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Ugo Trattoria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ugo Trattoria
8.1
VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria established in 2002 offering wood-fired pizzas with imported Italian tomatoes and handmade gelato. The Third Street Promenade location provides authentic Italian fare in the heart of Santa Monica's shopping district.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto e Funghi
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: VPN certification ensuring authentic Neapolitan standards
Who should go: Neapolitan pizza purists and gelato lovers
When to visit: Happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers
What to order: Margherita pizza, meatballs, house gelato
Insider tip: Neighbor discount available for locals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public parking structures nearby ($3-8), street parking scarce. Best bet: Santa Monica Place structure 2 blocks away
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to sundresses works
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, patio slightly quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min summer Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, maybe 10 min during peak summer
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus salads and pasta
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, ask about vegan mozzarella
Gluten-free options: No GF pizza dough, but salads and some antipasti work
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - casual enough to not feel stuffy, nice enough to show effort. Outdoor seating and promenade walks after dinner seal the deal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually fine, weekends hit-or-miss. Bar seating often available for walk-ins, or grab a drink nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids love watching pizzas in the wood-fired oven, gelato for dessert is a hit. High chairs available, though strollers tricky on busy nights
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan style with legit VPN certification - leopard-spotted crust and San Marzano tomatoes that chain places can't match
Skip if: You want NY-style slices, deep dish, or loaded American toppings - this is purist pizza territory
Ugo Trattoria
8.0
This VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria brings authentic wood-fired Italian pizza to the heart of Third Street Promenade. Since 2002, they've been sourcing the freshest Italian tomatoes and premium flour to create traditional pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Napoletana, Funghi & Truffle, Prosciutto e Arugula
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: VPN-certified authentic Neapolitan pizza oven
Who should go: Pizza aficionados and promenade shoppers
When to visit: Lunch for quick slices, dinner for full experience
What to order: Margherita, daily special, house-made gelato
Insider tip: Neighbor discount for locals with proof of address
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, use Santa Monica Place structure ($1/90min validation with purchase) or metered spots on 4th Street
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice shorts to date night attire fits in
Noise level: Moderate to lively - outdoor seating quieter for conversation, inside gets bustling
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min summer Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during promenade lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent veggie pizzas plus salads and antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, few salad options
Gluten-free options: No GF pizza dough, but have salads and some antipasti options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - lively enough to avoid awkward silences, affordable enough to not feel presumptuous, and the outdoor patio provides romantic promenade atmosphere without being overly intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine walk-in. Weekend evenings expect a wait - put your name down and browse the promenade shops while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially the patio tables - kids love watching street performers while waiting for pizza. High chairs available, and the simple margherita is always a hit with little ones
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with proper char and leopard spotting - beats chain competitors on quality while staying affordable. Best wood-fired option on the promenade
Skip if: You want NY-style or thick crust pizza, need extensive vegan options, or prefer quiet intimate dining - try Milo & Olive for upscale Italian instead