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ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Santa Monica
Best Date Night Italian in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Piccolo Ristoranti
8.2
Chef Antonio Murè reimagines his original Piccolo concept with signature fig and potato tortelli alongside creative homemade pastas and fresh seafood. The charming back patio provides intimate neighborhood dining with specialty cocktails and an impressive wine selection focused on Italian varietals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fig and Potato Tortelli, Squid Ink Pasta with Clams, Grilled Lamb Sirloin
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef Antonio's signature dishes from his original Piccolo with creative seasonal twists and full bar
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking refined neighborhood Italian with modern touches
When to visit: Back patio evenings when weather permits for romantic atmosphere
What to order: Fig tortelli, black ink pasta, lamb sirloin, tiramisu
Insider tip: Since 2020 under new ownership by Chef Antonio and Tony Black from Barrique Venice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Ocean Park Blvd, free after 6pm weekdays and all day Sunday. Arrive 15 min early for dinner to secure spot.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down work, but locals lean slightly dressy for the patio ambiance
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - patio stays quiet enough for easy conversation, indoor dining room has pleasant acoustic balance
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - book ahead or arrive at 5:30pm opening
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes, no reservation needed Tuesday-Thursday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 5-6 pasta options plus seasonal vegetable plates, Chef Antonio accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2 pasta dishes can be made vegan, plus vegetable sides. Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Not ideal - homemade pasta is the star here. Some protein and vegetable options available but you'll miss the signature dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for it. The back patio creates natural intimacy without feeling stuffy, lighting is flattering, and sharing pasta plates breaks the ice. Avoid Friday/Saturday crush - Tuesday-Thursday gives you the romantic vibe with easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) you're usually fine walking in. Weekend dinners book solid - reserve 5-7 days out or try the bar seating which stays first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Works for well-behaved kids 8+ at early dinner (5:30-6:30pm). No kids menu but simple pastas available. The patio vibe after 7pm skews date night - leave younger kids at home for evening visits.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes for full experience with appetizer and dessert. Service is attentive but European-paced - they won't rush you. Perfect for lingering over wine on the patio.
What's the best seating? Back patio 100% - it's why regulars return. Request it when booking and confirm day-of. Indoor room is pleasant backup but you lose the magical garden atmosphere that defines this place.
Best For
Better for: Choose Piccolo when you want neighborhood intimacy over scene-y energy, housemade pasta craftsmanship over safe red-sauce Italian, and a charming patio that feels like a secret garden. The fig tortelli alone justifies the visit - it's Chef Antonio's signature for a reason.
Skip if: You need quick turnover (service is leisurely European style), want extensive gluten-free options, or prefer traditional red-sauce Italian-American over modern regional Italian. Also skip if you can't get patio seating on a nice evening - that's 60% of the appeal.
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday5:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm