead for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate real Italian food. No kids menu, but kitchen accommodates simple pasta requests. Early dinner best with children.
Best For
Better for: More authentic Northern Italian than Giorgio Baldi, better garden-fresh ingredients than Jon & Vinny's, superior wine list than most Santa Monica Italian spots
Skip if: You want red-sauce Italian classics or large portions - try Bay Cities instead. Also skip if you need quick casual dining - this is leisurely paced
Orto Santa Monica
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, Burrata Caprese, Duck Ragu Pappardelle
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Rooftop herb garden supplies the kitchen with fresh aromatics.
Who should go: Couples seeking romantic Italian dining experiences
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday for quieter romantic ambiance
What to order: Mushroom tower, duck ragu, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Request corner rooftop tables for best privacy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, paid lots nearby ($8-15). Third Street Promenade garage 3 blocks away
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable but lean toward date night attire
Noise level: Moderate - rooftop ambiance allows conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 dedicated options plus pasta modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 dishes, chef can modify some pastas
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, GF pasta available for $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate rooftop setting, not too loud, shareable plates encourage conversation. Corner tables offer privacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely Thursday-Saturday. Try Tuesday/Wednesday or arrive at 5:30pm opening. Bar seats often available
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - romantic atmosphere, no kids menu, rooftop stairs. Better for ages 12+ who appreciate Italian cuisine
Best For
Better for: More intimate than Gjelina, better views than Felix, fresher herbs than most Italian spots
Skip if: You want casual/quick dining, have mobility issues (second floor), or need extensive vegan menu