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Vito Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Skip 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.
Vito Restaurant
8.5
Santa Monica institution since 1980 offering classic tableside service and old-school Italian-American cuisine. Chef Ernesto's 30-plus years in the kitchen deliver consistent quality across signature dishes, with a newly added patio enhancing the dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Della Casa, Tableside Caesar Salad, Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 45-year family tradition with same chef delivering tableside theater and reliable classics
Who should go: Families celebrating milestones or seeking elevated yet comfortable Italian
When to visit: Happy hour 4:30-6pm daily, weeknights for calmer service
What to order: Spaghetti Della Casa, tableside Caesar, any veal preparation
Insider tip: Patio seating recently added - request outdoor tables for best atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Main St, easier to find after 6pm when meters end. Arrive 10 min early or use nearby public lot on Ocean Park Blvd
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - this is an old-school Italian spot where people dress up for celebrations. Jeans acceptable but most diners lean dressier
Noise level: Moderate to lively - you can hold conversation but expect energetic atmosphere during peak dinner, especially near bar area
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including eggplant parmigiana, pasta primavera, and several risotto preparations. Kitchen accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options possible with modifications (marinara-based pastas, grilled vegetables). Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Available - gluten-free pasta available, several meat and fish dishes naturally GF. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but better for 2nd-3rd date. The tableside service creates memorable moments, but it's formal enough that casual first-date conversation might feel stiff. Perfect for impressing someone once you know chemistry exists.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, weekends risky. Happy hour (4:30-6pm) and after 9pm are your best bets for walk-ins. Bar seating usually available and gets full menu. For weekend prime time (7-9pm), book 3-5 days ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - this is a true family restaurant. High chairs available, staff patient with children, and classics like spaghetti and chicken parmigiana appeal to young palates. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal; too formal for toddlers.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90-120 minutes for full experience. The tableside service and old-school pacing means this isn't a quick meal. Mention if you're time-constrained and they'll adjust.
Is the happy hour worth it? Absolutely - 4:30-6pm daily with discounted apps and drinks. You get the same kitchen quality at better value, though the evening energy hasn't kicked in yet. Great for early diners.
Best For
Better for: Choose Vito when you want tableside theater and old-school service consistency over trendy innovation. Better than most SM Italian for celebrations and special occasions where reliability matters more than culinary surprises. The 30+ year chef tenure means zero variability.
Skip if: You want modern Italian interpretations, natural wine lists, or casual quick meals. If you're seeking pasta innovation or lighter California-Italian style, try Forma or Osteria Mamma instead. Also skip if you're on a tight budget - $$$$ pricing reflects the full-service experience.