30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Santa Monica
Best Family Friendly Italian in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Vito Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Celebrating 45 years, this family-owned establishment features Chef Ernesto's legendary Spaghetti Della Casa, often called the best pasta dish locals have tasted. Tuxedo-clad servers provide old-school formal service in a romantic setting with mood lighting and outdoor patio dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Della Casa, Tableside Caesar Salad, Gnocchi Sorrentina
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef Ernesto's 30+ years cooking with love creates signature dishes like the famous Spaghetti Della Casa
Who should go: Date nights and special occasions seeking elevated traditional Italian
When to visit: Happy hour 4:30-6:00 daily for deals, dinner for full experience
What to order: Spaghetti Della Casa, tableside Caesar, veal piccata
Insider tip: Under new ownership since 2023 with elevated cuisine while maintaining traditions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - arrive early or use nearby public lot on Main Street ($8 flat). Weekends after 6pm are challenging.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - skip the flip-flops. Locals dress up for the old-school formal atmosphere.
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate conversation-friendly with soft background music. Perfect for hearing your date.
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: 15-20 minutes typical, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 solid options including excellent eggplant parmigiana and pasta primavera
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options possible with modifications. Call ahead to discuss with kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination protocols.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress. Romantic lighting, attentive service, and intimate tables create the right atmosphere. Just know it's pricier than casual Italian spots - budget $80-120 for two with wine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm) - yes, usually fine. Weekend dinner - highly risky. They do hold a few bar seats for walk-ins during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids who appreciate fine dining. The formal atmosphere isn't ideal for young children - no kids menu, slow pacing, white tablecloths. Consider for milestone birthdays (16+).
How's the wine selection? Strong Italian-focused list with 40+ bottles, reasonable markup. Knowledgeable staff will guide you. Expect $45-80 for mid-range bottles.
Should I order the Spaghetti Della Casa? Absolutely yes - it's the signature dish locals rave about for good reason. Chef Ernesto's 30-year recipe. Order it even if you think you don't like spaghetti.
Best For
Better for: Old-school romantic ambiance with tuxedo service, consistent quality over 45 years, and signature dishes you can't find elsewhere. Choose Vito when the experience matters as much as the food.
Consider Alternatives If: You want trendy modern Italian, need a quick meal (service is deliberately paced), or prefer casual vibes. Also skip if you're on a tight budget - there are better value Italian options in the area.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 10:30pm
Friday11:30am - 10:30pm
Saturday4:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday4:30pm - 10:30pm